Whether you’re picking up your first set of darts or upgrading your setup, the right retailer can make all the difference. A great darts store offers a broad selection, trusted brands, knowledgeable guidance, and a smooth buying experience. With so many options—both online and in-store—knowing what to look for helps you buy with confidence.
Use this guide to choose the best darts store for your needs.
1. Wide Range of Products
The best darts store stocks gear for every level, making it easy to compare brands, styles, and prices. You should find steel-tip and soft-tip darts, quality dartboards, cases, and a full range of accessories.
Look for stores that carry leading brands such as Target, Harrows, Winmau, and Unicorn. Brand sites like Winmau and Target Darts can help you explore ranges and identify official product lines. A well-stocked retailer will also offer flights, shafts, replacement tips, points, surrounds, mats, and apparel.
2. Quality You Can Trust
Quality directly affects performance and longevity. Premium darts often feature higher tungsten content for slimmer profiles and better balance, precise machining for consistent grip, and durable coatings. For dartboards, look for high-density sisal, staple-free bullseyes, and clearly defined segments to reduce bounce-outs.
If you’re unsure, read customer feedback and ask for guidance. Reputable stores stand behind what they sell and will help you match products to your throwing style and experience level. It’s also wise to ensure gear meets common competition standards; for example, review equipment rules from organizations like the PDC if you plan to play competitively.
3. Expert Advice and Knowledgeable Staff
Expert guidance is invaluable. The best stores have passionate staff who can recommend dart weights, grips, and barrel shapes based on how you hold and throw. In-store, look for try-before-you-buy opportunities or demo boards. Online, prioritize retailers with detailed product descriptions, buying guides, comparison tools, and responsive customer support via chat, email, or phone.
4. Competitive Pricing
Compare prices across retailers, but don’t sacrifice quality to save a few dollars. Great stores offer options at multiple price points, from starter sets to pro-level gear, and may provide bundle deals, loyalty rewards, or seasonal offers. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true—they may indicate inferior or counterfeit products. Transparent pricing on taxes, shipping, and any restocking fees is also a good sign.
5. Customer Reviews and Reputation
Reviews reveal a lot about product quality, delivery times, and service. Check recent feedback on the store’s site and independent platforms like Trustpilot. Look for consistent praise, responsive customer service, and how the retailer resolves issues. A long-standing presence in the darts community typically reflects reliability and expertise.
6. User-Friendly Online Shopping Experience
If you’re buying online, a well-designed site makes research and checkout effortless. The best darts stores provide:
- Clear categories and filters (weight, tungsten %, grip, brand, tip type)
- Detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and sizing guides
- Side-by-side comparisons and customer reviews
- Secure payment options, guest checkout, and a visible shipping calculator
Review shipping speeds, costs, packaging quality, and international delivery options. A straightforward, clearly explained returns process is essential.
7. After-Sales Support and Returns
Strong after-sales care sets great stores apart. Look for clear return windows, hassle-free exchanges, and support for warranty claims. The best retailers provide helpful setup and maintenance advice, answer follow-up questions, and can recommend repairs or replacements when needed. Transparent policies (including how to return used items in resellable condition) save time and headaches.
8. Specialty Items and Customisation Options
Customization can elevate your game and make your setup truly yours. Top retailers offer custom flights, engraved barrels, and options for different shaft materials and lengths, flight shapes (e.g., standard, kite, slim), point styles (e.g., grooved, conversion), and personalized accessories. Stores that support these choices—and explain how each affects flight and feel—demonstrate a deep understanding of the sport.
Conclusion
Choosing the best darts store comes down to selection, quality, expertise, fair pricing, a smooth online experience, and dependable after-sales support. Read reviews, compare options, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. With the right retailer, you’ll get the equipment, advice, and confidence you need to enjoy every throw and keep improving.
