Buying Soft Tip Darts – How to Find the Right Set
Soft tip darts, also known as electronic darts, are designed for use with electronic dartboards and dart machines. Instead of a steel point, they feature a replaceable plastic tip that enters the board segment and activates the electronic scoring system.
With more than 1,000 soft tip dart sets directly in stock, Dartfieber offers a huge selection for beginners, recreational players, league players and professionals. Choose from different weights, barrel shapes, materials, grip levels and designs to match the setup to your grip and personal throwing style.
Which Soft Tip Dart Weight Is Right for You?
Soft tip darts are generally lighter than steel tip darts. Many models weigh between approximately 16 and 20 grams. At Dartfieber, you will find a particularly large selection of 18 and 20 gram soft tip darts, as these are two of the most popular weight categories among our customers.
18 gram soft tip darts offer a balanced combination of speed, control and a comfortably light throwing feel. 20 gram soft tip darts feel slightly heavier and more stable in the hand and are often preferred by players who favour a smooth, controlled throw or a higher dart weight.
When choosing your darts, check whether the manufacturer states the barrel weight or the total weight of the fully assembled dart. The permitted total weight may also vary depending on the electronic dartboard. Always follow the specifications provided by the manufacturer or operator.
Light Soft Tip Darts: Approximately 14 to 16 Grams
Light soft tip darts often suit players with a fast and dynamic throwing motion. They can be accelerated quickly and, with a consistent technique, follow a very direct path towards the dartboard.
Typical characteristics:
- Light and fast throwing feel
- Less weight in the hand
- Well suited to dynamic throwing motions
- Popular with players who use more wrist action
18 Gram Soft Tip Darts
Soft tip darts weighing 18 grams are among the most popular models in our range. They offer a balanced combination of speed, control and stability, making them suitable for many different throwing styles.
Typical characteristics:
- Balanced and easy-to-control flight
- Comfortably light throwing feel
- Suitable for beginners and experienced electronic dart players
- Large selection of models and barrel shapes
20 Gram Soft Tip Darts
Soft tip darts weighing 20 grams provide a slightly heavier and more stable throwing feel. They are particularly suitable for players who prefer a smooth and controlled throw or are accustomed to a higher weight when switching from steel tip darts.
Typical characteristics:
- Substantial and controlled feel in the hand
- Stable flight with a consistent throwing motion
- Suitable for players who prefer a little more weight
- Popular with players who use both soft and steel tip darts
Which Barrel Shape Suits Your Grip?
The shape of the barrel influences where you can grip the soft tip dart securely and where its balance point is located. An important factor is therefore whether you hold the dart near the front, centre or rear of the barrel.
- Straight barrel: Provides a consistent gripping area along much of the barrel and suits many different grip positions.
- Torpedo or bulbous barrel: Feels compact in the hand and often suits players who grip the dart near the centre.
- Front-weighted barrel: The balance point is positioned further forward and may suit players who grip close to the tip.
- Rear-weighted barrel: The balance point is positioned further back and may suit players who grip close to the shaft.
Which Grip Level Is Best for Soft Tip Darts?
Rings, grooves, cuts and coatings on the barrel create the grip. They help your fingers find the same position for every throw. However, a particularly aggressive grip is not automatically the best choice.
- Light grip: Supports a smooth and quick release.
- Medium grip: Offers a balanced combination of secure hold and controlled release.
- Strong grip: Provides extra traction but may cling to the fingers if you release the dart late.
The ideal grip level depends on your skin, grip pressure and throwing technique. It is important that you can hold the dart securely while still releasing it smoothly and consistently.
Tungsten or Brass Soft Tip Darts?
High-quality soft tip darts are frequently made from a tungsten alloy. The high density of tungsten allows manufacturers to produce slim barrels while retaining the required weight. A compact design is particularly beneficial for soft tip darts, as there is limited space for multiple darts in the treble and bull areas.
Many models contain between 80 and 95 percent tungsten. A higher percentage generally allows for a slimmer barrel. However, whether a dart suits your game also depends on its shape, grip and balance point.
Brass soft tip darts are generally more affordable and are suitable for beginners or occasional play. Because brass has a lower density, the barrels are wider at a comparable weight.
Which Soft Tips Do I Need?
Most soft tip darts use the widely available 2BA thread. This allows worn, bent or broken plastic tips to be replaced quickly. However, special threads and point systems are also available. Always check which tips are compatible with your barrel before purchasing.
Soft tips are typical wear parts, so it is always useful to keep suitable replacements available. Differences in length, hardness and shape can affect how securely the tip holds in the electronic dartboard and how easily it can be removed.
Which Shafts and Flights Suit Soft Tip Darts?
Soft tip darts can be used with traditional shafts and separate flights or with modern integrated flight and shaft systems. The length, shape and weight of these components influence the balance point and flight characteristics of the complete dart.
- Short shafts: Often create a more compact setup and tend to move the balance point forwards.
- Longer shafts: Can provide additional stability in flight and move the balance point further back.
- Larger flights: Generate more air resistance and may support a smoother, more stable flight.
- Smaller flights: Produce less air resistance and often suit faster, more direct throws.
- Flight and shaft systems: Combine the flight and shaft into a coordinated unit and prevent the flight from separating from the shaft during play.
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If you do not yet know your preferred setup, an 18 gram soft tip dart with a straight tungsten barrel and medium grip provides a good starting point. This combination is easy for many players to control and is available in numerous designs.
If you prefer a slightly heavier and more stable throwing feel or regularly switch between soft and steel tip darts, a 20 gram soft tip dart may be a suitable alternative.
- 18 grams: A balanced all-round choice offering a good combination of speed and control
- 20 grams: For a slightly heavier, more substantial and stable throwing feel
Also make sure that the plastic tips match the thread of the barrel. Before playing, check the weight specifications of the electronic dartboard or machine.
Ultimately, your personal feel is what matters most. Even small differences in weight, length, diameter, barrel shape, balance point or grip can noticeably change how a dart behaves. Use our filters and compare models from more than 1,000 soft tip dart sets directly in stock to find the darts that suit your game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Tip Darts
What Is the Difference Between Soft Tip and Steel Tip Darts?
Soft tip darts have plastic tips and are mainly used on electronic dartboards and dart machines. Steel tip darts have steel points and are designed for traditional sisal dartboards.
Which Soft Tip Dart Weight Is Suitable for Beginners?
For many beginners, 18 gram soft tip darts provide a good starting point. They offer a balanced combination of speed, stability and control. Players who prefer a slightly heavier feel can choose 20 gram soft tip darts instead.
Why Are 18 and 20 Gram Soft Tip Darts So Popular?
Soft tip darts weighing 18 grams offer a balanced and versatile throwing feel. Models weighing 20 grams feel slightly heavier and more stable. Together, these two weight categories suit a wide range of throwing styles and personal preferences.
Can I Replace Soft Tips Myself?
Yes. Soft tips are usually screwed into the barrel and can be replaced quickly by hand. Always use replacement tips with the correct thread.
Can I Use Any Soft Tip Dart on Every Electronic Dartboard?
Not necessarily. Electronic dartboards and machines may have different limits for the permitted total weight. Always follow the specifications provided by the manufacturer or operator.
Are Soft Tip Darts Supplied as a Complete Set?
A soft tip dart set usually consists of three barrels with plastic tips, together with matching shafts and flights. The exact contents may vary depending on the manufacturer and model and are listed in the respective product description.
