Choosing the best darts for beginners is the single most important decision you will make when starting out in the sport. The right set builds good habits from day one, while the wrong set can hold you back without you even realising it. Whether you are setting up a board at home or heading to your first league night, this guide breaks down exactly what to look for and which sets deliver the best performance for the price.
What Should Beginners Look for in a Set of Darts?
Three things matter most when choosing your first set of darts. Material, weight, and grip. Get these right and everything else falls into place.
Material is the starting point. Tungsten darts are the standard at every level of the sport because tungsten is almost twice as dense as brass, according to Royal Society of Chemistry data. That density means slimmer barrels, tighter groupings, and more room on the board. Brass darts are cheaper but bulkier, and most players outgrow them within weeks.
Weight is personal. Most beginners find that a dart between 22g and 24g offers a good balance of control and forgiveness. Heavier darts tend to fly straighter with less effort, which suits newer throwers who are still developing their technique. We cover this in detail in our dart weight guide.
Grip varies from barrel to barrel. Beginners generally benefit from a moderate grip pattern, with enough texture to hold confidently without being so aggressive that it catches on release.
Best Beginner Darts at Tommy's Darts Shop
Budget-Friendly Starters (Under £40)
The Target Hydro 02 and Target Hydro 03 sit at £34.95 and represent the most affordable tungsten darts in the range. Built from 80% tungsten, the Hydro series gives you a slimmer barrel than any brass set at a fraction of the cost of premium darts. The Hydro 02 offers a straight barrel shape suited to a front or middle grip, while the Hydro 03 runs lighter at 22g for players who prefer a faster throw.
Step up slightly to £39.95 and the Target Vapor 8 is one of the best entry points into tungsten darts. The 80% tungsten barrel is slimmer than brass alternatives and delivers consistent flights from the first throw. If you want a touch more grip definition, the Target Exo 01 and Target Exo 02 (also £39.95) sit between the budget Hydro range and the premium 90% tungsten series, offering a refined barrel with more grip feedback.
Best Value Signature Dart for Beginners
The Luke Littler Loadout at £54.95 is worth a special mention. Built on the same principles as Littler's premium G1, the Loadout brings 90% tungsten performance into a price bracket that beginners can justify. If you have watched Luke Littler on the PDC Tour and want to throw something close to what he uses, this is the most accessible way to do it.
Why Tungsten Darts Are Worth It from Day One
Some beginners assume they should start with brass and upgrade later. This is a false economy. Brass barrels are thicker for the same weight, which means your darts take up more space on the board and deflect off each other more often. Tungsten barrels are slimmer, so your groupings improve naturally. Starting with tungsten darts instead of brass means the technique you develop translates directly as you progress.
How Many Darts Do You Need?
A standard set is three darts. That is all you need to start playing. Competitive matches across the PDC and WDF circuits are played with three darts per visit, and every set at Tommy's Darts Shop comes as a three-dart set with flights and shafts included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight darts should a beginner use?
Most beginners perform best with darts between 22g and 24g. This weight range offers a balance of control and stability while you develop your throwing technique. Once you find your natural throw, you can experiment with lighter or heavier options.
Are expensive darts better for beginners?
Not necessarily. The main upgrade that matters is moving from brass to tungsten. An 80% tungsten dart at £34.95, like the Target Hydro 02, will outperform any brass dart regardless of price. You do not need 90% tungsten to start.
What is the difference between 80% and 90% tungsten?
The percentage refers to the tungsten content in the alloy. Higher percentages produce denser, slimmer barrels. 80% tungsten is excellent for beginners and mid-level players. 90% tungsten offers a noticeable step up in slimness and feel, which matters more as your groupings tighten.
Should beginners use steel tip or soft tip darts?
Steel tip darts are the standard for bristle dartboards and all professional competition. If you are playing on a traditional dartboard, steel tip is the way to go. Soft tip darts are designed for electronic boards only.
Do beginners need a specific dartboard?
Any quality bristle dartboard works. We recommend the Mission Samurai Infinity as a strong starting board. it is tournament-grade and self-healing. See our full guide on the best dartboards for more options.