What Weight Darts Should I Use? Finding Your Ideal Set

If you're new to darts or you've only been playing for a few months, you probably don't know just how much dart weight can affect your throw and overall performance on the oche. Even a small difference in dart weight can have a big impact on your game, so it’s important to find the right one. If you’re still putting your setup together, make sure to check out our guides on beginner darts equipment and dart accessories to get you started.
Across the game and from local leagues to the professional ranks players use a huge range of dart weights. Players like Ryan Searle are known to use 32g darts, while players like Luke Littler use a much lighter setup at around 23g. This shows that there is no one "best" dart weight. But it’s about finding the weight that fits your throw, your style of play and your experience.

Choosing the right dart weight is an important decision for any player, so before we get into the ways you can find the right one for you, let’s look at the different weights available.
weights can be anywhere from 10 grams to 48 grams, and all of these options will affect the trajectory of your throw and your overall comfort while playing. This wide range allows for a plethora of different playing styles. However for most people the sweet spot is somewhere between 16 and 26 grams. These weights are light enough to be comfortable to handle but heavy enough to produce a good stable flight path with each throw.
Heavier options can be very helpful for beginners, so if you are not very experienced yet, a 26-gram setup will help you gain confidence and develop a consistent throwing action. As you get better at your technique, you can experiment with lighter choices to see what feels most natural.
Lighter weights fly faster and have less drag, so they are often preferred, but they do require a controlled, experienced release to keep them accurate. Meanwhile, the heavier choices are prized for their momentum and usually suit a more direct, forceful style of throwing. But unless you’ve done a lot of testing with different weights it can be hard to know what is going to work best for your game.
A good rule of thumb is to start off with a heavier setup as you begin to learn the game, and then work your way down through the weights until you find the one that feels most comfortable and gives the most consistent results for your throw.

The lighter the dart, the harder it is to throw it accurately, so if you like to throw with a lot of force, a lighter weight is the way to go. Ideal for players with a precise, heavy throw, having them lighter allows for fine control and accuracy and encourages the development of a skilled, technique-driven throwing style.

However, it is important to remember that light darts can be more easily deflected by air currents or any inconsistencies in the throw, which may affect their flight path and potentially lead to bounce-outs; so, make sure that you test several different darts before settling on this kind.

Whilst it is very hard to give anyone the correct answer to the question ‘what weight darts should I use’, as everyone plays darts very differently, the most popular darts fall within this weight range, so, it is generally recommended that you pick one of these.

They are a good, balanced choice for any player, offering a good middle ground by providing enough weight for stability without requiring too much force. Suitable for various playing styles and environments, they are a popular choice among casual and competitive players, and offer a steady flight path that is less affected by external factors than heavier or lighter darts.

Whilst these darts are not as widely used as the medium weight options, they are excellent for players with a more powerful and heavy throw, as they maintain a straight, predictable flight that reduces the arc of the throw.

However, holding and throwing heavier darts can quickly become tiring or uncomfortable, especially during long sessions, so bear in mind that these options can strain your throwing technique if they are not matched well with your physical capabilities and skills. Similarly, these darts are less forgiving on precision errors, as their weight amplifies any deviations or aiming issues, so make sure you are certain that you can handle these darts before stocking up on them ahead of your next game.

Whether you play competitive darts, or enjoy a recreational game with friends every now and then, you will want to make sure that you have the right darts for your needs. Whilst there is no ‘one size fits all’ dart in this sport, trying different weights and types will help you assess your techniques and preferences and find the right darts for you.

Using our guide above, pick out the set that you think would best suit your needs and preferences, and then look at a few others that also interest you and are different from the first set you have chosen. Consider your throwing style and experience level, and once you have several options that are comfortable and easy to use, test your darts out by playing a round with each of them. Make sure that you use a consistent throwing technique across the rounds to evaluate how each weight impacts your performance, and it is also a good idea to keep the conditions of each round the same to prevent any factors from interfering with your final decision.

Choosing the right weight of dart for your game can have a big impact on your consistency, accuracy and overall performance. When asking yourself "What weight darts should I use?" the answer will often come down to personal preference, throwing style and a lot of practice with different options.
Don’t be afraid to try different dart weights to see what works best for you in your hand and what gets you the best results on the oche. At Double Top Darts, we have a huge range of darts, from 20 grams right up to 27 grams and over, helping players of all abilities find their perfect setup.
If you would like any advice on selecting the correct dart weight please don't hesitate to contact our team who will be pleased to help. You can also click the button below to learn more about Double Top Darts and how we can help you improve your game Using the right equipment and dart weight you’ll be giving yourself the best possible chance of success every time you step up to the dartboard.