Every dart player knows that their darts occasionally bounce off the board or simply won't stick. There are many different reasons for this, which we'll explain in more detail in this article. We'll also show you simple tips and tricks to prevent bounces. First of all, there are many different types of steel dart tips. Depending on which tips you choose, you'll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets. But what are the differences between these tips?
The different steel dart tips
Steel tip darts come in different lengths, shapes, and materials. These characteristics, in particular, must be carefully considered to determine which tip is best for you. With steel tip darts, the tips are firmly embedded in the barrel and are not as easy to change as with soft tip darts . However, it is possible to change steel tip darts with a tip changing machine. We'll discuss this further down in the text.
The length – long-time players rely on long tips
The length of steel dart tips primarily influences the stability of the flight. Short steel dart tips are rarely recommended. The reason is quite simple. Due to their short length, the tips react quite intensely to an incorrect throw. With long tips, this happens less quickly, as the flight behavior is less affected. For this reason, longer steel dart tips are recommended, especially for beginners, and are particularly preferable for shorter darts.
However, steel darts with long tips fall out of the board faster than darts with short tips. Generally, the angle at which the dart hits the board should match the speed of the throw. If this isn't the case, steel darts with long tips tend to land unevenly on the board, which can lead to a buildup of bounces. Furthermore, long tips usually break more quickly than short steel dart tips.
The shape – fluted tips must be of good quality
For a long time, there was a reputation that ribbed tips were significantly better than smooth tips. This opinion has since changed. However, it's ultimately a matter of taste which steel dart tips you prefer.
The biggest advantage of the grooved tips is that their shape allows them to stick extremely firmly into steel dartboards made of sisal fibers. This prevents them from falling out if the flight path is irregular. However, the disadvantages of these tips cannot be ignored.
Grooved steel dart tips have one major disadvantage – they cause long-term damage to the board. Poor-quality tips, in particular, can seriously damage your dartboard. This is because these tips pull the board's fine sisal fibers along with them when pulled out. This leaves the dart stuck a little too firmly in the dartboard. This disadvantage becomes apparent relatively quickly, as after a certain amount of time, the board can no longer hold the darts at all once the fibers have been pulled out.
Another interesting fact is the combination of length and shape of steel tip darts. Ribbed tips prevent deep penetration into the dartboard. This creates a dangerous combination, especially for players with long tips, as the tips can have a very poor grip on the board. Therefore, a smooth surface is more advantageous for players who prefer long tips.
The material – steel and corrosion protection
Steel dart tips are, as the name suggests, made of steel. However, there are certain factors you should consider. The color of the tip isn't important, as it doesn't affect the flight characteristics or the grip on the board.
Above all, protecting the various tips is important. Corrosion protection protects steel dart tips from rust. Black tips are burnished, while silvery steel dart tips are chrome-plated. Tips that aren't protected have a shorter lifespan and start to rust more quickly.
Changing steel dart tips – cheers for the changing machine
Newcomers to darts, in particular, often ask themselves how to change steel tip darts . Why are the tips for soft tip darts so easy to change, while the tips for steel tip darts are permanently attached to the barrel?
Thanks to the latest technology and changing machines, it's now possible to change the tips of steel darts . You can select various steel dart tips in our configurator . We'll, of course, change these tips onto your selected barrels right at myDartpfeil, so you can start throwing right away at home.
Caring for the tips – don’t forget to bow
Even if you've purchased the best and most expensive tips, the material will show signs of wear over time. The tips themselves will naturally wear down from the constant impact with the board.
To ensure long-lasting enjoyment of your steel dart tips, it's extremely important to sharpen them regularly. There's a special sharpening stone available for this purpose, which you can use to restore your tips to their original shape. Without sharpening, don't be surprised if your darts no longer want to stick in the board over time. We recommend sharpening your steel darts regularly, especially before tournaments or league matches. A tip from us: Sometimes just a little sandpaper is enough to properly sharpen the darts again.
Sharpening or sharpening is also very important for another reason. A steel dart that has been played for a long time and whose tip isn't cared for properly will also damage the steel dartboard in the long run. Poorly cared-for steel dart tips not only become round, but also flat. Instead of penetrating the sisal fibers, flat tips cause the fibers to be pushed inward. This flat surface significantly shortens the lifespan of your dartboard with each throw.
In general, steel darts that are regularly cared for will last a lifetime. However, this only works if the tips, in particular, are regularly sharpened and cleaned. When cleaning, it's best to simply use water with a little soap and dry the dart thoroughly afterwards to prevent rust.
The differences between steel dart tips at a glance
- Longer steel dart tips fall out of the board faster, but stabilize the trajectory of the throw
- Ribbed tips stay firmly in the steel dartboards due to their shape, but can damage the board in the long run
- Tips with corrosion protection have a longer service life and protect against rust
- The steel dart tips should be sharpened regularly for a good grip on the board
Ready to upgrade your darts game? Discover everything you need to know about the best dart equipment and how it can boost your accuracy:
- Darts for beginners : Get tips for buying darts now! We'll help you buy darts in our dart shop and give you advice – read on!
- Learn more about dart barrels and important factors such as barrel weight, length, and shape. Read our overview of steel and soft tip dart barrels.
