Steel-Tip vs Soft-Tip Darts: What's the Difference?
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One of the first questions new players ask is whether they need steel-tip or soft-tip darts. Here's the difference.
Steel-tip darts
- Point: sharp metal.
- Board: traditional bristle (sisal fibre) dartboards.
- Weight: usually 20 to 26 grams.
- Scoring: by hand, so you'll need to keep score yourself.
- Who uses them: the pros at the World Championship, most UK pubs and leagues.
If you want to play like you see on TV, or join a local league, steel-tip is the one.
Soft-tip darts
- Point: flexible plastic.
- Board: electronic dartboards with small holes in the surface.
- Weight: lighter, usually around 16 to 20 grams.
- Scoring: automatic. The board adds it all up for you.
- Who uses them: popular for homes with kids, bars with electronic machines, and in parts of Europe, Asia and the USA.
Which should I choose?
Choose steel-tip if: you want to play the "proper" game, join a league, or practise for the pub. Bristle boards last for years and feel the same as the boards the pros use.
Choose soft-tip if: you want the board to keep score, you're worried about walls and floors, or you're mostly playing with young children.
Can I convert my darts?
Some darts come with conversion points so you can switch between steel and soft tips. Check your barrel. Never throw steel-tip darts at an electronic board, as they'll damage it.
Kit that works with both
Whichever you choose, the back half of the dart works the same way. Shafts, flights and accessories are useful for both:
- Aluminium Dart Shafts are a sturdy upgrade from nylon, and Flight Rings stop flights falling out.
- Our 3D Printed Dart Holder fits steel-tip and soft-tip darts.
- Playing steel-tip without an electronic board? A Light Up Scoreboard sorts the scoring.
New to darts? Start with the parts of a dart explained and the best dart sets for beginners. Free UK delivery on every order.
