Steel Darts – Finding the Right Dart for Your Throwing Style

Steel darts are the classic variant of the sport and are played on a dartboard made of sisal fibers. Unlike soft darts, steel darts have a metal tip that penetrates the sisal of the dartboard when thrown.

But which steel dart is the right one? 21, 22, 23, or 24 grams? 80, 90, or 95% Tungsten? Straight or torpedo-shaped barrel? High or low grip?

The selection is vast – and that's precisely one of the most interesting aspects of darts. Because the perfect dart isn't the same for every player. Weight, barrel shape, grip, balance, and length should match your personal throwing style and grip position.

At Diplomatgames, you'll find a wide selection of steel darts for beginners, hobby players, league players, and ambitious tournament players.

What are Steel Darts?

A steel dart fundamentally consists of four components:

• Steel dart tip
• Barrel
• Shaft
• Flight

The barrel forms the core of the dart. This is where you grip the arrow and largely determine the feel of the throw.

At the front is a metal tip that penetrates the sisal fibers of the dartboard upon impact.

At the rear are the shaft and flight. They stabilize the dart during flight and influence, among other things, trajectory and angle of entry.

Steel Dart or Soft Dart – What's the Difference?

The most obvious difference lies in the tip.

Steel Dart	Soft Dart
Metal tip	Plastic tip
Sisal dartboard	Electronic dartboard
Often higher weights	Mostly lower weights
Classic steel dart	E-Dart / Soft dart
Score yourself or record externally	Board counts automatically

With steel darts, the dartboard does not have its own electronic hit detection.

Points are traditionally calculated manually or recorded with a scoring app or an automatic scoring system like Scolia, Target Omni, Autodarts, or GRAN EYE.

What Weight Should a Steel Dart Have?

Weight is one of the first questions when buying a new steel dart.

Weights between approximately:

21 and 24 grams

are particularly common. Very popular, for example, are:

• 21 g
• 22 g
• 23 g
• 24 g

In addition, there are significantly lighter and heavier steel darts.

Which weight is best suited depends entirely on your personal throwing style.

Light or Heavy Steel Darts?

Both variants have their merits.

Lighter Steel Darts

Lighter darts can be played quickly and directly.

They often require a bit more active acceleration and can suit players with a dynamic throwing motion.

Heavier Steel Darts

Heavier darts can feel calmer and more substantial in the hand.

Some players feel that with a slightly higher weight, they need to put less force into the throw.

However, this does not mean that a heavier dart is automatically more stable or easier to play.

The crucial factor is always which weight harmonizes with your natural throwing motion.

Which Steel Dart Weight is Suitable for Beginners?

There is no prescribed ideal weight for beginners.

However, a very good starting point is often around:

22 to 24 grams

In this range, there is an enormous selection of different barrels, and many players find these weights pleasantly controllable.

If you are unsure, you can start with, for example, 23 grams and then test whether a slightly lighter or heavier dart is more comfortable.

However, barrel shape, grip, and balance can be more important than a one-gram difference.

What Does the Weight in Steel Darts Mean?

When buying, you should pay close attention to how the respective manufacturer specifies the dart weight.

Depending on the product, a weight specification can refer to the barrel including the tip, or to the completely assembled dart.

Flights and shafts additionally increase the actual total weight.

Therefore, weight specifications of different products should always be compared based on the respective manufacturer's description.

Tungsten Steel Darts

High-quality steel darts are predominantly made from Tungsten alloys.

Tungsten has a very high density.

This offers a decisive advantage in darts:

A high weight can be accommodated in a relatively slim barrel.

This leaves more space in the triple and double fields for additional darts.

Especially with tight groupings, this is a big advantage over significantly thicker barrels.

What do 80%, 90% or 95% Tungsten mean?

With Tungsten darts, you often find specifications like:

• 80% Tungsten
• 90% Tungsten
• 95% Tungsten
• 97% Tungsten

This number describes the tungsten content of the alloy used.

The higher the tungsten content, the more compact a barrel can generally be constructed at a comparable weight.

However, a higher value does not automatically mean a better dart.

A 90% tungsten dart can work much better for your throw than a model with 95 or 97%.

The decisive factors are above all:

• Barrel shape
• Diameter
• Length
• Grip
• Balance
• Grip position

The tungsten content is therefore only one of several buying criteria.

Why are 90% Tungsten Darts so Popular?

90% Tungsten offers a very good combination of:

• Slim design
• High material quality
• Durability
• Wide model selection
• Attractive price-performance ratio

That's why many high-quality steel darts for hobby, league, and professional players are made from a 90% Tungsten alloy.

Brass Steel Darts

Cheaper entry-level darts are often made of brass.

Brass has a significantly lower density than tungsten.

Therefore, a brass barrel must be wider for the same weight.

Nevertheless, brass darts offer an affordable entry into the sport of darts and can be perfectly adequate for initial experiences.

Those who later train regularly and achieve tighter groupings often switch to a slimmer tungsten dart.

The Barrel Shape

The shape of the barrel significantly influences how a dart feels in the hand.

The most common variants include:

Straight Barrel

The classic straight barrel has a similar diameter over a large area.

It offers plenty of space for different grip positions and is therefore particularly versatile.

Straight barrels are among the most popular shapes for both hobby players and professionals.

Torpedo Barrel

A torpedo barrel often has a more pronounced mid-section and tapers towards the ends.

This creates a more compact grip feel.

This shape can suit players who prefer a clearly defined grip position.

Bomb Barrel

Bomb barrels are usually relatively short and compact.

The wider middle section provides a very distinctive grip feel.

This shape is particularly interesting for players who prefer short barrels.

Front-loaded Barrels

With a front-loaded dart, a larger portion of the weight is in the front.

This design can suit players who grip their dart far forward.

Rear-loaded Barrels

With rear-loaded barrels, the center of gravity shifts more towards the shaft.

This can be interesting for players who grip far back on the barrel.

Which Barrel Shape is the Best?

The best barrel shape mainly depends on your grip position.

Therefore, first ask yourself the question:

Where do I hold my dart?

If you grip at the front, there should be a suitable grip zone there.

If you grip in the middle, a straight or centrally balanced barrel is often a good starting point.

If you grip far back, the rear barrel area should offer enough space and grip.

An optically attractive dart is of little use if the grip zones do not match your natural finger position.

Length of the Barrel

Steel dart barrels differ significantly in their length.

Short barrels feel compact and are often suitable for players who keep their fingers close together.

Longer barrels, on the other hand, offer more surface area for different grip positions.

This can be particularly interesting if:

• multiple fingers are on the barrel
• you grip far back
• a longer guide is preferred

The optimal length therefore depends heavily on hand size and grip technique.

Barrel Diameter

The diameter also influences the playing feel.

A slim barrel offers more space in the triple field and can thus facilitate tight groupings.

This is one of the reasons for the high tungsten content of modern steel darts.

Nevertheless, the barrel should not only be as thin as possible.

A slightly thicker dart can feel more comfortable in the hand with certain grip techniques.

Control is more important than the smallest possible diameter.

The Grip

Grip refers to the surface texture of the barrel.

Different millings create more or less hold between fingers and dart.

Typical grip types include, for example:

• Ring Grip
• Shark Grip
• Knurled Grip
• Axial Grip
• Pixel-like Grip Structures
• Combinations of different grip types

Many modern steel darts have multiple grip zones with different textures.

Which Grip Strength is Right?

More grip does not automatically mean more control.

While a very aggressive grip can offer a lot of hold, it can also stick to your fingers more strongly during release.

Low Grip

Offers a very free release and is suitable for players who prefer little resistance when letting go.

Medium Grip

A good mix of control and clean release, and therefore a good starting point for many players.

Strong Grip

Offers a clearly palpable texture and a lot of hold.

This can benefit players who lead the dart very controlled or quickly get slippery fingers.

The optimal grip strength is best found through experimentation.

Grip Zones Help with a Consistent Grip

A good grip not only prevents slipping.

Different millings can also serve as an orientation.

For example, if you always feel the same groove, you can place your fingers in a very similar position with each throw.

This helps to develop a grip that is as reproducible as possible.

Balance and Center of Gravity

Steel darts can be balanced differently.

Basically, a distinction is made between:

• front-loaded
• centrally balanced
• rear-loaded

A centrally balanced straight barrel is particularly versatile and therefore a good starting point for many players.

However, the ideal balance depends on the grip position and the rest of the setup.

The shaft and flight also change the center of gravity of the fully assembled dart.

Steel Dart Tips

The metal tip creates the connection between the dart and the dartboard.

Steel dart tips differ, among other things, in:

• length
• diameter
• surface
• grip
• coating
• shape

A smooth tip behaves differently in the board than a tip with additional texture.

The length can also influence how the dart sits in the board and how tightly multiple darts can be grouped.

Smooth or grippy steel dart points?

Smooth points are usually relatively easy to pull out of the dartboard.

Points with additional texture, on the other hand, can create a stronger hold in the sisal.

This can reduce bounce-outs or darts falling out.

However, very aggressive points can put more strain on the sisal.

Therefore, the grippiest point available should not automatically be chosen.

A good compromise between board hold and easy removal is more sensible for many players.

Fixed and interchangeable steel dart points

Classic steel darts often have pressed-in metal points.

These can be pulled out of the barrel with a suitable repointing tool and replaced with new points.

In addition, there are modern interchangeable point systems where the point can be quickly replaced via a special thread or a corresponding construction.

These include, for example:

• Target Swiss Point
• Bull's CP Points
• Harrows Quick Point
• Shot Turbo Points
• Winmau Switch Points
• Caliburn EVO Points

Important:

These systems are not automatically compatible with each other.

Target Swiss Point

Target Swiss Point is one of the most well-known interchangeable point systems.

The point is screwed directly into a designated Swiss Point barrel via a special thread.

With the right tool, the point can be changed in a short time.

This allows, for example, different:

• point lengths
• colors
• surfaces
• grip variations

to be tested.

Another advantage is that a damaged point can be quickly replaced.

Other interchangeable point systems

In addition to Swiss Point, there are now other solutions from various manufacturers.

These include Bull's CP Points, Harrows Quick Point, Shot Turbo Points, and Winmau Switch Points.

The following applies:

The respective points fundamentally require the designated system or barrel.

For example, a Swiss Point cannot simply be screwed into a Harrows Quick Point dart.

Compatibility should therefore be carefully checked before purchase.

Caliburn EVO Points – a special feature

The Caliburn EVO Point System differs from many other interchangeable point systems.

Here, a special adapter or receptacle area is first pressed into a classic steel dart barrel.

This allows a barrel originally designed for normal press-fit points to be converted to the EVO interchangeable system.

Only then can the corresponding EVO Points be inserted or changed.

This makes Caliburn EVO particularly interesting for players who want to upgrade an existing classic steel dart barrel with an interchangeable point system.

Which point length should I choose?

Longer points create more distance between the barrel and the dartboard.

This can be advantageous for tight groupings.

Short points, on the other hand, provide a more compact setup.

Which length is optimal depends, among other things, on:

• throwing style
• barrel shape
• angle of entry
• grouping
• personal preferences

Players with an interchangeable point system can try out different lengths particularly easily.

Shafts and Flights

Not only the barrel influences the behavior of a steel dart.

The shaft and flight can also significantly change the flight behavior.

The setup can be finely tuned with different shaft lengths and flight shapes.

Typical options are:

• short shafts
• medium shafts
• long shafts
• Standard Flights No.2
• No.6 Flights
• Slim Flights
• Kite Flights
• Molded Flight Systems

Before buying a new barrel, it can therefore be useful to first try out different flight and shaft combinations.

Standard Flights for Beginners

For many players, Standard Flights No.2 are a good starting point.

Their relatively large surface creates a lot of stability and ensures controlled flight behavior.

With increasing experience, smaller shapes like No.6, Slim, or other variations can be tested.

However, there is no universally best solution here either.

Many professional players continue to use classic standard flights.

Steel Darts for Beginners

Those who are just starting with steel darts should first choose the most neutral setup possible.

A good starting point can be, for example:

• 22 to 24 grams
• straight barrel
• 80 to 90% tungsten
• medium grip
• mid-balanced
• standard flight

From this setup, individual characteristics can later be specifically changed.

It is important not to change everything at once.

Only then can it be determined which change actually has a positive effect.

Steel Darts for League Players

With increasing experience, players usually know their preferences much more precisely.

Then details such as:

• exact weight
• barrel diameter
• grip zone
• point length
• shaft length
• flight shape
• balance

can be specifically coordinated.

The goal is a setup that feels as identical as possible with every throw.

Steel Darts for Professionals

Even in professional darts, there is no uniform setup.

Professionals play very different:

• weights
• barrel shapes
• grip strengths
• points
• shaft lengths
• flight shapes

Some play very light darts, others significantly heavier models.

Therefore, the following applies:

A professional's dart is not automatically the best dart for you.

Player darts are nevertheless interesting if their shape and technical characteristics match your own throwing style.

Choosing the Right Steel Darts

When comparing different steel darts, you should particularly pay attention to the following characteristics:

Characteristic	Meaning
Weight	influences throwing feel and acceleration
Tungsten content	allows for slimmer barrels
Barrel shape	influences grip and balance
Length	determines possible grip positions
Diameter	influences grip feel and grouping
Grip	determines hold and release
Balance	front-, middle- or rear-weighted
Point	influences board hold and setup
Shaft	changes balance and flight behavior
Flight	influences stability and trajectory

Not a single characteristic determines a good dart.

It is the interplay of the entire setup that determines how the dart actually plays.

Properly Testing Steel Darts

If you want to optimize your setup, you should always change only one component if possible.

For example:

Same barrel + same flight + different shaft length

Play this combination for some time and then compare the result.

After that, for example, the flight shape can be changed.

If you change the point, shaft, and flight simultaneously, it is difficult to judge which change is actually responsible for the altered flight behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steel Darts

Which steel darts are the best?

There is no universally best steel dart. Weight, barrel shape, grip, and balance must match your personal throwing style.

Which weight is suitable for beginners?

A range of approximately 22 to 24 grams is a good starting point for many beginners. 23 grams in particular is in a very popular mid-range.

Is 90% tungsten good?

Yes. 90% tungsten is very common in high-quality steel darts and allows for slim barrels with high durability.

Is 95% tungsten better than 90%?

Not automatically. A higher tungsten content fundamentally allows for a more compact design. However, barrel shape, grip, balance, and dimensions are crucial for the playing feel.

Which barrel shape is suitable for beginners?

A straight, centrally balanced barrel with medium grip is a good starting point for many beginners.

What is Swiss Point?

Swiss Point is Target's interchangeable point system. With designated barrels, the points can be quickly screwed in and out with a special tool.

Can I insert any steel dart point into any dart?

No. Classic press-fit points and the various interchangeable point systems differ significantly. Systems such as Swiss Point, CP Points, or Quick Point each require compatible barrels or receptacles.

Can I convert a normal steel dart to interchangeable points?

With the Caliburn EVO System, suitable classic steel dart barrels can be converted to an interchangeable point system by pressing in the corresponding receptacle.

How often should I change steel dart points?

There is no fixed period. A change is advisable if points are damaged, heavily worn, or unsuitable for the desired setup.

Which flights are suitable for steel darts?

Standard No.2 is a very good starting point. Smaller flights like No.6 or Slim change air resistance and flight behavior and may work better depending on the throwing style.

Buy Steel Darts Online

Whether you're just starting with classic darts, training regularly at home, or already playing in leagues and tournaments – at Diplomatgames you'll find steel darts for different skill levels and throwing styles.

Choose between different weights, tungsten contents, barrel shapes, and grip strengths. Then you can individually adjust your setup with suitable steel dart points, shafts, and flights.

From classic tungsten darts to modern models with interchangeable point systems, you'll find numerous options to assemble your personal dart.

Discover steel darts at Diplomatgames now and find the dart that suits your grip position, throwing technique, and personal playing feel.