Last night, Michael invited me over for a laid-back dart session and before I could close the door, immediately he passes me a set of barrels that look like they were forged in Mount Doom’s blacksmithing class for evil overlords. Commenting with, “These are my lucky darts, they never miss.” Spoiler alert, they missed.

So I hang my coat on the chair, step up to the oche and let the first dart fly. It veers wildly to the left, narrowly missing Michael’s prized collection of vintage beer coasters. “Uh, maybe it’s the grip?” I say, trying to deflect blame. His reply, “OK”. But Michael, the ever-lasting optimist, hands me quickly another set (he can clearly see a broken future of his lucky darts). “These have more grip,” he says. “perfect for beginners.”

Ok, let’s start with round two. I chuck the first dart with the grace of a penguin auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars” and immediately regretting it. It hits the board, sideways. The flight takes off, bounces into a bowl of chips and sends a rogue nacho soaring through the air, only to be heroically intercepted by Michael’s dog, who then bolts like he just won the snack lottery. “Nice shot,” he deadpans. “you’ve officially invented nacho darts!” Could this be the start of a new olympic discipline? 

By the third set of different barrels, I’m convinced that they are cursed. Michael, however had a different vision and came with a more reasonable explanation, he is more convinced that it’s user error. (and he’s right, again)

So picking the right dart barrel is just like hunting for the perfect avocado, full of awkward squeezes, questionable decisions and the occasional public humiliation in front of your judgy pals. And to avoid accidents, put your nachos in a safe place, unless your dog has the reflexes of an Olympic frisbee champion.

Let’s be real, dart struggles are a universal experience. Whether you’re a casual player at a pub or someone who takes their oche stance way too seriously, we’ve all been there, standing awkwardly with a set of darts that just don’t feel right, while everyone else seems to have their act together. It’s like being the only person at a karaoke night who doesn’t know the lyrics to Sweet Caroline.

Choosing the right dart barrel isn’t just about performance; it’s about identity. Are you a sleek, tungsten kind of person? Or do you vibe with the chunky, grippy barrels that feel like they could double as a weapon? And let’s not forget the public humiliation factor. Nothing bonds people faster than watching someone absolutely botch a dart throw.  

Choosing the right dart barrel, a guide to hitting the bullseye (and not the nacho bowl!)

Let’s face it, darts is a game of precision, focus and a little bit of luck. But before you can even think about hitting that elusive bullseye or aimed triple, you need the right dart barrel for the job. So, let’s break it down and help you find your darting soulmate.

The material of your workmate, the dart barrel is the foundation of your game. The two most common options are tungsten and brass. Tungsten is the gold standard for serious players. They’re denser, allowing for a slimmer profile without sacrificing weight. This means tighter groupings and less bounce-outs. They’re also more durable, though they come with a higher price tag. But if you’re serious about playing darts, tungsten is the way to go. However brass is more budget-friendly and great for beginners, They’re lighter and thicker than tungsten. Making them perfect for casual players or those who just start out. However, they tend to wear out faster and don’t offer the same precision as tungsten.

Even more important is the grip of your workmate. This is where your fingers meet the barrel and it’s crucial for control and consistency. Barrels come in a variety of grip styles, from smooth to heavily knurled. Match the grip to your throwing style. Smooth or ribbed grips are great for players who prefer a looser hold or have a more fluid throwing motion. Knurled or aggressive grips are perfect for players who want maximum control and a firm hold. Just be careful not to grip too tightly or you’ll sacrifice accuracy. Think about how you naturally hold the dart. Do you like a light touch or a firm grip? Your answer will guide your choice.

And of course, workmates also come in different shapes, each affecting how the dart flies and how it feels in your hand. Straight barrels are uniform in width, these are versatile and suit most throwing styles. Tapered barrels are narrower at the front, these are great for players who grip at the front of the dart. Bulbous barrels are wider in the middle, these are ideal for players who grip the dart in the center.

The length of your workmate is responsible for the dart’s balance and flight. Shorter barrels tend to be more front-heavy, while longer barrels are more balanced. Pair your barrel with the right shaft and flight to fine-tune your optimal dart’s performance. Choosing the right one is a personal journey, select a shape that fits your grip. What works for your friend (or Jonny Clayton) might not work for you. 

Don’t overthink it, your perfect barrel might not be the most expensive or flashy, it’s the one that feels right in your hand, your soumate and your workmate. After all, even the pros started somewhere. (maybe not with a dart stuck in a nacho bowl)

Choose smart and embrace the chaos of flying nachos

Choosing the right dart barrel isn’t just about improving your game, it’s about finding a tool that feels like an extension of your hand. Whether you’re a casual player aiming for fun or a budding pro chasing that perfect 180, the right barrel can make all the difference. Remember, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. So, grab a few sets, step up to the oche and start throwing.

It’s about experimenting with materials, weights, grips and shapes until you find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to look a little silly along the way, every dart legend has a story about a wild throw or a rogue nacho incident. Your perfect barrel is out there, it can really transform your game, but it’s your skill (and a little practice) that’ll make you a dartboard hero. Now go forth, armed with knowledge and a handful of darts. 

The board is waiting and so is your hungry dog. Don’t forget, your nacho needs some dipping!

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

Eric Bristow, The Crafty Cockney: “I don’t need luck. I’ve got tungsten and a steady hand.”