This post may contain affiliate links which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Read more on our affiliate disclosure.
Gary Anderson is one of the most naturally gifted darts players to ever step up to the oche.
The Flying Scotsman from Forfar has won two PDC World Championships, multiple major titles, and spent years ranked among the very best in the world. All of this makes the Gary Anderson darts setup incredibly popular with fans of the sport.
His laid-back demeanour at the board masks a fierce competitor, and his darts setup is as distinctive as his throwing style.
So what’s in Gary Anderson’s hand? Let’s break down the full Flying Scotsman darts setup on Throw For 180 so you can match it.
Who Is Gary Anderson?
Born in 1980 in Forfar, Scotland, Gary Anderson turned professional in the mid-2000s and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s elite.
He won back-to-back PDC World Championships in 2015 and 2016, becoming only the third pro darts player in history to successfully defend the title.
Known for his relaxed, almost nonchalant style at the oche, Anderson makes the game look effortless, a testament to his extraordinary natural talent.
He is sponsored by Unicorn Darts and has had multiple signature dart ranges developed over the years.
Gary Anderson Dart Barrels
Anderson throws with the Gary Anderson Flying Scotsman darts, his signature range produced in collaboration with Unicorn.
His current match darts feature a distinctive design that reflects his Scottish heritage.
Key specs:
- Material: 90% tungsten
- Weight: 23g — a mid-weight setup that suits his smooth, flowing delivery
- Grip: Subtle ring grip pattern — Anderson prefers a relatively smooth barrel that allows a clean release
- Shape: Straight barrel with a slight taper at the front
One of the things that makes Anderson’s setup interesting is how understated it is.
Unlike some players who use aggressive knurling for maximum grip, Anderson opts for a cleaner barrel that complements his natural, relaxed release.
The dart almost seems to float out of his hand, a tribute to his technique rather than his equipment.
Gary Anderson’s Dart Stems
Anderson uses medium-length stems, which work with his smooth, arcing delivery to give the dart a consistent trajectory.
Medium stems offer a good balance between a tight, direct flight path and a higher looping arc and for Anderson’s style, they hit the sweet spot perfectly.
Stems are available in nylon, polycarbonate, and aluminium. For home players, nylon stems are perfectly functional and easy to replace when they inevitably take a hit from another dart.
Gary Anderson’s Dart Flights
Anderson uses standard shape flights in his signature Flying Scotsman colourway, typically featuring the St Andrew’s Cross or tartan-inspired designs.
Standard flights give the most surface area and drag, which suits his smooth delivery and helps the dart stabilise quickly in the air.
His signature flight packs are widely available and are a popular choice for fans looking to replicate his setup.
What Dartboard Does Gary Anderson Practice On?
For home players, any quality bristle board from Red Dragon, Winmau, or Unicorn will give you excellent practice conditions.
Look for thin wire systems to minimise bounce-outs, crucial when you’re throwing as accurately as Anderson does.
Can You Buy the Gary Anderson Darts Setup?
Yes Unicorn make his range widely available. Here’s a rough guide:
- Barrels: Gary Anderson Flying Scotsman Darts — typically £30–£60 depending on version
- Stems: Medium nylon or polycarbonate shafts — a few pounds for a set
- Flights: Flying Scotsman signature flights — usually under £5 per pack
A complete Anderson-inspired setup can be put together for around £40–£70, solid value for a genuine professional-quality dart.
#Compared to others in our darts buying guides, this is right in the same ballpark as many other setups that copy what professionals use.
What Can You Learn From the Gary Anderson Darts Setup?
Less grip can mean more consistency. Anderson’s relatively smooth barrel shows that you don’t always need aggressive knurling to throw accurately.
If you find yourself over-gripping the dart, a smoother barrel might actually help you release more naturally.
Let the dart flow out of your hand, Anderson makes it look easy because he’s genuinely mastered the release. Find a medium weight that suits your natural throw, and don’t overthink your setup.
Final Thoughts
Gary Anderson is one of the most watchable players in darts, a two-time world champion whose relaxed style belies the precision underneath.
HisFlying Scotsman setup is an excellent choice for players who prefer a smooth barrel and a natural release.
For the full range, visit the official Red Dragon Darts website. For Gary’s career stats and rankings, see his profile on the PDC official website.