Choosing a dart board means learning the standards used in tournament play, based on publicly available information and retailer listings. The regulation bullseye sits 5 ft 8 in from the floor, according to Front Range Pool Tables, and the throw line is 7 ft 9.25 in away. This guide compares top models available in Irish retailers, explains how to pick a board that fits your skill level and budget, and answers the most common buying questions.
Last checked: 2026-06-12
Top brand mentioned: Winmau (professional-grade, Blade 6 series) · Entry-level price (Ireland): €44.95 (Hit Sport Spire with 6 darts, McSport) · Premium price (Ireland): €285.00 (Unicorn Eclipse Smartboard, McSport) · Standard bullseye height: 5 ft 8 in from floor · Standard throw distance: 7 ft 9.25 in · Terminology debate: Dart board vs. dartboard: both used, ‘dartboard’ prevails in modern writing
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-12.
Sources reviewed: Official retail sites (elverys.ie, mcsport.ie, flightclub.ie, ie.sportsdirect.com), Wikipedia, Darts Corner, Darts Nutz forum, HB Home glossary, Gambling Commission.
No hands-on product testing, no expert interviews, no price verification beyond the listed prices on retailer pages.
Key facts at a glance
- Modern bristle boards are made from compressed sisal fibers, which allow holes to self-heal. (Dartman Games)
- 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from the floor – the international standard. (Front Range Pool Tables)
- 7 ft 9.25 in (2.37 m) from the front of the board. (Front Range Pool Tables)
- Target Tor Dartboard (approx. £70) – rated best overall in a hands‑on review. (talkSPORT)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Regulation diameter (steel‑tip) | 17.75 inches (451 mm) (Front Range Pool Tables) |
| Bullseye height from floor | 5 ft 8 in (Front Range Pool Tables) |
| Throw line distance | 7 ft 9.25 in (Front Range Pool Tables) |
| Bristle board material | Compressed sisal fibers (Dartman Games) |
| Electronic board scoring | Embedded sensors with automatic display (Dartman Games) |
| Best overall pick (2026) | Target Tor Dartboard (approx. £70) (talkSPORT) |
What is the best dartboard to buy?
Top rated models from Irish retailers
Irish sporting‑goods stores stock a range of dartboards that cater to beginners and tournament players alike. McSport, for example, lists options from €44.95 (Hit Sport Spire with six darts) to €285.00 (Unicorn Eclipse Smartboard). The Winmau Blade 6 is frequently used as a benchmark in video reviews, praised for its thin blade‑style wiring and dense sisal – features that may reduce bounce‑outs and could extend board life, according to comparisons posted on YouTube and TikTok. A 2026 hands‑on test by talkSPORT crowned the Target Tor as the best overall board, citing its quality at around £70.
What to look for in a dartboard
The most critical factor is the board’s construction. “The difference lies in the wiring thickness, sisal quality, and mounting system,” notes the Dartshopper buying guide. Thinner, blade‑style wiring creates a larger effective scoring area and fewer bounce‑outs than older round‑wire or stapled designs (Dartshopper). Higher‑quality sisal is more densely packed, enabling the board to retain its shape under heavy use.
Our pick: Best value for most players
For the majority of home players – whether upgrading or starting out – the Target Tor offers an excellent balance of durability, scoring precision, and price. Its blade‑style wiring and high‑density sisal match the performance of the Winmau Blade 6 at a lower cost. First‑time buyers and gift shoppers will appreciate the bundle sets like the Target Luke Littler set, which includes darts and a board for an affordable entry point.
Price bands at a glance
- Entry-level (under €100): Starter bristle boards, often sold with darts. Best for casual play and children.
- Mid-range (€100–€200): Boards with better sisal density and thinner wiring, suitable for regular practice.
- Premium (over €200): Tournament‑grade boards like the Winmau Blade 6 and Unicorn Eclipse Smartboard, offering maximum durability and professional scoring feel.
Pricing data sourced from Irish retailers as of early 2025.
The bottom line: If you play weekly, invest in a mid‑range board with blade‑style wiring. For league play, a premium model is worth the extra cost.
How to pick a good dart board?
Selecting the right board involves matching its construction to your playing habits. “When selecting a dart board, the materials and construction are paramount,” says the Front Range Pool Tables guide. Follow these steps to make a confident choice.
Step‑by‑step guide to choosing your board
- Identify your playing frequency. Occasional players can opt for mid‑range models, while league players need top‑grade sisal and thin wiring (Dartshopper).
- Decide between bristle and electronic. Bristle boards (compressed sisal) are standard for steel‑tip play and last years under regular use. Electronic boards use plastic segments and sensors for automatic scoring, ideal for family rooms (Dartman Games).
- Check wiring type. Blade‑style wiring is now standard on premium boards; it reduces bounce‑outs and increases scoring area.
- Verify regulation dimensions. Even for home use, a board that matches the official 17.75‑inch diameter and correct mounting height will help you practice tournament‑ready technique.
- Set your budget. Prices in Ireland range from roughly €45 to €285. The sweet spot for durability is €100–€150.
Best dartboard for different buyers
- Beginners: A budget bristle board (€45–€80) or a magnetic board for safety with young children (Dartman Games recommends magnetic boards for households with children).
- Professional and tournament players: Winmau Blade 6 or Unicorn Eclipse Smartboard – both meet BDO/WDF standards and offer premium sisal and wiring.
- Home enthusiasts: Target Tor or any mid‑range board with blade wiring and rotatable number ring.
- Budget‑conscious buyers: Hit Sport Spire or similar bundle boards that include darts and a mounting bracket.
Pros and cons of common board types
| Board type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bristle (sisal) | Self‑healing, tournament standard, long lifespan with care | Requires steel‑tip darts, can be damaged by soft‑tips, needs occasional rotation |
| Electronic | Automatic scoring, quiet, family‑friendly with soft‑tip darts | Plastic segments wear faster, less realistic feel, requires batteries/power |
| Magnetic | Very safe for children, no sharp tips, easy to set up | Not suitable for serious practice, darts may fall off, smaller scoring area |
Sources: Dartman Games, Dartshopper
What this means: The best board for you depends on how often you play and whether safety is a concern. Most adults who play weekly should choose a bristle board with blade wiring.
What is the correct distance and height for a dartboard?
Regulation dimensions are non‑negotiable for competitive play, but even casual players benefit from a standard setup. According to Front Range Pool Tables, the bullseye must be exactly 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from the floor. The throw line (oche) should be 7 ft 9.25 in (2.37 m) from the front face of the board. These measurements apply to both steel‑tip and soft‑tip games.
How to set up your dartboard at home
- Mount the board so the centre of the bullseye is 5 ft 8 in above the floor.
- Measure the throw line from the board’s front surface, not the wall behind it.
- Use tape or a throw‑line mat to mark the oche.
- Ensure the floor surface is level and free of obstacles.
- Install a backboard or surround to protect the wall from stray darts.
Maintenance is straightforward: rotate the number ring periodically so the board wears evenly. Clean the surface with a soft cloth and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent warping (Front Range Pool Tables).
The implication: Sticking to the standard dimensions ensures that your practice translates directly to tournament conditions. Even if you never compete, a correctly set‑up board gives more consistent feedback.
What is the difference between expensive and cheap darts?
While the board itself is the main purchase, darts greatly affect performance. Expensive darts are typically machined from tungsten alloy, which allows a slimmer barrel (easier grouping) while maintaining weight. Cheap darts are usually brass or nickel‑silver, resulting in thicker barrels that can obstruct each other in the board. Professional players often prefer weights between 22 g and 25 g; 24 g is a common choice (Darts Corner).
Materials and durability
Tungsten darts are denser, so a 24 g tungsten dart is noticeably slimmer than a 24 g brass dart. That slim profile reduces the chance of bounce‑outs and improves scoring potential. Brass darts are cheaper but wear faster and may bend over time. The choice boils down to budget and dedication: occasional players can start with brass, while regular throwers will benefit from tungsten.
Are expensive darts worth it?
If you plan to play regularly or join a league, investing in a set of tungsten darts (typically €25–€60) is worthwhile. For casual games or beginners, a bundle set that includes darts is perfectly adequate. The long‑tail search data analysed for this guide shows that “how to pick a good dart board” is one of the most asked questions – a sign that many buyers are trying to balance cost and performance.
Note: Never mix steel‑tip darts with an electronic board – the hard tips will damage the plastic segments. Always use soft‑tip darts on electronic boards.
The trade‑off: Expensive darts offer better precision and durability. If you’re just starting, a cheap set is fine – you can upgrade later as your game improves.
“When selecting a dart board, the materials and construction are paramount.”
– Front Range Pool Tables guide, Specialist retailer
For those setting up their board properly, it is worth reviewing official dart board distance measurements to ensure accurate throwing line placement.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dart board or dartboard?
Both spellings appear in usage, but “dartboard” is the standard compound form in modern English. Wikipedia, for example, uses “Dartboard” as the article title. The difference is purely orthographic.
Do any pros use 24g darts?
Yes, some professionals use 24 g darts. Common tournament weights range from 22 g to 25 g (Darts Corner).
Why is 26 called bed and breakfast?
In darts scoring, hitting a 20, a 5, and a 1 totals 26 points. The phrase “bed and breakfast” is a historical slang term, noted in the HB Home glossary.
What is a dart board called?
It is also referred to as a dartboard, dart board, or simply “board”. The official equipment used in tournaments is standardized under the rules of the British Darts Organisation and World Darts Federation.
Who was banned for 11 years in darts?
Andy Jenkins received an 11‑year ban for gambling‑related offences (Gambling Commission ruling). This is a notable disciplinary case but not directly related to equipment choice.
Sources
- Front Range Pool Tables – Regulation dimensions, maintenance advice
- Dartman Games – Board types, materials, safety considerations
- Dartshopper – Wiring thickness, sisal quality, usage‑based recommendations
- talkSPORT – 2026 hands‑on review of Target Tor and other boards
- YouTube – dartboard review video – Comparative testing of Winmau Blade 6 vs Target Tor
- TikTok – Crutchley Darts – Benchmarking Winmau Blade 6
- Darts Corner – Dartboard buying guide, professional dart weights
- HB Home glossary – Darts slang terminology