Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Dart Set

Summary:

Ready to bring the thrill of the pub to your home? This guide covers everything you need to know before buying your first dart set — from choosing the right board and darts to setting up your home space like a pro. Whether you’re a casual player, a gift buyer, or someone new to the game, this guide helps you hit the mark every time.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn what makes a quality dartboard for home use (no gimmicks, just the good stuff).

• Find out which darts beginners should start with.

• Get simple, step-by-step instructions for setting up your dartboard at the right height and distance (NZ standard).

• Avoid common rookie mistakes and enjoy more accurate throws.

For: Kiwi beginners, casual home players, and gift buyers who want genuine quality without the guesswork.

Why Start Playing Darts at Home

There’s a reason darts is a Kiwi classic — it’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and doesn’t require much space. Whether you’re setting up in the garage, man cave, or spare room, a dartboard instantly adds friendly competition and a bit of banter to any home.

At Bullseye Darts NZ, we’ve helped countless new players find the perfect setup. The key is choosing quality gear that feels great to throw and lasts for years — not just a few Friday nights.

The Best Dartboard for Home Use

Let’s clear one thing up: if you want a proper dartboard, you want a bristle board. Forget the electronic gimmicks — a traditional sisal dartboard offers that satisfying, authentic feel every time you hit the bull.

Why Bristle Dartboards are the Best

• Made from sisal fibres that self-heal after each throw.

• Durable and long-lasting, even with daily use.

• Ideal for steel-tip darts, giving a true pub-like experience.

• Low maintenance — just rotate the board occasionally to extend its life.

Top recommendation: The Newcomer Dartboard Package, available at Bullseye Darts NZ, is a professional-grade bristle board that’s also perfect for home setups. It’s tournament-approved and built to last, giving you years of crisp, reliable play.

Pro Tip: Avoid cheap cork or paper boards — they wear out quickly and don’t grip darts properly.

Choosing the Right Darts for Beginners

Your darts are your most personal piece of gear. Everyone throws a little differently, so finding a set that suits your grip and throwing style makes a big difference.

1. Steel Tip Darts

Since you’ll be using a bristle board, go with steel tip darts. They’re durable, accurate, and give that classic “thunk” when they land.

2. Weight

For beginners, aim for 22–24 grams. This middle range helps you develop consistent form without fighting against a dart that’s too heavy or too light.

3. Material

• Brass Darts: Affordable and great for casual play.

• Tungsten Darts: Slimmer, higher-quality, and longer-lasting. As you improve, these will feel more balanced and precise.

4. Grip & Flights

Start with standard flights for stability and experiment with grip textures — smooth, knurled, or ringed — until you find what feels natural.

Recommended starter options: Check out Bullseye Darts NZ’s Beginner Sets, which include balanced steel-tip darts, quality flights, and everything you need to get started.

How to Hang a Dartboard at Home (NZ Standard)

Getting your setup right matters — both for safety and for improving your aim. Here’s how to do it properly:

Measurements (New Zealand Standard):

• Board height: 1.73 m from the floor to the center of the bullseye.

• Throwing distance: 2.37 m from the front of the board to the toe line (oche).

Step-by-Step Setup for Your First Dart Set

1. Find a sturdy wall: Use a backing board to protect your wall from stray darts.

2. Mount the bracket: Ensure the bullseye is at 1.73 m from the floor.

3. Measure and mark your oche: 2.37 m from the face of the board.

4. Add lighting: Use side or overhead lighting that avoids glare.

5. Add protection: Use a dartboard surround ring and a dart mat to save your walls and floors.

Pro Tip: Bullseye Darts NZ offers complete wall protection kits and surrounds, perfect for home setups that still look sharp.

Must-Have Accessories for Home Players

To complete your setup, grab a few simple extras that make your dart experience smoother:

• Dartboard Surround Ring: Shields your wall from misses.

• Dart Mat: Protects flooring and marks your throwing line.

• Scoreboard: Keep score like a pro — chalkboard, whiteboard, or digital app.

• Dart Case: Keep your set organized and in top condition.

All available at Bullseye Darts NZ, where every product is hand-picked for performance and quality.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Buying cheap darts: They bend or lose flights easily, making you think you’re worse than you are.

2. Wrong board height: It throws off your accuracy and training.

3. Not rotating the board: This wears out one section too fast.

4. Over-gripping the dart: Relax your hand — a smooth release improves aim.

Experience matters. Every pro started with a few holes in the wall and a pile of bent darts. Don’t stress — it’s all part of learning.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best dartboard for home beginners?A: A high-quality bristle board like the Shot! Bandit or Bullseye Darts Classic Board is ideal for home setups.

Q: How heavy should beginner darts be?A: Start between 22–24 grams for balanced control and accuracy.

Q: Can I hang my dartboard outdoors?A: It’s not recommended — moisture will damage the sisal fibres. Keep it indoors or under cover.

Q: How do I protect my wall from missed darts?A: Use a dartboard surround ring or mount your board on a backing panel. Both are available from Bullseye Darts NZ.

Final Thoughts

Playing darts at home is more than a hobby — it’s a social tradition. When you start with quality gear, you’ll enjoy better throws, fewer frustrations, and years of fun.

Bullseye Darts NZ is your go-to source for premium dartboards, beginner sets, and accessories that combine Kiwi quality with expert advice.

Browse the full range at BullseyeDarts.co.nz and start your home setup today.