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Darts is one of those classic indoor games that feels both timeless and modern at once. Whether you’re sheltering from a rainy afternoon or hosting friends for a cosy evening, a dartboard turns a room into a tiny arena in seconds. It’s social without being noisy, competitive without requiring hours of practice, and compact enough to fit in a games room, lounge, or even a large hallway. If you enjoy games that sharpen focus and reward consistency, darts is the kind of hobby that keeps you coming back because small improvements feel huge — like turning a trickle into a steady stream.
Shopping for darts gear in the UK is easier than you might think. You’ll find everything from bracket-level boards to pro-standard setups at several retailers. Some names pop up repeatedly when people talk about buying dartboards and sets: Menkind for novelty and branded sets, specialist retailers such as Darts Corner and Target Darts for pro kit, mainstream outlets like Argos and Smyths for family-friendly options, and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay where you can compare a huge range of prices. Each store tends to specialise in a certain niche, so knowing what you want makes choosing easier.
Menkind often stocks eye-catching dartboard sets and branded bundles aimed at casual players and gift buyers. If you like themed cabinets, licensed sport-branded sets, or magnetic and soft-tip designs that are safer around children, Menkind is a great first stop. They mix flair with practicality, meaning you can find a set that looks great on a wall and still performs well for friendly matches. Expect to see Target-branded products and special edition sets aimed at fans of top players.
Target is a brand widely respected in the darts world, known for quality darts, flights, and boards. One popular range revolves around Luke Littler, a rising star who inspired signature boards and darts aimed at replicating pro-level feel for everyday players. Whether it’s a full cabinet set, a dedicated bristle board, or a magnetic practice board, Target items offer a balance of design and performance. If you’re after equipment endorsed by pros or tailored to serious hobbyists, Target products deserve a close look.
If you’re leaning toward competitive play or want professional-grade kit, specialist retailers like Darts Corner, Winmau stockists, and other dart-specific shops are the places to visit. They offer a wide selection of steel-tip and soft-tip darts, pro bristle boards, spare parts like shafts and flights, and often personalised customer guidance. These stores also stock performance brands and allow you to build a set from the barrel up, which is perfect for players who care about weight distribution, grip texture, and fine tuning their throw.
For family sets and budget-friendly options, mainstream stores such as Argos and Smyths Toys offer solid choices. You’ll find magnetic dartboards that are child-safe, basic bristle boards for beginners, and affordable sets ready for immediate play. Sports Direct sometimes carries sports-oriented darts gear aimed at school or club use. If you want something reliable for casual evenings without splurging, these retailers give convenience and value with plenty of customer reviews to guide your choice.
Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are ideal when you want huge variety or hard-to-find accessories. You can compare user reviews, check seller ratings, and often pick up last-minute bargains or discontinued models. The trade-off is sifting through many listings, so look for trusted sellers and clear return terms. If you like browsing dozens of styles and brands in one place, these platforms can be a treasure trove for both beginners and experienced players.
Choosing the right dartboard starts with understanding the main types: bristle (sisal) boards, magnetic boards, and electronic soft-tip boards. Bristle boards are the preference for traditional steel-tip play and serious practice, offering a forgiving surface that heals itself after throws. Magnetic boards and soft-tip electronic boards are safer for kids and casual play, and they often come with automatic scoring and game variety. Think about who will play, where the board will hang, and whether you want a tournament-legal surface or something more family-friendly.
Bristle boards are the go-to for players aiming for competition or realistic practice. The natural fibres self-heal, keeping the board tidy even after thousands of throws. Typical board diameter hovers around 17.75 inches and the standard bullseye height is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor, with the oche or throw line at 7 feet 9 1/4 inches away from the face of the board. If you plan to play leagues or take your game seriously, a quality bristle board and a set of steel-tip darts are essential.
Magnetic and soft-tip boards are ideal when safety is a priority or you’re buying for younger players. Magnetic darts don’t pierce the wall, and soft-tip darts reduce damage risks while still offering a satisfying game. Electronic soft-tip boards often include scorekeeping and grouped games, which makes them great for variety and teaching. For family game nights or casual practice, these boards offer low maintenance and fewer worries about stray throws.
Darts feel intensely personal — what works for your mate might not suit your throwing style. Weight is a key factor: beginners usually start around 18 to 22 grams, while pro players may prefer 22 to 26 grams or heavier. Barrel material affects balance and grip, with tungsten offering thinner barrels for tighter groupings, and brass or nickel-silver giving a different feel and price point. Check the flight and shaft combinations, because a small tweak there can change how the dart flies. Try a few weights where possible, and pick the one that feels like an extension of your hand.
Start with a mid-weight dart and adjust from there. If your throws tend to drop early, try a slightly heavier dart; if they fly high, a lighter dart may help. Barrel shape matters too: a straight barrel gives a consistent feel, while tapered or knurled barrels provide extra grip. Remember that small adjustments to flights and shafts can fine-tune flight path, so think in terms of small, controlled experiments rather than wholesale changes. It’s like tuning a musical instrument — tiny tweaks make the big difference.
Proper setup improves accuracy and safety. For regulation play, mount the bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. Measure the throw line (oche) at 7 feet 9 1/4 inches from the face of the board. Make sure the area around the board is clear and that you have at least a couple of feet of clearance behind the thrower for movement. Lighting matters too; a well-lit board reduces eye strain and improves accuracy. A cabinet helps hide wiring and scoreboards while protecting the wall from stray darts.
Accessories can extend the life of your kit and enhance practice. Spare flights and shafts are essentials because they wear out or break. A scoreboard or chalkboard helps when friends come over; electronic scoreboards make life even easier. Cases protect your darts between games, while dart mats mark the oche and protect floors from dropped darts. For serious practice, consider surround rings to protect walls and replacement wiring or spider for your board to reduce bounce-outs.
Cleaning and rotating the board helps even out wear. For bristle boards, rotate the board slightly every few months so the same segment doesn’t take all the punishment. Avoid storing boards in damp conditions and keep them away from direct sunlight, both of which can warp fibres and adhesives. Replace wires or spiders if they’re bent or causing high bounce-outs, and replace flights regularly to maintain consistent flight patterns. Think of maintenance as a small investment that keeps your setup playing like new.
If you play occasionally, a modest magnetic board or a basic bristle set from Argos or Smyths will serve you well without breaking the bank. For regular players, investing in a quality bristle board and a good set of tungsten darts is worthwhile. Specialist stores and brands command higher prices, but they deliver superior materials, slimmer barrels, and better balance. Consider how often you’ll play and whether you want the authenticity of tournament-style gear or the convenience of a family-friendly set.
Bargains show up frequently on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and occasionally on clearance at stores like Menkind or mainstream retailers. Local clubs and online darting communities also sell secondhand but well-maintained boards and darts, which is a smart way to get higher-end gear at a friendlier price. When buying used bristle boards, check that the sisal fibres are still healthy and not overly compacted. For darts, ensure barrels are not bent and threads on shafts are intact. It’s like buying a pre-loved musical instrument — check the condition, and you might score a gem.
Ultimately the best dartboard or dart set is the one you’ll actually use. If you want family fun, pick a magnetic or soft-tip electronic board that’s easy and safe. If you want to improve and maybe join a club, invest in a bristle board and quality darts from specialist retailers or trusted brands like Target and Winmau. Mix convenience with quality and you’ll find a setup that suits your space, budget, and style. And remember, every great player started with a single easy throw — so pick something that makes you want to practice.
Conclusion: Shopping for darts in the UK is a treat because you have so many options. From Menkind’s novelty and branded packages to specialist stores and online marketplaces, there’s kit for beginners and pros. Focus on the type of play you want, get the measurements right, and invest in small accessories that extend your fun. Now grab a set, mark your oche at 7 feet 9 1/4 inches, and let the games begin.
