Are All Dart Surrounds the Same Size?

Are All Dart Surrounds the Same Size? | Complete Guide by SKIPJACK

Understanding Dart Surrounds: Their Role in the Dart Game

When setting up a home dartboard or a professional dart station, one common question dart enthusiasts ask is: Are all dart surrounds the same size? Dart surrounds, sometimes called dartboard rings or dartboard guards, serve a critical function in any dart setup. They protect your wall from stray darts and add a professional, finished look to your game area. Knowing about their sizes and variations is vital if you want to choose the right dart accessories for your needs.

Why Dart Surround Size Matters

The size of a dart surround plays an essential role in the effectiveness of wall protection and overall aesthetics. An incorrectly sized dart surround might leave exposed areas around your dartboard, risking damage to your walls and diminishing the game experience. Moreover, if the surround is too tight or loose, it may not stay securely in place, affecting both functionality and visual appeal.

Standard Dartboard and Dart Surround Dimensions

A standard tournament dartboard, as regulated by the World Darts Federation (WDF) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), typically measures 18 inches (45.72 cm) in diameter. However, dartboard surrounds can vary significantly. Most common dart surrounds are designed to fit this standard, but with subtle differences to accommodate various brand tolerances, board depths, and wall mounting systems.

Typical Surround Sizes:

- Outer diameter: Ranges from 27 inches (68cm) to 29 inches (74cm)

- Inner diameter: Fits around the 18-inch standard dartboard snugly

- Thickness: Generally between 1–2 inches (2.5–5cm) of polyurethane or EVA foam

But are all dart surrounds the same size? Not necessarily! This is a prevalent misconception among newcomers and even seasoned players.

Variations in Dart Surround Sizes

Not all dart surrounds are the same size. At SKIPJACK, we emphasize the importance of checking dimensions before purchasing.

Brand Differences

Surrounds from different manufacturers can vary in:

- The size of the cutout (inner diameter) for fitting around dartboards

- The total surface area covered (outer diameter)

- The thickness and density, affecting protection and durability

Some brands design slightly tighter or looser surrounds based on the dartboards they produce, ensuring a perfect fit for their own models but not always for others.

Style and Material

Dart surrounds come in different styles such as one-piece rings, four-piece interlocking surrounds, or even decorative wooden surrounds. Material density can affect size, especially thickness, impacting not only wall protection but how far the surround sits out from the wall.

Custom Sizes

In pub and club environments, custom dartboard setups might require bespoke surrounds, especially for larger boards or multi-board arrays. At SKIPJACK, we provide tailored surround solutions as part of our customized services, ensuring both fit and function for any setup.

Risks of Using the Wrong Dart Surround Size

Choosing a surround that doesn’t fit your dartboard size can result in:

- Exposed wall sections leading to potential damage

- Poor aesthetic match with your game room or pub setup

- Surround falling or slipping off during intense games

- Difficulty in accommodating additional accessories such as chalkboards, lighting rings, or scoring enclosures

This is especially important for those looking to set up professional-style home dartboards or for venues seeking to maintain high standards in their dart sports environment.

Tips for Sizing Your Dart Surround

To avoid compatibility issues, follow these steps:

Measure Your Dartboard

Before selecting a surround, measure the width and depth of your dartboard. Even if it’s advertised as ‘standard’, slight variations exist among brands.

Check Surround Inner Diameter

Ensure the surround’s inner diameter matches your dartboard’s outer diameter. A snug fit is ideal, as it prevents slipping and shifting.

Assess Wall Coverage Needs

If your setup is in a tight space or you’re wary of frequent misses, choose a wider surround to ensure complete protection of the surrounding wall.

Material and Durability

Denser materials provide longer-lasting protection but might add to the surround’s thickness. Choose based on your preferences and where the dartboard will be installed.

SKIPJACK’s Commitment to Quality & Versatility

With SKIPJACK, you gain the confidence of working with a company that has specialized in high-quality dart sports products since 2018. Our range of dart surrounds is engineered to fit most international standard dartboards and is available in multiple sizes, colors, and materials.

- ROHS Certified for Dart Rings: Our surrounds are made with High Quality, safe, and durable materials.

- CE Certification for Dartboards: Assuring conformity with strict international standards.

- Customization: Need bespoke sizes or colors? Our R&D team welcomes your requirements.

When you choose SKIPJACK, you ensure the right fit, superior protection, and custom styling options to enhance any setting — from recreational rooms to darts tournament venues.

Choosing the Right Surround for Home or Commercial Use

Whether outfitting a home game room or setting up a professional pub darts corner, think about your unique needs:

- Home users might prefer surrounds that match their décor or those with extra width for beginner players.

- Pub and club operators require robust, thicker surrounds that can withstand heavy use and deliver full wall protection during amateur and professional play.

- Tournament organizers often require multiple surrounds of precise, matching specifications.

SKIPJACK’s advanced production capabilities (over 40,000m² of factory space and annual output of 10,000+ units) mean we can handle bulk orders for commercial applications and customized, single-piece requirements with equal ease.

International Compatibility and Export Success

Our dart surrounds are trusted worldwide, exported to more than 90 countries and regions including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia. We understand the slight sizing differences among dartboard models popular in these regions and ensure our products accommodate a variety of preferences.

How to Order the Best-Fit Dart Surround from SKIPJACK

The easiest way to ensure the dart surround you order is the right size is to:

1. Know Your Dartboard’s Measurements: Have your dartboard’s brand and model or exact measurements at hand.

2. Contact SKIPJACK’s Expert Team: Get in touch with us for personalized sizing advice.

3. Explore Our Catalog: We offer several surround models, designed for all major dartboard types.

4. Request Customization: For non-standard boards or unique setups, inquire about our custom design services.

Maintaining Dart Surrounds for Longevity

Once you’ve installed your dart surround, regular care helps maintain its appearance and protective qualities:

- Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth (avoid harsh chemicals)

- Avoid exposing to extreme humidity which may degrade certain foam materials over time

- Rotate the surround occasionally to even out wear spots

Our surrounds are engineered for easy installation and low-maintenance, upholding their High Quality look through years of use.

FAQs

Are all dart surrounds the same size?

No, dart surrounds come in various sizes, thicknesses, and shapes. Although many are designed to fit standard-sized dartboards (18 inches in diameter), there are differences between brands, materials, and intended uses.

How do I know what size surround I need?

Measure your dartboard’s outer diameter and choose a surround with an inner diameter that offers a snug but not tight fit. If uncertain, consult your dartboard or surround’s brand specifications, or contact SKIPJACK for expert advice.

What materials are best for dart surrounds?

High-density polyurethane or EVA foam provides excellent wall protection and durability. SKIPJACK uses only High Quality, certified materials for our surrounds.

Can I get a custom-sized dart surround?

Yes, SKIPJACK offers customized dart surrounds to match special requirements or non-standard boards. Contact us with your specific needs.

Will a SKIPJACK surround fit any brand dartboard?

Our standard surrounds fit most international standard dartboards, but for unusual sizes or specific compatibility, check product dimensions or consult our team for guidance.

How do I maintain my dart surround?

Wipe regularly with a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, and keep away from moisture and direct sunlight for maximum longevity.

Do thicker surrounds provide better protection?

Thicker surrounds offer greater wall coverage and can absorb more impact, making them ideal for settings with higher miss rates or for beginner players.

In conclusion, dart surrounds are not all the same size. Selecting the right size ensures effective protection, enhances your game play area’s appearance, and maintains equipment safety. With SKIPJACK’s expert guidance and diverse, quality-certified products, you’re just a step away from the perfect dart setup. Ready to protect your walls and elevate your game? Let SKIPJACK help with the ideal dart surround for your needs.