When you choose an electronic dartboard for your home game room, it is important to know what you are getting, especially if you haven’t owned one before.
In this article, we strive to explain to you the pros and cons of owning either a traditional dartboard or an electronic version. We also tell you about a few very good dartboards to help guide you when you decide which type of board to purchase.
But if you are in a hurry to play a game of darts we give you our top three dartboards below:
Top Bristel Pick  | Top Electronic Pick  | Top Freestanding Pick  |
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- Triple core for better dart retention
- Anti-glare laser cut number ring
- Ultra thin wires for fewer bounce outs
- No cabinet
- Scoreboard includes 28 games
- Built in cabinet and storage
- Includes darts and spare tips
- Dart upgrade may be needed
- 132 game variations
- Regulation size dartboard
- Reduced bounce outs
- Assembly required
Before choosing electronic dart boards over a traditional dartboard, you should know some differences between them and bristle dart boards. let’s start with the features of electronic dartboards, and then we will move on to the traditional bristle dartboards.
Why choose an Electronic Dartboard
When you’re considering purchasing an electric dartboard, you should know several essential things. Below we break these out to help you understand the most important things when choosing between different types of dart boards.
- Scoreboard includes 28 games
- Built in cabinet and storage
- Includes darts and spare tips
- Dart upgrade may be needed
Soft Tip Darts
Electronic dartboards use soft-tip darts instead of steel-tipped darts. The type of darts is important because you can only use steel for traditional boards and a soft dart tip for electronic ones. Let’s learn more about soft tip darts.
Soft tip darts are made of plastic with bendable tips that slide easily into the tiny holes on the dartboard.
These darts have many benefits over steel tip darts, including safety. They will not stick to walls or floors and are less likely to damage furniture and fixtures.
There are many different kinds of soft tip darts. You should choose the type that matches your playing style. The type you choose will depend on the sort of board you have. Some boards have a more prominent scoring area than others. Some boards have lights, while others do not.
Soft Tip Darts Are Safer For Kids
They are also suitable for teaching kids how to play. Unlike steel tip darts, soft tip darts have rubber tips, which are less likely to hurt people.
Different Dart Flight Paths
Different dart flights will affect the trajectory of the dart. Darts with a broader flight have more drag, while those with a shorter flight will land with less arch.
You’ll want to use a thicker flight with a larger surface area if you have a heavier dart. This will make your darts track horizontally and land slightly upward.
Soft Tip Darts Weight
Soft tip darts are usually lighter than steel tip darts. However, you can add a tungsten weight to make them heavier. Soft tip darts are also cheaper than steel tip darts.
Dartboard Durability
One of the critical things to consider when buying an electric dartboard is the unit’s durability. If something goes wrong, customers want to be able to call a customer service representative to get a replacement. Customer service representatives should be friendly and knowledgeable, respond to questions quickly, and work to fix defective units.
An electric dartboard is a significant investment, so you should consider its durability before purchasing it. You should also consider the price before making a decision. Some models may cost more than others, so you should compare different prices. Ideally, you want to purchase a product that will last for many years to come.
Another critical factor to consider is the frequency of use. A high frequency of use may lead to damage to the board. For example, if you play with more than two people, the board’s surface will become damaged. Also, sunlight and moisture can damage the board’s fibers.
Besides durability, another essential consideration is the size of the dartboard. A smaller model may not be necessary for your home, but consider the size if you plan to use it often. It’s also important to think whether the dartboard you’re considering is suitable for kids. If you plan to purchase an electric dartboard for the family, you should consider how many people you’ll be playing with.
Electronic Scorekeeping
- Large, Backlit LCD Monitor
- For Up To 8 Players
- 40 Games To Play
- Auto-off Mode And A Sleep Mode
The electronic dartboard allows users to keep score on the games with a few simple steps. The device features an input switch array that will enable users to select up to sixty-two target areas. This array also includes “start/reset” and “game select” switches, which enable users to customize the games. Another control, “previous,” allows users to review previous scores.
The electronic scoring apparatus also features a user interface, allowing users to select target levels and input score information without a mental calculation. In addition to offering a user-friendly interface, electronic scoring apparatuses also can increase or decrease scoring difficulty based on skill level and game situation.
A scoreboard with an electronic score display can be placed in a dartboard cabinet or can be mounted on a wall. Some are portable so that users can carry them to different locations for games. They use batteries and are easy to set up and disassemble. However, some models require an external power source.
Electronic scoreboards can even be set up with handicapping and ranking functions. They let you assign handicap levels before the game starts and automatically start with pre-marked numbers for players who are higher handicapped. Additionally, they allow you to set rankings based on each participant’s win/loss record.
Why Choose A Traditional Bristle Dart Board
A traditional bristle dart board is a solid, rustic-looking option that will provide you and your family with hours of fun. This board is also suitable for outdoor use, as it can be fixed to a tree, shed, or wall. This board is perfect for group games, family bonding, or solo practice.
- Triple core for better dart retention
- Anti-glare laser cut number ring
- Ultra thin wires for fewer bounce outs
- No cabinet
Sisal fibers
When looking for a traditional bristle dart board, look for one that is made from sisal fiber. This fiber is derived from the Agave Sisalana plant. It is versatile and has a coarse texture, making it ideal for dartboards. Moreover, it has no unpleasant odor. The fiber is extracted by a process called decortication. After that, it is cut into thin wafers.
A traditional bristle dartboard is typically made from sisal fibers and boar bristles. This construction ensures a long-lasting dartboard. Sisal fibers are self-healing, which allows the board to recover quickly after a dart is thrown. Moreover, the fibers close up quickly after the dart is removed.
Once the sisal fibers have been cut into biscuits, they are then secured together with steel bands. The density level of the finished product determines the level of dart penetration and the chance of bounce-outs. Then, they are sanded down to remove any rough edges.
Steel Tipped Darts
There are many different types of dartboards, including traditional bristle boards with steel tipped darts. Those who have been playing for a long time will probably know the proper way to handle the steel tipped darts. Young children, on the other hand, may prefer electronic dart boards. These boards have lights, which makes them more entertaining and appealing. However, it is important to choose the right type of dartboard for your situation.
Steel tip and soft tip darts are made of different materials. Steel tip darts are typically heavier and are sharper. However, soft tip darts are lighter than steel tips. Choosing between these two types can affect your accuracy and scoring.
Steel tip darts are the most common type of darts, but it is important to note that soft tip darts are also available. Although these darts are lighter and more flexible, they are still considered the most accurate option. If you are new to the sport, you can learn how to score by reading a scoreboard and a score sheet. This is a fun way to improve your math skills and develop your sense of accuracy.
Durability
Durability of a traditional bristle dart board is an important factor when choosing a dartboard. Cheaper boards don’t pack the bristles tightly, which means that they will wear out sooner. To get the maximum durability from your dartboard, you should invest in a board with sisal fiber. It will last longer, and it will allow you to rotate your favorite areas without having to replace the board.
The hardness of a traditional bristle dart board depends on the amount of sisal fibers and paper coils used. The overall depth of the fibers is important because it can affect the incidence of bounce-outs, which can decrease your score. The amount of sanding that you perform on your traditional bristle dart board can also impact its durability.
Another type of traditional dart board is made from wound paper. This is a good option because it’s cheap and durable in theory. However, it can be quite fragile if a dart is thrown and makes contact with it. Even a small burr on the paper can cause permanent damage to your dart board.
Bristle Provides Realistic Feel
A traditional bristle dart board is the best choice for players who want a realistic feel. The lower-end bristle boards usually have round wires with staples to hold them in place. Unfortunately, hitting these wires can cause your dart to bounce out. On the other hand, more expensive boards feature triangular wires that help guide the dart into the scoring bed.
A bristle dart board is made of millions of fibers derived from the sisal plant. Unlike plastic boards, bristle dart boards are resistant to wear and tear. In addition, the sisal fibers are naturally self-healing, which means they close quickly when a dart lands next to them.
A tournament-ready bristle dart board is eighteen inches in diameter, with 20 pie-shaped numbers and a double bullseye. This type of board should also have the same segments as an electronic dart board.
Electronic Boards
Viper Ion
- Illuminated Segments
- Light Based Games
- Green and Blue Segment Colors
- Ultra Thin Spider Wire to Increase Scoring Area
Whether you’re a professional dart player or just looking to play for fun, the Viper Ion electronic dartboard is a fantastic option. The board has a bright, colorful finish and is tournament-size, accommodating up to eight players at once. In addition, its thermal-resin segments and ultra-thin spider provide a durable surface and a generous catch area for missed darts.
This electronic dart board has various features and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is also light, with a ready-to-hang design. It also has an LCD display to see your scores. The board has 43 games with 315 variations. It uses three AA batteries or the included power adapter. It supports up to 8 players and comes with six starter darts.
Whether you want to challenge your friends or play for fun, the Viper ION illuminated electronic dart board is a great choice. Its extra bright LED lights provide a fun, new experience. The board has more than 30 games, including exclusive light-based games, which add to the fun. The electronic dart board supports up to eight players, making it an excellent choice for families, offices, and pubs.
Another significant difference between a traditional dart board and an electronic one is its convenience. Unlike conventional dart boards, the electronic versions of dart boards are easy to use and don’t take up a lot of space. Aside from the LED display, the Darts Wizard also comes with six soft-tipped darts and an AC-power adaptor.
Another significant difference between electronic and traditional dart boards is that electronic dart boards have a more prominent target face. They are also more durable, stable, and portable than their traditional counterparts. Both types of dartboards have pros and cons, and choosing one depends on your preferences.
In addition to the difference between electronic and traditional darts, electronic dart boards can also help you calculate your scores. Some electronic dart boards have advanced stat tracking for each player, telling you where to improve. However, electronic dart boards are more expensive than traditional ones.
Cricket Pro 800
- NylonTough Segments
- Improved Durability and Playability
- Micro-thin Segment Dividers
- Reduced Bounce-outs
The Cricket Pro 800 electronic dart board is an excellent electronic dart game that features a wide variety of options. Among them are the Heckler Mode and solo play options. In addition, the cricket game has an average point per dart function and can be played with four players or more at once.
If you enjoy playing cricket, you’ll love the Cricket Pro 800. It has all of the games that cricket players love to play and has 179 different game options. In addition, it has a regulation 15.5″ target area and a range of accessories to suit your needs. It can also be set up for multi-player matches and features a 3-level Heckler technology that automatically calls out accurate shots and missed targets.
The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 Electronic Dart Board includes an arcade-style cabinet with a mahogany finish. The cabinet has multiple features, including a storage compartment for your darts, an 8-player score display, and a regulation 15.5″ target area. It also has various games for players of all skill levels, including tournament-style games.
If you want a top-of-the-line electronic dart board, the Cricket Pro 800 is an excellent choice. The board offers a large target area and is made from durable materials that will last for years. It will also give you hours of fun and help you practice for tournament-level competitions. And at a price lower than many other brands, the Cricket Pro 800 has everything you need to enjoy your dart-playing experience.
Bristle Dartboards
Winmau Blade 6 Bristle Dartboards
- Triple core for better dart retention
- Anti-glare laser cut number ring
- Ultra thin wires for fewer bounce outs
- No cabinet
The new Sixth Generation technology of the Winmau Blade 6 dartboard provides outstanding playability, durability, and performance. The blade-web design incorporates Density Control wire to increase the fiber density of the board to help maximize dart retention in the double and treble zones for maximum scoring power.
This dartboard features a triple-core design with lower compression in the outer core and higher compression in the inner core. This increases point penetration and decrease surface tension while improving durability and resistance. The dartboard meets the specifications of the World Dart Federation and is available in a wide variety of colors. It also blends well with a variety of lighting systems.
The innovative design of the Blade 6 dartboards offers outstanding playability, durability, and design. The patented Density Control wire profile directs sisal fibers outside the Critical Scoring Zones, improving density and reducing trapped fibers. Its cutting-edge technology is coupled with a premium recurve and a patented Rota-Lock system for superior grip.
The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core is a high-performance dartboard perfect for a competitive darts game. Its triple-core technology is ideal for reducing pressure on the fibers in the important scoring areas and is crafted to meet the World Darts Federation’s specifications. The Triple Core also features a carbon-fiber resin outer core for increased durability.
EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard and Cabinet Set
- Features Easy Assembly
- Complete with All Accessories
- Official Size Tournament Dartboard
- Easy-To-Mount Cabinet
- Staple Free Bullseye
The EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard And Cabinet Set features a regulation-size board with 20 equal target sections, easy-to-read ring scoring, and a durable design. This dartboard is ideal for adults and teens and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. The board’s enhanced self-healing bristle construction is durable and lasts longer than wound-paper or cork boards.
The EastPoint Sports Bristle Dartboard & Cabinet Set is the perfect addition to any game room. It includes a tournament-quality sisal fiber dartboard, six deluxe steel-tip darts, and a convenient wall cabinet with chalk scoreboards.
The Dual Core Dartboard features optimized core density for smooth dart penetration. A reduced outer core promotes smooth penetration, while the high-density inner core absorbs excess kinetic energy. This dartboard is also wall-mountable, thanks to its easy-to-adjust Rota-Lock mounting system. It also features 60-degree-angled wire to help you aim your darts.
The official tournament-size dartboard measures 17.8″ in diameter and 1.5″ thick. The set comes with four complete sets of 18G steel darts and mounting hardware for easy installation. It also includes a Customer Service Team that can assist with any questions or concerns.
Final Thought on Electronic Dart Board Vs Traditional Bristle Dartboards
So if you are a casual player looking for the best electronic dartboard with popular games built-in or if you are a professional players group. Our best dartboards guide will help you find a high-quality dartboard with a fantastic playing surface.
Remember that an electronic dart board usually comes with soft-tipped darts, and a traditional board will come with steel darts. You should first check when your board arrives to see if you are comfortable with the provided darts.
This is a great way to ensure you will play your best and compete successfully at all the dart games.
So get out there and have some fun!
