What Dartboard Do Professionals Use? A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the professional dartboard of your choice! Learn what pros use and why, and get advice on finding the right board for your game.

Unveiling the Secrets of Professional Dartboards

Hey there, fellow dart enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wondered what dartboards the pros use to achieve their remarkable precision and finesse, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll share the inside scoop on the top dartboards preferred by professional players around the world.

Whether you’re a casual player looking to upgrade or an aspiring pro aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dartboard

Before we dive into the specific dartboard models favored by professionals, it’s crucial to understand the key factors you should consider when selecting the perfect board for your needs. These factors include durability, board type, wiring system, and more. Let’s explore each of these factors in detail to ensure you make a well-informed choice.

The Great Debate: Electronic vs. Traditional Dartboards

In today’s digital age, the debate between electronic and traditional dartboards rages on. To shed light on this matter, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of both types, discussing their features, advantages, and limitations. By the end of this section, you’ll have a clear understanding of which board suits your style of play.

Types of Dartboards

• Bristle Dartboards: 
  • Bristle dartboards are made of sisal fibers that are tightly packed together. They are the most common type of dartboard used in professional tournaments. They are durable and provide a good playing surface for steel-tipped darts.
• Electronic Dartboards: 
  • Electronic dartboards have sensors that register the score electronically. They are ideal for players who want to track their scores automatically. Electronic dartboards also come with various game modes and settings, making them popular for home use.
• Steel-Tip Dartboards: 
  • Steel-tip dartboards are made of materials like cork or paper and have small holes for steel-tipped darts. They are suitable for players who prefer a traditional dart game experience. Steel-tip dartboards are also more affordable compared to bristle dartboards.

Here is a comparison table of the different types of dartboards:

Type of Dartboard	Material	Target Audience	Durability	Price Range	Scoring System	Maintenance Required
Bristle Dartboard	Sisal fiber	Intermediate to advanced players	High	Moderate to high	Manual scoring	Regular rotation and cleaning
Electronic Dartboard	Synthetic materials	All levels of players	Moderate	Moderate to high	Automatic scoring	Minimal maintenance required
Steel-Tip Dartboard	Paper or cork	Intermediate to advanced players	Low	Low to moderate	Manual scoring	Regular rotation and replacement of worn parts

Due to their high durability and manual scoring system, bristle dartboards are the most popular choice among severe players. 

Steel-tip dartboards are typically used by intermediate to advanced players and are the most affordable option. 

Bristle Dartboards:

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Self-healing, which means the holes left by darts close up over time
• Provide an authentic playing experience.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other types of dartboards
• Require proper maintenance to prevent damage to the fibers.
• It can be heavy and difficult to move around.
• The most commonly used type of dartboard by professionals is the Bristle dartboard due to its durability, self-healing properties, and authentic playing experience.

Electronic Dartboards:

Pros:

• Convenient and easy to use
• Offer a variety of games and settings
• Can keep track of scores automatically

Cons:

• Less durable than bristle dartboards
• More expensive than steel-tip dartboards
• Do not offer an authentic playing experience.
• Professionals do not commonly use electronic dartboards due to their lack of authenticity, but they are a popular choice for home use and casual players.

Steel-Tip Dartboards:

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible
• Easy to set up and use
• Suitable for traditional dart games

Cons:

• Not suitable for all types of darts
• It can be damaged easily if not properly cared for
• Holes do not self-heal like bristle dartboards.
• Steel-tip dartboards are an excellent choice for players who prefer traditional dart games and want an affordable option. However, they are not commonly used by professionals due to their limitations.

Features of a Professional Dartboard

• Size: Professional dartboards have a diameter of 18 inches, which is the standard size for tournament play. The scoring area of the board is divided into 20 numbered sections, each containing a double ring and a triple ring.
• Weight: Professional dartboards are usually heavier than others, with an average weight of 10-12 pounds. This weight helps to keep the board stable during play, reducing the chances of it bouncing or moving around.
• Construction: Professional dartboards are typically made from high-quality materials such as sisal fibers, which are tightly packed to create a dense playing surface. The fibers are also self-healing, which means that the holes left by darts will close up over time.
• Wiring: The wiring on professional dartboards is thin and designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. This reduces the chances of darts bouncing off the wires and affecting the score.
• Mounting: Professional dartboards are mounted securely to a backing board, then attached to the wall. This ensures that the board is stable and does not move during play.

Effects of Features on Gameplay and Importance for Professionals

• Size: 
  • The size of the dartboard affects gameplay by providing a shared playing area. This ensures that all players compete equally and that the scoring system is consistent across all matches. This feature is essential for professionals as it provides they can compete at the highest level and accurately evaluate their skills.
• Weight: 
  • The weight of the dartboard is essential for stability during play. A heavier board is less likely to move or bounce, making it easier for players to hit their targets. This feature is crucial for professionals as it ensures that their aim and accuracy are not affected by external factors such as board movement or vibration.
• Construction: 
  • The construction of the dartboard affects gameplay by providing a dense playing surface that is resistant to wear and tear. This ensures that the board remains in good condition over time, providing a consistent playing experience for all players. This feature is essential for professionals as it ensures that the council can withstand the rigors of frequent use and maintain its quality over time.
• Wiring: 
  • The wiring on a dartboard affects gameplay by reducing the chances of darts bouncing off the wires and affecting the score. Thin, discreet wiring ensures that darts can glide smoothly across the board without interference. This feature is essential for professionals as it ensures that the scoring system is accurate and players are not unfairly penalized for darts that bounce off the wires.
• Mounting: 
  • The mounting of a dartboard affects gameplay by providing a stable playing surface that does not move or vibrate during play. This ensures that players can confidently aim and throw their darts, knowing that the board will not move or shift during play. This feature is crucial for professionals as it ensures that their skills are accurately evaluated and that they can compete at the highest level.

Top Dartboards Used by Professionals

1. Winmau Blade 5 Dual Core: The Winmau Blade 5 Dual Core is popular among professionals due to its high-quality construction and advanced features. It has a thin wiring system, which reduces bounce-outs and improves scoring accuracy. The board also has a dual-core structure, which helps to increase the durability of the board.
2. Unicorn Eclipse Pro: The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is another popular professional choice. Its high-density sisal fiber construction provides a smooth playing surface and a longer lifespan for the board. The board also has a low-profile wiring system, which reduces the chances of bounce-outs and improves scoring accuracy.
3. Target Darts Pro Tour Dartboard: The Target Darts Pro Tour Dartboard is a tournament-grade board favored by professionals due to its high-quality construction and durability. It has a staple-free bullseye and a thin wiring system, which reduces the chances of bounce-outs and improves scoring accuracy.
4. Nodor Supawire 2: The Nodor Supawire 2 is a professional-grade dartboard that many players favor due to its superior quality and performance. It has a staple-free bullseye and a high-density sisal fiber construction, which provides a smooth playing surface and a longer lifespan for the board.
5. Harrows Velodrome: The Harrows Velodrome is a tournament-grade dartboard popular among professionals due to its high-quality construction and advanced features. It has a staple-free bullseye and a razor-thin wiring system, which reduces the chances of bounce-outs and improves scoring accuracy.

The importance of maintaining a dartboard

Maintaining a dartboard is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Proper care and maintenance can also help to prevent damage to the board and reduce the likelihood of bounce-outs during gameplay.

To care for a dartboard, it is recommended to rotate the board regularly to promote even wear and to avoid focusing on one specific area. This will also help to prevent the development of any noticeable ‘flat spots’ on the board. When rotating the board, it is also essential to adjust the wires and staples to ensure they are adequately secured.

Keeping the playing surface clean and free of dirt and debris is also essential. A soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth can gently clean the board’s surface, removing any dust or dirt that may have accumulated. for more reading about Dartboard for garage.

Tips for keeping it in good condition and extending its lifespan.

Here are some tips for keeping your dartboard in good condition and extending its lifespan:

1. Rotate the board regularly: To avoid excessive wear on a specific area of the board, it’s important to rotate it regularly. This will help distribute the wear evenly across the board, making it last longer.
2. Avoid dull or damaged darts: Dull or damaged darts can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the board, which can shorten its lifespan. It’s essential to regularly inspect and sharpen your darts to ensure they are in good condition.
3. Clean the board regularly: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the board, affecting its performance and lifespan. Periodically cleaning the board with a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth can help keep it in good condition.
4. Keep the board dry: Moisture can cause the board to warp or damage. Keep your dartboard dry, away from any dampness or humidity.
5. Use a good backboard: A backboard behind the dartboard can help protect the wall and the board itself. This will prevent the darts from damaging the wall or bouncing back and hitting the board, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
6. Store the board properly: When the dartboard is not used, it must be stored in a dry and cool place. This will help prevent warping and ensure the board remains in good condition for longer.

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Conclusion:

In this article, we’ve discussed the different types of dartboards, including bristle dartboards, electronic dartboards, and steel-tip dartboards. We’ve explored the pros and cons of each class and the features that professional dartboards typically have. We’ve also provided a list of the top dartboards professionals use and discussed the importance of maintaining a dartboard to extend its lifespan.

FAQs: (What dartboard do professionals use)

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dartboards and their use:

Q. What is the standard size of a dartboard?

A standard dartboard measures 18 inches in diameter.

Q. What type of dartboard is best for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend a bristle dartboard as it offers a good balance between durability and affordability.

Q. Can I use steel-tipped darts on an electronic dartboard?

No, electronic dartboards are designed to be used with soft-tipped darts only. Using steel-tipped darts on an electronic dartboard can cause damage to the board.

Q. How often should I rotate my dartboard?

We recommend rotating your dartboard once a week to evenly distribute the wear and tear.

Q. How can I clean my dartboard?

To clean your dartboard, use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to gently remove any dirt or debris.

Q. Can I hang a dartboard outdoors?

While it’s possible to hang a dartboard outdoors, it’s not recommended, as exposure to the elements can cause damage to the board.

Q. What is the best way to store a dartboard when unused?

The best way to store a dartboard when not in use is to keep it dry and cool, away from moisture or humidity.

Q. What are some common dartboard maintenance issues?

Common dartboard maintenance issues include excessive wear and tear, warping, and improper use or storage damage.

Q. How long should a dartboard last?

The lifespan of a dartboard depends on factors such as the type of board, frequency of use, and quality of care. With proper maintenance and care, a dartboard can last for several years.

Q. Can I use any dart on a bristle dartboard?

While bristle dartboards are designed for steel-tipped darts, not all are suitable for use with these boards. Make sure to choose darts designed with bristle dartboards to avoid damage to the board.