| Factor | Steel Tip Darts | Soft Tip Darts |
|---|---|---|
| Tip | Hardened steel (sharp) | Plastic (blunt) |
| Board | Bristle (sisal fibre) | Electronic (segmented plastic) |
| Scoring | Manual | Automatic |
| Professional use | All PDC/BDO competitions | Some soft tip tours |
| Safety | Wall damage if missed | Safer (bounces off) |
| UK pub/club | Standard | Less common |
| Weight range | 16-26g (common 22-24g) | 16-20g (common 18g) |
Choose Steel Tip Darts when…
You want to play in professional or club competition, play in UK pubs and leagues, prefer the traditional dartboard feel, or are aiming for county-level and above play.
Choose Soft Tip Darts when…
You want automatic electronic scoring, play in a home or venue with an electronic board, prefer the safer plastic tip, play in continental European leagues, or enjoy the arcade/gaming aspect of digital darts.
Gear for both
Winmau Blade 6 Steel Tip Dartboard
PDC official steel tip bristle board for serious practice.
Check price on AmazonGran Board 3S Electronic Dartboard
Soft tip electronic board with automatic scoring and Wi-Fi.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ
Can I convert steel tip darts to soft tip?
Most quality darts have removable tips — you can buy soft tip conversion points to swap between steel and soft tip barrels. The barrel weight changes slightly but it's a practical option for playing on both board types.
What is the standard dartboard size?
A standard dartboard is 45.1cm (17.75 inches) in diameter. The bullseye is 6.35mm in diameter and the 25 ring surrounding it is 31.8mm. The throwing distance (oche) is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37m) for steel tip and 8 feet (2.44m) for soft tip on most electronic boards. The dartboard face hangs so the bullseye is exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m) from the floor.
How heavy should darts be for beginners?
Most beginners start with darts in the 20–24g range, which is mid-weight and forgiving of technique variations. Heavier darts (26–32g) suit players who prefer a slower, more deliberate throw; lighter darts (14–18g) suit faster, more wrist-driven throws. There is no objectively correct weight — the right dart is the one that feels most consistent in your hand and produces the straightest, most repeatable trajectory.