What Shape Flights Should I Use?

If you’re new to darts, understanding the different shapes of dart flights and how they affect your throw can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explain how various flight shapes influence the speed, angle, and trajectory of your darts—and how to choose the best flight for your style.

Why Flight Shape Matters

Each dart thrower has a unique technique. Some players lob their darts with a higher arc, while others throw with more speed and a flatter path. The shape of your dart flight plays a critical role in how your darts travel and how they land in the board.

For example, some players’ darts hit the board at a steep 50-degree angle, while others land flat at 0 degrees. This variation often comes down to the surface area of the flight, which impacts drag and lift.

Comparing Flight Shapes

Each flight shape has a different surface area. For instance:

• Standard No.2: ~33mm²

• Slim: ~25mm²(Actual measurements may vary by brand.)

A smaller surface area means less drag, so the dart travels faster and enters the board at a flatter angle. A larger surface area creates more drag, slowing the dart slightly and causing it to enter the board at a steeper angle.

General Guidelines

• Soft or arched throws benefit from larger flights (e.g., Standard No.2), which provide more lift and stability.

• Fast, straight throws tend to pair better with smaller flights (e.g., Slim), which offer less resistance and a quicker path to the board.

• If your throw style falls somewhere in between, you’ll find a wide variety of shapes to test.

Summary Rule

• Smaller flight = flatter angle of entry

• Larger flight = steeper angle of entry

Larger flights act like a parachute, creating lift and helping the dart follow a curved trajectory. They also enhance balance and consistency, while smaller flights offer tighter grouping and fewer bounce-outs—but demand more precision from the thrower.

Popular Dart Flight Shapes

Some of the most common flight shapes include:

• Standard (No.2) – Most lift and stability (especially popular among steel-tip players)

• Small Standard (No.6)

• Slim

• Kite

• Pear/Teardrop

• Rocket, Astra, Fantail, Super Shape, W-Shape, Bullet, Super Kite

Standard, Slim, Kite, and Pear shapes are widely manufactured, making them the easiest to find with the most variety in design.

Folded vs. Molded Flights

There are two main types of dart flights:

Folded Flights

• Material: Four polycarbonate sheets, folded into shape

• Thickness: Ranges from 75 to 180 microns

• Popular choice: 100-micron flights for a balance of speed and durability

• Pros:

  • Inexpensive

  • Lightweight

  • Wide variety of designs and colors

  • Easily stored flat in a darts case

• Cons:

  • Can bend, tear, or pop off during play

  • May lose their 90-degree shape over time

  • Prone to “Robin Hoods” (a dart hitting the back of another dart)

Some folded flights include dimples (like a golf ball) for added drag and flight stability.

Molded Flights

• Material: One-piece molded plastic

• Shape: Maintains a perfect 90-degree angle

• Pros:

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Consistent performance

  • Resistant to “Robin Hoods”

• Cons:

  • Higher cost

  • Requires a special case for storage (not foldable)

  • Slightly heavier, which may affect throw feel for experienced players

Molded flights are ideal for players who have found their preferred flight shape and want a long-term solution.

Choosing the Right Flight for You

When selecting a flight, ask yourself:

• What angle do I want my darts to enter the board?

• Do I throw with a high arc or a fast, straight motion?

• Do I struggle with deflections or bounce-outs?

• How important are design options and price?

Getting Started

As a beginner, start with a few different folded flight shapes—they’re affordable and easy to test. Pair them with your current dart setup (barrels and shafts), and pay attention to how they affect your consistency, groupings, and landing angles.

Once you find a shape that complements your throw, you can experiment with thickness and consider switching to molded flights for added stability.

View Bullseye Darts flight range here: https://www.bullseyedarts.co.nz/flights

Straight Arrows, Everyone

Paul Webber

Owner – Bullseye Darts