Soft Tip vs. Steel Tip Darts – Which is Better?
2025-05-19
Discover what's better: soft-tip or steel-tip darts. SKIPJACK compares both options, highlighting the features, safety, and performance to help you choose the ideal darts for your game. Find your perfect match with expert advice.
- Introduction
- What Are Soft Tip Darts?
- Key Features of Soft Tip Darts
- Pros of Soft Tip Darts
- Cons of Soft Tip Darts
- What Are Steel Tip Darts?
- Key Features of Steel Tip Darts
- Pros of Steel Tip Darts
- Cons of Steel Tip Darts
- Key Differences Between Soft Tip and Steel Tip Darts
- Which Type of Dart is Right for You?
- Conclusion
Introduction
Whether you're a casual player tossing darts at your local pub or a serious competitor looking to refine your game, choosing the right type of darts can make a big difference. The two main options you'll come across are soft-tip and steel-tip darts. At a glance, they might look similar, but they actually offer quite different playing experiences.
Understanding the differences between these two dart types goes beyond just the materials they’re made of. It also touches on where you plan to play, your safety concerns, the kind of dartboard you own, and even how competitive you want to be. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from the features, pros, and cons of each dart type to how they compare side by side — so you can confidently choose the one that fits your needs best.
What Are Soft Tip Darts?
Soft-tip darts are most commonly used with electronic dartboards, which are popular in home setups, arcades, and casual venues. These darts are designed with a flexible plastic tip instead of a traditional metal point. They're lighter and generally safer than their steel-tip counterparts, making them a popular choice for families or beginners.
The main goal of soft-tip darts is to work smoothly with electronic scoring systems. The dartboard’s surface has hundreds of small holes that register where the dart lands. When a soft-tip dart hits the board, it sticks into one of these holes, and the board automatically records the score. This setup eliminates manual scorekeeping and can make games faster and more engaging — especially for casual players.
Key Features of Soft Tip Darts
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Plastic Tips: The signature feature is the soft, bendable plastic tip, made to insert into the holes of an electronic board without damaging it.
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Lighter Weight: Most soft-tip darts weigh between 14 and 20 grams. This keeps them from causing wear and tear on plastic boards.
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Designed for Electronic Boards: Soft-tip darts work exclusively with electronic boards that track scores digitally.
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Plastic Barrels and Shafts: Although you can find metal barrels, many soft-tip darts use plastic or lighter alloy materials to keep the weight down.
Pros of Soft Tip Darts
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Safety First: Great for kids or casual environments where metal tips might be considered too dangerous.
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Automatic Scoring: Compatible with electronic dartboards that keep track of scores, which helps speed up gameplay.
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Less Damage: Softer tips reduce the risk of damaging floors, walls, or nearby furniture.
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Wider Availability: Electronic dartboards are becoming more common, making soft-tip darts easier to integrate into a modern home setting.
Cons of Soft Tip Darts
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Less Durable: The plastic tips can wear out or break more easily than steel tips, especially with frequent use.
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Lighter Feel: Some experienced players find them too light and prefer the weight and balance of steel-tip darts.
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Limited to Electronic Boards: You can't use soft-tip darts on traditional bristle boards, which can limit where you play.
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Reduced Precision: Due to their weight and tip flexibility, they may feel less accurate in competitive settings.
What Are Steel Tip Darts?
Steel-tip darts are the original, classic version of the game. These darts are designed to be used with traditional bristle dartboards — the kind you’ll see in pubs, tournaments, and most professional settings. Instead of a flexible plastic point, they have a sharp, solid steel tip that can easily penetrate and stick into a tightly packed fiberboard.
These darts are usually heavier than their soft-tip counterparts, which helps them travel in a straighter, more predictable path. Steel tip darts are also known for their durability. Because they don’t rely on electronic systems, they’re a low-maintenance choice that appeals to players who prefer the tactile feel and the authentic experience of throwing darts.
Key Features of Steel Tip Darts
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Steel Tips: The main difference lies in the tip — a sharp steel point meant to stick into a fiber (sisal) board.
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Heavier Weight: These darts commonly range from 20 to 30 grams, which provides a solid, controlled throw.
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Used with bristle boards: Steel tip darts are made for use with traditional sisal fiber boards that self-heal after dart removal.
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More Customizable: You can often switch out barrels, flights, and shafts for a highly personalized dart setup.
Pros of Steel Tip Darts
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Professional Standard: These are the darts used in official competitions and professional tournaments.
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More Durable: Steel tips and metal barrels are built to last, even for heavy use.
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Greater Control: Heavier weight offers a more stable throw, preferred by experienced players for better accuracy.
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Versatile Customization: Easily mix and match parts to suit your throwing style.
Cons of Steel Tip Darts
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Safety Concerns: The sharp steel tip can be dangerous, especially around kids or in tight spaces.
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Can Damage Walls: Missed throws can puncture drywall or other surfaces, so a dartboard surround or backing is often needed.
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Manual Scoring: Traditional boards require players to keep track of scores themselves.
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Not Electronic-Friendly: These darts can’t be used with electronic scoring systems or plastic dartboards.
Key Differences Between Soft Tip and Steel Tip Darts
When comparing soft-tip and steel-tip darts, it’s not just about the materials — it’s about the overall experience. Are you looking for a more casual, family-friendly game? Or do you want the feel and precision of traditional darts? Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
| Feature | Soft Tip Darts | Steel Tip Darts |
| Tip Material | Plastic | Steel |
| Dartboard Compatibility | Electronic boards with plastic surfaces | Bristle (sisal) dartboards |
| Weight Range | 14–20 grams | 20–30 grams |
| Safety Level | Safer for kids and indoor spaces | Sharper tips pose more risk |
| Durability | Tips wear out faster; less durable | Long-lasting materials |
| Scoring System | Automatic electronic scoring | Manual scorekeeping |
| Game Environment | Casual, arcade-style play | Traditional, competitive, and pub environments |
| Customization Options | More limited | Highly customizable with different parts |
| Maintenance | Occasional tip replacement | Minimal, mostly just tip sharpening |
| Price Range | Generally more affordable | Varies, often more expensive with pro models |
As you can see, the key differences align with where and how you plan to play. For example, families and casual players often enjoy the ease and safety of soft-tip darts. On the other hand, competitive players might lean toward the consistency and feel of steel tips.
Which Type of Dart is Right for You?
Choosing between soft-tip and steel-tip darts really comes down to how you want to play. Are you playing at home with kids, or are you aiming to join a local league or compete in tournaments?
If you're just starting out or want something fun and low-risk, soft-tip darts are a great choice. They're safer, more family-friendly, and work well with electronic boards that handle scoring for you. Plus, they’re ideal if you’re setting up a dartboard in a shared living space where safety and noise are concerns.
However, if you're serious about improving your technique or you plan to play in more traditional settings, steel tip darts are probably a better fit. They provide a more controlled throw, greater durability, and allow for deeper customization. The bristle dartboards they’re paired with also have a more authentic feel that many players find satisfying.
Ultimately, your decision may also depend on where you play most often. If your local venue or pub uses steel-tip darts, it’s worth investing in a good set and practicing with them at home. If you mainly play casually or enjoy digital score tracking, soft-tip darts are easier to manage and maintain.
Conclusion
Both soft-tip and steel-tip darts bring something valuable to the table — it just depends on what kind of dart experience you're looking for. Soft-tip darts offer a more modern, beginner-friendly, and safer option for home or arcade use. Steel-tip darts, on the other hand, bring tradition, precision, and that satisfying thud into a bristle board that many players love.
Instead of thinking in terms of which one is “better,” it’s more useful to ask, which one fits my lifestyle, goals, and playing environment best? Once you’ve figured that out, you’ll be able to enjoy the game a lot more — and maybe even hit a few more bullseyes along the way.
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The choice of weight should be based on personal throwing habits. Beginners are recommended to use 14-18 grams, and advanced players can choose heavier darts (20-24 grams).
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