When gathering all the equipment you’ll need for the perfect home darts set up, don’t forget about the humble darts mat. This often overlooked accessory doesn’t just protect your floor and give your darts area a professional look but it can also help to ensure that you are throwing from the correct distance.
At Double Top Darts we offer a range of dart mats from the most popular brands, but before you browse our collection to find the perfect mat for you, let’s take a look at some of the factors you might need to consider when choosing the right darts mat for your home:
- Material: Consider the material of the mat, such as rubber or foam, to ensure durability and protection for both your floor and darts.
- Size: Choose a mat that fits the space where you plan to set up your dartboard, ensuring it provides ample coverage to catch any bounce-outs.
- Portability: Opt for a mat that is easy to roll up and store when not in use, especially if your dartboard is in a shared living space.
- Oche: Look for a darts oche mat with pre-measured oches for both soft tip and steel tip darts to ensure accurate throwing distances.
- Comfort: Consider mats with cushioned padding if you anticipate long playing sessions to reduce fatigue on your joints.
- Non-Slip: Ensure the mat has non-slip features to provide stable footing during play and prevent any movement while throwing darts.
- Compatibility: Choose a mat that is compatible with any type of dartboard, whether soft-tip or steel-tip, for versatility in your setup.
- Quality: Prioritise mats made from high-quality materials that are built to last, providing a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience for years to come.
What happens when you don’t use a darts mat
It might not be top on your list of essentials, but a dart mat should improve the game experience and help to protect the playing area. If you’re seriously thinking about overlooking this key accessory, here are just a few things to think about:
- Damage to furniture, walls, or other household items: without a darts mat, missed darts can potentially cause holes, scratches and other damage to furniture, wallpaper, or other objects in your home.
- Increased noise disturbance: playing darts without a proper setup can lead to increased noise if darts hit the floor, which could be disruptive, especially in shared living spaces.
- Safety concerns: playing darts without a designated area or mat could potentially increase the chances of darts ricocheting or hitting unintended targets, posing a safety hazard.
- Increased darts wear and tear: playing darts without a designated mat can lead to increased wear and tear on the darts, as the impact of hitting hard surfaces, such as the floor, can cause damage to the shafts, flights, and other components, which can shorten the overall lifespan of the darts.
- Reduced gameplay experience: playing darts without a mat may negatively impact the overall gameplay experience, particularly if you don’t measure the oche accurately or find that you are slipping on the floor surface when throwing, both of which can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
By considering these factors, you can hopefully see the relevance of the humble dart mat and select the right one to suit your needs and enhance your home dart setup effectively. Browse our full collection of dart mats today to find the one that will perfectly accompany your choice of darts, board and other accessories.
Looking after your dart mat
Once you have ordered the perfect mat, here are just a few tips to help keep it in great shape:
Cleaning: clean rubber mats by wiping them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent and fabric mats by vacuuming and using carpet cleaner for tougher stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that could damage the mat material.
Preventing odours: regularly cleaning your mat and allowing it to fully dry can help prevent odours from forming. Also, choosing a good quality mat in the first place can help to minimise initial lingering odours.
Storing the mat: Dart mats are designed to be compact and easy to roll up for storage when not in use. Proper storage, such as keeping the mat in a dry place, can help extend its lifespan.
Replacing worn darts mats: Over time, even the best dart mat may become worn or damaged and require replacement. Regularly inspecting the mat for signs of wear and tear can help determine when it's time to get a new one.
By following these care and maintenance tips, you can help ensure your dart mat continues to provide effective protection and a safe, comfortable playing surface for years to come.