Like any sport you may take part in, there are going to be opinions that will shape your choices when playing darts. This includes the equipment that you use. Even though it is limited, there are some who ask if lighter darts are more accurate.
For the most part, you will throw lighter darts more accurately but also harder. On the other hand, heavier darts are easier for the beginner to throw but don’t have the accuracy of a lighter dart.
It can be challenging to choose between light and heavy darts. Although you’re only talking about a few grams, it can make a difference on several levels. This includes your enjoyment of the game because we all want to score the big hit occasionally.
When you look at most players, you might be surprised to learn that they play with relatively lightweight darts. This includes some professionals, who certainly have tried a variety over the years to come up with the best choice for them personally.
It boils down to your comfort level. You can start with a light dart, such as 12 g, and then move your way up to heavy darts. You can also have a set of darts on both extremes to see which is better for you.
Something else you may not know is the difference between throwing heavy and light darts. A heavier dart takes more effort to throw, but it will sink deeper into the board, and you will have less bounce out.
On the other hand, a lighter dart tends to follow a better path and will be more balanced. That means a lighter dart will typically stick straighter into the board than a heavier dart.
Whether you choose heavy or light darts, it will come down to your technique. As you get accustomed to the weight and work along with your throwing style, you may find that you are nailing your throws more often than not.
What Kind Of Darts Are More Accurate?
Undoubtedly, you want to be as accurate as possible with every throw. Even professionals have a toss that goes astray on occasion, but can you choose darts that will be accurate more often than not?
If you want to increase your accuracy, the best way to do it is to choose a heavier dart. It may take slightly more effort to toss the dart at the board, but it will take a straighter path, and you will have less bounce out than a lighter dart.
That said, not every dart player has to think about extreme accuracy from the start. If you are just getting started or only playing for your own enjoyment, you may want to choose a lighter dart.
Why is lighter better for amateurs?
Interestingly, when you throw a lighter dart, it tends to take a more direct route to the board. It may not quite have the accuracy of a heavier dart, but it is going to be enjoyable to throw.
In addition, throwing a lighter dart as an amateur helps increase your ability to hit the board more accurately. As your game improves and you begin to try out heavier darts, you may find that you are keeping up with some of the best in your area.
We all want to be as accurate as possible with our throws, but we also want to have a good time when playing. Try a heavy set and a lighter set of darts. Throw what works best for you but don’t be afraid to experiment.
What Weight Darts Do Professionals Use?
When you’re playing darts, you don’t have many options regarding your equipment. You have the darts, the flights, and perhaps the board, but there is not an extensive list of items to purchase.
That is why many people are interested in buying the best darts they possibly can.
The lightest regulation darts on the market are 12 g, which is about the same weight as 12 paperclips or two nickels. The heaviest darts that are legal for competition are 48 g. That is about the same as 10 nickels or two AA batteries.
Professional players can throw any weight dart they want but tend to average somewhere in the middle. If you want to throw like a pro, you should choose a dart in the neighborhood of 22 g, which is slightly less than one AA battery.
Experimenting with different weights on darts is a lot of fun, especially when starting. As you get more comfortable with the game and your personal throwing style, you will likely settle into one particular brand and weight of dart. Until then, have fun!
If you desire more accuracy, get a heavier dart because it will fly straighter and sink deeper. If you want to improve your accuracy, throw with a lighter dart for a while and then switch back to a heavier one.
Lighter darts force you to throw more accurately, so once you get accustomed to it, making the switch to a heavier dart can really up your game.
Here are some of the top dart players and the darts they throw:
- Peter Wright: 22 g Snakebite 1
- Gary Anderson: 23 g Unicorn Gary Anderson World Champion
- James Wade: 20 gram Unicorn James Wade Purists
- Jonny Clayton: 22 gram Red Dragon
- Van Gerwen: 21.5 gram Winmau Exact MVG
What Is The Most Popular Dart Weight?
I recommend that you try different weight darts, especially when you are first starting. If you’d like to just jump right into the most popular option, however, there is a short-range to choose from.
The darts that tend to sell the best are between 22 g and 26 g. This may be because most professionals tend to throw darts that are within that range.
It may also be a good idea to start somewhere in the middle if you have not yet determined your ideal dart weight.
You can throw light or heavy darts with extreme accuracy with some practice. There are going to be differences, however, depending on your personal throwing style.
If you are looking for a dart to toss at the board quickly and accurately, lean toward the heavier dart. If you want to have some fun and improve your accuracy, go with a lighter dart at first and then increase the weight as you get more comfortable with your game.
It isn’t always necessary to go with what is most popular. Like any sport, darts provide you with options, and your options are limited. Choose your darts wisely and carefully, and have fun experimenting.
How Do I Choose The Right Darts?
If you are getting started with darts and would like to purchase the option best for you, there are several things to consider. It isn’t only the weight of the dart. It’s also the brand, style, and even the flight.
The most crucial factor in choosing a dart is the weight. A heavier dart will provide you with more accuracy from the start. A lighter dart is fun to throw and a great way to improve your accuracy with practice.
Consider that throwing a lighter dart means you will have to throw the dart harder to stick it in the board. It may also follow more of a parallel path, and you may have a problem balancing it out at first.
On the other hand, heavier darts can be tossed at the board and sink deeply. That means your darts will bounce out less frequently, which is ideal if you have a lower-quality board.
Another factor to consider is the balance of the dart. The dart may look the same on the outside, but the weight is different, depending upon several factors. This includes the possibility that the dart may have been drilled to reduce the weight.
I would suggest that you try a number of different types and styles and go with different weights as well. If you have a store in your local area that allows you to test the darts, that would be ideal. Otherwise, pick up a few options and see what works best for you.
Lighter darts are not necessarily less accurate than heavy darts, but heavier darts do tend to fly truer to where you throw them. If you want to be more precise from the start, go with a heavier dart. Otherwise, throw a lighter dart and practice, practice, practice.