Which dart weight to choose? Heavy or light?

[The D'Artist]

I was asked this question recently.
What weight of darts do the Pros use and why do many use lighter darts?
OK, I shall now make you sorry you asked, there will be a quiz at the end.
I shall now open myself up for abuse and contrary opinions as that is not what works for you. That is fine, you have the right to be wrong!
The theory is that heavier darts are easier to throw (less effort) but not as accurate (generality); lighter darts are easier to throw accurately and harder.
I was surprised by the lightweight darts most players really use.
I have started using 10 gm darts, and quite well, I also use 21 and 25gm darts and do switch from time to time. I also practice with a handful of different darts. I am comfortable with that, it gives some players conniptions to see me doing that, I have broken some golden rule.

This is from https://www.dartbase.com/faqweight.htm
If you can't figure out which set is suitable then probably none of the two sets is exactly right for you. The perfect situation would be you have one set of darts you feel completely comfortable with. As you play 28gr darts which is definitely on the very heavy side I'm thinking of you as a not-so experienced player. Usually experienced players don't throw heavier than 24gr. (e.g. Mike Gregory plays 24 and he is the *heaviest* amongst the pros as far as I know). There are some diffculties with the very heavy darts to get much better 'cause they don't react that sensible and throwers don't get enough *feedback* from the dart on how it *wants* to be thrown right. Heavy darts are okay for beginners and not so experienced players to develop a decent throwing technique, but once you upgrade to an average or expert player you might want a dart that reacts more sensible to your *work*. So when looking for something new, as I think this could be the right situation for you to do so and benefit from it, try something around 24 grams. I've talked to pro Rod Harrington some years ago, and he said he started with very heavy darts just like yours and when he tried lighter ones his game improved dramatically to the nearly perfect one he has now (the time we talked he was playing 18gr.).
If you go to the darts database you can check the darts and weights used by many players: https://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/AboutUs.aspx
And stolen from a thread in the other forum:
As at 15th Jan 2014:

Stephen Bunting 12
Ted Hankey 14
Denis Preistley 15
Bob Anderson 18
Colin Lloyd 18
Kevin Painter 19
Mark Hylton 20
Alan Tabern 20
Andy Smith 20
Colin Osbourne 20
Denis Ovens 20
James Wade 20
Mark Webster 20
Paul Nicholson 20
Adrian Lewis 21
Joe Cullen 21
Mark Dudbridge 21
Robbie Green 21
Terry Jenkins 21
Dennis Smith 21
Dave Chisnall 22
Co Stompe 22
Gary Anderson 22
Gary Robson 22
Martin Adams 22
Mervyn King 22
Ronnie Baxter 22
Simon Whitloc 22k
Steve Beaton 22
Steve Brown 22
Tony Eccles 22
Tony O'Shea 22
Wes Newton 22
Dean Winstanley 22
Richie Burnett 23
Andy Hamilton 23
Wayne Jones 23
James Wilson 23
Jamie Caven 23
Jelle Klaasen 23
John Part 23
Justin Pipe 23
Richie George 23
Scott Rand 23
Vincent van der Voort 23
Scott Waites 23
Mark Walsh 24
Martin Atkins 24
Ross Montgomery 24
Wesley Harms 24
Brendan Dolan 24.5
Darryl Fitton 25
Michael van Gerwen 25
Nigel Heydon 25
Raymond van Barneveld 25
Dave Prins 26
Devon Peterson 26
Magnu Caris 26
Peter Wright 26
Phil Taylor 26
Robert Thornton 26

[Getagrip]

where's the quiz?

I dont really know if that theory of heavier is easier to throw is totally sound, I think to some extent its true but I also think a lot depends on how the individual throws the dart, I know there is people who throw heavy darts hard and fast so it wont apply to all. I started with 25 or 26 grams and gradually settled on around 23g but I think it was more due to the fact my arm/wrist got tired quicker with the heavier weights. My throw was more floaty at one time too and I think the lighter dart with medium stems and standard flights helped the floatiness.

[guest2]

I'm using lighter darts now so as I can easily switch and adjust to my soft darts. As I would like to come to a point that I can use only one set of darts for both type of dart games. I have heard some Pros active in soft darts are doing the same too .

[The D'Artist]

where's the quiz?

I dont really know if that theory of heavier is easier to throw is totally sound, I think to some extent its true but I also think a lot depends on how the individual throws the dart, I know there is people who throw heavy darts hard and fast so it wont apply to all. I started with 25 or 26 grams and gradually settled on around 23g but I think it was more due to the fact my arm/wrist got tired quicker with the heavier weights. My throw was more floaty at one time too and I think the lighter dart with medium stems and standard flights helped the floatiness.

I agree, which is why I added "generality", I think it works for some. I float a dart in or throw it hard and straight depending on: the dart; what I am going for; how I feel,; and if I have been influenced watching the "power" player next to me; or if I am trying to impress some lady with the 26 I am about to hit.
A lot of the older women at our Legion throw heavy darts, I let them play with mine for a bit to see how they like it. After handling and throwing the 10 gram darts they all throw better with their heavy darts for a while.

[Banned]

First off, excellent post. I gave you a +1 for it Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

From everything I heard in the last 20 years or so, here's my take on the whole weight issue.... I think most people in the USA tend to start around 24 grams. That seems to be a weight that is available with a great selection of darts. I started with a 24 gram barrel because that's what everyone else used. It was common.

Finally one day by accident, I tried a super light dart and was hitting EVERYTHING with them. I couldn't believe how well they fit into the targets. But when I went to buy a set of light steel tips there was practically NO selection under 18 grams. So I firmly believe this is why more people don't play with lighter darts. The selection is terrible. Granted, in the last 5 years there have been more and more lighter darts to choose from. You can find anything from 10 grams and upwards.

Here's the thing I don't get. I read about so many people trying light darts and they talk about how well they play with them but they go right back to something heavier. For example, there's a great member MC1958 who I've seen talk about light darts often. He says he plays incredible with them but always goes back to his normal weight. I've also seen quite a few others mention playing with a 15 gram dart or so for a few minutes and shooting lights out. But they are all reluctant to make the switch.

From a personal experience I played with a 24 gram dart for years and years. Then one day a friend of mine showed up at a local luck of the draw with a set of soft tip darts that weighed 12 grams. I had never even seen a set of soft tip darts in my life before. Anyway I picked them up and had a go with them on a steel tip board. All of a sudden I was hitting 100's, and 140's time and time again. I was shocked with how well I could throw them. I set my darts down and played in the steel tip tourney that day with these soft tip darts. I drew a great player and we ended up winning that day. From that day back in the mid 90's I have never shot anything over 18 grams. I also think that a heavier dart is simply not needed and is unnecessary

[Spartan]

I started out with 24g but now I'm using 25g which I find I'm throwing better with. 22g I feel I have no accuracy and I'm looping where as 25g I'm throwing with a flow and consistency

[Banned]

I started out with 24g but now I'm using 25g which I find I'm throwing better with. 22g I feel I have no accuracy and I'm looping where as 25g I'm throwing with a flow and consistency

I'll have to check out some of your stats on WDA. I'm curious as to how well you hold form on a Ladder with a 25g dart.

I'll be looking to compare your 1st 3 legs with your last 3 legs on matches you won. Sometimes without knowing your form can fall off on a longer match when it should be doing the opposite. You should be hitting top gear on the last few legs of a best of 11.

[Spartan]

Funny you should say that played an eq few hours ago I was avg high 70s until the last 2-3 legs. ended with a 56avg which is an improvement on high 40s before switching from 24g. I get the odd 60+ win avg which are becoming more regular.

[Banned]

Funny you should say that played an eq few hours ago I was avg high 70s until the last 2-3 legs. ended with a 56avg which is an improvement on high 40s before switching from 24g. I get the odd 60+ win avg which are becoming more regular.

Fatigue could be an issue there? Just a best guess really. I believe there is ZERO science in figuring out what works best. But I would encourage you to try out an 18 gram barrel for a few weeks when you get the chance. Give it a go on WDA where you can keep track of stats. I'm betting you will be surprised with the results. Guests cannot see images in the messages. Please register at the forum by clicking here to see images.

[The D'Artist]

Good responses, folks, thanks for adding to the debate. This is what makes this so enjoyable. And informative.
As I say to people where I play "Great! But that is what works for you. Don't try and force it on someone else. You just ruin their game and their fun".

[Spartan]

As I'm still new too darts I'm very open minded about trying different weights lengths etc. 1 thing I did find with the 22g chizzys I had it was the fastest I've hit 2 180s think they were an hour-2hours apart

[Milkysunshine]

Here's the thing I don't get. I read about so many people trying light darts and they talk about how well they play with them but they go right back to something heavier. For example, there's a great member MC1958 who I've seen talk about light darts often. He says he plays incredible with them but always goes back to his normal weight. I've also seen quite a few others mention playing with a 15 gram dart or so for a few minutes and shooting lights out. But they are all reluctant to make the switch.

Even though I had a 17 dart leg the first time I ever used my 18g accudarts, I found that they were harder to control under that pressure of a crucial match. I do believe if I stayed with them I could make them work... but they aren't any thinner than my 21g meteors or 22g dragons. The One80 darts I mentioned do require more consistent form to make them work because of their sheer length. I see that as a good thing as it requires good form and a smooth release.



TL;DR = I find ultra light darts hard to control when nervous.

[Getagrip]

For me I have tried a lot of light darts and I find my throw is just not strong enough to get them as accurate as I would like, but there is 2 sets of light-ish darts that I did throw quite well with, one is a 19g Manley dart and the other is a 17g Leo Laurens dart but as that particular set is one of my rare sets I never played with them much. Also, I felt the custom set ball and taper that are 17g threw quite well but I have not played with them so much.

I think trying a light set is probably a good way to improve your throw though, as I find with the light sets I have to have a good follow through to get the dart flying well, but on the whole I find weights around 22 - 24 grams easier for me.

[Rod Dogg]

when i sweat it makes a diffrece

[*Saber*]

Lets see Barney 25gm
Taylor 26gm
Wright 26gm
MVG 25gm
hmmmm