23g XQMax MVG Green Demolisher
50.30mm 6.7mm
These new XQMax MVGs are made by Shot! with some noticeable changes from the older generations.
Length: the new ones are shorter by 3mm which makes the darts more reactive in flight.
Grip: the new ones have thicker ridges so the grip is smoother and feel more comfortable in my hands than the older generation.
However, it also means they are less grippy (low 3).
Diameter: Being 70% tungsten, they are thicker than the 90% tungsten Masterdarts.
Despite the grip and diameter, they hit the board well.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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23g XQMax Michael van Gerwen darts / 23g XQMax MVG darts
22g v180 Alan Norris
47.96mm 6.38mm
The Alan Norris is in my opinion the most gorgeous-looking rendition of the numerous Bristow darts variants.
Grip level is fair (high 2); the section with the tight rings serve very well as reference point(s) on where to place your fingers.
Overall, the Alan Norris is very well balanced and fly extremely well. I always have fun throwing them.
Target 'designed' identical darts for Alan Norris (when he signed with them) but added some microgrip on the rear 3 rings
(and also jacking up the price by 10 pounds). My advice is to hunt for the v180 version and not pay the foolish Target price.
Rating: 3.5 stars (I knocked off 0.5 stars for having less grip than I like)
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22g v180 Alan Norris darts
23g Unicorn Raymond van Barneveld Phase 4
50.55mm 6.73mm
The full length grip feels incredible and once broken in, it feels like running your fingers down the side of a screw.
Resembling a grippier John Parts darts, the Phase 4 has a silhouette that fits comfortably in your hand.
For a 90% tungsten dart though, the diameter (6.73mm) is thicker than the norm.
Maybe it's the reason why I have trouble finding a setup that works. These flew all over the place for me.
I would choose Phase 1 over Phase 4 without hesistation for being slimmer, for having a reference point, and for flying better.
Rating: 2 stars
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23g Unicorn Raymond van Barneveld Phase 4 darts
22g XQMax Vincent van der Voort Phase 2
49mm 6.40mm
The Vvdv Phase 2 are more similar in appearance to the MVG darts than its predecessor.
Its rear grip has been upgraded to a level 3 Lewis style grip that's miles superior than the grip found on the Phase 1.
However I find the significant front bias to be very annoying; it flies nowhere like the MVG darts or Vvdv Phase 1.
I much rather throw the Vvdv Phase 1 personally; at least they go where I want them.
XQMax are not distributing these darts to any major online retailers so you will have a hard time finding these in the wild.
Rating: 2 stars
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22g XQMax Vincent van der Voort Phase 2 darts
23g RedDragon Barrie Bates 2014
50.8mm 6.50mm
As I acquire and play with more darts, I progressively gain a better understanding of what I need which makes it harder to find my ideal darts.
To start, the straight barrel should be 23g with a length below 51 mm and a diameter below 6.6mm.
No smooth knurl or scallop. Grip must be durable (no microgrip or pixels) yet grippy enough (bye bye Bristow rings, hello Lewis rings).
Grip must extends to the back (as I grips close to the rear) and preferably partitioned (or there must be a reference point) for me to grip in the identical place every time.
I ended up looking through old RedDragon brochures and found this gem. It took a year to acquire a set and in the end I am very happy with it.
You can still find Barrie Bates being sold at Red Dragon. But only in Zirconium finish which by all accounts, a slippery coating so beware!
(Natural version was introduced in 2014 and only offered in that one year. It was then replaced with the zirconium finish ever since.)
Rating: 5 stars
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23g RedDragon Barrie Bates darts
23g Unicorn Generation 180 Adam Paxton
53.34mm 6.43mm
The Adam Paxton is Unicorn's take on the MVG darts with some important upgrades.
To start, the noses are tapered to reduce deflections. Grip is now intensified and so MUCH better defined.
And most importantly for rear grippers, the grip extends all the way to the end of the barrels.
(This address my chief complaint with the 23g MVG in that the grip doesn't extend back far enough so I always end up touching the smooth part.)
Although identical in dimension to the MVG, the Adam Paxton proves time and time again to be easier to control and to land tail up.
Without a doubt, I prefer these over my 23g MVG and I think you will too.
Rating: 5 stars
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23g Unicorn Adam Paxton darts
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22g Unicorn Kim Huybrechts
50.19mm 6.27mm
Overall, the Kim Huybrechts imo is a much better darts than the Harrows Boxer.
To start with, the (less grippy type) knurl grip is a lot sharper and being rear grip is a 100x more comfortable.
For some reason as weird as it sounds, they retains their warmth very well; it's the first set of darts where I notice this.
Second, the darts are more front bias than other straight darts; make sense as the head is relatively untouched while the back is drilled.
So keep that in mind. They do look classy though.
Rating: 2.5 stars
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22g Unicorn Kim Huybrechts darts
22g Datadart Jocky Wilson Shark
50.45mm 6.45mm
As a a rear gripper, I am always interested in grip that extends all the way to the ends so I was very happy to receive these in my mailbox!
Now, some players shy away from shark grip because they find them overly clingy but Datadart managed to create a type of shark grip
with a flat surface that eliminates the problem. Their shark grips are superior than anything I have tried on the market as not only do they
not interfere with the release yet able to provide a high level (high 4) of grip.
Once broken in, the darts settle down to a comfy solid level 4 grip.
Balance is excellent so they are very easy to steer and throw. Only minor annoyance is the smooth center part.
Rating: 4 stars
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22g Datadart Jocky Wilson Shark darts
23g Datadart Orion Shark
50.5mm 6.80mm
There are two types of knurl grip on the market: grippy and less grippy. Datadart is one of maybe two companies still making grippy knurl.
(Most darts have the latter which you can only identify by examining the (height and distance between the) bumps closeup.)
And thank God they do because the result when coupled with their version of shark grip is a set of darts that's comfortable and precise as hell.
The knurl are nice and gritty and they make wonderful reference point. I really like these!
The shark grip is even less clingy than the Jocky Wilson Shark I reviewed previously. Grip level retains a solid 4.
The only downside to all this is the slightly beefier diameter (despite being a 90% tungsten darts); a non-issue if they are going where you want them to.
Rathing: 4 stars (I knocked off 1 star for the diameter.)
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23g Datadart Orion Shark darts
22g one80 Fire Dragon
56.50mm 5.65mm
The one80 Dragon darts is highly regarded among forum members here but I had my doubts whether I could throw such a lengthy darts.
I had some issues controlling the beast (too long) however my friend was able to throw them with relative ease.
The biggest positive I find was being able to spread my fingers comfortably along the length of the darts.
The second positive is the phenomenal grouping made possible by the slim diameter (5.65mm).
The Dragon comes in natural, blue pvd coating (ice dragon), and bronze color pvd (fire dragon).
The bronze color on the Fire Dragon color is EXCEPTIONAL; color is rich and personally they look more unique than gold.
I hope more manufacturers able to field the bronze color coating!
Rating: 2 stars
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22g one80 Fire Dragon darts
22g Red Dragon Jon 'The Womble' Worsley
51.00mm 6.20mm
Center-weighted darts with a Gary Anderson-like grip (low level 4) on either side of the smooth section.
But I do wish they were heavier by a gram as I find the darts float too much during flight.
If the smooth center annoys you (like it did for myself), try the alternatives: 22g v180 Mark McGeeney or 22g Designa Dark Thunder.
The colorful rear rings are a nice touch! Along with the tapered front-end and thin ring grip, they all come together to give off a youthful vibe.
Rating: 2.5 stars
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22g Red Dragon Jon 'Womble' Worsley darts
23g one80 Meteor
52.50mm 6.35mm
This 23g Meteor is my second set of one80 darts and I am very happy with the tungsten work by one80.
Weights are dead on and the cuts are clean and sharp. The Meteor is available in a multitude of weights (20/21/22/23/25g).
High-level 2 ring grip spans the center with tighter ring grip flanking the sides; doesn't extend far enough for rear grippers imo.
The front is tapered from the point reducing deflection, increasing the longevity of the flights, or the need for storm points.
I bought the 23g Meteor over the 22g (56.5mm) for the relatively shorter length (52.5mm).
However the handling remains uninspiring. Nothing really stand out other than that; in fact I find them downright boring.
Rating: 2 stars
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23g one80 Meteor darts
22.5g v180 Mark McGeeney
49.30mm 6.30mm
The 'Gladiator' darts is a shortened copy of the MVG darts available in an even weight.
The barrel is nicely divided with a mid level 3 grip on either sides of the smooth part.
I personally would opt for more grip similar to those found on MVG darts.
Very effective; in my opinion, a great set of darts.
Rating: 4 stars
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22g v180 Mark McGeeney darts
22g Designa Dark Thunder
51.00mm 6.30mm
Dark Thunder reminds me of a cross between the black colorway of Purist 1 and full length grip of Purist 2.
The ring grip on the Dark Thunder are slanted towards each other creating a non-biting yet sufficient grip.
I would rate the grip a high level 3. But with heavy use, grip quickly drops down to a level 3.
Very comfortable to throw, just silky! Its friendly temperment makes it my favorite 22g set.
Rating: 4.5 stars
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42g Designa Dark Thunder darts
23g Winmau Danny Noppert
50.8mm 6.40mm
These darts is based on Unicorn Gary Anderson P3 (which Danny competed with in the earlier 2016) design with the length reduced.
Phenomenal news because GA Phase 3 is too long for most of us! Both sets of darts offer a mid level 4 grip however their grip pattern differs.
Whereas the grip on Gary Anderson P3 is a soft Purist grip, the grip found on Danny Noppert is a soft Bob Anderson/Unicorn Gripper grip.
The onyx black coating gives a matte feel and increases the grippiness of the darts unlike other black coatings on the market.
I do notice the coating being fractionally tougher but at the end of the day they will still scratch from hard falls and tight groupings.
These are some premium grade darts that feels and shoots well and as close to perfection as they come; you will love them.
(Bring out the natural tungsten/gold version already, Winmau!)
Rating: 5 stars
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23g Winmau Danny Noppert darts
23g XQMax Michael van Gerwen Career Slam Special Edition
54.0mm 6.40mm
The Career Slam Edition celebrates MVG's historic 9 Major victories with a black and gold colorway.
It's the most expensive out of all MVG editions but they are also the most stunning MVG darts ever created.
XQMax made the Career Slam even longer (I would dare say too long for most of us to throw!) which I dislike very much.
I also notice that the gold (grip) section are not as wide as the rest of the barrel making it difficult to grip.
Not to mention the grip there is noticeably duller than traditional (Masterdarts) silver MVGs. Disappointing.
I can highly recommend the Career Slam for collection; they make for a stunning display and a conversation starter.
However if you want to buy one set of MVG for play, pass on this and find yourself a set of Masterdarts MVG.
Rating: 2 stars
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23g XQMax Michael van Gerwen Career Slam Edition darts
23g Target Adrian Lewis Gen 3
50.9mm 6.40mm
These utilitarian-looking barrels have what Target called 'Nano grip' which is supposed to "enhance(d) grip and finger to barrel synergy".
They started out nicely but the longer I play with them in a match, the slipperier the 'Nano grip' feels.
It has nothing to do with wear and tear. The nano grip is just (mid level 2) slippery. Don't let its appearance fool you.
It's a real shame as I find the balance very good and I had some fantastic throws with them.
(Sorry, the picture below is not mine. I sold the Gen 3 right away once I got them because that's how terrible I found them.)
Rating: 2 stars
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23g Target Adrian Lewis Gen 3 darts
23g Unicorn Raymond van Barneveld Phase 1
50.60mm 6.53mm
The most versatile darts design: it works no matter whether you grip front, center, or back.
The more I throw these, the more I appreciate the center reference grip; it adds to my consistency.
Needless to say they fly excellent for me and apparently many others as well judging by its popularity.
The grip (very unique from others on the market) throughout is phenomenal. Very grippy and doesn't hold onto you like shark grip.
These Barney Phase 1 is an absolute timeless design from Unicorn darts.
Rating: 4.5 stars
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23g Unicorn Raymond van Barneveld Phase 1 darts
23g Target Adrian Lewis Gen 2
50.90mm 6.35mm
I got on very well with the 23g Winmau Danny Noppert so I decide to explore other darts with this winning formula.
The Adrian Lewis G2 has a very similar arrangement; thick deep rings dominate 3/5 of the grip with thin rings at the end.
This arrangement is perfect for me because where the ring pattern transitions into the other becomes my grip reference point.
Before my purchase, I was worried about a lack of grip since the ridges are wide and flat but that worry was unfounded.
I did not experience any slippage during my extended session with the darts and I believe the deep grooves made all the difference here.
With all that said, the low level 4 grip on the Lewis' still leaves something to desire in the strive for perfection.
And that's where Winmau Noppert edges out to the top in my opinion.
Overall, the Target Adrian Lewis G2 are easy to throw and throw well (like the Winmau Noppert); they easily earn my 5 stars.
Rating: 5 stars
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23g Target Adrian Lewis Gen 2 darts
23g Target Rob Cross
48.00mm 6.60mm
Classic darts design with a low level 3 grip. At 48 mm it's slightly shorter than other darts but made up for it in the waist.
Feels very meaty when thrown like throwing a cigar at the dartboard. Balance feels fine. Honestly, nothing spectacular.
The most unusual (nay, disappointing) thing about this set of darts is the lack of Rob Cross' name on the barrels.
That's right, after paying £30+, Target didn't even bother stenciling his name on these generic looking barrels that almost every manufacturer has an incarnation of one form or another.
Don't tell me you don't mind. If you didn't, you would have easily purchased another set with the identical design at a lower price point such as Harrows Eric Bristow.
My advice is to steer clear of this money grab unless you are a collector.
Rating: 3 stars
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22g Target Rob Cross darts
23g Unicorn World Championship Raymond van Barneveld Black Titanium
50.60mm 6.53mm
In case you didn't read what I said about the Barney Phase 1; they are an absolute timeless design from Unicorn darts.
The grip and the balance just feel so right when I pick them up.
'Are they more superior in grip than the natural tungsten version?' The level of grip and texture feel identical so ignore the advertisement wordplay.
Black titanium unicorn darts are exquisite darts collector items so it's natural for me to get a set when this pops up on the radar!
Rating: 5 stars
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23g Unicorn World Championship Raymond van Barneveld Black Titanium darts
21g XQMax Michael van Gerwen World Champion 2017 Limited Edition
50.50mm 6.20mm
Placeholder
Rating: ? stars
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21g XQMax Michael van Gerwen World Champion 2017 Limited Edition darts
