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One of the most common questions new players ask is: “What dart weight should I use?” The truth is, there isn’t one single “best dart weight.”
Instead, different darts weights suit different playing styles, comfort levels, and experience. Whether you’re picking up darts for the first time or fine-tuning your throw, understanding dart weights is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know including the typical range of darts weights, how weight affects your throw, and what the best dart weight for beginners might be.
By the end, you’ll know how to find the perfect fit for your own game, so you can starting your bid to Throw For 180.
Understanding Dart Weights
Darts come in a wide variety of weights. While you can find models as light as 12 grams and as heavy as 50 grams, most players use darts that sit comfortably in the 18g–26g range.
- Steel-tip darts (used with bristle boards) are usually heavier, commonly between 20g–26g.
- Soft-tip darts (for electronic boards) are often lighter, usually 16g–20g, due to machine restrictions.
Read our guide looking at soft tip darts vs steel tip for more information about these two options.
The weight of a dart affects how it flies, how much effort you use, and even how consistent your grouping can be. Choosing between the dart weights is about balance, not too heavy, not too light, but something that matches your natural throwing style.
How Dart Weight Affects Your Throw
Dart weight influences every throw you make, a vital part to your game and something that pro darts players will deliberate over a lot. Here’s how this can affect you:
- Heavier darts
- Travel slower through the air
- Feel more stable and less likely to deflect
- Can reduce arm strain because they need less force to reach the board
- May be harder for beginners to control if too heavy
- Lighter darts
- Travel faster and feel “quicker” in the hand
- Require a smoother throwing motion
- Offer more flexibility for advanced players with precise technique
- Can feel inconsistent for beginners until form improves
Over a long game, dart weight also affects stamina. Some players find lighter darts less tiring, while others prefer the steady rhythm of a heavier set.
Best Dart Weight for Beginners
If you’re new to darts, the best place to start is in the middle. Most beginners find success with dart weights between 20g and 24g.
Why is this the case?
- These weights provide a balance of stability and control.
- They’re heavy enough to avoid wild deflections but not so heavy that they feel clunky.
- Many professionals use darts in this range, proving it’s a versatile sweet spot.
The best dart weight for beginners is one that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to throw consistently, because the goal is to build confidence, not to copy someone else’s setup straight away.
The good news? If you read through our darts buying guides at the darts we’ve looked at, you’ll see that they all come in a variety of weights, so you won’t be limited if you’re anywhere in the mid range.
What Dart Weight Should I Use?
Choosing the right dart weight comes down to personal preference and a few key factors:
- Hand size: Larger hands may feel more comfortable with slightly heavier darts.
- Throwing style: Smooth, gentle throwers may prefer lighter darts; players with a stronger, more direct throw often suit heavier darts.
- Game length: If you play long sessions, you may want a weight that doesn’t fatigue your arm.
Remember, the only way to truly know what dart weight suits you is through trial and error.
Don’t be afraid to test a few different weights and see how they feel, especially if you’ve got a home darts setup to use whenever you like.
Comparing Different Dart Weights
To give you a quick overview, here’s how different dart weights stack up:
| Dart Weight Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16g–19g (Light) | Fast, precise, good for quick throws | Harder to control for beginners, more deflections | Soft-tip players, advanced control throwers |
| 20g–24g (Medium) | Balanced, versatile, beginner-friendly | May still require small adjustments | Most beginners, casual and pro steel-tip players |
| 25g+ (Heavy) | Stable, less prone to bounce-outs, steady flight | Can feel slow and harder to adapt to | Strong throwers, players who prefer a solid feel |
Tips for Choosing Your Dart Weight
- Experiment before committing – If you can, try a friend’s darts or visit a store with testing boards.
- Stick with one weight for a while – Constantly changing makes it harder to improve consistency.
- Don’t copy the pros blindly – Just because your favourite player uses 23g doesn’t mean it’s the best dart weight for you.
- Listen to comfort – The best dart weight is the one that feels right in your hand and delivers repeatable results.
Dart Weights: Our Conclusion
So, what’s the best dart weight? The truth is, it depends. For most players, especially beginners, the safe starting point is between 20g and 24g.
From there, it’s all about experimenting with dart weights, refining, and discovering what helps you throw with the most confidence.
Whether you’re aiming to just enjoy darts at home or looking to compete, finding the right dart weight is an important step in improving your game.
Remember: consistency beats equipment. Get comfortable, keep practicing, and you’ll find your ideal dart weight in no time.
And of course, if you want to keep up to date with the latest darts news about what new products are hitting the market, make sure you come back and check out everything we have!