Throwing Darts

Where to Buy Throwing Darts and Gear in the US: The Complete Guide for Players of Every Level

Why the right dart gear makes all the difference

Ever watched a pro throw and wondered why their darts look like they follow a train track into the bull? The secret is less magic and more the right mix of dartboard, dart weight, flights and shafts. Choosing quality gear that fits your grip, stance and budget can shave points off your game and make practice sessions actually fun. Whether you’re a casual player who enjoys a weekly game with friends or a serious competitor chasing consistent triples, the stores you buy from and the items you choose matter.

Understanding the main types of darts and boards

Before you shop, it helps to know what you need. Most home players choose between steel-tip and soft-tip setups, and board construction ranges from cork and electronic to professional sisal bristle. Knowing the differences keeps you from buying gear that doesn’t match your local league rules or your electronic board’s requirements.

Steel-tip vs soft-tip darts

Steel-tip darts pair with bristle boards and are the traditional choice for many leagues. Soft-tip darts are used with electronic boards and tend to have lighter plastic tips. If your local pub or league uses a soft-tip machine, buying steel-tip darts won’t help—so match the dart to the board type. Most US home players keep both options in mind when shopping so they can switch between venues without a hassle.

Dart weight, balance and sizing

Darts commonly fall between about 0.6 and 1.0 ounces in weight, with beginners often preferring lighter darts around 0.6–0.7 ounces and experienced players choosing up to roughly 1.0 ounce depending on throwing style. Length and barrel shape change how the dart sits in your hand; longer, slim barrels suit finger-tip grips while shorter, wider barrels favor a palm grip. Think of dart selection like fitting a glove—comfort and repeatability beat flashy finishes every time.

Essential accessories every player should own

A complete dart setup isn’t just a board and a set of darts. Small accessories can improve consistency, protect your investment and make travel easier. Investing in the right extras is like tuning a car—the engine (your throw) stays the same, but the ride smooths out.

Flights, shafts and cases

Flights stabilize the dart in flight; different shapes (standard, teardrop, slim) alter drag and rotation. Shafts connect flights to barrels and come in varying lengths and materials—nylon for budget builds, aluminum or carbon for durability and balance. A padded case protects your darts between sessions and keeps spare flights and shafts organized. Stock up on spares—flights tear and shafts snap at the worst possible moment.

Top national retailers where US players buy darts

If you want convenience and fast shipping, national retailers are a reliable place to start. They carry a wide range of beginner sets to branded pro gear, and many have customer reviews that help validate a purchase. Here are stores worth checking first.

Amazon — selection and fast delivery

Amazon offers perhaps the widest selection, from inexpensive starter kits to brand-name tungsten darts and electronic dartboards. Prime shipping makes last-minute purchases painless, and user reviews can reveal how a dart set handles in real life. Keep an eye on seller ratings and read multiple reviews—it helps separate durable products from budget fluff.

DICK’S Sporting Goods — in-store testing and trusted brands

DICK’S stocks established dartboard brands and accessories, and if you prefer trying equipment in person, many locations let you examine boards and cases before you buy. They tend to carry mid-range and entry-level sets that are great for families and recreational players.

Walmart and Target — budget-friendly basics

Walmart and Target are go-to choices for affordable starter kits, electronic boards and casual sets. If you’re building a basement game room on a tight budget, these retailers offer workable boards and lightweight darts that let you start practicing without a big upfront cost. The trade-off is fewer premium or tungsten options compared with specialty shops.

Academy Sports + Outdoors — seasonal deals and gear bundles

Academy often features seasonal discounts and bundles that pair boards, darts and carrying cases at a lower combined price. If you want to outfit a rec room without visiting multiple stores, their package deals can be a smart value play.

eBay — used and hard-to-find items

Looking for discontinued models or lightly used pro gear? eBay lets you find older brand editions and rare darts, often at a discount. Bid carefully and check seller feedback; darts are precision pieces, and buying used requires more scrutiny but can be rewarding when you snag a rare set.

Specialty dart shops and manufacturer stores

If you want pro-level gear or personalized advice, specialty sellers and manufacturer sites are priceless. These retailers often stock high-tungsten darts, pro-grade shafts and branded flight designs you won’t find in big-box stores. They also provide more targeted customer support for matching darts to your throwing profile.

Manufacturer sites and authorized retailers

Brands like Winmau, Harrows, Target Darts and Unicorn sell direct and through authorized dealers. Buying from a brand guarantees authentic parts and access to replacement shafts and flights that match the original specs. If you care about precise balance and barrel feel, start at the brand’s site or approved distributors.

Local pro shops and league sponsors

Don’t underestimate local pro shops and pubs that sponsor leagues—these spots carry curated selections tuned to the regional player base. Staff are often players themselves and can give practical, experience-based advice on what will suit your style. Plus, supporting a local store keeps the local dart scene alive.

How to choose gear by skill level and budget

Your goals and wallet should drive your buy. Are you playing to have fun, to get better, or to compete? Answering that question narrows the right price range and the types of items you should prioritize.

Gear for beginners

If you’re just starting, look for affordable starter kits from national retailers that include a bristle or electronic board, a few sets of darts and spare flights. Focus on durability and a forgiving dart weight in the 0.6–0.8 ounce range. A sturdy board and good lighting do more for game quality than a flashy dart finish.

Upgrades for regular players and competitors

Once you’re practicing regularly, prioritize tungsten barrels (higher density for slimmer barrels), a balanced shaft setup, and high-quality flights. Specialty retailers and brand sites are the best sources for these mid- to high-end components. Expect to spend more for better balance and longer-lasting parts, but view it as an investment in consistency.

How to set up a regulation dartboard at home

Proper setup levels the playing field and trains muscle memory. A board that’s too low or a throwing line that’s off by inches ruins practice sessions faster than any broken flight.

Mounting height and oche distance

The center of the bull should be 5 feet 8 inches above the floor, and the toe line (oche) for steel-tip play is 7 feet 9 1/4 inches from the face of the board. For soft-tip electronic dartboards, many players use 8 feet from the face of the board. Mark the oche clearly on the floor so every practice session starts from the same spot.

Lighting and safety considerations

Good lighting eliminates harsh shadows and helps target acquisition. Use a dedicated overhead dart lamp centered on the board for the most consistent view. Also, install a surrounding cabinet or dartboard surround to protect walls from stray darts—one careless throw can ruin drywall or a treasured set of darts.

Maintenance and care to extend gear life

Like any precision tool, darts and boards last longer with simple maintenance. A little care keeps your equipment performing and saves money over time.

Board rotation and flight care

Rotate the board periodically so wear distributes evenly across the sisal fibers; this prevents grooves from forming in the same spot. Replace flights when they get warped—tiny changes in flight shape alter the dart’s flight path. Clean the board’s surround and check screws regularly to keep everything secure.

Storing darts safely

Keep darts in a padded case and avoid tossing them loosely into drawers. Damp or extreme temperature swings can warp flights and degrade shafts, so store gear in a cool, dry place. Treat tips gently—steel tips can bend if they fall onto a hard surface, and soft tips are prone to cracking when mishandled.

Where to find the best deals and how to compare offers

Price varies widely across sellers, and simple strategies can save you money. Watch for seasonal sales, bundle offers and manufacturer promotions. Always compare total cost including taxes and any shipping, and check return periods if you’re unsure about fit or feel.

Using price comparison and reading reviews

Comparison sites and review aggregators help spot the best value quickly. Read several user reviews and look for recurring praise or complaints—if multiple players mention a weak shaft or a tendency for flights to tear, take notice. Trusted retail sites also surface verified buyer photos that reveal real-world wear and color accuracy.

Quick buying checklist before you checkout

Before you hit buy, run through this mental checklist: does the dart match your board type (steel vs soft), is the barrel weight comfortable in ounces, are replacement parts available, and does the seller have reliable reviews? Consider a spare set of flights and a case—small extras that save sore heads later.

Conclusion

Buying the right throwing darts and gear in the US is a mix of matching tech to venue, knowing your own throwing style, and choosing reliable sellers. Big-box retailers provide convenience and value, specialty shops and manufacturers offer precision and pro-level options, and local shops deliver hands-on advice. Start with the basics if you’re new, upgrade selectively as you improve, and treat maintenance as an ongoing habit. Ready to sharpen your aim? With a little knowledge and the right store, you’ll be hitting triples and loving every minute at the oche.