To buy darts as a gift, you need to know four things: the weight they throw, whether they play steel-tip or soft-tip, roughly what grip and shape they like, and which point system their darts use. If you can find out the weight quietly, you can buy with confidence. If you can't, buy something that doesn't depend on it, or let them choose with a gift card.
This guide shows you how to find each of those out without giving the game away, what to buy for different kinds of player, and which darts gifts are safe even when you know nothing about their setup.
Last updated 5 November 2026.
Step 1: Find out what they throw now (without asking)
The easiest way to buy the right darts is to copy what they already use. Most of the details are hiding in plain sight:
- Look at the barrel. Many barrels have the weight and tungsten percentage laser-etched on them, such as "22g" or "90%".
- Check the box or case. The original packaging and case insert usually show the brand, model and weight. A quick photo is all you need.
- Ask a teammate. League players often know exactly what their teammates throw.
- Weigh one dart. A kitchen scale accurate to 1g will get you close. Bear in mind a fully assembled dart, with shaft and flight, will usually read a little heavier than the weight printed on the box.
- Check which tip they use. A sharp metal point means steel-tip darts for a bristle board. A plastic point means soft-tip darts for an electronic board.
Step 2: Understand the specs that matter
| Spec | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | The barrel weight in grams. A couple of grams changes the feel noticeably. | Match their current darts. For new players, Shot’s buying advice suggests around 22 to 24g as a starting point. |
| Tungsten % | Higher tungsten lets a barrel be slimmer for the same weight, which can help darts group closer together. | 80% to 90% suits most players. See our 90% vs 95% guide. |
| Barrel shape and grip | Straight, torpedo, bomb and tapered shapes, with grip from smooth to aggressive. | Hardest to guess. Look at the barrel shape they use now. Our barrel shapes guide explains the differences. |
| Point system | Standard points, Swiss Point (many Target darts), Switch Point (Red Dragon SP) or threaded (Shot TP). | Only matters if you are buying spare points. Check the product title: (SP) means Swiss Point on Target darts or Switch Point on Red Dragon darts, (QP) means Harrows Quick Point and (TP) means Shot threaded points. |
Step 3: Match the darts to the player
For a complete beginner
Start affordable. Brass and 80% tungsten darts are forgiving and inexpensive, and a starter bundle adds the board and surround they will also need. Browse darts gifts for beginners or read our best darts for beginners guide.
For a regular or league player
Buy the same weight they throw now, in 90% tungsten from a brand or player they like. If they are fans of a particular player, signature darts are the obvious choice, and our darts gift sets pair them with a matching case and spares.
For a serious player
Serious players are very particular about their setup, so new barrels are a gamble. Upgrades like premium points, L-Style shafts and luxury cases are safer. See gifts for serious darts players.
For children and teenagers
Lighter, slimmer darts are easier for younger players to control. Steel-tip darts are sharp, so younger children should always be supervised. See darts gifts for kids and darts gifts for teenagers.
Can't find out? Gifts that don't depend on dart weight
- A case: fits any darts. See darts case gifts and our best darts cases guide.
- K-Flex or flights from their favourite player: for example the Luke Littler Born To Win K-Flex No.2. Pick the length closest to the shafts they use now, and read what K-Flex is first.
- Dartboard lighting or a new board: see dartboard gifts.
- A gift card: the ArrowHeadz gift card lets them pick their own darts online.
- A shop visit: anyone near Livingston or Norwich can book a free try-before-you-buy session and test darts before choosing.
If the darts aren't right
Unused items can be returned for a refund by starting a return from your ArrowHeadz account. Darts that have been thrown count as used, so they can't be returned, even after a single session. That is the main reason to find out the weight before you buy, or to hand over the box unopened so the recipient can check it first.
For more ideas by person and budget, see our Christmas darts gift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight darts should I buy as a gift?
The same weight they throw now. If they are new to darts, a mid-weight set is a common starting point, with Shot's buying advice suggesting around 22 to 24g for newcomers.
How do I find out what darts someone uses?
Check the barrel, which is often etched with the weight, or the original box and case insert. You can also ask a teammate or weigh one dart on a kitchen scale.
Are 90% tungsten darts a good gift?
Yes. Most of the darts we stock are 90% tungsten, which gives a slim barrel at a sensible price and suits regular players.
What is the difference between steel-tip and soft-tip darts?
Steel-tip darts have sharp metal points for bristle dartboards. Soft-tip darts have plastic points for electronic boards. Check which board the person plays on before you buy.
Can I return darts that were the wrong weight?
Unused darts can be returned for a refund through your ArrowHeadz account. Darts that have been thrown count as used and can't be returned.
What should I buy if I don't know their darts?
A case, K-Flex or flights from their favourite player, dartboard lighting, a new board or a gift card. None of these depend on dart weight.
