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If you’ve ever thrown a dozen darts and wondered why your scores don’t reflect your skill, it might not be you — it could be the board. The right dartboard is like a reliable teammate: it forgives small mistakes, gives clear feedback, and lasts through countless practice sessions. Whether you want a serious bristle board for league nights or a fun magnetic set for the living room, choosing wisely boosts enjoyment and sharpens accuracy.
Bristle boards, made from compressed sisal fibers, are the classic choice for steel-tip darts. They self-heal when darts are removed and can last years with regular rotation. If you’re aiming for competitive play, look for full-size boards around 17.75 inches in diameter — that’s the standard that pros use.
Electronic boards are great for casual play, families, and players who like automated scoring. They accept soft-tip darts and often include dozens of game modes. The face can be smaller or similar to a bristle board, but the key difference is the plastic segments which aren’t as forgiving to sharp steel tips.
Magnetic sets are the safest option for kids and communal spaces. They’re lightweight and portable, but they don’t replicate the feel of proper darting. Novelty boards, like oversized garden versions or themed sets, are fun for parties but won’t satisfy a player chasing league-level performance.
Official bristle boards measure about 17.75 inches across, which is the size you want if you plan to play by standard rules. Thickness and the density of the sisal fibers influence durability — thicker boards generally last longer and take repeated throws without quick wear.
Thin wiring and spiderless designs reduce bounce-outs and increase scoring surface. Brands that invest in tapered or spiderless wiring give you more usable space in the treble 20 and other scoring zones, which matters when every point counts.
Look for boards with replaceable number rings or rotatable centers to extend life. Good brands offer spare parts like cabinets, backboards, and mounting kits so you can keep your set in top shape for seasons to come.
Menkind is known for quirky and branded gifts, and they often stock eye-catching dartboards. They’re a great place to find licensed Target collections such as the Target Luke Littler series — from full dartboard-and-cabinet bundles to magnetic novelty options. If you want a board that looks as good on the wall as it plays, Menkind’s themed sets are worth a look.
Amazon is a catch-all for everything from Winmau tournament boards to compact electronic sets. The advantage here is choice: customer reviews, multiple sellers, and bundles make it easy to compare models by price, ratings, and shipping speed. If you want to read hundreds of hands-on opinions before deciding, Amazon’s listings are invaluable.
Argos blends online ordering with high-street pick-up, which is handy for last-minute buys. Their range covers beginner bristle boards, family-friendly electronic options, and popular brand names. Argos often runs seasonal discounts, so you can snag a board and darts without hunting dozens of sites.
Darts Corner is a specialist retailer that caters to serious players. They stock premium bristle boards, professional-grade electronic systems, and a full range of darts, shafts, and flights. If you want expert help choosing a board for league play or need high-end accessories, a specialist like Darts Corner is a top pick.
Decathlon offers practical sports equipment at friendly prices. Their dartboards lean toward value and durability for casual players and club training. If you’re building a multi-sports room and want a dependable board without fancy branding, Decathlon balances cost and quality well.
Smyths focuses on toys and family play, so you’ll find magnetic and soft-tip sets suited for children. These boards prioritize safety and simplicity, with bright designs and easy-to-understand scoring. If your priority is a family game night rather than competitive play, Smyths has plenty of options.
John Lewis stocks curated sporting goods and often includes reliable brands with good warranty terms. Their dartboards come with clear product support and the retailer’s reputation for post-purchase care. If you want a balance of style, performance, and peace of mind, John Lewis is worth checking.
Sports Direct offers affordable boards suitable for beginners and those who play occasionally. Their selection tends to focus on value buys and entry-level models. If you want a cheap setup to start practicing without a big commitment, Sports Direct can be a practical stop.
Target’s Luke Littler collection has gained attention thanks to its pro association and eye-catching designs. You’ll find a range that includes full cabinet sets, dedicated bristle boards, and magnetic variants for casual play. The models range from tournament-style surfaces to family-friendly magnetic versions, giving you the option to pick a look and performance level that suits your space and skill.
This type of bundle is ideal if you want a ready-to-hang solution with storage. The cabinet protects walls, provides a tidy place for darts, and often includes a scoreboard. These sets are great for compact game rooms where you want everything neat and at arm’s reach.
Standalone boards that come with darts give you the essentials without the cabinet. They’re perfect when you’ve already got a mounting system or prefer a minimalist setup. Choose this if you have limited wall space or already own a cabinet.
Magnetic variants in the Luke Littler line are aimed at families and younger players. They capture some aesthetic appeal of the pro models but swap steel tips for safer magnetic darts. They’re portable and ideal for cafes, pubs, or living rooms where safety and ease matter.
The Champion models lean toward entry-level players looking for a balance of price and durability. They’re usually well-built enough for regular practice and can be a smart choice if you’re upgrading from a novelty board but not yet ready to invest in a premium tournament board.
If you play occasionally with friends, focus on durability and convenience. A good mid-range bristle board or an electronic soft-tip set with automated scoring can deliver fun without the maintenance of a top-end board. Consider a cabinet to protect walls and store darts.
Magnetic or soft-tip electronic boards are the safest bet. They reduce the risk of damage and are easier for kids to handle. Bright designs and simple scoring modes keep games engaging, while durable plastics stand up to enthusiastic play.
Go bristle, 17.75 inches, with thin wiring and a durable rim. Brands like Winmau, Harrows, and Target make tournament-grade boards that replicate professional play. Investing in a quality board saves money over time because replacement is less frequent.
If you plan to play outside, pick boards and cabinets designed to resist moisture and sun exposure, or use protective covers. Electronic boards are less suitable outdoors unless under a sheltered area, since moisture can damage electronics and plastic parts.
Mount the dartboard so the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. The throw line, or oche, should be 7 feet 9 1/4 inches from the face of the board for steel-tip play. For soft-tip electronic darts, the oche is typically 8 feet from the board. These measurements help you practice and play by standard rules.
Rotate the number ring every few months to spread wear evenly across the board. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and damp conditions. If darts bounce out frequently, check whether the wiring is worn or the board surface is tired — repairs or replacement may be needed.
Use a cabinet or dedicated surround to prevent holes and dents in your walls. A rug or mat can also mark the oche visually and protect floor coverings from dropped darts. Treat setup like a small renovation: a tidy mount keeps games safe and the room looking sharp.
A cabinet protects both your board and the room, while a foam surround trims bounce-outs and protects the wall. Cabinet doors double as scoreboards or chalkboards, and they make your setup look finished.
Darts come in different weights and balances. Experiment with 20 to 26 grams to find what feels natural — heavier darts hold the flight steadier but require different throwing force. Upgrading flights and shafts can stabilize your throw and reduce wobble.
Traditional chalk or dry-wipe boards are cheap and reliable, while digital scoreboards pair well with electronic dartboards. A rubber mat with the oche line printed helps maintain consistent foot placement and protects floors.
Sales seasons like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and summer clearance often bring discounts across retailers. Compare prices at specialist shops, high-street stores, and online marketplaces. Bundles (board + darts + cabinet) usually give the best value. If you’re after a specific model like a branded Luke Littler board, sign up for stock alerts — limited runs can sell out fast.
Buying a dartboard is part function, part personality. Think about how you’ll use it, who will play, and where it will live. A well-chosen board can be the heart of countless game nights and practice sessions — it’s an investment in fun and skill. Visit a specialist if you want tailored advice, or pick a trusted retailer for warranties and spare parts. Either way, aim for a board that fits your space and plays how you like to play — and enjoy watching your scores climb.
