How to Choose the Right Dart Weight

This dart weight guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the right weight for your throw. Dart weight is one of the most personal equipment decisions in the sport. There is no single correct answer. PDC professionals throw anywhere from 18g to 32g. but understanding how weight affects flight, release, and grouping helps you find the setup that works best for your game.

How Dart Weight Affects Your Throw

Weight influences three key aspects of your throw. Arc, effort, and forgiveness.

Heavier darts (24g–26g) require less effort to throw in a straight line. The extra mass gives the dart momentum that carries it to the board with a flatter trajectory. Heavier darts are more forgiving of slight technique inconsistencies, which is why many beginners and recreational players gravitate towards 24g or above.

Lighter darts (18g–22g) require more precise technique but offer greater sensitivity. The dart responds more directly to your throw, which gives experienced players finer control over exactly where the dart lands. A lighter dart also travels with a more pronounced arc, which some players find easier to visualise and replicate.

Mid-range darts (22g–24g) sit in the sweet spot. According to WhichDarts analysis, the average dart weight among the world's top players is approximately 23g. This weight offers a balance between the stability of heavy darts and the sensitivity of light ones.

What Weight Do the Professionals Use?

The range on the professional circuit is wider than most people expect.

• Stephen Bunting throws 18g. The Bunting G5 (£94.95) is among the lightest setups on the PDC Tour
• Luke Littler throws 23g. The Luke Littler G1 (£109.95) sits right at the professional average
• Josh Rock throws 24g. The Josh Rock G1 (£94.95) uses a heavier barrel for his attacking style
• Phil Taylor threw 26g. The Phil Taylor G10 (£99.95) carries the weight that powered 16 World Championships

Every one of these players competes at the highest level with vastly different weights. The right weight is the one that matches your throw, not someone else's. For a deeper look at professional equipment choices, read our guide on what darts professional players use.

How to Find Your Ideal Weight

Start in the Middle

If you have never thrown before, start at 23g or 24g. This gives you a baseline that is close to the professional average and heavy enough to feel stable in your hand. The Target Bolide 01 (£54.95) is a solid mid-weight option in 90% tungsten.

Pay Attention to Your Throw

After several practice sessions, notice where your darts land relative to where you aim.

• If your darts consistently land below your target, your throw may lack the power to carry the dart on a flat trajectory. Try going 1-2g heavier.
• If your darts overshoot or feel hard to control, the dart may be too heavy for your natural throw speed. Try going 1-2g lighter.
• If your darts wobble in flight, the issue might be technique rather than weight. A heavier dart can mask wobble while you refine your throw.

Test Different Weights

The Tommy's Darts Shop range spans multiple weights across every series. The Target Hydro 02 (£34.95) and Target Hydro 03 (£34.95) offer budget-friendly options for testing different weights without a major investment. The Target Exo 01 and Target Exo 02 (both £39.95) step up the quality while still offering accessible pricing for experimentation.

Does Weight Change with Tungsten Percentage?

No. weight and tungsten percentage are independent. A 23g dart in 80% tungsten weighs exactly the same as a 23g dart in 90% tungsten. The difference is barrel thickness. Higher tungsten percentages produce slimmer barrels at the same weight, as we explain in our tungsten vs brass darts guide. You choose weight based on feel; you choose tungsten percentage based on barrel slimness.

Frequently Asked Questions