Dartboard Selection Guide

Getting started in darts requires one essential piece of equipment: a quality dartboard. This guide breaks down the key options to help you make an informed choice based on your playing requirements and budget.

Professional-Grade Options

Winmau Blade Series

Tournament Standard Performance

The Winmau Blade series represents the current benchmark in professional dartboard manufacturing. These boards feature advanced sisal construction and ultra-thin spider wiring systems used across major tournament circuits including the PDC and Modus Super Series.

Key Features:

  • Tournament-grade sisal fibre construction for maximum durability
  • Ultra-thin spider wire technology reduces bounce-outs
  • Official board of multiple professional tour events
  • Self-healing surface maintains consistent play characteristics

Investment Range: £50–£80 (Blade 6 Triple Core specification)

Unicorn Eclipse

Former World Championship Standard

Previously the official tournament board for PDC World Championship events, the Unicorn Eclipse delivers proven professional-level performance for serious players.

Key Features:

  • Former PDC World Championship specification
  • Ultra-thin spider construction
  • Consistent playing surface density
  • Professional tournament heritage

Investment Range: £55–£90

Mid-Tier Performance Options

Target Aspar

Balanced Performance and Value

Target’s dartboard offerings combine solid construction with competitive pricing, often bundled with complete starter sets for new players.

Key Features:

  • Clear segment marking and numbering
  • Reliable sisal construction
  • Frequently included in beginner packages
  • Used in World Seniors Tour events

Investment Range: £45–£70

Target Tor

Modern All-Round Performance

The Target Tor represents contemporary dartboard engineering from an established equipment manufacturer, offering solid performance across all skill levels.

Key Features:

  • High-grade sisal fibre construction
  • Clean visual design with precise numbering
  • Competitive pricing relative to premium options
  • Suitable for both casual and competitive play

Investment Range: £40–£60

Budget-Conscious Option

NPQ (Near Perfect Quality) Dartboard

Tournament Quality at Entry-Level Pricing

NPQ dartboards are Winmau Blade 6 boards that failed cosmetic quality control due to minor visual imperfections. The playing performance remains tournament-standard while the price point suits beginning players.

Key Features:

  • Identical playing characteristics to Blade 6
  • Minor cosmetic variations only
  • Professional-level performance
  • Entry-level investment

Investment Range: Around £30

Selection Overview

For Long-Term Performance: The Target Tor delivers excellent durability with modern features and straightforward installation.

For Proven Tournament Experience: The Winmau Blade 6 offers established professional specifications with reliable performance characteristics.

On a budget? NQP boards offer the same durability and performance as some of the top-tier brands, just without the branding & with a minor visual blemish.