Picking the right dart board makes a big difference whether you play just for fun or more seriously. The first thing to think about is what kind of board suits you best. The usual options are bristle boards, electronic boards, and magnetic ones. Bristle boards are the traditional style, made from compressed sisal fibres. They last well and are perfect if you use steel tip darts. If you want that proper pub feel, this is what you want.
Electronic dart boards are great if you’re playing with family or mates and want something a bit more high tech. They use soft-tip darts and usually have loads of scoring options built in. They are safer if you’ve got kids around and add a bit of fun with all the games you can play.
Magnetic boards are best if you’re just starting out or if you want something safe for younger kids. The darts stick to the board with magnets so no damage and no risk of hurting yourself. They’re light and easy to put up anywhere.
You also need to think about the size. Standard boards are 18 inches across but if space is tight you might want a smaller board or an electronic one. Your budget is worth thinking about too. Bristle boards can cost more but they last ages. Electronic and magnetic boards are usually cheaper but might not give you the same feel.
Let’s start with bristle dartboards. These are made from sisal fibres and are the standard for steel tip darts. They’re self-healing, which just means the holes close up after the dart is pulled out, so they last longer if you look after them. A top pick here is the Winmau Blade 6. Winmau is a British brand and they’re pretty much the go to for serious players. The Blade 6 has thin wiring which means fewer bounce-outs and more room to aim. It’s approved by the PDC too, so if you’re into competitive play or want a board that feels official, it’s a solid shout.
Unicorn is another big name. Their Eclipse Pro 2 is also used in major tournaments and has nice sharp wiring and a clean finish. Some people reckon the sisal isn’t quite as tightly packed as Winmau’s, so the board might not last quite as long, but it still plays well. Between Winmau and Unicorn, you’re choosing between two of the top dartboard brands in the UK.
If you’re on a tighter budget or just want something for casual play, there’s the Nodor Supamatch 3. It’s decent quality, still a bristle board, and doesn’t cost quite as much as the big names. Nodor actually owns Winmau, so you’re still getting a good level of build, just without some of the extra features.
Now if you’re looking for something for the kids or you don’t want to wreck the walls, soft-tip or magnetic boards are worth considering. For soft-tip, electronic boards like the ones from Target or Viper are popular. They usually come with built-in scoring, sound effects, and loads of game options. They use plastic darts, so they’re safer and great for beginners. Target is known more for their steel-tip gear, but they do dabble in soft-tip gear and their stuff always looks sharp.
Magnetic dartboards are proper entry-level and ideal for younger kids. Nothing too fancy, but they get the job done and they’re safe indoors. Brands don’t matter as much here — just find something with decent reviews and a strong magnet so the darts actually stick.
A lot of people ask about cork boards or coiled paper boards but honestly, they don’t last long. They’re fine for a laugh at a party but not worth it if you plan to play regularly. Stick to bristle if you’re even half-serious about darts.
So, in short, if you’re after tournament quality, go for a bristle board like the Winmau Blade 6 or the Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2. If you just want a fun board for the garden or games room, something like the Nodor Supamatch or an electronic option will do the trick. Think about how often you’ll play, who’s using it, and how much you want to spend. That’ll steer you in the right direction.
Finally, make sure your darts match the board. Steel-tip darts go with bristle boards, soft-tip darts with electronic boards, and magnetic darts with magnetic boards. If you get that right you’re all set for some good games and plenty of fun.
Our full dartboard range can be found at https://buymeone.co.uk/darts/