What Weight Darts Should I Use? A Simple Guide
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Walk into any darts shop and the first question you'll hear is "what weight do you throw?" If you don't know the answer, you're not alone. Most players pick their first set at random and stick with it for years. This guide will help you find a weight that actually suits you.
The short answer
If you're just starting out, 22g to 24g is the safest place to begin. It's the range most league players use, and it suits most throwing styles. From there you can go lighter or heavier once you know how you like to throw.
Light vs heavy darts
Lighter darts (18g to 21g) are quick out of the hand. They need a bit more push and a more arched flight to reach the board. They suit players with a fast, smooth throw.
Middle weight darts (22g to 24g) are the most popular for a reason. They feel quick without being twitchy, and they hold a steady line into the board.
Heavier darts (25g and up) fly flatter and feel more stable. They suit players who lob the dart or throw with a slower, more deliberate action. The extra weight can also help if your darts drift or wobble in flight.
Your throw matters more than the number
There's no "best" weight, only the best weight for you. A few things to think about:
- Throwing speed. A fast throw usually pairs well with a lighter dart. A slower throw tends to suit something heavier.
- Grip. Players who hold the dart further forward often prefer a front-loaded or heavier dart.
- Consistency. If your darts are spraying left and right, a slightly heavier set can steady things down.
- Comfort. If your arm gets tired over a long session, try going a gram or two lighter.
Does tungsten affect weight?
Tungsten doesn't change the weight itself, but it changes how big the barrel is. Higher tungsten (90% or 95%) is denser, so a 23g dart will be much slimmer than an 80% one of the same weight. Slim barrels let you land darts closer together on the treble. Lower tungsten darts are thicker, cheaper and some players prefer the extra grip. Have a look at our 90% tungsten darts or 95% tungsten darts if tight groupings are the goal.
What do the pros throw?
Pros throw everything from around 18g up to 26g and beyond, so don't copy someone just because they win. Copying a pro's weight only helps if you throw like them. Use it as a starting point, then trust what feels right in your hand.
How to find your weight
- Start in the middle. Try a 22g or 23g set first.
- Throw a few hundred darts. Give it a week before you judge. Everything feels odd at first.
- Watch where they land. Darts dropping low can mean too heavy. Darts going high or wobbling can mean too light.
- Change one gram at a time. Small changes make a bigger difference than you'd think.
- Try before you buy. The quickest way is to throw a few different weights side by side.
Try them at our shop in Great Yarmouth
You don't have to guess. Pop into our Great Yarmouth shop and throw as many sets as you like on our boards. If you want proper help, book a Dartworks fitting in the same building. They film your throw in slow motion, test you with hundreds of darts and give you a setup that suits how you actually play.
Can't make it in? Order online with free UK delivery on orders over £50.