I think I've broached the subject before (it's really an old worn out topic) but think I've got it figured out. Within the past six months, I've bought three 20gs, one 21g and one 22g. I've finally figured out that my experiments in shaft length/weight and flight size is the answer. I think that 22g is my perfect weight, slim flights my perfect wing and I'm not zeroing in on the shaft. In a few days I think that's going to settle down to 1.5 inch heavy) Harrows Savage shafts and I think I'll be there. My only remaining goal is to try a 24g but am holding off until all the above settles down. I know, don't fix it if it aint broke. My whole point is that I think that adjusting the stem and flights is the next step up in experimentation and certainly a more economical process. This should limit my collection to 10 sets, but who believes that?

I for one wish darts were more affordable just for this reason. I think its good to experiment as it helps my study of the game. sometimes im in the mood for something different. Keep tryin new styles until you find the dart that feels like your not throwing a dart. kinda a good plumb hammer or a really good wearing pair of shoes. What works for you may change at times, therefore its good to have a nice tool chest of darts to go to.

I guess that I am one of the worst for changing darts, I originally thought 23g was my ideal weight, then I decided it was 24g, recently I bought a few heavier sets, not tried em yet. I have been using my old 21g darts last 3 weeks, so now I am thinking maybe I should try 22g.

Its a total nightmare really!

I have a pile of darts that I call my "to keep" pile, it is made up of darts that I felt I played well with or for some reason liked the feel of the dart, there is about 30 sets in that pile!

I guess I must have some kind of O.C.D. regards finding the right dart, I want to find something that really feels perfect, but I know after trying maybe close to 1000+ different sets that there is no such dart.

Thing is I enjoy trying different darts, I dont know why, guess its like a kid with a new toy, there is an excitement and pleasure involved in looking at the darts, paying your money and waiting for that package to drop through the letterbox. Yes I'm addicted

There is some darts I feel more comfortable to hold and throw, and I guess these are the ones I should be concentrating on making a decision to stick with.

BUT! I very much doubt I will ever settle on just one set, I know it won't help my game by not doing so, but I cannot stop my self from buying more!

Well Shadow,
its part of the dart journey. I have way too many sets (20) but it is part of the fun trying new set ups. Eventually I have settled down to a razor grip dart but gonna try some Phase 6's soon and that will be that I hope lol. Once that is done I will sell most of my sets and keep probably 5 sets and that will be plenty I hope again.
My buddy Grip enjoys buying new sets, swapping and such, Just hope he settles down to one or 2 sets that he is going to throw with.
Some people find a set and play with them forever, I however do enjoy experimenting here and there. Good luck finding what is right for you.!

I have the same affliction as Grip. I am a dartaholic!! I wonder what percentage of players fall into that category of using the same set from day one?

I've got around 40 sets (probably nearer 50 now lol) but I only use my Phase II customs in matches.

Since starting playing again about 18 months ago I started off with some Harrow's Aliens and they were ok but not great. I then went on to a set of Tony O'Shea's - lovely darts and did well with them. Then I moved on to the Kongs - awesome darts - my best ever purchases after my customs. Then it was my first set of customs - great darts but I felt they could be improved upon. Currently on the Phase II's - similar to my first customs but with a razor grip.

Apart from the ones named above which had a function at the time all of my other purchases fall into the category of sweetshop syndrome or new toy syndrome.

Not too sure yet which set I will buy next, but I do have a long (and ever growing) wishlist for when I win the lottery lol

After many years and many £££'s and many packages dropping on the mat I am a firm believer that you adapt to the dart rather than find the 'perfect' dart.

I think it is really important that you initially like the look and feel of the dart and that given time (and patience) you can make that dart work for you, a bit of tinkering with shafts and flights will make the dart feel more comfortable but IMO it is about practicing until the dart feels right.

I know its not exactly the same but remember when you first got on a bike without stabilizers and you fell off but you kept getting back on until you could ride that bike like a boss!
You didn't just walk into the bike shop and there was the perfect bike waiting for you that you could just get on and ride first time without practice.

But once you got your technique right, your balance right and highered or lowered the seat until it was right for you, once you get all that right you could then jump on pretty much any bike and ride that baby.


Well I feel like that, it is more important to get your basics right, your grip, your stance, your focus, once you have all that down to a tee, you can pick up most darts and within half an hour or so you can get that dart working for you, maybe with a bit of tinkering.


I may be well off the mark but this is how I feel and it works for me, just a pity it took me so long and cost me so much to find it out for myself.

well said rebel

I agree Rebel, but I blame the manufacturers for making so many nice darts and making me want to buy em, sweetie shop syndrome it is then

Greg, I couldn't agree more. You have said what I think I have been saying haphazardly throughout my postings. I now have nine sets between 20g and 23g but through much experimentation with shaft weights and lengths, razor grips, flight shapes, etc, I have come to a conclusion: Anydartwilldo! Through creative tinkering, I can make any of my darts suit my fancy and never have to stay with one standard. Sorry George, but that's what I have found. Please no offence but all through George's writing he stresses that there is no answer to the perfect dart...it's a matter of personal choice. It's great read, but highly opinionated. However, one does not get to personal choice without experimentation with various combinations. And what I like today may differ from tomorrow. My next dart will be a 24g. No, nothing's broke and nothing needs fixing. But I would be a fool not to fill my toolbox with darts for all seasons.

If my focus is there and I'm feeling my throw I can take any dart (even the horrid p6's) and put two outta three in the bull. If my focus is there and my throw feels foreign I'm lucky to put one in the bull.

getagrip wrote:

I agree Rebel, but I blame the manufacturers for making so many nice darts and making me want to buy em, sweetie shop syndrome it is then

Have to agree. I want to stick to my current darts, but the urge to get another set to try is strong! It's fun to try new darts and experiment on setups.