When starting out in darts, you might wonder why some darts are made from steel or brass, while others are crafted from tungsten. There’s a good reason for this! In this guide, we’ll explain what tungsten is, how tungsten darts are made, why tungsten is the preferred material for darts, and the key differences between tungsten and brass darts.
What is Tungsten?
Tungsten is the heaviest naturally occurring metal on Earth and is quite rare. It’s mainly found in minerals like scheelite and wolframite. Tungsten’s unique properties make it ideal for making darts: it’s incredibly durable, has the highest melting point of all known elements (3,422°C or 6,191°F), and offers high density. These characteristics ensure that tungsten makes for high-quality darts that last longer.
How Are Tungsten Darts Made?
Tungsten is initially found as a powder and is quite brittle on its own. To manufacture darts, tungsten powder is combined with nickel, compacted, and then heated to high temperatures to create a tungsten billet. The specific amount of nickel used is indicated on the dart box; for example, a dart labeled as 90% tungsten contains 10% nickel. This mixture is crucial because a 100% tungsten dart would be too brittle and could break if it repeatedly hits another dart during close throws. The 90% tungsten, 10% nickel combination allows for tighter groupings on the dartboard while ensuring the durability of the dart barrel over time.
After forming the billet, it’s placed on a CNC lathe, where it’s shaped and cut to achieve the desired diameter, length, and weight.
Why is Tungsten Used to Make Darts?
The density of tungsten is one of the primary reasons it’s used in dart manufacturing. As the 7th most dense metal, tungsten enables manufacturers to produce slimmer darts without compromising weight. Slim darts allow players to group their throws closely on the dartboard, maximizing their chances of hitting high scores like the coveted 180.
The density of tungsten also aids in weight control. It allows manufacturers to create darts where each barrel in a set is almost identical in weight, within 0.05 grams. This precision is crucial for consistent throwing mechanics. Additionally, tungsten’s density makes it easier to add more intricate grip patterns—such as axial or angled cuts—offering players more control compared to standard brass darts, which typically feature only a basic ring grip.
- Includes an additional set of convex nylon shafts, flights, flight protectors, 2BA dart points and a dart mechanic wrench; Each soft tip dart weighs 18 grams
- Darts and accessories are fashionably stored and protected in the Deluxe Dart Pal case, which features a soft cloth lining and a hard outer shell
- Designed with high quality, 90% tungsten and 10% nickel barrels which offer exceptional balance and styling in a slim profile
- Each barrel has strategically placed knurled bands, deep grooves and rings that make excellent gripping points and encourages consistent hand placement
The Difference Between Tungsten Darts and Brass Darts
While both tungsten and brass darts have their place in the sport, they differ significantly in quality and lifespan. Brass darts are a great, budget-friendly option for beginners, but they wear out faster as you improve and begin grouping your throws closer together. Frequent barrel contact leads to faster wear on brass darts compared to tungsten.
Tungsten, on the other hand, maintain their structural integrity much longer because of their higher density. Tungsten dart barrels are slimmer than brass ones, allowing for tighter groupings on the board. They also offer more grip options, thanks to the ability to incorporate axial and angled cuts, unlike brass darts, which mostly stick to the standard ring grip. This increased grip helps improve a player’s accuracy and consistency.
Additionally, darts which is made by tungsten have more defined push points due to their slimmer barrels. A well-defined push point is crucial for a dart player, as it ensures they grip the dart in the same spot every time, allowing for more precise throws. Brass darts lack this feature, often leading to “walking fingers,” where the player grips the dart barrel in a different spot with each throw.
The Best Tungsten Darts in 2024
Selecting the best darts comes down to your preferences for barrel shape, balance point, grip, and weight. Shot offers a wide range of options to meet every player’s needs.
For center-weighted darts, the AI Cyberpunk and AI Replicant darts are excellent choices, featuring stunning designs and grip patterns. These darts are ideal for players who prefer a centered balance and high precision.
For front-weighted options, the AI Mimic and AI Mecha dart sets are outstanding. Both sets feature 90% tungsten barrels and provide great grip with front-weighted balance, ensuring optimal performance. These designs are not only functional but also aesthetically impressive.
