Choosing your first set of darts can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of options across different weights, materials and shapes, where do you even start? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to pick the right set for your game.
Dart Weight: The Most Important Decision
Dart weight is the single biggest factor in how a dart feels and flies. Darts typically range from 12g to 50g, though most players throw between 20g and 26g. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) permits a maximum weight of 50g, though no professional currently throws above 35g.
For beginners, 22g to 24g is the sweet spot. Here's why:
- Under 20g — Lighter darts require a more precise, consistent throw. Small errors are amplified. Not ideal while you're still developing technique. Browse our light darts collection if you prefer this weight range.
- 20g–24g — The most popular range on the professional circuit. Luke Humphries throws 23g, Rob Cross throws 21.5g, and Michael van Gerwen throws 25g. Forgiving enough for beginners, precise enough for experts. See our 22g, 23g, and 24g darts.
- 25g+ — Heavier darts are easier to throw consistently but can cause more bounce-outs on bristle boards. Good for players who prefer a solid feel. See our heavy darts collection.
Our recommendation: Start with a 22g or 23g set. This gives you room to move up or down once you know your preference.
Materials: Brass, Nickel-Silver, or Tungsten?
The barrel material determines the dart's density, durability and price. According to the World Darts Federation, darts can be made from any material so long as they meet weight and length regulations.
Brass (£5–£15)
The most affordable option. Brass is a low-density metal, which means brass darts have thicker barrels at the same weight compared to tungsten. This makes tight grouping harder since the barrels take up more space on the board. Fine for casual pub play, but you'll outgrow them quickly.
Nickel-Silver (£10–£25)
A step up from brass. Slightly denser, slightly slimmer barrels. A reasonable middle ground if you're on a tight budget but want something better than brass.
Tungsten (£20–£100+)
The standard for serious players at every level. Tungsten is 1.7 times denser than brass, which means slimmer barrels at the same weight. Slimmer barrels allow tighter grouping — that's why every PDC professional uses tungsten darts.
Tungsten darts are graded by percentage — typically 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% tungsten. Higher percentages mean denser, slimmer barrels:
- 80% tungsten — Great entry-level option. Noticeably slimmer than brass. Most beginner tungsten sets sit here.
- 90% tungsten — The professional standard. The best balance of slim profile and durability.
- 95% tungsten — Maximum density, the slimmest possible barrels. More expensive and slightly less durable due to brittleness. Also see 97.5% tungsten.
Our recommendation: An 80% or 90% tungsten set. The difference from brass is immediately noticeable, and a decent tungsten set will last years.
Barrel Shape and Grip
Barrel shape affects where the dart's weight sits and how it feels in your hand:
- Straight barrel — Even weight distribution. The most versatile shape, preferred by many professionals including Gary Anderson.
- Torpedo/bomb barrel — Weight concentrated towards the front. Provides a more natural forward arc. Good for beginners who tend to lob rather than throw. Also see our bomb darts.
- Scalloped barrel — Has grooves or cuts that create natural finger positions. Helps with grip consistency.
Grip patterns include medium grip (ring or knurl patterns), aggressive grip (shark cuts and deep texturing), and smooth grip (minimal texture). Beginners typically prefer a medium-aggressive grip — enough texture to hold confidently without being so aggressive that it catches on release.
Shafts and Flights
Most beginner sets come with nylon shafts and standard flights. This is perfectly fine to start with. As you develop your throw, you can experiment:
- Shorter shafts — Produce a flatter trajectory. Suit players who throw hard and fast.
- Medium shafts — The standard all-round option. Good starting point.
- Standard flights — Maximum surface area and stability. Best for beginners.
- Slim flights — Less drag, faster dart speed. Better for experienced players with consistent technique.
Don't overthink shafts and flights at the beginning — your barrel choice matters far more. We cover flights in depth in our complete flights guide.
What the Pros Throw
For reference, here's what some of the world's best throw:
- Luke Littler — 23.5g, 90% tungsten (Target)
- Luke Humphries — 23g, 90% tungsten (Red Dragon)
- Michael van Gerwen — 25g, 90% tungsten (Winmau)
- Rob Cross — 21.5g, 90% tungsten (Target)
- Gerwyn Price — 22g, 90% tungsten (Red Dragon)
Notice the pattern: all throw 90% tungsten, all between 21g and 25g. You don't need to copy a pro's exact setup, but it shows you the range that works at the highest level. Browse all player darts to see the full range.
Budget Guide
Not sure how much to spend? Here's how our darts break down by price:
- Under £80 — Great beginner tungsten sets from all major brands
- £80–£150 — Mid-range sets with premium grip patterns and higher tungsten percentages
- £150+ — Pro-spec signature darts and limited editions
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If we had to recommend one setup for a complete beginner, it would be:
- Weight: 22g or 23g
- Material: 80% or 90% tungsten
- Barrel: Straight or torpedo with medium grip
- Shafts: Medium nylon
- Flights: Standard shape
You'll also want a dart case to protect your investment. Browse our full darts collection to find your first set, or explore by brand: Target, Winmau, Red Dragon, Harrows, Mission, or Shot.
Once you've got your darts, check out our guide on how to set up a dart board at home and 7 tips to improve your accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight darts should a beginner use?
Are tungsten darts worth it for beginners?
Yes. Tungsten darts have slimmer barrels than brass or nickel-silver at the same weight, which allows tighter grouping on the board. An 80% tungsten set costs from around £20 and will last for years. The difference from brass is immediately noticeable.
What's the difference between 80% and 90% tungsten?
The percentage refers to the tungsten content in the alloy. Higher percentages produce denser, slimmer barrels. 90% tungsten darts are noticeably slimmer than 80%, but cost more. For beginners, 80% tungsten offers excellent performance at a lower price point.
Do I need to buy flights and shafts separately?
Sources: PDC Tournament Rules, Section 5.4 — darts must not exceed 50g in total weight or 300mm in total length; World Darts Federation Playing Rules
