What Weight Darts Should I Buy?
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Introduction
One of the most common questions I get from customers is:
"What weight darts should I buy?"
The good news is that there isn't a single correct answer. Players successfully use darts ranging from under 20 grams to over 30 grams.
The trick is finding a weight that suits your throwing style, feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to throw consistently.
Does Dart Weight Really Matter?
Yes — but perhaps not as much as many players think.
Dart weight can influence:
How the dart feels in your hand
The amount of force required during your throw
How the dart enters the board
Your overall comfort and consistency
What dart weight won't do is magically improve your average overnight.
A good throw with the wrong weight is usually better than a poor throw with the "perfect" weight.
Lightweight Darts (18g–20g)
Lightweight darts are commonly used in soft tip darts and are occasionally preferred by steel tip players who use a faster throwing action.
Advantages
Require less effort to accelerate
Can suit faster throwing styles
Often feel agile in the hand
Considerations
Can be less forgiving of inconsistent throws
Some players find them harder to control
Best For
Fast throwers
Players who prefer a lighter feel
Some soft tip players
Mid-Weight Darts (21g–23g)
This range is often considered the sweet spot for many players.
It offers a good balance between control and feel without becoming overly heavy.
Advantages
Suitable for a wide range of throwing styles
Good balance of control and forgiveness
Large selection of models available
Best For
Most players
League players
Players unsure where to start
Standard Weight Darts (24g–26g)
This is one of the most popular weight ranges in steel tip darts.
Many players enjoy the slightly more substantial feel and the confidence that comes with a heavier dart.
Advantages
Stable flight
Comfortable feel
Popular and widely available
Considerations
May not suit players with a very fast throw
Best For
Most recreational players
Many competition players
Players upgrading from beginner darts
Heavy Darts (27g+)
Heavier darts have a loyal following and can work exceptionally well for some players.
They often suit a more relaxed throwing action and can feel very stable through the air.
Advantages
Solid, substantial feel
Can suit slower throwing styles
Often preferred by experienced players who know exactly what they like
Considerations
Not suitable for everyone
Can feel cumbersome for some players
Best For
Players who prefer a slower throw
Experienced players
Those who enjoy a heavier feel
Dave's Tip
One of the biggest mistakes I see is players assuming heavier darts are automatically better.
In reality, most players throw their best darts somewhere around the 22g–24g mark. That's why you'll often see manufacturers offering the widest range of models in those weights.
If you're buying your first serious set of darts and aren't sure where to start, I usually suggest looking at something around 23g. It's a weight that suits a huge variety of players and provides a good baseline if you decide to experiment later.
What Weight Do Professional Players Use?
Professional players use a surprisingly wide range of dart weights.
Some prefer lighter darts, while others throw considerably heavier models.
The important takeaway is that there is no "professional" weight.
Professionals use the weight that feels right for their throw.
Should Beginners Buy Heavier Darts?
Not necessarily.
Many beginners assume heavier darts will be easier to throw accurately.
Sometimes the opposite is true.
A moderate weight around 22g–24g is often the best starting point because it provides a good balance of control, feel and versatility.
Which Weight Should You Choose?
Consider 18g–20g If:
You prefer a lighter feel
You have a quick throwing action
You're accustomed to lighter darts
Consider 21g–23g If:
You're new to darts
You want a versatile setup
You're unsure where to start
Consider 24g–26g If:
You like a slightly heavier feel
You play regularly
You want a popular, proven weight range
Consider 27g+ If:
You know you prefer heavier darts
You have a slower throwing action
You're an experienced player
Final Thoughts
The best dart weight is the one that allows you to throw comfortably and consistently.
For most players, a weight somewhere between 22g and 24g is an excellent starting point. From there, experience will help you decide whether you prefer to move lighter or heavier.
If possible, try a few different weights before making a final decision. You may be surprised by what feels best in your hand.
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