Ever watched a dart player hit a perfect treble 20 and thought, “I want to do that!”? Maybe you’ve picked up a set of darts at a local pub and felt the thrill of a good throw. But when it comes to buying your own professional soft tip darts, suddenly it feels like a whole new ballgame. It’s tough, right? There are so many different weights, barrel shapes, and tip materials, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure if you’re making the right choice. You don’t want to waste money on darts that don’t feel good in your hand or help you play your best.
This is where we come in! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great professional soft tip dart. We’ll break down the important features so you can confidently pick a set that fits your style and budget. Get ready to improve your aim and enjoy your dart games even more!
Our Top 5 Professional Soft Tip Darts Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Professional Soft Tip Darts Detailed Reviews
1. Viper Diamond 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts with Storage/Travel Case
Rating: 8.6/10
Step up your dart game with the Viper Diamond 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts. These darts are built for players who want precision and style. The slim barrels are made from 90% tungsten, which means they are heavy and balanced. This helps you throw straighter shots. The unique grip patterns on the barrels give you a firm hold. This makes it easier to keep your hand in the same spot every time you throw. The aluminum shafts have special holes to keep your flights secure. This means your darts will fly truer.
What We Like:
- The 90% tungsten barrels offer great balance and a slim feel.
- The knurled bands and grooves provide excellent grip for consistent throws.
- Diamond-cut aluminum shafts with locking holes keep flights stable.
- They come with extra shafts, flights, and points for versatility.
- The Deluxe Dart Pal case keeps everything organized and protected.
- The 16-gram weight is ideal for many players.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16-gram weight might be too light for some experienced players.
- The silver rings, while stylish, might wear down with very heavy use.
These darts are a fantastic choice for both new and intermediate players. They offer a great combination of quality, performance, and value.
2. TARGET Darts Scope Soft Tip Darts
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to level up your soft tip game with the TARGET Darts Scope Soft Tip Dart Set! Inspired by the sharp details of high-end cameras, these darts are all about precision and style. They feature a unique barrel design with special grooves and a cool black coating that looks great and feels good in your hand. Plus, the red accents give them a pop of color that really stands out.
What We Like:
- High-Quality Barrel: The 90% tungsten barrel is built to last. Its special shape and grooves give you a great grip.
- Reduced Bounce Outs: The pixel soft tips are designed to stick in the board, meaning fewer annoying bounce outs.
- Stable Flights: The Pro Ultra Scope flights have a special coating for better grip on the shafts, keeping your darts steady.
- Durable Shafts: Pro Grip Tag shafts are strong and have a good grip to keep your flights secure.
- Stylish Design: The red and black color scheme with unique barrel textures makes these darts look as good as they perform.
What Could Be Improved:
- Barrel Weight Options: While the 11-19G range is good, more weight options might suit a wider variety of players.
- Shaft Length: The included short shafts might not be ideal for everyone; longer shaft options could be offered.
Overall, the TARGET Darts Scope Soft Tip Dart Set offers a fantastic combination of performance, durability, and style for any soft tip dart player. These darts are a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their accuracy and enjoy their game more.
3. WIN.MAX Darts Plastic Tip – Soft Tip Darts Set – 12 Pcs 18 Gram with 100 Extra Dart Tips 12 Flights Flight Protectors and Wrench for Electronic Dart Board
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to step up your dart game? The WIN.MAX Darts Plastic Tip set is here to help! This awesome package comes with everything you need for hours of dart-throwing fun, especially if you’re new to the game. Whether it’s a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself, these darts are designed for a better throw and more wins.
What We Like:
- Great Grip: The barrels have special textures that help you hold them steady and release them smoothly. This means more control and a straighter flight path.
- Durable Flights: The flights are extra thick, so they’ll last a long time. The aluminum shafts are strong and won’t bend, and they stay tight during play.
- Sticks to the Board: The plastic tips are made for electronic dartboards. Their special surface helps them stick better and reduces annoying bounce-outs.
- Complete Package: You get 12 darts, 24 flights, 100 extra tips, and tools to keep everything in top shape. It’s a fantastic deal!
- Long Warranty: WIN.MAX offers a 10-year warranty, showing they stand behind their product.
- Perfect for Beginners: The description mentions they are perfect for those just starting in darts, making them a great gift.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight: While 18 grams is a standard weight, some players might prefer a heavier or lighter dart. This set only offers one weight.
- Tip Durability: While the tips are described as durable, plastic tips can still wear out over time, especially with heavy use. The included 100 extra tips help, but it’s something to be aware of.
This WIN.MAX dart set provides a lot of value for its price, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy electronic darts. With all the included accessories and a great warranty, you can start playing right away and keep playing for years to come.
4. Viper by GLD Products unisex adult Partial Shark Fin (20 Grams) Viper V Factor 90 10 Tungsten Soft Tip Darts Ridgeback Smooth 20 Grams
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to elevate your dart game with the Viper by GLD Products Partial Shark Fin soft tip darts. These darts are designed for serious players who want precision and style. The sleek silver design and the unique Ridgeback Smooth grip make them stand out on the dartboard. Each dart weighs a balanced 20 grams, perfect for control and accuracy.
What We Like:
- The 90% tungsten and 10% nickel barrels offer excellent balance and a slim feel.
- Strategically placed knurled bands and grooves give you a super secure grip, helping you throw consistently.
- Lightweight aluminum shafts with locking holes keep your darts stable and prevent them from loosening during play.
- You get extra parts like nylon shafts, flights, flight protectors, and 2BA dart points, so you’re always ready to play.
- The Deluxe Dart Pal case keeps everything safe and organized with its hard shell and soft lining.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the grip is excellent, some players might prefer a slightly different texture depending on their throwing style.
- The “Partial Shark Fin” name might be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with dart terminology.
These Viper darts are a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for a reliable and stylish set. You’ll appreciate the quality and the included accessories that help you play your best.
5. RED DRAGON Javelin Original 18g Softip Tungsten Darts Set with Flights and Stems
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to step up your dart game? The RED DRAGON Javelin Original 18g Softip Tungsten Darts Set is a fantastic choice for players of all levels. These darts feel great in your hand. They are made with premium tungsten, which means they are high quality. This set comes with everything you need to start playing right away.
What We Like:
- Premium Tungsten Quality: The 18g barrel weight is made from top-notch tungsten. This gives the darts a good feel and makes them fly true.
- Complete Set: You get three darts, Red Dragon TRX Dart Shafts, and HARDCORE Standard shape flights. This means you don’t need to buy anything else to play.
- Great Flight Control: The special flights help the darts fly smoothly through the air. They reduce drag, making it easier to hit your target.
- Durable Design: These darts are built to last. The flights are strong and can handle many games.
- Excellent Value: You get a lot of quality for the price. These darts offer great performance without breaking the bank.
- Comfortable Grip: The Javelin’s design gives you a secure grip. This helps you throw with confidence every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight Preference: While 18g is a common weight, some players prefer heavier or lighter darts. This set might not be ideal if you have a very specific weight in mind.
- Shaft Length: The TRX shafts are a good all-around choice, but some players might want to experiment with different shaft lengths for their throwing style.
Overall, the RED DRAGON Javelin darts are a superb choice for anyone looking for quality and performance. They offer a great throwing experience right out of the box.
Choosing Your Perfect Soft Tip Darts: A Pro’s Guide
So, you want to step up your dart game? Soft tip darts are a fantastic way to enjoy the thrill of the oche, whether you’re playing at home or at your local pub. Unlike steel tip darts, soft tips are designed for electronic dartboards, making them safer and more accessible for many players. This guide will help you find the right set of soft tip darts to match your style and budget.
1. Key Features to Look For
When picking out your next set of soft tip darts, keep these important features in mind:
- Weight: Darts come in various weights, usually from 14 grams to 24 grams. Lighter darts are easier to throw fast, but they can be less stable. Heavier darts offer more control and can fly straighter, but they require more arm strength. Most beginners start with darts between 18 and 20 grams.
- Grip: The grip is how the dart feels in your hand. Some darts have smooth barrels, while others have knurled (ridged) or patterned surfaces. A good grip prevents the dart from slipping. Think about how you hold your darts and what feels comfortable to you.
- Barrel Shape: Barrels come in different shapes, like straight, bomb (wider in the middle), or torpedo (tapered). The shape can affect how the darts balance and fly. Experimenting with different shapes will help you find what works best for your throwing style.
- Tip Material: The tips are usually made of plastic. They need to be strong enough to stick in the electronic board but flexible enough not to break easily. You’ll want to find tips that are durable and can be replaced when they wear out.
- Flight Shape and Size: Flights are the “wings” at the back of the dart. They help stabilize the dart in the air. Standard flights are good for most players. Smaller flights make darts fly faster, while larger flights make them fly slower and more stable.
2. Important Materials
The main part of the dart, the barrel, is usually made from:
- Brass: Brass darts are often less expensive. They are good for beginners but can bend if they hit the floor or another dart.
- Nickel Silver: These are a step up from brass. They are more durable and offer a better feel.
- Tungsten: This is the premium material for dart barrels. Tungsten darts are denser, meaning you can have a heavier dart in a slimmer barrel. This allows for tighter groupings on the board. Darts with a higher tungsten percentage (like 80% or 90%) are generally of higher quality and more expensive.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Tungsten Percentage: As mentioned, a higher tungsten percentage means better quality. It allows for slimmer barrels, which are great for packing more darts onto the board.
- Machining and Finish: Well-made darts have precise machining for consistent grip and balance. A smooth, even finish on the barrel also adds to the quality.
- Durability: Cheaper darts might bend or break easily. High-quality darts are built to last, even with regular play.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands have a long history of making excellent darts and are known for their quality control.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
- Beginners: If you’re new to darts, start with a moderately weighted dart (18-20g) with a comfortable grip. Brass or nickel silver darts are a good starting point as they are more affordable. The goal is to find a dart that feels balanced and allows you to develop a consistent throw.
- Intermediate Players: As you get better, you might want to try tungsten darts. You can experiment with different barrel shapes and grip patterns to find what helps you group your darts tightly. This is where precision and consistency become more important.
- Advanced Players: Experienced players often choose darts with a high tungsten percentage for their slim profile, allowing for tighter groupings. They will have specific preferences for barrel shape, grip, and weight that suit their unique throwing style.
- Home Play: For casual play at home, any comfortable set will do. The focus is on fun and friendly competition.
- League or Tournament Play: If you plan to play in leagues or tournaments, investing in higher-quality tungsten darts can give you an edge. Consistency and precision are key, and good equipment can help you achieve that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best weight for beginner soft tip darts?
A: For beginners, darts between 18 and 20 grams are usually a good choice. They offer a balance of control and ease of throwing.
Q: How do I know what grip I need?
A: Try different grips! Some people like smooth barrels, others prefer rougher textures for more control. It’s all about what feels best in your hand.
Q: Are tungsten darts worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you plan to play often or want to improve your game. Tungsten darts are slimmer and more durable, allowing for tighter groupings.
Q: How often should I replace the soft tips?
A: You should replace soft tips when they become dull, bent, or broken. This can happen after a few games or many games, depending on how you throw.
Q: What’s the difference between brass and tungsten darts?
A: Brass darts are cheaper and softer. Tungsten darts are denser, allowing for slimmer barrels and better durability. They are generally more expensive.
Q: Does the flight shape really matter?
A: Yes, flight shape and size affect how the dart flies. Standard flights are good for most players, but you can experiment with different sizes for more stability or speed.
Q: Can I use steel tip darts on an electronic board?
A: No, you should not use steel tip darts on an electronic dartboard. They will damage the board and the darts.
Q: What does “barrel length” mean?
A: Barrel length refers to the main part of the dart that you grip. Different lengths can affect the balance and feel of the dart.
Q: How do I clean my darts?
A: You can clean the barrels with a soft cloth and a mild soap. Avoid getting the shafts and flights too wet.
Q: Where is the best place to buy soft tip darts?
A: You can find soft tip darts at sporting goods stores, online retailers, and specialty dart shops. Online reviews can be very helpful when choosing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.