The Best Dart Boards
No game room is complete without darts. For many of us, darts is a fun and friendly pastime that complements any party. For others, it's a competitive sport that determines who can shoot the sharpest shot. However you play, you're going to need a quality dartboard. There are tons of options out there, so we decided to whittle them down to the best of the best. In our search, we focused on three main questions: Is the construction durable enough to withstand years of dart-throwing? Does it look good on the wall? Is the price fair? The champion was the Viper Shot King, which impressed us with its durable compressed bristle-fiber board and accessible price point. But if safety is your main concern, we recommend the kid-friendly magnetic board from Street Walk. Its darts could be thrown with surprising accuracy and there weren't any parts that could puncture a youngster. We considered a lot, so we hope you'll read on for more of our in-depth reviews on the best dartboards.
Shot King Viper by GLD Regulation Dart Board
Ensure your party hits the bullseye
If you’re looking for a regulation-size dartboard with a classic design and an unbeatable price, the search ends here. The Shot King from Viper is competition-ready, with steel wiring and a compressed sisal-fiber board. It also includes everything you need to get playing, including six darts, a throw line, and even a measuring tape to set everything up. Whether you’re a casual thrower or a sharpshooter, the Shot King is king.
Pros:
- With this board, you don’t have to worry about “bounce-outs”, since the staple-free wiring guides the dart tips into the board. In other words, there aren’t any flat metal surfaces for the dart to strike and bounce off of.
- Darts stick to the board really easily, so it’s a great option for those with light throws, too.
- The board “heals” well, meaning darts don’t leave lasting puncture holes.
Cons:
- Long exposure to sunlight may dry out or crack the board, so you can’t leave it outside.
- The included darts are okay, but you may want to upgrade in the future if you take your dart-throwing seriously.
Street Walk Magnetic Dart Board
An instant attraction
A good old-fashioned dartboard can certainly breathe new life into a party, but there are also safety concerns that go along with the said activity. Thankfully, Street Walk knows this. That’s why they’ve designed a magnetic board with flat-tipped darts that’s safe for both children and adults. In fact, parents will appreciate the extra care and concern that went into purchasing this item as we all want to leave the party intact and with a smile on our faces.
Pros:
- It’s really inexpensive, so you won’t break the bank with this one.
- Most magnetic boards are on the weak side, but the darts on this one form a fast and strong magnetic hold.
- Kids love it, especially since it lets them engage in a game usually reserved for adults.
Cons:
- The darts can be loud when hitting the board.
Viper League Pro Regulation Dart Board
Strike like a pro
Although a round of darts can be the perfect add-on to most parties, there are those of us that get together solely for some dart-throwing action – meaning, we take the game seriously and, as such, require a serious board. Luckily, Viper League isn’t messing around with their pro-regulation board. It comes with steel-tipped darts and a chalk cricket scoreboard, as well as a couple of other essential accessories. So when we’re ready to take the game up a notch and show our friends that we mean business, Viper League has us covered.
Pros:
- We love the classic look of this board, which extends to the chalk scoreboard.
- This is the ideal option for competitive players that like to follow the official regulations since it includes a throw line, a measuring tape, and a precise tournament-sized board.
- Considering the price, this board is a steal of a deal.
Cons:
- It can dry out fairly easily, so you can’t leave it outside in the weather.
Win Sports Roll Up Dart Board For Kids
Safety and fun in one
The game of darts is usually a game for adults, but let’s not forget that it is, after all, a game. Kids love games, and we parents love safety for our kids, so the Win Sports Roll Up Dart Board is a no-brainer. This roll-up dartboard comes with 12 colorful magnetic darts that have flat heads for puncture-free play. Better yet, the board rolls up when you’re done for the day, so it can be set up just about anywhere.
Pros:
- These darts are obviously much safer for kids than standard darts, and they also help protect the walls, furniture, and passerby.
- The “board” may be flexible, but it’s surprisingly thick and durable.
- It’s double-sided, with a simpler target game on the other side, so young kids that lack the patience for keeping score with the traditional board can still have fun.
Cons:
- The darts are small and lightweight, so outdoor play in the wind can blow them around.
Arachnid Cricket Maxx Electronic Dart Board Cabinet Set
Electrify your dart game
If you’re not a fan of keeping score with messy chalk and forgetful friends, we recommend this electronic board from Arachnid. The Cricket Maxx 1.0 is a premium machine with precise holes and 34 different games for endless fun (without the mental math). And if you think an electronic dartboard would look tacky, think again. The folding cabinet boasts a beautiful walnut finish on the doors and a sleek black interior for adding a classy look to your game room.
Pros:
- The darts have the same weight and feel as traditional steel-tipped darts, so you’ll still get to hone your skills for the next time you play on a traditional board.
- The interface and button layout for selecting the different games is really easy to use and access.
- We love how easy it is to see the bright scoreboard.
Cons:
- The dart tips are really smooth, so you may have to roughen them up with sandpaper to ensure they stick in the board every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when purchasing a dartboard?
A lot of factors can play into this. For the avid darter, there are regulation-sized boards similar to those used in tournaments. For casual players, there’re electronic boards that keep track of the score for us. Safety is also a factor worth looking out for. Darts are sharp, so there’s inherent danger involved in traditional steel-tipped darts. That’s why there are flathead magnetic options that ensure adults and children enjoy a safe, fun experience.
How durable are these boards?
Most of them are designed to self-heal, meaning the fibers will close up on their own over time, decreasing the chances of bounce-outs or ricochets. So yes, the majority of boards are built for ultimate wear and tear.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.