The Darts Board Handbook: How to Choose a Darts Board?

The Magical World of Darts Boards: Past and Present

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the magical world of dart boards? In the past and even today, making dart boards is a true art. In the past, making boards was almost a craft. High-quality cattle hair was used, which was wrapped around a wooden frame. These boards were strong, but also sensitive to moisture, so they required regular maintenance, and because of the animal fibers, the smell was significantly different from what is common in today's boards.

Nowadays, technology has revolutionized the production of dart boards. Most boards are now made from sisal fibers. This material is excellent for dart boards because it is extremely durable and resistant. Sisal fibers are processed using precise and modern machines, so each board has a uniform surface.

Dartboard making is not just a science these days, it's an art. The fusion of modern technology and tradition has created boards that are not only beautiful but also incredibly durable. These boards are not just toys, but part of the magical world of darts lovers, where every throw is a combination of old and new craftsmanship.

If you want to be a part of this magic, try out modern dart boards and discover masterpieces from both the past and the present!

"How it's Made": Or How Are Darts Boards Made?

First, the process is based on fibers made from the sisal plant, as I mentioned earlier. These fibers are incredibly durable and flexible, perfect for dart boards. The fibers are thoroughly cleaned and then placed in carefully arranged layers. The fibers are then pressed and cut to the appropriate length to create sisal balls. These balls are pressed together again, resulting in the final size of the dart board. At this point, the product actually looks like a dart board, which is then glued to a wooden backing. To prevent the balls from loosening, the pressed sisal balls are stabilized with a metal frame after painting and wiring.

The next magic is the coloring. The dart boards receive the final coloring and the brand inscriptions using the already well-known colors. Since there is no universal color code for each segment, the colors of each brand typically differ from each other more or less. The coloring is given by a person after the wiring, depending on the board type (typically for the highest premium products of each brand), so that the segment formed after the wiring has only the color of the given segment.

The next step is wiring. Again, a machine identifies where the wiring should go and then presses it into the board, creating the final look of the board.

Traditional Round Wiring: Outdated Solutions and Challenges

Today, there are two different types of wiring in the world of darts. One is the traditional round wiring, which is attached with clips above the surface of the board. This is a classic solution in the world of dart boards, but unfortunately it has proven to be outdated over time. The disadvantages of round wiring include that it covers a larger surface area of ​​the playing field, thus reducing the area of ​​each segment. It also has a higher chance of darts bouncing, which can be frustrating during the game. Depending on the type, the number of clips used varies, which typically also affects the final price of the board. On the other hand, its advantage is to be found in the price, as these boards are in the lower price range.

The Innovative Blade Wire: Combining Quality and Professionalism

During the development, a revolutionary new solution emerged: the recessed blade wiring. This technology means that a wire frame made of thin metal sheets is pressed between the sisal fibers. The key is to reduce the thickness of the wiring, and this was achieved with the help of blade wiring. The top of the wire frame is cut to a sharp point to minimize the chance of hitting it. Today, professional dart boards are built on this technology without exception, guaranteeing players maximum accuracy and smooth play.

This advanced wiring technology makes a difference in the darts experience, providing a more accurate and less distracting environment for all players. So it's worth choosing quality and professionalism if you're looking for uncompromising fun!

Darts Board Maintenance and Accessories: Everything You Need to Know

In our passion for darts, we all know that a well-maintained and properly equipped dart board is the key to a successful game. Let me share with you some tips and tricks for caring for dart boards and choosing accessories.

Darts Board Maintenance and Storage: For a Time-Resistant Game

Your dart board requires regular maintenance in order to ensure a long life and a good playing experience. One of the most important things is to rotate the board periodically. This is necessary because the board is subjected to significantly more stress on the board in the triple 20,19,18 and our favorite landing area than in other areas. By rotating the board, the direction in which the greater number of arrows arrive is always changing, thus significantly extending the life of the board. In terms of regularity, I recommend that the more regularly you rotate it, the longer you will be able to use it, as the dart board has time and opportunity to regenerate. If you have grouped it quite well, then don't be afraid to rotate it after 1-2 hours of use (for example, a training session). Of course, this is not considered necessary unless you are a professional player, but even for an amateur player, it is recommended to rotate the board at least once a month. The golden rule is that if you see that you should rotate because the sisal is already thin in a given area, then it's too late. The direction of rotation is a matter of preference, I personally like to rotate counterclockwise, as this way the twentieth sector becomes the twelve, not the eighteenth, and let's be honest, we use the latter much more regularly.

Another important factor, and perhaps even more important than the shooting, is the condition of the arrow tip. With a properly maintained tip, the impact does relatively minimal damage to the board, but with a blunt tip, the arrow almost crushes the fibers into the board, thus drastically damaging it. For this reason, in the event of a pop-out tip, I recommend that you immediately check to see if the impact has damaged the tip and, if so, sharpen it immediately.

When storing, it is important that the dartboard is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture. You might think that then you should find a nice dry place for it and everything will be fine, but the problem is that drastically low humidity is not good for it either. Since we are talking about plant fibers, it should be treated like a living plant, it is not good if there is too much water, but not if there is too little. The optimal humidity is somewhere around 30-40% at room temperature. The area above the radiator is a place to strongly avoid for the board, and the air conditioner should not blow air directly onto it - although the latter is not good for the flight path of the arrows either.

Sisal Darts Board: Indoor or Outdoor?

Many people wonder whether it is worth using a sisal dart board outdoors. The answer is quite clear based on the above: always use it indoors. Outdoor conditions can easily damage the board, be it rain, sunlight or moisture. Indoors, the board's longevity and uninterrupted play are ensured. Of course, if you simply do not have the opportunity to place it indoors or for some reason you absolutely want to play with it outdoors, then the recommendation is to always bring the board indoors after use, thus protecting it from damage.

Other Things to Consider When Buying a Board: Comfort and Safety

When buying a board, don't forget the accessories! A durable wall protector will protect your wall from arrow hits and ensure the aesthetic appearance of the environment. This accessory is almost a must-have for beginners, as it will often happen that you don't hit the board, especially when throwing on doubles that come out, and as an advanced player, its aesthetics will be the one that can make a big difference.

Proper lighting helps with accurate aiming, so it is a very critical part of the game. Of course, this can be solved in many ways, but if you really want to create a quality environment for the game, then a darts lighting is the best choice, because the arrows do not cast shadows (of course, this is true for lighting that forms a full or almost full circle) and from the throwing line it is much easier to see which side of the wire a dart is actually on.

Once we have finished with the accessories on the wall, we come to the cover, the arrow and especially the protection of its tip, thus extending the life of our dart board: the dart mat. Beyond that protection, dart mats without exception have a throwing line, which can immediately solve the question of "where should I throw from?", and some types even have a fixed throwing bar, which can almost make you feel like you are at the world championship.

Of course, in addition to these, you will also find countless accessories on the Direct Darts website, which will allow you to shape the look of your darts and setup even more to your own style. Darts is not just a game, it is a lifestyle. Make sure that your dart board is properly maintained and choose accessories that will make the game even more enjoyable. I wish you a pleasant game!