Official Dart Board: A Beginner’s Buying Guide

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The World Darts Federation (WDF) establishes the regulation standards for professional play, influencing the construction of an official dart board. The Bristle Dartboard, known for its self-healing properties, represents the standard material approved for tournament use, impacting longevity. Understanding the official dimensions outlined in the Official Rules of Darts is essential for selecting the correct board for practice and competition, ensuring fair play. Therefore, selecting an official dart board involves considering these factors to ensure an authentic and enjoyable experience, whether you’re aiming for the bullseye in your game room or aspiring to compete professionally.

Choosing Your First Official Dart Board: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the right dart board as a beginner can feel overwhelming. With numerous options available, understanding what constitutes an "official dart board" and what factors to consider is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Defining "Official": Understanding Tournament Standards

The term "official" in dart boards generally refers to adherence to standards set by governing bodies like the World Darts Federation (WDF) and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). These standards primarily focus on dimensions. Knowing these ensures you’re practicing on equipment used in professional play, fostering accuracy and familiarity if you ever decide to compete.

Here are the key dimensions of an official dart board:

• Diameter: 17 ¾ inches (451 mm)
• Thickness: Around 1 ½ inches (38 mm), though slight variations are acceptable.
• Bullseye Diameter: 12.7 mm (½ inch)
• Double Ring Diameter: 214 mm (8.43 inches)
• Triple Ring Diameter: 127 mm (5 inches)

Understanding Different Types of Dart Boards

While the dimensions remain constant for "official" boards, the material and construction can vary, influencing playability and lifespan. There are three main types of dart boards:

1. Bristle Dart Boards: These are the most common and highly recommended, especially for beginners. Made from tightly packed sisal fibers, they offer self-healing properties, reducing wear and tear from dart impacts. The higher the density of sisal, the longer the board will last.

2. Electronic Dart Boards: These boards use plastic segments with holes. When a dart hits, the board registers the score automatically. While convenient for scoring, they are generally not considered "official" for competitive play and use plastic-tipped darts, which feel different from steel-tipped darts. They are good for low noise environment, and game variations.

3. Coiled Paper Dart Boards: These are the least expensive and most basic type. Made from rolled paper, they are not durable and are generally not suitable for serious practice. They do not adhere to official standards.

Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

Choosing an official dart board goes beyond just the material. Consider these factors to ensure you select the right board for your needs:

• Sisal Density: As mentioned earlier, a higher sisal density equates to greater durability. Look for boards specifically marketed as having high density. Check online reviews to see what other people say about a specific board’s durability.
• Wire Type: The wires separating the scoring segments can impact bounce-outs. Thinner, round wires and staple-free construction are generally preferable as they allow more dart surface to hit the sisal.
• Board Thickness: A thicker board generally implies more sisal, increasing its lifespan.
• Rotatable Number Ring: Many bristle dart boards feature a rotatable number ring. This allows you to rotate the board periodically, distributing wear evenly and prolonging its life.
• Price: Bristle dart boards range in price. While cheaper options exist, investing in a mid-range board offers a better balance of quality and longevity.
• Accessories (If Included): Some boards come bundled with darts or mounting hardware. While these can be convenient, prioritize the quality of the board itself.

Setting Up Your Dart Board: Achieving Official Height and Distance

Once you’ve selected your official dart board, proper installation is vital. Adhering to official height and distance regulations ensures consistency and allows you to develop proper technique.

• Height: The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor.
• Throwing Distance (Oche): The throwing line, or "oche," should be 7 feet 9 ¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dart board. This is commonly simplified to 7 feet 9 inches.

To ensure these measurements are accurate, use a level and a measuring tape.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Proper maintenance will significantly extend the life of your official dart board:

1. Rotate the Board: Regularly rotate the number ring to distribute wear and tear evenly across the segments.
2. Moisten the Sisal: In dry environments, lightly misting the board with water can help prevent the sisal from drying out and cracking. Only use a very light mist.
3. Remove Darts Correctly: Twist the dart slightly as you pull it out of the board. This helps prevent damage to the sisal fibers.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the sisal to fade and dry out.
5. Use a Dartboard Surround: Surrounds protect your wall from stray darts and can catch bounce-outs, preventing damage to both your darts and the surrounding area.

Budget Considerations

Price Range	Features	Recommended For
\$20 – \$50	Basic bristle boards, thinner sisal, potentially stapled wires.	Casual players, beginners on a tight budget
\$50 – \$100	Mid-range bristle boards, denser sisal, staple-free wires in some cases.	Serious beginners, regular players.
\$100+	High-end bristle boards, very dense sisal, thin/blade wiring, extended warranty.	Advanced players, tournament practice.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has given you a solid starting point to find the perfect official dart board for your game room. Now get out there, do a little more research tailored to your specific needs, and start throwing! Good luck, and happy darting!