Buying Steel Tip Darts – How to Find the Right Set
The right steel tip dart should suit your grip, throwing motion and preferred flight characteristics. Weight, barrel shape, grip and balance point all influence how the dart feels in your hand and how precisely you can control it.
With more than 1,400 steel tip dart sets directly in stock, Dartfieber offers a huge selection for beginners, recreational players, league players and ambitious tournament competitors. Alongside traditional darts with press-fitted steel points, you will also find numerous models featuring modern interchangeable point systems.
Which Steel Tip Dart Weight Is Right for You?
Choosing the right weight is one of the most important decisions when buying new steel tip darts. The weight used by a professional player should not be the deciding factor. What matters is which weight suits your own throwing style and feels easy to control.
Many steel tip darts are available in weights ranging from 18 to 26 grams. The most popular options are 22, 23 and 24 grams, as they offer a good balance of control, speed and stable flight.
Light Steel Tip Darts: 18 to 21 Grams
Light steel 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:
- Fast and direct throwing feel
- Less weight in the hand
- Well suited to a dynamic throw
- Popular with players who use more wrist action
Medium-Weight Steel Tip Darts: 22 to 24 Grams
Steel tip darts weighing between 22 and 24 grams are among the most popular options. They offer a balanced combination of control, stability and throwing speed, making them suitable for many different throwing styles.
23 grams is a very popular starting point for beginners and recreational players. However, 22 or 24 grams may suit you better – even a difference of one gram can be clearly noticeable when throwing.
Typical characteristics:
- Balanced and easy-to-control flight
- Suitable for many different throwing styles
- Huge selection of models and barrel shapes
- A good starting point when choosing your first set of steel tip darts
Heavy Steel Tip Darts: 25 to 26 Grams
Heavier steel tip darts are often preferred by players with a smooth and consistent throwing motion. Their additional mass can provide a particularly stable and controlled feel.
Typical characteristics:
- Smooth and substantial throwing feel
- Stable flight with a consistent throwing motion
- Well suited to players who throw deliberately and with control
- Clearly noticeable weight in the hand
Very Heavy Steel Tip Darts: 27 Grams and Above
Steel tip darts weighing 27 grams or more are less commonly used, but they still have many fans. They offer a particularly substantial feel and can suit a slow, controlled throwing motion. Switching from a lighter dart may initially require an adjustment to your throwing technique.
Which Barrel Shape Suits Your Grip?
In addition to weight, the shape of the barrel has a major influence on how securely and naturally the dart sits in your hand. The most important factor is where you grip 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 is often preferred by players who grip the dart near the centre.
- Front-weighted barrel: The balance point is positioned further forward and may suit players who grip near the front.
- 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 Steel Tip Darts?
The grip describes the structure machined into the barrel. Rings, grooves, cuts and coatings help your fingers find a consistent gripping position. More grip is not automatically better.
- Light grip: Allows the dart to leave the fingers smoothly and quickly.
- 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 depends on your skin, grip pressure and throwing technique. Players with dry hands often prefer a more pronounced grip, while a less aggressive surface may be sufficient for players who hold the dart more firmly.
Tungsten or Brass Steel Tip Darts?
High-quality steel tip darts are generally made from a tungsten alloy. The high density of tungsten allows manufacturers to create slimmer barrels at the same weight. Slim barrels make tight groupings easier and leave more space in the treble segment for the following darts.
Many models contain between 80 and 95 percent tungsten. A higher percentage usually allows for a slimmer design, but does not by itself determine whether a dart will suit your throwing style.
Brass darts are generally more affordable and are suitable for beginners or occasional play. Because brass has a lower density, the barrels are considerably wider at a comparable weight.
Fixed Points or an Interchangeable Point System?
Traditional steel tip darts use press-fitted steel points. These are durable and can be replaced when necessary using a suitable repointing tool.
Modern interchangeable point systems allow the points to be changed quickly and easily. Depending on the system, you can use different point lengths, colours and grip styles without having to press the points in and out. Always make sure that the dart and interchangeable point system are compatible.
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If you do not yet know your preferred weight, steel tip darts weighing 22 to 24 grams with a straight barrel and medium grip provide a good starting point. This combination is easy for many players to control and is available in a wide range of designs.
- 22 Gram Steel Tip Darts: For a slightly lighter and more dynamic throwing feel
- 23 Gram Steel Tip Darts: A popular all-round choice for many throwing styles
- 24 Gram Steel Tip Darts: For a little more weight and a smoother throwing feel
- 25 to 26 Gram Steel Tip Darts: For players who prefer a heavier and controlled dart
Ultimately, your personal feel is what matters most. Even small differences in weight, length, diameter, balance point or grip can noticeably change how a dart behaves. Use our filters and compare different models to find the steel tip darts that suit your game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Tip Darts
Which Steel Tip Dart Weight Is Suitable for Beginners?
Steel tip darts weighing between 22 and 24 grams are suitable for many beginners. In particular, 23 grams provides a balanced starting point. However, the ideal weight always depends on your personal throwing style.
What Does a High Tungsten Percentage Mean?
A higher tungsten percentage allows the barrel to be made slimmer at the same weight. This leaves more space on the dartboard for tight groupings. Whether the dart suits you also depends on its shape, grip and balance point.
Is a Strong Grip Always Better?
No. An aggressive grip provides plenty of traction but can make a clean release more difficult. The grip should suit your grip pressure, skin and throwing motion.
Are Steel Tip Darts Supplied as a Complete Set?
A steel tip dart set usually consists of three barrels with steel points, 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.
