When buying darts, there are a few main areas to watch out for in order to find the best dart.
Type of Dart
When buying darts, I recommend purchasing nickel/silver darts (note: these silver is not actually used in the “silver” dart). This type of dart can range from $10-$40, which puts them in the middle price threshold, but doesn’t sacrifice on quality. The nickel/silver is heavier and more durable than brass darts, so the darts will last longer than its brass counterpart. If you want to go pro, you can opt for the more expensive Tungsten dart. Usually made with about 80% Tungsten, these darts are versatile but usually not worth the expense for the “average” or “casual” dart enthusiast.
Grip
There’s no “good” or “bad” grip. It all depends on user preference. Be sure to try out a few grips, and select the one that feels most comfortable to you.
Shafts
When shopping for shafts, a balanced approach wins again. The composite shaft uses a combination of plastic and metal alloy to create a balanced look and feel. This type of shaft is usually moderately priced, which makes it an affordable purchase for most users.
Flights
Flights are especially important, as they keep the dart and shaft soaring through the air. Poor flights can ruin the best darts. Nylon flights are an optimal choice for several reasons. Nylon is durable and is resistant to tearing. The general stiffness of nylon flights puts them in a medium hardness range, which is a good fit for most throwers. Nylon also comes in several colors and styles which makes them very customizable.
Fun
The most important part of the art of darts is to have fun. Choosing a dart shouldn’t be a burden. Don’t spend a lot of money if you play ever so often. Your darts don’t have to be the best of the best. Remember, there is some skill and practice involved too!