Not at all. Brass darts remain a great option for: - Beginners - Family dart setups - Casual social play - Occasional home use - Budget-conscious buyers For many new players, brass darts provide an affordable way to learn the game before deciding whether to invest in a premium tungsten setup.

Brass vs Tungsten Darts: What's the Difference?

May 29
3 min read

Introduction

One of the most common questions new dart players ask is whether they should buy brass darts or tungsten darts.

At first glance, they can look very similar. Both are available in a wide range of weights and styles, and both can be used on standard bristle dartboards.

However, there are some important differences that affect performance, durability and overall value.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right darts for your skill level and budget.

What Are Brass Darts?

Brass darts are typically designed as an affordable entry-level option.

Because brass is less dense than tungsten, manufacturers need to make the barrel thicker to achieve the same weight.

This means brass darts generally have:

Larger barrel diameters
Lower manufacturing costs
Wider spacing in tight groupings
Lower purchase prices

For casual players and occasional home use, brass darts can still provide plenty of enjoyment.

What Are Tungsten Darts?

Tungsten is much denser than brass.

This allows manufacturers to create slimmer barrels while maintaining the same weight.

For example, a 24g tungsten dart can be noticeably thinner than a 24g brass dart.

Benefits of tungsten darts include:

Slimmer barrel profiles
Improved grouping potential
Better balance and consistency
Greater design flexibility
Longer-term durability

This is why most league and competition players use tungsten darts.

Why Does Barrel Thickness Matter?

A slimmer barrel leaves more room in the scoring area.

This becomes particularly important when aiming at doubles, trebles and tight groupings.

With thicker brass barrels:

Darts can block scoring areas more easily
Tight grouping becomes more difficult

With slimmer tungsten barrels:

More scoring area remains visible
Subsequent darts have a clearer path to the target

As players improve, this advantage becomes increasingly noticeable.

Are Tungsten Darts More Durable?

Generally, yes.

Tungsten is a harder and more durable material than brass.

Premium tungsten darts often maintain their appearance and grip characteristics for many years when properly cared for.

Many players buy a quality tungsten set and continue using it for a very long time.

Are Brass Darts Bad?

Not at all.

Brass darts remain a great option for:

Beginners
Family dart setups
Casual social play
Occasional home use
Budget-conscious buyers

For many new players, brass darts provide an affordable way to learn the game before deciding whether to invest in a premium tungsten setup.

What Tungsten Percentage Should You Choose?

Tungsten darts are available in different percentages, commonly including:

80% Tungsten
90% Tungsten
95% Tungsten and above

Higher tungsten percentages generally allow for slightly slimmer barrels, although barrel design often plays a bigger role than the percentage alone.

For most players:

80% tungsten offers excellent value
90% tungsten is a popular league and competition choice
95%+ tungsten is often found in premium player editions and flagship models

Which Should Beginners Buy?

For players who are unsure whether darts will become a long-term hobby, a quality brass set can be a sensible starting point.

However, if your budget allows, many players choose to start with an 80% or 90% tungsten dart because it offers better long-term value and room to grow as skills improve.

A good tungsten dart can remain part of your setup for many years.