Alright, buckle up, because this dart shop visit was a full-blown comedy of errors. I strutted in like I was Gary Anderson’s long-lost protégé, ready to buy my first set of “arrows” (yes, I called them arrows, twice). The shopkeeper, a grizzled dart wizard with a beard that probably had its own flight setup, gave me a look that said, “Oh, this’ll be good.”

I confidently grabbed a set of darts, held them up to the light like I was appraising a diamond and declared, “These’ll do.” He asked, “What weight are you used to?” I froze. My brain short-circuited and I blurted out, “Uh… medium?” He sighed and handed me a mid-range set, clearly already regretting his life choices.

I stepped up to the demo board, channeling my inner Michael Van Gerwen. First throw, it missed the board entirely. Second throw, I somehow managed to hit the ceiling fan, which sent it spinning like a helicopter and landing in a cup of coffee on the counter. The shopkeeper stared at me in disbelief, unable to find any words for what just happened. I aplogized and hesitatingly threw the third dart which managed to land on the board as I could almost hear the inner sigh of relief from the poor guy whose coffee I just spiked.

At this point I decided not to push my luck any further. Fortunately the shopkeeper was a really nice guy and we got into a conversation about how I could start getting the hang of aiming at the board. He showed me different barrels with each their own weight and grip, handing them to me and letting me feel how they handle.

I thanked him for his time and advice and bought a starter set with different weights, so that I could try and test them at home. As I left the shop,I heard his voice echoing behind me: “Good luck… you’ll need it.” As I drove home, I realized I’d left my dignity in the shop. But hey, at least I got new darts… and a story I’ll never live down.

Choosing the perfect set of darts is a universal struggle that unites players of all skill levels, from pub amateurs to seasoned pros. The problem lies in the overwhelming variety of options available. Darts come in different weights, materials, lengths, grip styles and flight shapes, each claiming to be the “perfect fit” for your game. But how do you know which one is right for you?

What works for Luke Littler might make you look like you’re throwing spaghetti at the board. This leads to endless experimentation, a wallet crying for mercy and the sneaking suspicion that the next set will finally unlock your hidden darting superpowers. (Spoiler: it probably won’t).

Choosing the right darts can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack while blindfolded and riding a unicycle. But don’t panic, help is here! Whether you’re a newbie or a dart-throwing veteran, understanding the basics can save you from a lifetime of frustration and questionable purchases. Let’s break it down step by step, starting by choosing the right weight.

Choosing the Right Dart Weight “A Comedy of Trial, Error and Mild Panic”

Darts range from 18 to 50 grams, which is a fancy way of saying, “Good luck figuring this out without throwing your wallet into the void.” Lighter darts (18-22 grams) are like that one friend who’s always in a hurry, fast and prone to veering off course if you blink wrong. They’re great for speed demons, but if your aim is already questionable, they’ll have you hitting the wall more than the board. On the flip side, heavier darts (25-30 grams) are the chill, dependable pals of the dart world. They’re steady, reliable and perfect for beginners who need all the help they can get.

But here’s the kicker: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s like trying to choose the perfect pizza topping, what works for someone else might leave you questioning your life choices. The key is to experiment. Start with a mid-range weight (22-24 grams) and see how it feels. If your darts are landing tail-down, like they’re trying to burrow into the board, go heavier. If they’re tail-up, like they’re mooning you, go lighter. And if they’re all over the place, well… maybe darts isn’t your sport.

The process is equal parts science and sorcery, with a dash of blind hope. You’ll buy darts, try them, hate them, buy more and repeat until you either find “the one” or give up and take up knitting instead. But hey, when you finally land on that perfect set, it’ll feel like finding the Holy Grail—or at least the TV remote. So embrace the chaos, laugh at the misfires and remember: even the pros started out throwing darts that probably looked like they were aiming for the floor. You’ve got this! (Probably.)

try Before You Buy

I suggest hitting up dart shops with demo boards and throw everything they’ve got, like a kid in a candy store, but with pointy objects. Testing different weights, grips and setups helps you avoid buying darts that feel like throwing a toothpick at a brick wall. Grab a starter pack with multiple weights, shaft lengths and flight shapes.

Don’t be shy, ask for help! Shopkeepers and seasoned players love sharing wisdom (and maybe judging your throw). Remember, the perfect darts should feel like an extension of your arm. Experiment, have fun and don’t stress, darts is about enjoying the game, even when you miss the board entirely.

All’s Well that ends well

So, after that disastrous dart shop visit, I finally settled on a set of arrows, sorry, darts, that felt right. They weren’t the fanciest, but they were mine. I practiced at home, hitting everything except the board at first: the wall, the couch… But slowly, I got the hang of it. The darts started landing where I aimed and I even managed to accidentally hit a triple.

Then, one day, I walked back into that same dart shop, holding my head high. The shopkeeper recognized me immediately and smirked. “Back for more… arrows?” he asked. I laughed and said, “Nope, just here to show you I’ve improved.” I stepped up to the demo board and even managed to land three darts. The shopkeeper nodded, impressed. “Not bad,” he said. “But maybe stay away from the ceiling fan this time.”

It was a full-circle moment, from dart shop disaster to (almost) confident amateur. And hey, at least I didn’t spill his coffee this time. Cheers to progress!

Darts fever, because why not practice more, aim higher and laugh louder!

John Part, Darth Maple: “I liked the concept of throwing the darts through the air. I might have had a toy dartboard as a child but I don’t think I ever threw the darts at the board! It wasn’t until I was 20 or 21 that I really started to get to know the game.”