This category focuses on products involved in the competitive sport of darts or dart-throwing.
Darts is a competitive sport in which individuals throw small sharp-pointed projectiles (darts) at a round target (dartboard). Points are scored by sticking the dart in specific marked areas of the board.
Although similar games using various boards and rules are often called darts, the competitive sport applies the term to a specific board design and ruleset.
The standard dartboard (bristle board) is a circular board made of sisal fibers, although less expensive boards are sometimes made of cork or coiled paper. The board features a double bullseye, and is divided into 20 radial sections. Each section has a specific point value, ranging from 1 to 20, with the center bullseye worth 50 points. The scoring system is based on the number and location of the dart on the board. The double (outermost) ring doubles the dart's points, while the treble (inner) ring triples them.
The main body of the dart is made from materials like brass, nickel-silver, or tungsten, with the latter preferred for durability and a slim profile. Flights are attached to the end of the dart to stabilize its flight when thrown, and are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs. The shaft connects the barrel to the flight and is made of plastic, nylon, aluminum, or carbon fiber. The sharp end that sticks to the dartboard is the point. Steel-tip points are used for bristle boards, while soft-tip darts are used for electronic boards.
Accessories used in darts may include dart cases to protect and organize darts and other accessories. A throw line (oche) is a raised or marked line from which players throw, and dart mats might be used to protect floors and mark the throwing distance. Chalkboards, whiteboards, or electronic devices can be used to track scores.
The Quadro board, introduced in the 1990s, features an additional scoring ring, known as the Quadruple scoring segment, positioned between the double ring and the outer bull. This allows for a maximum single-dart score of 80 (quadruple 20) and a three-dart maximum of 240.
Besides the Quadro boards, there are various dart games and variants, with differing rules and scoring systems.
The most common are 301 and 501, where players strive to reduce a fixed score to zero by hitting specific targets on the board. In these games, players take turns throwing three darts in a row, known as an inning, and only darts on the board count. Fallen darts may not be thrown again.
Other variants include Around the Clock, in which players aim to hit each number on the board in sequence, starting from 1 and ending at 20. In Shanghai, players must hit a single, double, and triple of a specific number in one turn. The game rotates through numbers 1 to 20, and the player with the highest score wins. In Killer, each player is assigned a number, and players strive to hit their own number to become a killer and eliminate opponents by hitting their numbers.
These are just a few; there are others.
The game of darts relies on an effective combination of equipment and accessories, the most essential being the darts and the dartboard.
Products, manufacturers, and retailers specializing in equipment and accessories for the game of darts are appropriate for this part of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Located in Sacramento, California, the brick-and-mortar retail storefront is known as Magic Darts & Billiards. Its online webstore features more than 14,000 items that includes darts (soft-tip, steel-tip, specialty), dart accessories, dartboards, flights, shafts, cases, and gear for the game of darts. Although the store focuses largely on the game of darts, it also covers billiards (cues, shafts, balls, cases, cue care, tables, accessories), and game room products, which may be purchased online.
http://www.a-zdarts.com/
The online retailer ships from its warehouse, which is alongside its retail store in Portland, Oregon. Darts.com stocks new products that include the manufacturer's warranty and is a fully authorized dealer for each of the products it carries. Besides darts and dart accessories, its online catalog also includes products related to air hockey, billiards, foosball, ping pong, and gaming furniture. Top brands and popular collections are highlighted, and its showroom location and hours are posted.
https://www.darts.com/
Founded in 2005, Darts Corner ships products worldwide from its headquarters in the United Kingdom. Carrying more than 13,000 items from more than 30 manufacturers, Darts Corner also offers personalized dart flights, dartboards, dartboard surrounds, and apparel for individuals or darts teams. Its catalog includes steel and soft tip darts, flights, shafts, cases, dart boards, accessories, clothing, collaborations, and sale items. An informational blog is included.
https://www.dartscorner.com/
Dartshopper is a leading online retailer specializing in darts, dartboards, and related accessories. Its product catalog includes a wide variety of products, including steel tips and soft tip darts, dartboards, dart flights, shafts, wallets, and other products. The company also features products from well-known dart players and brands, ensuring a diverse selection for dart enthusiasts. Personalizing is available, along with gift vouchers, loyalty points, and a blog.
https://www.dartshopper.com/
Situated in Clinton, Iowa, the company's brick-and-mortar storefront is known as Big River Darts, which has been selling darts and darting supplies to the wholesale and retail trade since 1985, although its retail store opened in 1991. Its online web store's product catalog is sorted into soft-tip darts, steel-tip darts, flights, shafts, accessories, cases, bristle boards, electronic boards, backboards, cabinets, combo packages, and gift certificates. The location and contacts are posted.
https://www.edarts.net/
Currently headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, Voks began in Mentor, Ohio, in 1980 and manufactures high-quality darts and dart accessories. The company sells and distributes its products directly to consumers and has a wholesale program with dealers worldwide. A wholesaler application and an online product catalog are provided, including several types of hard-tip and soft-tip darts, mosquitos, tornado points, spring-loaded soft tips, and points. Reviews and contacts are provided.
https://voksdarts.com/
