How to Choose the Right Dartboard
- 6 days ago
- 14 min read
How to Choose the Right Dartboard
Whether you're buying your first dartboard, replacing an old favourite or building your dream games room, choosing the right dartboard is one of the most important decisions you'll make.
Walk into almost any sporting goods store and you'll probably see a wall of dartboards that all look remarkably similar. Yet one might cost under $50 while another is well over $200.
So what's the difference?
Is a premium dartboard really worth the extra money, or are you simply paying for the brand?
After helping many customers choose dartboards at my Langwarrin showroom, I've found the answer is rarely as simple as "buy the most expensive one". The best dartboard is the one that suits how often you'll play, who'll be using it and the type of experience you want every time you step up to throw.
For someone who enjoys the occasional game with family or friends, an entry-level bristle dartboard may provide years of enjoyment. If you're practising several nights a week or preparing for league competition, investing in a higher-quality board can make every session more enjoyable while lasting significantly longer.
This guide explains the differences between the various types of dartboards, the features that genuinely matter and where your money is best spent. By the end, you'll know exactly which type of dartboard is right for your home, your budget and your style of play.
Quick Navigation
Types of Dartboards
What Makes a Good Bristle Dartboard?
Understanding Dartboard Wiring
Does Sisal Really Matter?
Budget vs Premium Dartboards
Choosing the Right Dartboard for Your Needs
Cabinets, Surrounds & Lighting
Looking After Your Dartboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Dartboards
Before comparing brands, prices or features, it's important to choose the right type of dartboard.
Fortunately, for most people the decision is fairly straightforward.
Bristle Dartboards (Steel Tip)
If you've ever watched professional darts on television, you've seen a bristle dartboard.
Despite the name, modern bristle boards aren't made from animal bristles. Instead, they're manufactured from tightly compressed natural sisal fibres. When a dart is removed, these fibres gradually close around the hole, giving the board its well-known self-healing characteristics.
Bristle dartboards have become the standard for home use, pubs, clubs and professional tournaments because they offer excellent durability and an authentic playing experience.
A quality bristle board can comfortably withstand thousands upon thousands of darts when looked after properly, making it the best choice for almost every steel-tip player.
Best suited for:
Home games
Regular practice
League and competition play
Dedicated games rooms
Long-term durability
For the vast majority of buyers, this is the type of dartboard I recommend.
Electronic (Soft Tip) Dartboards
Electronic dartboards are designed for use with soft-tip darts instead of traditional steel-tip darts.
Rather than compressed sisal, they feature a moulded plastic face with thousands of small holes that register each throw electronically. Most models keep score automatically and include a wide range of built-in games.
They're particularly popular with families, younger players and anyone looking for a more casual style of play.
While electronic boards are a lot of fun, it's worth remembering that they provide a very different experience from traditional steel-tip darts.
If your goal is eventually to play in pubs, clubs or local competitions, a bristle dartboard is usually the better investment.
Best suited for:
Families
Casual home entertainment
Younger players
Automatic scoring
Magnetic & Paper Dartboards
Magnetic dartboards and traditional rolled-paper boards are generally designed for recreational use rather than serious practice.
Magnetic boards are an excellent choice for younger children because they remove the safety concerns associated with steel-tip darts.
Rolled-paper dartboards have been around for decades and can still provide plenty of fun, but they simply don't offer the durability or playing characteristics of modern sisal boards.
They're perfectly suitable for occasional entertainment, but most players who develop an interest in darts quickly move to a proper bristle board.
What Makes a Good Bristle Dartboard?
One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is that all bristle dartboards are basically the same.
They aren't.
While they may look similar hanging on a wall, there are several important differences that affect how the board performs and how long it lasts.
The four biggest areas are:
Feature | Why It Matters |
Quality sisal | Determines durability and how evenly the board wears. |
Modern blade-style wiring | Reduces bounce-outs and deflections. |
Consistent construction | Creates a more predictable playing surface. |
Rotatable number ring | Allows wear to be spread around the board, extending its lifespan. |
Every dartboard manufacturer has their own marketing terminology, but these are the features that genuinely matter.
Everything else is secondary.
Quality Sisal
Natural sisal is the heart of every modern bristle dartboard.
The quality of the fibres, how they're selected and how they're compressed all influence how the board performs over time.
Higher-quality sisal generally wears more evenly and recovers more consistently after each dart is removed.
This doesn't mean the holes instantly disappear—that's a common misconception—but the fibres gradually close around the puncture, allowing the board to remain playable for far longer.
If you're someone who enjoys practising several times a week, this is one of the biggest reasons premium dartboards tend to outlast cheaper alternatives.
Consistent Construction
Two dartboards can look almost identical on the outside while being manufactured to very different standards.
Higher-quality boards are built with tighter quality control, more consistent compression and greater attention to detail throughout the manufacturing process.
The result is a playing surface that remains more consistent as the board ages.
That's something you'll rarely notice on the first day—but you'll almost certainly appreciate after months of regular use.
Rotating the Number Ring
One of the simplest ways to make any dartboard last longer is to rotate the number ring regularly.
Because players naturally spend far more time aiming at the 20 segment than any other number, that section receives considerably more wear.
Rotating the number ring allows you to move a fresh section into the 20 position while keeping the scoring layout exactly the same.
It's a thirty-second job that can add months, or even years, to the life of your dartboard.
🎯 Dave's Tip
One of the biggest mistakes I see isn't buying the "wrong" dartboard—it's buying the right dartboard for the wrong level of use.
If you think you'll throw a few darts every couple of months, there's absolutely nothing wrong with an entry-level bristle board.
But if you're already excited about practising, improving your game or playing every week, don't underestimate how much enjoyment you'll get from a better-quality board. It won't improve your average overnight, but it will provide a more consistent playing experience every time you step up to throw.
Understanding Dartboard Wiring
If you've looked at a few dartboards online, you've probably come across terms like:
Blade wire
Knife-edge wire
Density Control™ wire
Triangular wire
Staple-free bullseye
It can sound like marketing jargon, but there are genuine differences between older and modern wiring systems.
Years ago, most dartboards used thick, rounded steel wire attached with metal staples around the bullseye.
While these boards were perfectly playable, they had one major drawback.
When a dart struck the wire, it often bounced straight back towards the player instead of being guided into the scoring segment.
Modern premium dartboards use much thinner blade-style wiring that sits differently against the sisal.
Rather than acting like a barrier, the angled profile helps direct many incoming darts into the scoring area.
No dartboard can eliminate bounce-outs completely. Every player occasionally hits the wire at just the wrong angle.
However, modern wiring systems have dramatically reduced them compared to older designs.
If you're deciding where to spend your money, improved wiring is one of the features that's genuinely worth paying for.
Does Sisal Really Matter?
In short—yes.
Sisal is the natural fibre that forms the playing surface of a modern bristle dartboard.
Every time a dart enters the board, it separates thousands of tiny fibres. Once the dart is removed, those fibres gradually move back together.
This is why you'll often hear dartboards described as self-healing.
That term can be a little misleading.
The holes don't magically disappear after every throw.
Instead, the fibres naturally recover over time, helping the board remain playable after thousands of darts.
The quality of the sisal plays a major role in how well this process works.
Generally speaking, higher-quality boards use carefully selected fibres that recover more consistently and wear more evenly across the entire playing surface.
That's one of the reasons premium dartboards often continue performing well long after cheaper boards begin showing heavily worn scoring areas.
Budget vs Premium Dartboards
This is easily the question I'm asked most often.
"Is a premium dartboard really worth the extra money?"
My answer is usually another question.
How often are you actually going to play?
If you're buying a dartboard for the occasional family get-together or a few games with friends every now and then, an entry-level bristle board may be all you ever need.
You'll still enjoy authentic steel-tip darts, and you'll probably get many years of enjoyment from it.
However, if you're planning to practise several nights each week, join a local league or simply know that darts is going to become a regular hobby, spending more on the dartboard usually makes excellent long-term sense.
You're not paying for extra points.
You're paying for a better experience.
Premium dartboards generally offer:
Higher-quality sisal
More advanced wiring
Better durability
More consistent construction
Longer service life
Individually, these improvements may seem fairly small.
Combined, they create a dartboard that's simply nicer to play on and one that will usually provide better long-term value for regular players.
So which type of dartboard is right for you?
If you're... | Best Choice |
Buying your first proper dartboard | Quality mid-range bristle board |
Playing casual family games | Entry-level bristle board |
Practising every week | Mid to premium dartboard |
Playing league or competition | Premium dartboard |
Building your dream games room | Premium dartboard with surround, lighting and mat |
Of course, these aren't hard rules.
The best dartboard isn't always the most expensive one—it's the one that's appropriate for how you'll actually use it.
Think about how often you'll play, who's going to use it and how important long-term durability is to you. Answering those three questions usually makes the decision much easier.
Entry-Level Dartboards
Entry-level bristle dartboards are often overlooked, but they're actually an excellent option for many players.
They're ideal if you're:
New to darts
Playing occasionally
Buying for the family
Setting up a holiday house or games room
A quality entry-level board still provides the authentic steel-tip experience without the higher price tag.
If it's only going to see occasional use, there's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing one.
Mid-Range Dartboards
For many customers, this is where I believe the best value lies.
Mid-range dartboards usually combine quality sisal with modern blade-style wiring and noticeably better construction than budget alternatives.
If you're practising regularly or starting to take your darts more seriously, this is often where I'd recommend spending your money.
You gain many of the features found on premium boards without reaching the highest price bracket.
Premium Dartboards
Premium dartboards are designed for players who demand the very best playing experience.
These are the boards you'll commonly find in clubs, competitions and serious home setups.
Their advantages become increasingly obvious the more you play.
Better durability
Cleaner dart entry
Fewer bounce-outs
More consistent wear
If you're already committed to darts as a hobby, it's often a purchase you'll appreciate every time you throw.
Why I Usually Recommend Spending More on the Dartboard Than the Darts
This might sound a little surprising coming from someone who sells darts.
People often spend hundreds of dollars choosing the perfect set of darts, then try to save money on the dartboard they'll throw at every single day.
Personally, I'd rather see someone buy a quality dartboard and a mid-range set of darts than the other way around.
Your darts are easy to upgrade later.
Your dartboard is the centrepiece of your entire setup.
Every practice session.
Every league game.
Every social throw.
Everything revolves around the board.
If your budget has to stretch one way or the other, I'd usually recommend putting the extra money into the dartboard first.
🎯 Dave's Tip
One of my favourite moments in the showroom is when someone throws a few darts at two different boards back-to-back.
Most people expect the biggest difference to be how the boards look.
Instead, they're usually surprised by how different they feel.
The sound is different. The darts enter the board more cleanly. Bounce-outs are reduced.
It's something that's difficult to explain with specifications alone, which is why I always encourage customers to throw a few darts before making a decision whenever possible.
Which Dartboard Is Right for You?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they need the same dartboard used by professional players.
In reality, the best dartboard isn't always the most expensive one—it's the one that's appropriate for how you'll actually use it.
Think about how often you'll play, who's going to use it and how important long-term durability is to you. Those three questions usually make the decision much easier.
If you're... | I'd recommend... |
Buying your first proper dartboard | A quality mid-range bristle board |
Playing occasional family games | An entry-level bristle board |
Practising every week | A mid to premium dartboard |
Playing league or competition | A premium competition board |
Building your dream games room | A premium board with a surround, lighting system and dart mat |
These aren't hard rules, but they're a good starting point.
Should Beginners Buy a Premium Dartboard?
Another question I hear regularly is:
Should I buy a cheaper board until I get better?
Sometimes, yes.
Sometimes, no.
If you're simply trying darts for the first time and aren't sure whether you'll continue playing, an entry-level bristle dartboard makes perfect sense.
However, if you've already caught the darts bug and know you'll be practising regularly, buying a better-quality board from the beginning can actually be the smarter purchase.
A premium dartboard won't suddenly improve your accuracy.
It won't make your average jump overnight.
What it will do is provide a more enjoyable, more consistent playing experience every time you practise.
You'll generally experience fewer bounce-outs, more even wear and a board that remains in good condition for much longer.
The best advice I can give is this:
Buy according to how often you'll play—not according to your current skill level.
Cabinets, Surrounds & Lighting
Once you've chosen your dartboard, it's worth thinking about the accessories that complete your setup.
Interestingly, these often make a bigger difference than people expect.
Dartboard Cabinets
A cabinet is the traditional way to display a dartboard.
It gives the setup a classic furniture-style appearance while also protecting the board when it's not in use.
Many cabinets include built-in scoreboards and storage for darts and accessories.
They're particularly popular in games rooms, bars and entertainment areas where appearance is just as important as function.
If you're after a traditional look, a cabinet is an excellent choice.
Dartboard Surrounds
If your priority is protecting the wall rather than creating a furniture-style feature, I'd usually recommend a surround.
A surround fits around the outside of the dartboard and catches stray darts that miss the scoring area.
They're especially valuable if:
You're new to darts.
Friends and family will also be using the board.
The dartboard is installed inside the house.
A quality surround is one of the simplest ways to avoid accidental holes in plaster walls—and it's much cheaper than repairing them.
Dartboard Lighting
If you've never played under a proper dartboard light, you may not realise what you're missing.
Standard ceiling lights often cast shadows across parts of the board, making doubles, trebles and the bullseye harder to see.
A purpose-built dartboard light surrounds the board with even illumination, removing almost all shadows from the playing surface.
The improvement is immediate.
It's one of those accessories that people rarely think they need until they try one.
Once they do, very few want to go back.
🎯 Dave's Tip
One of the biggest surprises for first-time customers isn't a premium dartboard.
It's usually a quality dartboard light.
People often expect lighting to make the board look nicer.
Instead, they're surprised by how much easier the board is to see.
It's one of those upgrades you appreciate from your very first throw.
Looking After Your Dartboard
A quality dartboard can provide many years of excellent service if it's looked after properly.
Fortunately, maintenance is simple.
Rotate the Number Ring
The number 20 receives more darts than any other scoring segment.
Rotate the number ring regularly to spread the wear around the board.
This is the single best thing you can do to maximise the life of your dartboard.
Remove Darts Correctly
Pull darts straight out using a gentle twisting motion.
Avoid excessive force, as this can unnecessarily damage both the sisal fibres and your dart points.
Never Spray the Board with Water
This is one of the oldest myths in darts.
Modern sisal dartboards should never be sprayed, soaked or dampened with water.
The fibres are designed to recover naturally without additional moisture.
Keep It Indoors
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat or damp conditions.
A stable indoor environment will help your dartboard perform consistently for much longer.
Common Dartboard Buying Mistakes
Over the years, I've noticed the same mistakes come up again and again.
Fortunately, they're easy to avoid.
Some of the most common include:
Buying purely on price instead of expected use.
Assuming all bristle dartboards perform the same.
Forgetting to protect the wall behind the board.
Underestimating the value of proper lighting.
Never rotating the board.
Spending more on darts than on the dartboard.
Avoiding these mistakes will usually result in a setup that's more enjoyable from day one and provides much better long-term value.
My Personal Recommendations
If someone walked into my Langwarrin showroom today and asked, "Which dartboard would you buy?", my answer would depend entirely on how they planned to use it.
There's no single dartboard that's perfect for everyone.
Here are the recommendations I most commonly make.
If you're looking for... | I'd recommend... |
A great first bristle dartboard | A quality mid-range sisal board |
The best value | Winmau Blade 6 |
Premium performance | Winmau Blade X or Blade 6 Triple Core Carbon |
Heavy home or club use | ONE80 Gladiator III |
The ultimate home setup | A premium dartboard, surround, lighting system and dart mat |
The important thing isn't buying the most expensive board.
It's buying the board that's right for how you'll actually use it.
Building the Complete Dartboard Setup
Once you've chosen the right dartboard, it's worth thinking about the accessories that will improve both your playing experience and protect your investment.
A quality surround helps protect your walls from stray darts, while a dartboard light removes shadows and makes the scoring areas much easier to see.
Adding a dart mat protects your flooring while ensuring you throw from exactly the same position every time.
These accessories won't improve your technique overnight, but they do create a more enjoyable and consistent playing environment—especially if you're planning to play regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a dartboard?
That depends on how often you'll play.
If the dartboard will only be used occasionally, an entry-level bristle board is often all you need.
If you're planning to practise regularly or play in a league, spending a little more on a quality board usually represents better long-term value.
How long should a dartboard last?
There's no fixed answer, as it depends on how often it's used and how well it's maintained.
A quality dartboard that's rotated regularly can provide many years of excellent service, while heavy daily use will naturally shorten its lifespan.
Are expensive dartboards really worth it?
For regular players, I'd say yes.
They don't make you a better player overnight, but they generally provide:
Better durability
Fewer bounce-outs
More consistent construction
A more enjoyable playing experience
If you only play a handful of times each year, however, an entry-level board may be perfectly adequate.
What dartboard do professional players use?
Professional competitions use premium bristle dartboards featuring high-quality sisal and modern blade-style wiring.
These boards are designed to provide maximum consistency under heavy use.
Can I use soft-tip darts on a bristle dartboard?
No.
Soft-tip darts are designed specifically for electronic dartboards.
Steel-tip darts should always be used with a bristle dartboard.
Should I spray my dartboard with water?
No.
Modern sisal dartboards should never be sprayed or soaked.
The fibres recover naturally without additional moisture, and introducing water can actually shorten the life of the board.
How often should I rotate my dartboard?
There's no strict schedule.
A good rule of thumb is to rotate the number ring whenever you notice the 20 segment beginning to show more wear than the rest of the board.
If you practise regularly, you'll probably rotate it more often than someone who only plays occasionally.
Is a cabinet or a surround better?
Neither is universally better.
Choose a cabinet if you prefer a traditional appearance and built-in storage.
Choose a surround if protecting your walls is the priority.
Many home players actually choose a surround because it's simple, effective and easy to install.
Do dartboard lights really make a difference?
Absolutely.
A proper dartboard light removes shadows across the playing surface, making doubles, trebles and the bull much easier to see.
It's one of the upgrades that customers appreciate almost immediately.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dartboard isn't about chasing the highest price or the latest marketing claims.
It's about buying a board you'll genuinely enjoy using every time you play.
For occasional family games, a quality entry-level bristle dartboard may be all you'll ever need.
For regular practice, league play or anyone wanting a setup that will provide years of enjoyment, investing in a better-quality dartboard is usually one of the smartest purchases you can make.
If you're still unsure which dartboard is right for you, feel free to get in touch or visit my Langwarrin showroom.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting in person is being able to compare different dartboards side by side and throw a few darts before making your decision. It's something that simply can't be replicated by looking at product photos online.
Whether you're buying your very first dartboard or upgrading to something more serious, I'm always happy to help you choose the setup that's right for your needs.
