Differences Between Soft Tip and Steel Tip Darts: Know Your Darts

When it comes to darts, there are two main types: soft tip and steel tip. Both have their own use cases, pros and cons which can make them better or worse choices for different players. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between soft and steel tip darts and help you decide which is right for you!

Difference Between Soft Tip and Steel Tip Darts

The difference between soft and steel tip darts is the material of the tip. Soft tip darts have a plastic or nylon tip, while steel tip darts have… a steel tip!

Soft tip darts are safer to use and normally for electronic dartboards. They are popularly used in recreational settings, especially when there are children playing. They are also sometimes used for competitive matches.

Steel tip darts, on the other hand, are certainly more dangerous and widely used for bristle dashboards. They are usually preferred in professional competitions. Many players and professionals choose steel tip darts because they are more durable, accurate, and offer a better throwing experience.

Soft Tip vs Steel Tip Dart: Pros and Cons

To understand more the difference between soft tip and steel tip darts, let’s take a closer look into each type’s pros and cons.

Steel Tip Darts

Steel tip darts have a long and storied history, dating back centuries. They are believed to have originated in ancient Greece, where they were used as hunting weapons. They remained popular throughout Europe for centuries, until around the 19th century when they began to be used as a form of entertainment.

Darts quickly became a popular pub game in England, and soon spread to other parts of the world. Since the beginning of the darts game, people have been using steel tip darts.

The Pros of Steel Tip Darts

– More durable: Steel tip darts are made of… well, steel! This makes them much more durable than their soft tip counterparts. They can withstand more wear and tear and last longer overall.

– More accurate: Due to the material, it’s heavy enough to ensure precision throws. Also, the steel tip can penetrate the dartboard more easily, making it less likely to bounce out.

– Better throwing experience: Many players find throwing steel tip darts more satisfying and enjoyable than soft tip darts. It gives a sense of tradition and strength.

The Cons of Steel Tip Darts

– More dangerous: Steel makes the darts much more dangerous than soft tip darts. If you miss the dartboard, there’s a good chance you’re going to end up with someone getting hurt.

– May cause more damage to dartboards: Steel tip darts can also damage dartboards more easily than soft tip darts. If you’re not careful, you can end up ripping holes in the board if it’s not good quality.

– Can’t be used for different kinds of dartboards: Steel tip darts are mostly used for bristle dartboards. They are rarely used for electronic boards or other kinds.

Soft Tip Darts

Soft tip darts were first introduced in the 1970s as a safer alternative to steel tip darts. They quickly gained popularity and became the standard for electronic dartboards.

The Pros of Soft Tip Darts

– Safer: Soft tip darts are made of plastic or nylon, which makes them much safer than steel tip darts. If you miss the dartboard, there’s a much lower chance you’re going to end up with an injury.

– Can be used for different kinds of dartboards: Soft tip darts can be used for electronic dartboards, bristle dartboards, and other kinds. This makes them much more versatile than steel tip darts.

– More affordable: Soft tip darts are not made of expensive materials and don’t require as much precision as the steel-tip darts in manufacturing.

The Cons of Soft Tip Darts

– Not as durable: They can break more easily and don’t last as long. You’ll need to replace them more often.

– Not as accurate: Due to the material, it’s lighter which makes it harder to control. Also, the soft tip can’t penetrate the dartboard as easily, making it more likely to bounce out. However, most digital dartboards are made to record your score when darts bounce out.

– Less throwing experience: Many players find soft tip darts to be less satisfying and enjoyable than steel tip darts. They often feel like they’re not getting the same “thunk” when they hit the board.

So, Which Type of Dart is Right for You?

It really depends on the type of your dartboard and preference. If you’re using electronic dartboards, high chances are you have to go for soft tip darts.

If you’re looking for traditional playing experience with bristle boards or going pro, then steel tip darts are the way to go.

What about going for both? Sometimes steel, sometimes soft tip? The advice is you shouldn’t. This is because it can weaken your accuracy due to the difference in dart materials.

Can You Use Soft Tip Darts on a Bristle Dartboard?

Soft tip darts are a safer alternative to steel tip darts, but can they be used on a bristle dartboard?

The answer is yes – soft tip darts can be used on a bristle dartboard (aka a regular dashboard). However, they may not be able to penetrate the bristles and could bounce out. And since the tip is thicker, they may do more damage to the board.

It would be best to stick to using soft tip darts on electronic dartboards and steel tip darts on bristle dartboards. This way, you’ll be able to get the most out of your game and maintain the dartboard in good condition for longer.

Can You Use Steel Tip Darts on an Electronic Dartboard?

In most cases, you cannot use steel tip darts on an electronic dartboard. Most electronic dartboards are made of plastic and have a lot of holes that are unfit for steel tip darts. Using steel tip darts can cause serious damage to the board. Only electronic dartboards with bristle tech surfaces can be used with steel tip darts.

Overall, it’s still better to use soft tip darts for electronic dartboards and steel tip darts for bristle ones.