Lots of darts have a smooth section ?

[*Saber*]

I mean a lot of them right where I put my thumb. Question : is this a reference point and if so does it hurt the grip? Your comments more than welcomed.

[Regulatori]

Are you talking about a Ton Machine style dart...with a smooth spot in the center?

Darts like that don't bother me because I grip near the nose. I've heard of others like a different section in the center (like a Ton Machine or a Phase 1 Barney) because it does give them a reference point...or they'll place a thumb/finger halfway on the grippy section/halfway on the smooth or microgrip section.

Darts like the Phase 5 are the opposite to me...they're worthless since I grip near the nose and the only grip is in the center.

[Regulatori]

Another thing...I think a lot of pros will start off with a famous dart and then have it customized so the grip is in their exact spot they place their fingers. When creating a dart, they're not thinking about what grip pattern will appeal to the masses, they're strictly thinking about what will work for them.

Good example is Michael Smith. He mentioned changing his grip depending on how he wants the dart to land....his darts have two separate smooth sections but that's because he grips the very rear of the barrel and the front for most shots and then changes his grip to the middle section for specific shots to get the tail to lay down a certain way.

Darts like that for an average Joe is tough since your grip may be the exact spot where there is a smooth section. That's why I'm a fan of darts that have a consistent grip all along the dart.

[nicksmith1989]

I know what you mean, Ive been using some c8 soft tip darts for the past couple of weeks and although there great they have a smooth section at the back where they put the logo. If i still lived in the uk I would probably send them to madhouse and get some grip put there. I think a little section there where the grip is difference would help to keep a consistent grip and not be slippery like the smooth section.

[Ni518079]

I find that most darts don't have the grip where I need it. Those smooth parts bother me. Like the older target Dellars I had I gripped on the only smooth part of the barrel, made no sense for me. Might as well just throw a completely smooth dart.

[Regulatori]

At the same time, think if you went pro and offered the darts in your signature as your pro model....would you keep the darts the same or flatten them out to add more mass appeal and/or add grip in the smooth sections?

Do you think anyone would complain about the darts having a specific gripping spot? Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[Ni518079]

If I went pro I would like to offer the actual darts I throw. I don't like it when they have someone's name on a dart for the sake of the name. Like Dellar for example (since I spoke of the darts before) I don't even think he threw darts close to his signature darts. If I had my name on something you better believe I would stand behind it, and not just sell you on my name. I have seen cheap "disposable" darts with MVGs name on em, it's ridiculous. Second, yes I am sure people would complain about the grip spot. They are not meant to suit anyone but myself. My darts are smooth where I don't need grip, the beauty of a custom.

The thing is I believe most darts are made for the masses, straight barrel mid to rear grip. That is not to say that there aren't a ton or weird grips and shapes out there. The dart companies are a business and try to sell as much as possible.

But back to the smooth part, I don't really get it. For example Barney's darts, some are smooth in the middle and some have that sort of micro grip. I think the micro grip is better than nothing even if you don't grip there. It has the potential to appeal to more people, meaning more gripping positions for different grips. One reason for asmooth part is to have a space to etch a logo, that's understandable. But in the middle? Just looks?

[Vambo]

I must admit that I'm not keen on a smooth part of the grip because if my hands start to get a bit sweaty (often happens through stress of playing a better player in a competition!!) my throw goes to pieces. I now prefer a 'Purist' type grip or similar as regardless of whether my hands are dry or otherwise the grip always feels the same. I wish the MVG darts came in a 22gm weight. Have just started using taylor 9 Zeros at 22gm and they feel great.

[Getagrip]

Well I have the new Winmau Paul Nicholson darts and it is smooth at the front where I grip it but the black coating has a grippy feel so I'm ok with it Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[Regulatori]

But back to the smooth part, I don't really get it. For example Barney's darts, some are smooth in the middle and some have that sort of micro grip. I think the micro grip is better than nothing even if you don't grip there. It has the potential to appeal to more people, meaning more gripping positions for different grips. One reason for asmooth part is to have a space to etch a logo, that's understandable. But in the middle? Just looks?

Barney holds the dart near the front but I believe one of his fingers rests against the middle section. You can see it in this photo.

(Lovejoy and I were talking about Barney's throwing style and I whipped this up)

Broken link removed

I believe he wants a less grippy middle section since part of his finger rests against it..he grips near the front but the side of his finger touches the middle section.  

He often uses his Phase 2As (the gold striped darts) but my best guess is since those darts are fatter, his finger maybe doesn't touch that area. Who knows.

I wish the MVG darts came in a 22gm weight.  Have just started using taylor 9 Zeros at 22gm and they feel great.

Check out the Aden Kirks.

It's a 22g dart with a Purist/Hero grip. Currently my favorite dart right now.
https://www.dartsnutz.net/showthread.php?tid=9857

Broken link removed

[Getagrip]

would be nice to have a great throw like Barneys!

[Regulatori]

Yeah, I never did a collage type deal with any player except for Barney...he has such a smooth throw as if he's laying back on a recliner and just casually tossing wadded up paper in the trash with ease. I did the multiple photos just to really give his throw/position on the oche a good study.

[Getagrip]

Yeah that's exactly it, just so relaxed it is hard to imagine why he has problems at times, just in his head Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[ikarl69]

Purist darts only come in one weight without anything but barrels.

They have slightly different formats to the ones that come full equipped and I was under the impression that they were the darts as used by said player.

If there ,"grip", as such is different it is not across the board different in a ,"Purist style".

In today's massive infomation age it is easy to email or call and ask or exact details.

Purist=barrels only

-one weight

-as used by dart player

The World Champion version that comes fully stocked is different slightly in grip, however this would be the case as many are of a different weight.

That is my take on it.
Sorry I have taken so long to get back on this subject.

Keep the 180s coming.

Sent from my SM-A500FU using Tapatalk

[Rolaball]

I've got 5 sets of darts , and all of them have smooth parts on the barrel apart from my Showtime Fuzion which have none . It's really hard to find darts that suit your grip and throw , luckily I've found a dart that feels easy to throw just by luck . Barneveld phase 5s which also have smooth bands , but not where I grip ! But yes it does seem that the vast majority especially of pro players darts have smooth bands . On my McKicks mighty grips I actually hold the dart on the smooth band and it feels better .