When you decide to buy a dartboard for yourself, you think it’s a simple decision and maybe that they’re all the same, but in fact, you’ll find it a bit more tricky. Nowadays, darts have been developed into more than just a game. It started to become more of a hobby or a sport. And that’s why, if you’re interested in learning and playing it, you’ll need to pay more attention to which dartboard to get for yourself. Here are some important things to consider before buying a dartboard:
1. The Durability
When purchasing a dartboard, the first thing you need to consider is which material to get. It’s one of the most important factors, as it’s the one that determines how long this dartboard will serve its purpose. You’d need to understand whether its healing process is fast or slow, whether its thickness is enough, or whether it is too fragile. Experts say that knowing these aspects, along with choosing a high-quality dart flight, will help you get the one that suits your needs. The durability of the dart flights is as important as the dartboard.
2. The Depth and Density
These are the factors that affect the bounce out of the darts. The density in a dartboard is basically the right amount of hardness in the board, while the depth is what prevents the dart flights from bouncing back and reduces your points. That’s why choosing the best density and depth can increase the joy in your game experience.
3. The Ink
The dartboard consists of 3 colors of ink: red, green, and black. These colors need to be a bit pale and not too shiny. Shining colors have this glare that causes a distraction to the eyes, so you might get distracted and lose points. You also need to make sure that the ink has good visibility and quality so that it doesn’t fade completely after a while.
4. The Wiring
Dartboards contain wires to divide their segments. The wires can sometimes cause the darts to deflect from the board. The coils used in wiring need to be thick enough to make the sections of the board clear; at the same time, they need to be thin enough not to push the darts away from the board.
5. The Size And Positioning
The size of the board is equally as important as the above factors. It’s what improves your visual experience. A realistic experience would require a dartboard with a diameter of 17 3/4 inches, which is 47.08 cm. When it comes to hanging the dartboard, its bullseye should be exactly 5 feet and 8 inches from the ground, while the throw line is positioned 7 feet and 9 1/4 inches from the board.
The previous factors explain how to choose and position your dartboard in order to maximize your experience and make sure you get the most out of the game. Once you get a dartboard and start using it, you will need to constantly rotate it. Regular rotation is very important to increase its lifespan. You will be able to find a lot of brands and models; the key is to choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
How to Install a Dartboard Properly
Installing a dartboard in your home can turn an ordinary room into a fun, engaging space for entertainment and skill improvement. Here are some essential tips to follow when installing a dartboard:
- Choose the Right Location: Select a spot in a low-traffic area to avoid accidents. Ensure there’s enough space for players to throw comfortably, typically at least 5 feet wide and 11 feet long.
- Mount at the Correct Height: The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) off the ground. This is the height regulation used in professional dart competitions.
- Secure on a Flat Surface: The dartboard should be mounted on a flat, stable wall. If the wall isn’t suitable (for example, if it’s made of plasterboard), you may need to attach a backboard to protect the wall and ensure a secure mounting.
- Use a Dartboard Cabinet: For additional protection for your wall and darts, consider installing your dartboard in a cabinet. This not only safeguards the wall but also adds an aesthetic appeal to your setup.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial to prevent shadows on the dartboard. Consider installing overhead lighting or a dedicated dartboard light to achieve uniform illumination.
- Mark the Throwing Line: Also known as the “oche,” the throwing line should be 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from the face of the dartboard. You can mark this line on the floor with tape or use a throw line marker.
- Check for Loose Parts: Before playing, ensure the dartboard is securely mounted and that there are no loose parts that could cause the board to move or darts to bounce out.
- Rotate the Dartboard Regularly: To prevent wear and tear in specific areas, rotate your dartboard regularly. This helps maintain the quality and lifespan of the board, especially if you often hit the same spots.
Interesting Facts About Dartboards
Dartboards are more than just a feature of pubs and game rooms; they’re the centerpiece of a game with a rich history and a global following. From casual players aiming for a bullseye in a friendly match to professionals competing in world championships, dartboards have become a symbol of skill, precision, and camaraderie. Here are some interesting facts and statistics about dartboards that showcase their significance in the game of darts:
- Origin of the Modern Dartboard: The modern dartboard layout, with its unique numbering system designed to penalize inaccuracies, was invented by a carpenter named Brian Gamlin in 1896, though his invention wasn’t patented.
- Sisal Fibers: Quality dartboards are made from sisal fibers derived from the Agave sisalana plant. These fibers are known for their durability and self-healing properties, which help extend the life of the dartboard.
- Bristle Dartboards: The term “bristle dartboard” is a bit of a misnomer. These boards aren’t made from animal bristles but from the aforementioned sisal fibers. The name likely originated from early marketing efforts to convey the durability of the boards.
- Wire Spider: The metal wiring that divides the scoring sections of the board is known as the “spider.” Advances in technology have led to thinner wires and blade wire systems that reduce bounce-outs and improve scoring accuracy.
- Number Placement: The arrangement of numbers on the dartboard is designed to punish inaccuracy. For example, the 20-segment is flanked by the 1 and 5 segments, meaning a slight miss can significantly reduce a player’s score.
- World Records: The highest score achieved in one hour by a team is 35,698 points, a record set in 1993. For solo players, the record for the highest score in one hour is 1,019,546 points, achieved in 1986.
- Oche: The throwing line in darts, known as the “oche,” is believed to have originated from old English pubs where players threw darts from behind a brewery crate, which was sometimes called “hockey.”
- Darts in Space: In 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake played a game of darts aboard the International Space Station. The dartboard and darts had to be specially designed to work in zero-gravity conditions.
- Guinness World Record: The largest dartboard in the world, according to the Guinness World Records, measured 8.61 meters in diameter and was used for an event in the Netherlands in 2018.
Conclusion
From considering the type of dartboard that best suits your level of interest and skill to thinking about durability, size, and the environment where you’ll install it, each factor plays a crucial role in ensuring you make a purchase that meets your needs and enhances your playing experience. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can invest in a dartboard that not only adds entertainment value to your home but also lasts through many games and gatherings, making it a cherished part of the game room.
Additional Suggestions
- Learning and playing darts is a fulfilling experience for many, as it would take quite a long time for a person to develop the skills needed to win in the game.
- You can visit Dart Sharp to learn fundamentals and basic skills when it comes to playing darts.
- You should also read the best steel tip darts review if you are looking for high-quality darts with steel tips.
- You should also look for the best dartboard brands to ensure that you are getting a durable dartboard for your home’s game room.