Dart mat and throw lines
Dart Mats and Throw Lines – The Right Distance for Your Dart Area
A correctly set up dart area doesn't just start with the dartboard. The right throwing distance is also crucial for authentic playing and training conditions. With a dart mat or a suitable throw line, the prescribed distance can be marked easily and permanently.
Dart mats offer another advantage: they visually enhance the dart area and can simultaneously protect the floor in front of the dartboard from falling darts.
At Diplomatgames, you will find dart mats and throw lines for private dart areas, clubhouses, leagues, or professionally equipped dart zones.
Why use a dart mat?
A dart mat combines several practical functions.
It can:
- mark the throwing position
- protect the floor
- visually define the dart area
- create a consistent standing area
- make the dart area look more professional
Many dart mats already have printed throw lines. This makes setting up the dart area particularly easy.
Another advantage:
If the dart area is not temporarily needed, the mat can often simply be rolled up and stored.
Dart mat with throw line
Particularly practical are dart mats with a pre-marked throw line.
Once the mat is correctly aligned, it is immediately clear from which position one must throw.
Depending on the model, there may be markings for different dart variants.
Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to whether the mat is designed for:
- steeldart
- softdart
- or multiple throwing distances
.
How far is the throw line for steeldarts?
For classic steeldarts, the horizontal distance is:
2.37 meters
This is measured from the front of the dartboard to the throw line.
The center of the bullseye is at a height of:
1.73 meters
Additionally, the correct position can be checked diagonally. From the center of the bullseye to the throw line, the diagonal distance is approximately:
2.93 meters
Especially important:
The 2.37 meters are measured not from the wall, but from the front of the dartboard.
Steeldart and softdart – pay attention to the correct throw line
Those who play both steeldart and softdart should pay attention to the respective valid throwing distances.
For softdart, different specifications may apply depending on the dart machine used or the rules.
Some dart mats therefore have multiple lines or markings.
Thus, the same mat can be used for different dart variants, for example.
Before purchasing, it should be checked which distances are marked on the respective model.
What is an Oche?
In darts, the throw line is often referred to as the Oche.
It marks the boundary that a player must not cross when throwing.
The player may lean forward during the throw, as long as their feet do not illegally cross the corresponding boundary.
A correctly set up Oche is therefore an important component of any dart area.
Dart mat or separate throw line?
Which solution is better suited depends on the dart area.
Dart mat
A dart mat is particularly suitable if, in addition to the throw marking, the floor is to be protected and the playing area visually designed.
Advantages:
- throw line directly visible
- additional floor protection
- visual enhancement
- quick to unroll
- often easy to store
Separate throw line
Those who already have a suitable floor and only want to mark the throwing position can use a separate throw line.
Advantages:
- space-saving
- inexpensive
- easy installation
- permanently visible throwing position
Self-adhesive Dart Throw Lines
One of the simplest options is a self-adhesive throw line.
It is applied directly to the floor at the correctly measured position.
Such lines are particularly suitable for:
- dart rooms
- club rooms
- hobby rooms
- permanently set up dart areas
Before applying, the distance should be carefully checked.
For sensitive floors, it is also advisable to check whether the adhesive used can later be removed without residue.
Raised Oche
Those who want to train as close as possible to classic tournament conditions can use a raised Oche.
A small raised edge is attached at the throwing position.
The player can place their foot directly against this edge.
The big advantage:
The throwing position can be felt.
This allows the gaze to remain focused on the dartboard, and the player does not have to constantly check downwards to see if their foot is correctly on the line.
This can be particularly interesting for regular league and tournament players.
Laser Throw Line
Another option is a laser throw line.
Here, the throwing position is projected onto the floor by a light beam.
This can be particularly practical if no permanent marking on the floor is desired.
Advantages can include:
- no adhesive line required
- modern setup
- throw line can be switched on and off as needed
- no floor marking necessary
Exact adjustment is important. The laser must be aligned so that the projected line actually corresponds to the prescribed distance.
Dart Mat as Floor Protection
Especially with steeldarts, it occasionally happens that a dart falls out of the board or misses the board completely.
On a hard floor, metal tips can cause damage.
At risk are, for example:
- parquet
- laminate
- vinyl
- tiles
- other sensitive floor coverings
A dart mat can reduce direct contact between the dart tip and the floor.
However, the actual level of protection depends on the thickness and material of the respective mat.
A thin mat does not offer the same protection as a thick protective mat specially designed for this purpose.
Protection for Dart Tips
The dart tips themselves can also benefit from a suitable surface.
If a steeldart tip hits tiles or another very hard floor directly, it can:
- become dull
- bend
- be damaged
A dart mat can cushion the impact and thus reduce the stress on the tip.
Dart Mats as a Visual Element
In addition to their practical function, modern dart mats are also part of the design of a dart area.
Many manufacturers offer mats with:
- brand logos
- dartboard motifs
- player designs
- various colors
- modern graphics
.
This allows the area between the dartboard and the throw line to be visually clearly separated from the rest of the room.
Especially in a dedicated dart room, a suitable dart mat can significantly enhance the entire setup.
Dart Mats from Various Manufacturers
Many well-known dart brands offer their own dart mats and throw lines.
Depending on the assortment, you will find models from various manufacturers with different:
- designs
- dimensions
- materials
- throw lines
- logos
.
This allows the mat to be selected to match the rest of the dart setup.
What should I consider when buying a dart mat?
Before purchasing, some points should be considered:
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Length | suitable for the required throwing distance |
| Width | sufficiently large standing and protective area |
| Markings | Steeldart, Softdart or multiple distances |
| Material | suitable for the intended use |
| Underside | most secure grip on the floor possible |
| Design | matching the dart area |
| Storage | easily rollable if necessary |
Particularly important is the correct position of the existing throw markings.
Aligning the dart mat correctly
Even with a mat with a pre-printed throw line, the distance should be checked during the initial installation.
Proceed as follows:
- Mount the dartboard correctly.
- Bring the bullseye to the prescribed height.
- Measure from the front of the board.
- Determine the throwing position.
- Align the dart mat accordingly.
- Check the position of the printed line.
After that, the mat can remain permanently in this position.
Why is it measured from the front of the dartboard?
A common mistake when setting up a dart area is to measure the throwing distance directly from the wall.
This is incorrect.
A steeldartboard has a certain depth and therefore its front protrudes from the wall.
If you were to measure the 2.37 meters directly from the wall, the actual throwing distance to the board would be too great.
Therefore, for steeldart:
2.37 meters from the front of the dartboard to the throwing boundary.
Positioning the throw line correctly
For a flat floor marking, the edge of the throw line facing the dartboard is crucial for the measurement.
With a raised oche, the foot must not cross the front edge of the boundary.
Especially for a permanently set up training area, it is worthwhile to measure this position particularly carefully once.
This way, you train under constant conditions in the long term.
Dart Mat for Beginners
For beginners, a dart mat with a pre-existing throw marking is particularly practical.
It combines:
- easy setup
- orientation when throwing
- floor protection
- visual demarcation of the dart area
This means you don't have to measure anew every time.
Once correctly positioned, the dart area is quickly ready for use.
Dart Mat for League and Tournament Players
Those who regularly play league or tournaments should train at home under comparable conditions as much as possible.
Not only the distance to the board plays a role here.
A constant foot position can also help to reproduce one's own movement sequence.
For ambitious players, a raised oche, in addition to a dart mat, can therefore be interesting.
Dart Mats for Club Rooms
In a dart club, mats are used much more intensively than in a private dart area.
Here, special attention should be paid to:
- robust workmanship
- good floor adhesion
- sufficient size
- clearly visible throw markings
.
If several boards are operated side by side, identical dart mats can also ensure a uniform appearance.
Dart Mat for Steeldart and Softdart
Those who play both dart variants should specifically look for a mat with the required markings.
This can be interesting, for example, if both a classic sisal dartboard and an electronic dartboard are used in the same room.
With several correctly marked throw lines, a separate mat does not have to be used for each game variant.
Which solution suits my dart area?
For a simple private dart area, a dart mat with an integrated throw marking is often sufficient.
If you already have suitable floor protection, you can only use a separate throw line.
For a permanently established training area, a raised oche can be the most comfortable solution.
If you don't want a permanent marker on the floor, you can consider a laser throw line.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dart Mats and Throw Lines
How far is the throw line in steel darts?
In steel darts, the horizontal distance from the front of the dartboard to the throw line is 2.37 meters.
How high should the bullseye be?
The center of the bullseye in regular steel darts is 1.73 meters above the floor.
What is the diagonal distance?
From the center of the bullseye to the throw line, the diagonal distance is approximately 2.93 meters.
Is the distance measured from the wall?
No. The distance is measured from the front of the dartboard.
What is an oche?
Oche is the term used in darts for the throw line.
Do I need a dart mat?
No. A dart mat is not absolutely necessary. However, it can mark the correct throwing position, protect the floor, and visually enhance the dart area.
Can a dart mat fully protect my floor?
That depends on the material and thickness. Thin carpets can offer some protection, but they are not comparable to a specially designed thick floor protection mat.
Are there dart mats for steel and soft darts?
Yes. Depending on the manufacturer, there are models with different or multiple throw markings. Before buying, the specified distances should be checked.
What is better – throw line or dart mat?
If you only need a marker, you can use a simple throw line. A dart mat also offers a visual demarcation of the playing area and, depending on the material, additional floor protection.
What are the benefits of a raised oche?
The foot can be positioned directly at the raised edge. This allows you to feel the throwing position without having to look down during the throw.
Buy Dart Mats and Throw Lines Online
With a dart mat or a throw line, you create a clearly defined throwing position and complete your dart area.
Whether it's a dart mat with a pre-printed oche, a separate throw marker, a raised oche, or a laser solution – at Diplomatgames you will find different options for leisure, training, league, and club.
Discover dart mats and throw lines at Diplomatgames now and set up your dart area professionally with the right throwing distance.
