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Dart stems, sometimes called shafts, are one of the most important parts of a dart. They connect the flight to the barrel and help determine how the dart flies through the air.
While they might look like simple pieces of plastic or metal, dart stems play a big role in how balanced your dart feels and how consistent your throw is.
Every dart has three main parts: the barrel, the stem, and the flight. The barrel is where you grip the dart, the flight stabilises it in the air, and the stem links the two together.
Getting the stem right can make a big difference to accuracy, grouping, and how comfortable a dart feels when you throw it.
All important in your quest to throw a maximum, so of course here at Throw For 180, we want to give you all the important details!
Why Dart Stems Matter
The stem affects both the flight path and the stability of a dart. Its length, weight, and material all have an influence. A heavier stem can move the dart’s balance point backward, while a lighter stem pushes the balance forward.
These small shifts can completely change how a dart behaves when released.
The right dart stem can help keep your throw smooth and consistent. A stem that’s too short or too long for your throwing style can cause darts to drift off target or land at different angles in the board.
Even if you have the perfect flights and barrels, the wrong stem can hold back your accuracy.
For that reason, many pro darts players and amateurs experiment with different stem types until they find the one that gives them the best feel and control.
Dart Stem Materials Explained
Stems come in several different materials, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Here are the most common ones you’ll come across:
Plastic and Nylon Stems
These are the most common and affordable types of dart stems. They’re lightweight, flexible, and available in many colours and lengths. A mainstay of many home darts setups, used by the majority of players.
Nylon stems are a little stronger than basic plastic ones and are often used by beginners and intermediate players because they’re easy to replace if they break.
Pros
- Lightweight and forgiving on bounce outs
- Inexpensive and easy to replace
- Available in a wide range of styles and colours
Cons
- Can break or loosen over time
- Threads can wear down with frequent use
Aluminium Stems
Aluminium stems are heavier and more durable than plastic options. They give a solid, firm feel when screwed into the barrel and don’t flex as much on impact.
Because of their added weight, they slightly shift the dart’s balance backward, which can suit players who like a steadier flight.
Pros
- Long lasting and durable
- Help reduce wobble in flight
- Secure fit with barrels
Cons
- Can bend if dropped or over tightened
- Flights may loosen more easily without flight protectors
Carbon Fibre and Titanium Stems
These are premium stems designed for performance and longevity. Carbon fibre stems combine strength and lightness, while titanium stems are ultra-durable and resist bending.
They’re often used by more advanced players who have found a setup they plan to use long term.
Pros
- Extremely strong and reliable
- Balanced weight for consistent performance
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Expensive compared to plastic or aluminium
- Overkill for casual players who are experimenting
Dart Stem Sizes and Lengths
The length of a dart stem has just as much impact as the material.
Stems are typically available in three general sizes: short, medium, and long, though there are many in-between options too.
Our buying guides on stems will always show the sizes they come in, so you know if you’re a match for that equipment or not.
Short Dart Stems
Short dart stems bring the flight closer to the barrel, which can make darts travel faster and group tighter on the board. They tend to suit players with a quicker, more direct throw.
However, they can make darts less stable in the air, especially for players with a slower or looped throw.
Best for:
- Fast, direct throwers
- Tight groupings
- Darts with heavier barrels
Medium Dart Stems
Medium dart stems are the most popular and balanced option. They provide a good mix of control and stability, making them ideal for most players.
They give the flight enough distance from the barrel to help with stability without slowing the dart too much.
Best for:
- Most casual and competitive players
- Balanced flight path
- Standard steel tip setups
Long Dart Stems
Long dart stems place the flight further back, increasing stability in the air but slightly slowing the dart down. They often result in darts landing at a steeper angle on the board.
These stems are sometimes preferred by players who throw with a slower motion or want more control over their flight path.
Best for:
- Slower, more deliberate throwers
- Improved stability and control
- Wider groupings
If you’re unsure where to start, medium stems are usually the best choice. From there, you can experiment with shorter or longer stems to see how the flight pattern changes.
How to Choose the Right Dart Stem Size for You
Choosing the right dart stem comes down to your personal throwing style and how your darts land in the board.
There’s no universal “best dart weight” or “best dart stem length” because every player throws slightly differently.
Here are a few tips for darts to help you decide:
- Experiment with different lengths. Try short, medium, and long stems to see how each affects your grouping and dart angle.
- Watch how your darts land. If your darts stick in the board with the tail down, try shorter stems. If the tail points up, try longer ones.
- Balance with your flights. Larger flights pair better with shorter stems, while smaller flights often need longer stems for stability.
- Match with your dart weight. Heavier darts may perform better with shorter stems, while lighter darts often pair well with medium or long stems.
The goal is to find a setup where the darts fly smoothly and land at a consistent angle. It’s worth spending some time testing combinations until you find what feels most natural.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Dart Stems
A few common errors can make it harder to find the right setup:
- Sticking to one setup too early: Many new players pick a stem size or material and never experiment, missing out on finding something that suits them better.
- Ignoring flight compatibility: Not all flights fit perfectly with all stems. Always make sure the flights sit securely and evenly.
- Assuming expensive equals better: High end stems can be great, but they won’t necessarily improve your game if your technique isn’t consistent yet.
- Over tightening stems: Aluminium and titanium stems can bend if screwed in too tightly, which affects balance and alignment.
Avoiding these mistakes can make your setup last longer and perform more consistently.
Conclusion – Finding the Perfect Dart Stems Fit
Dart stems are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in how your darts perform. The right combination of length, material, and balance can make your throw feel more natural and controlled.
It’s important to keep your eye on the market too, our darts news section will help here, as new products are always being prepared for release.
For most players, medium length nylon or aluminium stems are a good starting point. As you improve, experimenting with different stem sizes and materials can help fine tune your setup for maximum consistency.
Finding the best dart stems is all about trial and comfort, once you get the right feel, your accuracy and confidence at the oche will only improve.