Want to avoid turning your laptop into a dartboard? Don’t be like me, buy a board with thin wires. My bargain-bin dartboard cost me $500… in MacBook repairs. Picture this, I am standing a few feet away from the board, dart in hand, confidence radiating from my very core. I release the dart with what I believe is perfect precision, only for it to bounce off the board like and lodge itself directly into my laptop screen. Suddenly, my casual game of darts has turned into an expensive lesson in why not all dartboards are created equal. Rule #1 of darts, never trust a dartboard near anything you love. That includes your laptop, your cat and your last shred of dignity.
The earliest official dartboards were made of wood, usually elm, which had the unfortunate habit of drying out and cracking over time. Players would have to soak them overnight to keep them usable, which sounds like a lot of effort for what’s supposed to be a relaxing hobby. Then, in the 1930s, something revolutionary happened, the bristle dartboard was invented. Made from compressed sisal fibers, a fancy term for tightly packed plant material, these boards had a magical ability to “heal” after each throw, meaning darts wouldn’t leave permanent holes. This was a game-changer, quite literally and it set the standard for modern dartboards.
Fast-forward to today and we have everything from high-tech electronic boards that keep score for you to magnetic versions that ensure no one loses an eye. The evolution of dartboards is a testament to human ingenuity or possibly, our collective desire to avoid repairing drywall.
The Great Dartboard Debate, Which One Is Right for You?
If darts had a VIP section, bristle boards would be sitting in it. These are the boards you’ll find in pubs and professional tournaments and for good reason. They’re durable, self-healing and designed to handle steel-tip darts like a champ. The magic lies in the sisal fibers, which close up after a dart is pulled out, meaning the board lasts longer than your average New Year’s resolution. They’re not the cheapest option, but they’re worth the investment if you’re serious about the game. Just make sure you pair them with a decent surround or backboard, because even the best dartboard won’t save your walls from an overenthusiastic throw.
For those who believe keeping score is the worst part of darts, electronic boards are a godsend. These flashy, high-tech wonders come with sensors that track your throws, LED displays that show your score and a variety of built-in games to keep things interesting. They use soft-tip darts, which are safer (and less likely to end up embedded in your laptop), making them a great choice for families or casual players. The downside? Purists will argue that soft-tip darts aren’t the “real” thing and they’re not wrong, there’s a different feel to them. Plus, electronic boards can be temperamental if mistreated. But if you’re more about fun than fierce competition, they’re a fantastic option.
Wooden dartboards are the hipsters of the dart world, old-school, aesthetically pleasing and high-maintenance. Made from cork or elm, they offer a classic look that’s perfect for a rustic man cave or a pub that prides itself on authenticity. The catch? They require regular oiling to prevent drying out and cracking and they don’t last nearly as long as bristle boards. If you’re the type who enjoys a project, like maintaining a vintage car or keeping a houseplant alive, this might be the board for you. Otherwise, you might find yourself replacing it sooner than you’d like.
Let’s be honest, magnetic dartboards are to darts what glow-in-the-dark bowling is to professional sports. They’re safe, they’re fun for kids and they eliminate the risk of holes in your walls (or your little brother). But they’re also not quite the same as the real thing. The darts stick via magnets, which means they don’t have the satisfying thunk of a steel tip hitting sisal. They’re also prone to falling off if the board gets bumped. Still, if you’ve got young children or roommates with questionable aim, they’re a solid choice.
Cork boards are the darting equivalent of a fast-food meal, cheap, convenient and not exactly gourmet. They’re lightweight, affordable and decent for beginners who aren’t ready to commit to a higher-end board. The problem? They don’t self-heal like bristle boards, meaning they’ll start looking like Swiss cheese after a few dozen games. If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of darts, they’re fine. But if you stick with the hobby, you’ll likely outgrow it fast.
Choosing the perfect dartboard isn’t rocket science, but it does require some honest self-reflection. First, ask yourself how committed you really are to the game. If you’re the type who dreams of 180s and practices daily, investing in a professional-grade bristle board makes perfect sense. These tournament-quality boards will stand up to endless hours of play without complaining. On the other hand, if your dart-throwing happens mainly during casual gatherings with friends, an electronic board or basic cork model might be all you need to keep the fun going.
Consider who’ll be playing most often. If your household includes enthusiastic kids or adults who might get… creatively distracted, a magnetic board could save you from countless headaches (and wall repairs). But if you’re hosting serious players who bring their own tungsten darts, nothing but a proper bristle board will earn their respect.
Final Thoughts, Don’t Be the one With a Broken Macbook
Finally, be realistic about what you’re willing to spend. While that €25 bargain board might seem tempting now, remember it’ll likely need replacing before the year’s out. A quality bristle board, while requiring more upfront investment, could easily last a decade of regular play, making it the smarter choice in the long run for anyone serious about their darts.
Choosing a dartboard isn’t just about picking the first one you see on sale. It’s about finding the right fit for your playing style, your space and your sanity. A good board enhances the game, a bad one leads to bounce-outs, frustration and potentially expensive repairs. So take your time, weigh your options and invest in something that’ll make your games better, not more hazardous. And for the love of all things holy, if you’re playing near electronics, maybe stand a little farther back. Happy throwing!
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.”
