Complete guide to choosing the your dart flights to suit your throw
I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and materials of dart flights, and I can tell you firsthand how much they influence your throw. With all in one flights and stems becoming popular due to Target K Flex being used by Luke Littler I will focus a seperate article on these (spoiler, I can’t get on with them as they really don’t suit my throw).
Overview of Dart Flights
Dart flights play a crucial role in determining the trajectory and stability of the dart in flight. Style of throw means that flights can influence how the dart behaves when thrown, affecting accuracy and consistency.Dart flights come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each impacting performance differently. Common shapes include:
Standard: The most popular choice, offering stability and good control.
Slim: Designed for increased speed, ideal for players who focus on fast throws. A perfect example of this is a player like Matthew Edgar who has used them for the vast majority of his career.
Kite: Offers a unique aerodynamic advantage, providing excellent lift.
Pear flights: Combines elements of both standard and slim, promoting balanced flight.
Dart flights range in thickness, which can also affect performance. Thicker flights provide more stability, while thinner flights allow for faster play. Material options include plastic, nylon, and polyester, each contributing to durability and playability. The thickness of dart flights is measured in Micron with the most popular being 100micron. I personally use 150 micron Pentathlon dart flights whereas 1983 BDO world champion Keith Deller uses 75 micron, the thinest of commercially available flights.Selecting the right dart flight enhances performance, leading to improved scores. Testing various combinations can identify the ideal setup for individual throwing styles. Understanding these factors is essential for elevating one’s game. I reccomend playing around with different options when
Standard Dart Flights
Standard dart flights are the most commonly used type, characterized by their traditional shape. These flights typically measure 100 microns in thickness and provide excellent stability during flight. I find that their larger surface area helps maintain a consistent trajectory, making them ideal for players who prefer a more controlled throw. Standard flights work well with a variety of dart styles and can suit both beginning and advanced players with the vast majority of players on TV using this shape. Standard flights are also referred to as No.2 dart flights.
Specialty Dart Flights
Specialty dart flights encompass unique shapes designed for specific play styles or preferences. Options include:
Slim Flights: Thinner than standard flights, ideal for faster throws with less drag.
Kite Flights: Shaped like a kite, offering improved lift and stability.
Teardrop Flights: Combining aspects of both standard and slim flights, providing versatility for various throwing techniques.
Materials Used in Dart Flights
Plastic vs. Nylon
Plastic flights dominate the market due to their affordability and wide availability. They offer a balance between durability and flexibility. Plastic flights often suit beginners and casual players. Nylon flights, while typically more expensive, provide superior strength and resistance to wear. Their durability leads to less frequent replacements, appealing to regular players. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. (For reference flights used to be made of a plastified paper which has been replaced over time due to tearing quickly).
Shape and Design Variations
The shape and design of dart flights significantly influence their performance. Standard flights, with their broad surface area, deliver stability. Slim flights reduce drag and increase speed, promoting a faster throw. Kite-shaped flights balance between these attributes, offering unique flight paths. Teardrop flights enhance aerodynamics, catering to specific throwing styles. I find that experimenting with different designs can reveal the optimal balance between stability and speed, enabling a tailored approach to gameplay.
Choosing the Right Dart Flights
Selecting the appropriate dart flights enhances gameplay, contributing to improved accuracy and performance. Several factors, including size, weight, and thickness, influence the choice.
Size Considerations
Size significantly affects the flight’s performance. Standard flights typically measure 125 mm, offering stability and control, especially for beginners. Slim flights measure around 100 mm, allowing for reduced drag and faster throws. Kite flights combine elements of both, measuring approximately 110 mm, balancing speed and stability. Consider your throwing style and skill level when selecting the size. Experimenting with different sizes can reveal the best match for your darts.
Weight and Thickness
Weight and thickness impact how flights respond in midair. Standard thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, with thicker flights providing more durability. These heavier options improve stability, beneficial for players needing consistent throws. Slim flights, often 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm thick, reduce drag, allowing for quicker shots. While thin flights offer speed, they compromise durability. Choosing the right weight and thickness requires finding a balance that suits personal throwing preferences and prevents rapid wear. Testing various weights can help identify the ideal setup for consistent performance.
Popular Brands of Dart Flights
Several brands offer a variety of dart flights, each providing unique features and benefits that cater to different playing styles. Understanding these brands helps players choose the flights that enhance their performance.
Brand Comparisons
Winmau: Known for high-quality products, Winmau dart flightsfeature unique designs and materials that enhance durability. Their standard and specialty flights cater to both beginners and experienced players, ensuring stability and performance.
Target: Target darts is famous for innovative designs and technology. Their flights come in various shapes and thicknesses, allowing players to find the perfect fit for their style. Target flights often prioritize aerodynamics, improving throw precision.
Pentathlon darts: This brand focuses on personalized styles, offering vibrant designs that appeal to players who appreciate aesthetics. Their flights balance durability and performance, making them popular among casual and serious players. Made by Retriever Sports in the UK who produce dart flights for the vast majority of major brands.
Cosmo Darts: Cosmo is recognized for innovative flight systems and quality materials. Their unique design enhances stability in flight, while various shapes support individual throwing techniques. Cosmo flights cater to players who value both design and performance.
Design Variety: Customers enjoy the unique styles of Pentathlon dart flights, with many appreciating both performance and aesthetics that allow for self-expression. Without realising it you are almost certain to have seen this brand of flights in action as they sell over 7 million sets a year.
Conclusion
Dart flights are more than just accessories; they’re essential tools that can elevate your game. By experimenting with different shapes sizes and materials I’ve found that the right flight can make a noticeable difference in accuracy and performance.Each player has unique preferences and styles so it’s crucial to explore various options. Whether you lean towards standard flights for stability or specialty shapes for speed there’s a perfect fit out there for you.Don’t hesitate to try out different brands and designs. Choosing your dart flights to suit your throw not only enhances your gameplay but also adds a personal touch to your darts.