Specialist Barrels

Specialist Dart Barrels

Specialist barrel darts are designed to give players more choice over barrel shape, with a huge variety of unique designs and grip styles available. They are ideal for players looking for something different from the traditional straight barrel dart.

There is also a wide selection of barrel lengths and grip patterns to choose from. Specialist designs such as bomb, scalloped and torpedo barrels all offer their own distinctive look and feel. At Double Top Dart Shop, we stock a huge range of specialist barrel darts from leading brands including Target, Harrows, Red Dragon, Winmau, Shot and Target Japan.

Different Dart Barrel Shapes Explained

Dart barrels come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with each design offering a different feel during the throw. Straight barrel darts have a consistent diameter from front to back, while specialist designs such as scalloped and bomb barrels are created to suit more specific grip positions.

Bomb barrels have a shorter, wider profile that many players find gives a heavier, more stable feel in the hand. Their rounded shape also creates a comfortable grip for a wide variety of throwing styles.

Long Barrel Darts

Long barrel darts provide players with more space to position their fingers, which can help promote a more consistent throwing action. Depending on the barrel design, grip can be concentrated towards the front, middle or rear of the barrel, giving players plenty of options based on where they naturally hold the dart.

A good example of a longer barrel dart is the Target Luke Littler Generation 1 range. The 23g and 24g models measure around 52mm in length, placing them towards the longer end of the barrel length spectrum.

Tungsten Dart Barrels

Tungsten is an extremely dense material, which is why many specialist dart barrels are manufactured from it. Its density allows manufacturers to create compact barrels in a wide variety of weights without making them excessively thick or long.

Tungsten darts are commonly available in 80%, 85%, 90% and 95% tungsten. Generally, the higher the tungsten percentage, the denser the barrel can be, allowing manufacturers to produce slimmer and more compact dart designs at the same weight.

How to Choose the Right Dart Barrel

The best dart barrel depends on how you naturally hold the dart and what feels most comfortable when you step up to the oche. Barrel shape, grip pattern, length and diameter all influence how the dart feels in your hand and how it leaves your fingers during the throw.

Trying different barrel designs is the best way to discover which style complements your throwing action and gives you the most confidence on the dartboard.

Dart Barrel FAQs

What are the different types of dart barrels?

The most common dart barrel shapes include straight, torpedo, bomb, scalloped and tapered designs. Each profile creates a different feel in the hand, making certain barrel styles better suited to particular grip positions, throwing styles and personal preferences.

Are long barrel darts better?

Not necessarily. Long barrels simply provide more room for finger placement, which many players find comfortable. Others prefer the shorter, more compact feel of a smaller barrel. Neither is better, it simply depends on your grip, throwing style and personal preference.

Are tungsten dart barrels better than brass?

Not always. Tungsten is denser than brass, allowing manufacturers to produce thinner barrels at the same weight. However, brass darts are typically more affordable, making them an excellent option for beginners or players shopping on a budget.

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your budget, your preferences and which barrel feels most comfortable in your hand.