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If you’re just getting into darts or setting up your own home dartboard, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing steel tip vs soft tip darts.
The differences might seem small at first, but they have a big impact on how and where you play, but don’t worry because here at Throw For 180, we’re happy to help.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between the two, look at the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which type suits your darts setup and playing style best.
Table of Contents
Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts: Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Steel Tip Darts | Soft Tip Darts |
|---|---|---|
| Tip Material | Hardened steel | Plastic/polymer |
| Board Type | Bristle board (sisal) | Electronic board |
| Scoring | Manual | Automatic (usually) |
| Durability | High | Lower |
| Safety | Sharp – caution needed | Safer for kids |
| Common Use | Professional & pub play | Casual, family-friendly & electronic play |
Pros and Cons of Each Type
There are of course, pros and cons to both setups, not everything is perfect, so here we’ll give you what the best and worst bits are for both types of darts.
When you’ve decided, our tips and tutorials section will help you develop as a player, regardless of what you’re throwing.
Steel Tip Darts
Pros:
- Used by professionals and in most competitions
- Works with high-quality bristle boards
- Better feel and weight distribution
- More dart variety on the market
Cons:
- Sharp – can cause injury or damage
- Not suitable for electronic dartboards
- Can mark walls and floors if dropped or missed
Soft Tip Darts
Pros:
- Safer – ideal for kids and casual home setups
- Compatible with electronic boards and scoring systems
- Often lighter, easier for beginners to handle
- Great for travel/portable setups
Cons:
- Tips can bend or break more easily
- Fewer pro-level options available
- Not used in serious tournaments or leagues
Which Should You Choose for Your Setup?
Comparing steel tip vs soft tip darts and which you should choose comes down to a few personal factors, but don’t worry which you choose as our darts buying guides section in the site will cover both styles of darts.
Your Playing Environment
- Playing in a garage, spare room or pub-style setup? Go with steel tip darts and a bristle board.
- Playing in a family room or kid-friendly area? Soft tip darts are safer and work perfectly with electronic boards.
Who You’re Playing With
- Playing with kids or people new to darts? Soft tip might be a better fit for safety and ease of use.
- Looking to play more competitively? Steel tip is what the pros use, and the experience is more “authentic.”
Your Budget
Steel tip darts generally require a higher quality dartboard, while soft tip setups can be cheaper if you go the electronic route, but the tips do need replacing over time.
Can You Switch Between Them?
Yes, but not easily. Boards are designed for one or the other, so swapping tips isn’t a practical everyday solution, you would pretty much need to have two completely different setups, so double the cost.
Some darts allow interchangeable tips, but the feel and flight of the dart will still vary. Likewise, some combo boards exist, but they’re rarely as good as boards dedicated to one style.
So, it’s best to pick one style and stick to it, especially early on when you don’t want to be spending huge sums on your setup as you find your feet.
Final Verdict: Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts
If you’re aiming for an authentic, pub-style experience, want to match how the pro darts players play, or plan to join a local league, then steel tip darts are for you.
If you’re more focused on casual home play, family friendly games, or want to take advantage of automatic scoring, then soft tip darts make a lot of sense.
There’s no one size fits all answer, but now you know the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts, you can choose the right style with confidence.