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Luke Humphries might not have the flashy nickname or the superstar entrance music of some of his rivals, but in 2024 he proved beyond any doubt that he is among the very best darts players on the planet.
Perhaps not as conventional as some, but that hasn’t stopped the Luke Humphries darts setup becoming a sought after piece of kit.
Cool Hand Luke, as he’s known on the circuit, claimed the PDC World Championship title in January 2024, defeating Luke Littler in the final and topping the world rankings, and he did it with a calmness and consistency that was genuinely brilliant to watch.
He has since added multiple major titles to his name, including the 2025 Premier League.
So what’s in his hand? Here at Throw for 180, let’s break down the full Luke Humphries darts setup, barrels, stems, flights and all.
Who Is Luke Humphries?
Luke Humphries was born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1995 and has been throwing darts competitively since his teenage years.
He made steady progress through the PDC ranks, winning the PDC World Youth Championship in 2019 before his game truly clicked at the highest level.
He’s known for his calm, measured temperament at the oche, hence the nickname Cool Hand Luke, and his ability to produce big finishes under pressure. In June 2025, he was awarded an MBE for services to darts. He is sponsored by Red Dragon Darts.
Luke Humphries’ Dart Barrels
Humphries throws with the Red Dragon Luke Humphries TX1 darts, his signature barrel produced in partnership with Red Dragon.
These are a torpedo-profile dart specifically shaped to suit Humphries’ throw and release.
Key specs:
- Material: 90% tungsten
- Weight: 22g — his preferred match weight, though he occasionally switches depending on conditions
- Grip: Multiple ring grip on a torpedo profile barrel, allowing a front weighted feel with mid-level grip
- Shape: Torpedo/bomb profile — wider in the middle, tapering toward the front and back
The torpedo shape is a key part of the Luke Humphries darts setup. He has described wanting a dart that feels perfectly balanced on his thumb at the point of launch, and the torpedo profile delivers exactly that.
Red Dragon have designed these to match his throwing style precisely.
Luke Humphries’ Dart Stems (Shafts)
One of the most distinctive parts of Humphries’ setup is his stems. He uses the Red Dragon Joust stems, an extremely long 65mm shaft, the longest available on the market.
These are named after the jousting lance given their extraordinary length, and Humphries is one of very few players in the world who can throw effectively with stems this size.
Long stems give the dart a higher arc and a steeper angle of entry into the board.
For most players this would be unworkable, but for Humphries it suits his smooth, looping delivery perfectly.
Red Dragon re-released these stems due to demand from Humphries’ fans, they’re worth experimenting with if you’re curious, but don’t be surprised if they feel very different to standard stems.
Luke Humphries’ Dart Flights
Humphries uses Pentathlon circuit board flights in competition, a distinctive flight featuring a circuit board pattern design. Interestingly, these flights are made by Retriever Sports, not Red Dragon.
His sponsor allows him to use them because Humphries has a strong personal preference for this specific flight shape and design, which he has used for many years.
Red Dragon also produce official Luke Humphries branded flights which he uses at exhibitions and promotional events. For his match setup though, the Pentathlon circuit board flights are the ones to look for.
What Dartboard Does Luke Humphries Practice On?
As a Red Dragon ambassador, Humphries is associated with Red Dragon dartboards for his practice and promotional activity.
For home players, any quality bristle board from Red Dragon, Winmau, or Unicorn will give you excellent practice conditions, look for ultra-thin wiring to minimise bounce-outs.
Can You Buy the Luke Humphries Darts Setup?
Yes, you can buy the full Luke Humphries darts setup and it’s very accessible. Here’s a rough guide:
- Barrels: Red Dragon Luke Humphries TX1 Darts — available in 22g, typically £35–£60 depending on version
- Stems: Red Dragon Joust 65mm stems — available to buy separately, a few pounds for a set
- Flights: Pentathlon circuit board flights — available online, usually under £5 per pack (note: sell out quickly due to demand)
A complete Humphries-inspired setup can be put together for around £50–£80, making it one of the more affordable full pro setups available.
What Can You Learn From Luke Humphries’ Setup?
Equipment should suit your natural throw. Humphries’ unusually long stems and torpedo barrel work because they match how he naturally releases the dart.
The lesson isn’t to copy his setup exactly, it’s to find equipment that complements the way you throw rather than fighting against it.
Torpedo barrels offer a different feel to straight barrels and are worth trying if you naturally grip toward the front or middle of the dart.
And don’t overlook flights, Humphries’ preference for a specific non-sponsor flight shows just how important the right flight is to consistency.
Luke Humphries Darts Setup: Final Thoughts
Luke Humphries is a world champion who got there through hard work, consistency, and a brilliant temperament.
His Red Dragon TX1 setup with those distinctive long Joust stems and circuit board flights is genuinely unique on the tour, and a fantastic choice for players who want something a little different.
Different from the norm, but that doesn’t stop the Luke Humphries darts setup from being top class.
For more pro player setups, check out our pro player guides. And for help choosing the right gear, our darts buying guides are a great place to start.