Best Materials for Professional Darts: Tungsten vs Brass
2025-06-16
Discover the best dart material with SKIPJACK’s expert guide comparing tungsten vs brass. Explore durability, performance, and value to choose the perfect professional darts. Enhance your game with our top-quality dart materials designed for precision and longevity.
Introduction
"What separates a professional dart from an amateur one? The answer often lies in the material."
To most casual players, choosing a dart might start with appearance, design, or price. But for those looking to improve accuracy and consistency, the true performance of a dart lies in what it’s made of. The material of a dart plays a crucial role in how it flies, how it feels in your hand, and how long it lasts.
Among the many options on the market, tungsten and brass stand out as the two most common dart materials. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and ideal user base. Tungsten darts are often used by professionals for their density and precision, while brass darts are more beginner-friendly and affordable. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two materials to help you decide which one is right for your playing style and goals.
Why Dart Material Matters
When choosing a dart, it’s easy to focus on things like flight shape or shaft length, but if you want to get better results and a better feel, the material of the barrel is a factor you shouldn't overlook.
Accuracy is one of the first things affected by material. A denser material like tungsten allows manufacturers to make thinner barrels without reducing the weight. This slim profile means darts can land closer together on the board, improving scoring potential, especially for players who consistently hit the same target area.
Durability is another key concern. Tungsten is extremely hard and resistant to wear, so it keeps its shape and surface even after years of play. Brass, by contrast, is much softer and tends to wear out faster, especially around the grip where fingers apply pressure.
Grip feel is also influenced by material. Tungsten’s hardness allows for precise machining of intricate grooves and cuts, giving players better tactile feedback. Brass has a naturally rougher texture when oxidized, which helps grip, but doesn’t offer the same level of control or customization.
Lastly, think about where and how you play. If you're a competitive player or looking to improve your consistency, the reliability of tungsten might be worth the investment. But for casual games at home or in a bar, brass darts can be more than sufficient.
What are Tungsten Darts?
Tungsten darts are made from a dense metal alloy, typically containing 80% to 97% tungsten, often blended with nickel to improve durability and machining. This density allows darts to be narrower in shape while maintaining the desired weight—an ideal feature for players aiming for tighter groupings on the dartboard.
Professional players almost exclusively use tungsten darts. Their slimmer barrel allows for multiple darts to land close together in the scoring zone, which is especially useful in games like 501 or Cricket. The longevity of the material also means that a well-made tungsten dart can last for years without major wear or performance loss.
A popular example: legendary darts player Phil Taylor has long used darts with 90% tungsten content, a balance that provides both strength and grip.
But tungsten isn't perfect. The higher price tag is the most notable downside. Depending on the quality and percentage of tungsten, a set can cost two to five times more than a brass set. Also, some players find the surface too smooth, which can reduce grip, especially for those with sweaty hands or without added texture.
To address this, many manufacturers now machine deep grooves into tungsten barrels or use coatings that improve traction. If you’re ready to invest in a quality dart and care about long-term performance, tungsten is hard to beat.
What are Brass Darts?
Brass darts are made from an alloy of copper and zinc. They are much lighter and less dense than tungsten darts, which results in a thicker, bulkier barrel to achieve the same weight. This makes them easier to hold for new players, especially when learning how to throw consistently.
One of brass’s biggest advantages is affordability. A decent set of brass darts costs a fraction of a tungsten set, making them ideal for beginners, casual players, or bars and lounges that need inexpensive, replaceable gear.
The natural texture of brass also provides a decent grip. Over time, brass surfaces oxidize slightly, giving the barrel a subtle roughness that can help prevent slipping. For players who prefer a no-fuss grip and a bit of heft, brass can be a satisfying material to throw with.
However, brass comes with compromises. It’s a softer metal, which means it’s prone to dents, dings, and general wear and tear. The barrel can deform if dropped or frequently hit by other darts. And because it’s bulkier, tight groupings are harder to achieve, which limits its usefulness for serious competitive play.
That said, for practice, fun, or experimenting with dart weight and feel, brass darts are a great way to start without committing to a high investment.
Side-by-Side Comparison – Tungsten vs. Brass
| Feature | Tungsten Darts | Brass Darts |
| Density | Very high (approx. 19.3 g/cm³) | Low (approx. 8.5 g/cm³) |
| Barrel Size | Slim—enables tight groupings | Thicker—less room on the board |
| Durability | Excellent—resistant to wear and tear | Fair—prone to dents and deformation |
| Grip Texture | Precision grooves (requires machining) | Naturally rougher surface |
| Ideal For | Intermediate to professional players | Beginners and casual players |
| Price | Higher (2–5x cost of brass darts) | Budget-friendly |
| Appearance | Sleek, metallic finish | Varies—often gold or matte |
| Consistency | Excellent balance and accuracy | Moderate—affected by wear |
How to Choose the Best Dart Material
Choosing the right dart material is a personal decision—it depends on how often you play, your skill level, and your budget. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
Start with your experience level:
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Beginners: If you’re new to darts or playing casually, brass darts are a great way to get started. They’re inexpensive and durable enough for early-stage practice.
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Intermediate players: As you start to refine your throwing technique and care more about consistency, an upgrade to 80–90% tungsten darts can make a noticeable difference.
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Professional players: For tournament play or if you’re aiming for top performance, go for 95% or higher tungsten content. These darts are built for tight grouping and long-term consistency.
Then consider your budget:
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If you play occasionally, there’s no need to spend top dollar. A good set of brass darts will do the job.
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If you’re playing weekly or competitively, investing in a quality tungsten set will pay off in performance and durability.
And don’t forget the importance of grip and feel. Even the best dart won’t work for you if it doesn’t feel right in your hand. When possible, test different barrel styles and materials before committing. Consider visiting a darts shop or ordering a few test sets to see what fits your hand and throwing motion.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best dart material, there is no universal answer—it all depends on what you value most: precision, price, or feel.
Tungsten darts offer the precision, durability, and slim design that professionals demand. They are the material of choice in most high-level competitions and are ideal for players who want to maximize their scoring potential with tightly grouped throws.
Brass darts, on the other hand, are a cost-effective, beginner-friendly option. They’re perfect for casual games, learning the ropes, or simply enjoying a few rounds with friends without worrying about damage or price.
Our advice? Try both. See what works for your hand, your style, and your goals. And when you’re ready to take your dart game to the next level, consider working with a trusted dart manufacturer who can provide custom dart solutions tailored to your needs.
If you're looking for a reliable manufacturer who offers high-quality, customizable darts for wholesale, we recommend partnering with SKIPJACK, a professional dart manufacturer that specializes in OEM/ODM dart products. Whether you need darts for clubs, competitions, gifts, or your own brand line, SKIPJACK offers the craftsmanship and flexibility to meet your needs.
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