Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: February 19, 2024
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Darts is no doubt one of the most popular and interesting sports. Not only is it fun, but throwing darts also helps with mental agility and hand-eye condition. But you’ll admit that the game is more rewarding when you don’t miss the targets. And to increase your chances of scoring, it all starts with using the right equipment. If you’re using an electronic dartboard and are keen on hitting the target, it’s time to invest in the best soft tip darts. These tips are made of plastic as opposed to steel.
Owning a set of soft tips darts doesn’t come cheap. We’ve decided to review some of the best soft tip darts on the market so that you don’t waste money buying the wrong set. To make the correct purchase that’s in line with your skill level, there are a few features you must look out for. These include the weight, barrel and shaft of the darts. All these factors greatly determine the performance of the unit and whether it’ll allow for easy handling. You must also consider the number of darts as well as the extra features present.
To give you a roundup of the best soft tip darts on the market, we spent hours researching and consulting with industry experts. The information we gathered made it easy to compile a comparison table, detailed product reviews and a buyer’s guide. We believe after going through the afore-mentioned, you’ll be well informed to make the right purchase.
Looking for high quality soft tip darts? Look no further than these Viper Astro darts. Made up of 80% tungsten and 20% nickel barrels, you can expect exceptional balance with this brand. Tungsten is a dense metal that’s designed to create a slim profile dart barrel. The same can’t be said about darts without tungsten. And the general rule of thumb is that the more tungsten the dart has, the smaller the profile. Why is the profile important? It increases your chances of hitting the target.
These darts are specifically designed for use on electronic dartboards and are ideally suited for beginner & intermediate players. If you use them on soft boards you’ll find them a little heavy.
When it comes to darts, grip is crucial to enhance control. Viper understands this and ensured their darts were designed for comfortable gripping thanks to the deep grooves & rings found on the barrel.
These darts are housed in aluminum shafts. Though the material is heavy duty, it’s surprisingly lightweight. And to top it off, the shafts feature locking holes that are meant to improve stability. Because of this feature, you don’t have to worry about constantly retightening the barrel after every few shots; something that’s common with other brands.
Apart from the impressive performance, you’ll also appreciate how stylish they are. And when not in use, you can store them in the tough case provided.
Overall these darts are very easy to throw. But we’re concerned with the quality of the flights. A number of users noted that not only did they fall out regularly, but also broke quickly. But then again that’s not uncommon with most soft-tip darts.
Here is yet another set of best rated soft tip darts with an even slimmer barrel. Made up of 95% Tungsten, these Viper Sinister darts allow for tighter shot groupings.
What caught our attention with this set is the smooth and sleek barrel. But while the design looks appealing, unfortunately you may find the barrel too smooth making it difficult to get the right grip.
Each dart was carefully crafted to feature an aluminum shaft with a locking hole. This design is very similar to the one found on the Viper Astro soft tip darts. And as such you can expect increased tightness and added stability with these darts. So, it’s safe to say your chances of hitting the target are maximized if you settle for this brand.
With this set of darts, you’ll get six heavy duty flights which are 100 microns thick. These flights are designed to move at very high speeds while minimizing drag. As a result, the flights deliver consistent flight path and increase your accuracy. So you know which brand to pick if you’re looking for a high performance set of soft tips darts.
The dart points feature reinforced cones that are strong and designed to last long. We’re certain that takes care of your durability concerns.
Not only do these darts allow for a secure tight fit, but also for easy removal from the board.
Weighing between 16g and 18g, you can tell that these darts are lightweight.
For such high performance units, we’re disappointed that they don’t come with a case. So you might have to purchase the cover elsewhere to keep them protected and prolong their lifespan.
You may find the center shafts a little small but that depends on whether you have large hands.
Overall these darts are also very easy to throw and for the price we think they’re worth considering.
What we can guarantee you if you pick these darts is durability. Thanks to their solid construction, you’re likely to use them for a long time.
Arachnid soft-tip darts feature a 90% ultra dense Tungsten barrel which also makes it very thin. And we know that thin darts allow for better control which significantly increases your chances of scoring.
But since they’re very thin, people with large hands might find them difficult to use initially. You’ll need time to get used to the grip.
These Arachnid darts weigh 18 grams which makes them lightweight.
Upon unboxing your new set of darts, you’ll find three spare lights and three spare shafts. You’ll also get seven points to practice with.
We also appreciate the fact that the set comes in a storage case to keeps the darts protected and prolong their lifespan. Aside from the case protecting your darts, you’ll like how portable it is. You can clip it onto your belt for convenient storage during traveling.
The set comes with a one year warranty in case any defects occur.
With a length of 3.6cm, these darts are considered “short” compared to the standard length of original darts. But if you prefer darts with the smallest flight then this size will be perfect for you. Since they’re small, they are better suited for tighter groupings.
With regards to durability, these darts are relatively strong. There haven’t been many incidences mentioned about the tips breaking as is the case with other brands.
But we do recommend that you buy 0-rings for added reinforcement because the barrel tends to loosen.
This is the set to pick if you’re still new at darts and not prepared to spend much on a professional set. Also, it would be a good idea to invest in extra tips. Plastic tips will always break so it’s better to be prepared and have back-ups.
Looking to play your darts in style? How about picking these beautifully crafted soft tip darts? Not only do they look good, but they’ll also feel comfortable in your hand which greatly increases your chances of hitting the target.
Your grip is further enhanced by the barrel knurling design which allows for consistent hand placement throughout your game.
As you may have noticed, some darts have a problem with regards to the shaft loosening. Thanks to the rubber O-rings on these darts, you don’t have to worry about regular retightening as you play.
This IgnatGames dart set comes complete with a dart wrench so your darts will be kept in good condition.
By purchasing this set you’ll have stylish and high performance darts on your hands. Thankfully you’re likely to have these darts for a long time because they also come with a durable protective case. And since it has magnetic closure, it means opening and closing it will be a breeze. This means your darts will be protected from dust, moisture and other undesirable weather elements that are likely to cause premature damage. By storing them in this case, your darts will also be protected from impact which makes it a handy way to transport your gear.
This soft tip dart set is the perfect option for novice and casual dart players. They’re available in different weights and feature a knurled brass barrel to increase your aiming & accuracy.
Bear in mind that the tips aren’t made of the best quality. Plus the darts are slightly heavier compared to other brands.
If you’re still trying to sharpen your dart playing skills, then you’re likely to find the free eBook guide provided handy. The eBook contains illustrations and darts scoreboard templates that’ll help you practice.
Here’s yet another brand worth considering if you’re looking for high quality soft tip darts. For such a reasonably priced set, you’ll be impressed by the superior features it possesses. The nickel silver plated barrels and detailed graphics give these darts a stylish appearance. And like most darts reviewed above, they also feature a slim profile design which increases your chances of scoring.
If you’re a casual or intermediate dart player, this set is for you because it was designed with the beginner in mind.
Firstly, what sets this product apart from the rest is the fact that the barrel is designed to provide an aerodynamic profile. This feature allows the dart to reduce drag and increase speed. And thanks to this speed your dart will hit the board with more force.
Moving on to the shafts, they’re very tough but lightweight. And the shaft features locking holes that are designed to allow for a more secure fit to your barrel. As a result you also don’t have to worry about regular retightening of the shaft if you pick these.
Like most of the darts reviewed above, this set from Fat Cat also has heavily knurled bands and deep grooves to allow for a comfortable handling. Your grip will remain consistent during each throw. But note that people with big hands will find the grip area small.
This set includes three high speed flights, six shafts and three tips. But though the set comes with a slim case to store your darts, many users have found it to be rather small.
The tips are covered by a reinforced cone for added durability and strength. You’ll find the tips easy to secure and remove. All you have to do is simply twist the tip.
At first glance, these Sametop soft tip darts have a design that strongly resembles the IgnatGames set. Only after inspecting the rest of the features will you notice that they’re an entirely different brand. Firstly they’re much lighter than the IgnateGames darts as they weigh only 16g. Secondly, with this set you’ll get a total of 12 darts, while the other brand offers only six.
Generally, these darts are designed for any player regardless of his or her skill level. This means whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or professional dart player you’ll certainly find this set handy.
Because these darts are extremely lightweight, they’re less likely to hit the electronic dartboard with increased pressure. This minimizes premature damaging of the tips.
With this set, you’ll get three types of poly flights, an aluminum shaft and a barrel designed to boost accuracy.
What also impressed us with this set is that the manufacturer provided 100 soft tip backups so you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional tips.
Sametop thought of everything to ensure that you have a hassle free dart session. The manufacturer included a multifunctional tool that you can use to tighten the shaft where necessary. Thinking of having a beer while throwing darts? The same wrench tool is also designed to open a beer bottle.
But chances of you using the tool for tightening are highly unlikely because each dart has O-rings to keep it tightened and secure. Even a fall is unlikely to disassemble the unit.
Overall these darts are easy to throw, but since they have wide tapers, they’re likely to stick to the board. Also, the flights aren’t made of the best quality.
For convenient storage and transportation, the manufacturer included an exquisite case.
This set from Viper Black Magic also features an aerodynamic design just like the Fat Cat Realtree darts. As a result they will glide along the surface and reduce drag meaning you’ll have a high speed set on your hands. The speed allows your dart to hit the board with more force.
These darts also feature aluminum shafts with locking holes for a more secure fit. This means with this model, you also don’t have to retighten the shafts regularly after every shot. This way you can focus on the game. But you do have the option of using O-rings with these darts for extra reinforcement if you prefer. It may be wise since the shaft and barrel both unscrew easily.
Tightening the shaft is very easy. Simply insert the wrench tool provided by the manufacturer into the locking hole to secure it tightly.
The barrels have heavily knurled bands with anti-slip rings that allow for a firm grip. Your hand won’t slip as you throw your darts.
What’s different about these darts is that each one has a flashy holographic finish which gives it a very unique look. But aside from the attractive design, the black brass coated barrels allow for increased balance and stability. It’s valuable in many aspects.
The slim profile barrel is necessary if you want to obtain a closer grouping of darts which will maximize your chances of scoring.
When you purchase this set you’ll get three flights, shafts and tips. The tips are easily replaceable where necessary but note that the manufacturer doesn’t provide extras. You’ll have to make an additional purchase. And the darts weigh 18g which make them a little heavier than some of the brands reviewed above.
Unfortunately, some users found that they don’t stick into the board very well. And you’ll have to purchase a storage case because this set doesn’t come with one.
Either beginners or intermediate players can use this set and you’ll be impressed by how straight they fly.
Cyeelife Sports prides itself in manufacturing high quality soft tips darts. All its products go through at least five quality checks before they’re packaged. With some of the brands reviewed above like the Viber Black Magic set reviewed above, the darts don’t stick into the board. This is something you don’t have to worry about with this set because the tips are designed to stick. If you happen to experience these non-sticking problems, simply notify the seller and they’ll give you replacement tips.
This professional darts set has the most pieces compared to the other brands namely: 180 tips, 15 barrels, 30 flights and 15 aluminum shafts. These shafts come with rubber rings for a more secure fit.
The tips are very durable and are less likely to damage easily; something that’s not common with most soft-tip darts. This is why we’ve voted them the best darts with durable tips.
With regards to weight, these darts weigh 18g making them slightly heavier than some other brands. As for performance, these plastic darts are designed to make your projections more accurate and give you more balance to improve your dart throwing skills.
The surface allows for a firm grip so these darts won’t be slipping during the game. When you purchase this set, you’ll enjoy life long after sales service regardless of the issue you face while using them.
These are the perfect darts to gift someone who enjoys the sport. The attractive casing will keep your darts well protected when not in use.
Overall these darts are high quality units and won’t disappoint where performance is concerned. You don’t have to worry about the flights falling off and they fly straight.
You must be prepared to spend a bit more because the set unfortunately doesn’t come cheap.
And now for our budget pick. We present these soft tip darts from Sanfeng designed for all skill level players; from beginner to advanced. But for darts that weight 20g, they’re suitable for those who want heavier darts.
Since the set includes both metal and plastic shafts, you can vary the weights to suit your preference & skill level.
The barrel has non-slip properties for added grip and control which allows for exceptional performance during a darts competition.
You’ll find the red aluminum shafts very appealing which in turn makes these darts the perfect gift for your friends—including women.
The set comes with a premium case that makes them easy to transport around. You can also store all your accessories neatly into this protective casing.
The deep groove design on the barrel allows for a comfortable & consistent grip for easier handling. And because these darts are stable and fly straight, your chances of hitting the bull’s eye are significantly increased. The flights are pretty durable and will provide you with increased balance & accuracy. This combination ultimately helps to reduce drag and increase speed.
If you’re looking for durable shafts, then you’ll appreciate these unbreakable aluminum shafts with both locking holes and O-rings. This means you don’t need to screw the shafts regularly during the game.
With this set you’ll get 15 extra pieces for replacing the original shafts where necessary. But note that they feature rubber tips which can’t be replaced with plastic tips.
Also, you’ll find the dart tips thinner than other brands and as a result they tend to bend easily.
Our budget set is protected by a three year limited warranty.
Why is it special?
Inexpensive
Well balanced
Throw well
Flights fairly durable
What are the flaws?
Heavy
Dart tips thin
Things to Consider
To give you the best soft tip darts review, we’ve included this detailed buyer’s guide. Here we’ll outline all the information you’ll find useful so that you ultimately make the right purchase.
Reasons to get a set of soft tip darts
For the longest time steel darts have been the most common type used when playing darts. But with the evolution of the sport, there’s been an increase in the manufacturing of soft tip darts. And they’re fast becoming popular because of the following benefits they come with:
The first reason has to be because they’re definitely a safer option. Chances are you’re less likely to suffer significant harm if you’re hit by a soft tip dart than a steel one—unless of course you’re hit directly in the eye.
Because of the above mentioned reason, they’re the better & safer option compared to other types of darts if you want to gift your child a dart set, and are definitely a step up from the magnetic dartboards that kids are often given.
Another notable advantage of using small tip darts is that they’re the ideal type to use on an electronic dart board. With this type of board, you also get to play various other games. Also, with an electronic dartboard, you can keep score of the game.
It’s not uncommon to misfire when throwing darts. This puts your walls, lights and furniture in the firing line. So to avoid a hole-riddled wall, using soft tip darts is your best bet.
Features to consider when choosing the best soft tip darts
Apart from the different colors and graphics, these soft tip darts appear almost identical. But a closer a look at the specs will show you how different they actually are with regards to performance and other factors, as we’ll discuss below.
Dart weight options
The weight of the darts has a direct impact on the balance and will greatly affect how they fly. Generally the heavier the dart is the more stable it is. From our list of recommendations above, the lightest darts weigh 16g while the heavier ones weigh 18g and above.
A good example of a set with heavy darts is the Sanfeng brand whose darts weigh 20g. While they are relatively stable compared to their lighter counterparts, the only major drawback is that they take up more space on the board.
Heavier darts are best suited for the more advanced and professional players.
If you’re new at the sport, we highly recommend the lighter darts for easier handling.
Darts that are 16g like the Sametop brand will work perfectly for novice players.
Number of darts
The number of darts in a set is equally important as it’ll determine the length and speed of your game. Fewer darts mean you’ll regularly have to remove the darts on the board to re-throw. Also, since soft tip darts are likely to break, it’s a good idea to have more in a set so they don’t wear out too quickly.
The number of darts you buy will also be determined by the number of people who’ll be playing the game. If you’ll be practicing by yourself or you’re a beginner, then you don’t need too many darts.
Barrel materials
Of importance to note is the barrel material because it determines durability of your set. A tungsten barrel is highly recommended because this material is designed to withstand premature wear and tear.
But you must also take note of the percentage of tungsten on the barrel. The higher the tungsten, the narrower the dart and the greater the strength. For beginners we highly recommend 70% tungsten barrels while professionals can opt for 80% or 90%.
Some barrels like the IgnateGames darts are made of brass. Brass barrels are generally recommended for beginners or for families because they’re much cheaper than tungsten barrels.
But note that thick brass barrels tend to prevent tight groupings which will reduce your chances of scoring high.
Grooves
Still on the topic of barrels, make sure you opt for barrels that have ring grooves or knurled bands for easier grip and handling.
To increase your control and prevent your fingers from slipping, you must also make sure you pick darts that have anti-slip properties. This will greatly increase your chances of scoring.
Shaft
Another feature you must inspect are the dart shafts and what materials they’re made of. Is it made of plastic or aluminum metal? Most of the sets we reviewed above have aluminum shafts for instance the Viper Astro and Sanfeng darts. And there’s a reason for this; metal shafts are much stronger and durable than their plastic counterparts. Plus aluminum shafts are more attractive.
Not only is the material of the shaft important, but whether it’s stationary or spinning. Why? A spinning shaft will reduce deflection and improve scoring.
Dart Finish
You must also consider the dart finish before making your investment. Is it painted or made of titanium? Why is this important?
Painted tips: Darts with painted tips are usually very appealing and attractive. A good example of a set with darts that have an attractive finish is the Viper Black Magic set reviewed above. They make for impressive gifts.
Titanium: Other darts have titanium finishes. This usually protects the tungsten underneath from corroding. Corrosion is caused by a number of factors including the oils from your hands or grime build up.
Extra shafts, flights, tips and other accessories
Before purchasing a set, you must check whether it comes with extra accessories.
Buying a set with extra flights and tips will be to your advantage because you don’t have to make additional purchases of this gear.
It’s no secret that soft tip darts are not the most durable type. These tips can either break or bend during the course of your game. The last thing you need is to cut your game short because you’ve run out of tips or flights.
A good example of sets that come with extra tips and flights include the Sametop set which comes with 100 extra tips, which is quite impressive. The Cyeelife set of soft tip darts has 180 extra tips and also includes additional accessories like O-rings for secure tightening of your shafts. That makes for excellent value for money.
Tips on playing with soft tip darts
Below we’ll outline a few tips you should keep in mind when playing with soft tip darts to get the most out of your game:
The first thing you need to do is to position yourself properly. Make sure you lean forward slightly but without affecting your balance.
Make sure you hold the dart stable, but don’t be tense as it’ll affect your throw. Instead of holding the dart with two fingers, try holding with three for more control.
Only aim once you’ve assumed the correct posture and you have a comfortable grip.
Make sure you raise the dart to eye level and keep your arm at a 90° angle.
Throw the dart only using your hand & wrist and not your entire arm.
Always aim for big scores during your first three shots so that you accumulate your points early.
Above all practice regularly to improve your dart game.
O-rings are designed to prevent metal dart shafts from loosening on the barrel. It makes the threads tighter for a more secure fit. This way you don’t have to worry about constantly retightening your barrel during a game.
Soft tips do tend to break or bend a lot. When you decide to replace the tips is really a matter of preference. Most people prefer to change the tips as soon as they bend.
Ideally steel tips must be used on bristle boards. But you can use steel tip darts on an electronic dartboard provided that it has a BristleTech surface.
There are a couple of measures you can take to prevent bounce-outs including opting for heavier darts as opposed to lighter ones. You can also use fixed dart points rather than movable ones. Lastly try by all means possible to avoid the other darts you already have lodged in the board as that also causes bounce-outs.
Our Verdict
And now for our top three picks. In first place with a rating of 9.8 is the Viper Astro set of soft tip darts. We especially like how they’re designed for a comfortable grip thanks to the deep grooves and rings found on the barrel. Also, they’re very easy to throw; something beginners will find useful.
Following close behind is the Viper Sinister soft tip set. What first impressed us with these darts is their slim profile design because they’re made up of 95% tungsten. This means with these darts your chances of scoring significantly increase. Also, they feature a very attractive design so you can play your game in style.
Finally, we pick the Arachnid tungsten soft tip darts, which we have given a 9.5 rating. We like that these darts are both short and small. This combination allows for tight groupings and your chances of hitting the target will increase. Plus the durable protective case means not only will the darts last longer, but they’ll be easy to transport too, without easily getting damaged.
But we’re certain whichever set you select from our list, will help you further improve your darts skills. But don’t just take our word for it – why not pick the best soft tip darts and put them to the test?
Apart from the different colors and graphics, these soft tip darts appear almost identical. But a closer a look at the specs will show you how different they actually are with regards to performance and other factors, as we’ll discuss below.
Of importance to note is the barrel material because it determines durability of your set. A tungsten barrel is highly recommended because this material is designed to withstand premature wear and tear.
You must also consider the dart finish before making your investment. Is it painted or made of titanium? Why is this important?
Below we’ll outline a few tips you should keep in mind when playing with soft tip darts to get the most out of your game:
