7 Best Dart Boards 2026 — Expert Tested & Reviewed
We've tested and compared the best dartboards on the market to help you find the perfect board for your skill level, budget and setup. From professional-grade bristle boards to great budget options.
- Quick Comparison Table
- Winmau Blade 6 — Best Overall
- Target TOR — Best Runner-Up
- Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core — Best Premium
- Viper Shot King / Gladiator 3 — Best Budget
- ONE80 Gladiator 3+ — Best Mid-Range
- Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core — Best Professional
- Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 — Best Alternative
- Dart Board Buying Guide
- Essential Accessories
- How to Make Your Dart Board Last
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison — All 7 Boards at a Glance
Here's how all seven dartboards compare on the key factors that matter:
| Board | Best For | Wiring | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winmau Blade 6 | Best Overall | Ultra-thin | £35-45 | ⭐ 9.5/10 |
| Target TOR | Runner-Up | Ultra-thin | £30-40 | ⭐ 9.0/10 |
| Blade 6 Dual Core | Best Premium | Ultra-thin | £45-55 | ⭐ 9.3/10 |
| Viper Shot King | Best Budget | Standard | £15-25 | ⭐ 7.5/10 |
| ONE80 Gladiator 3+ | Best Mid-Range | Thin | £25-35 | ⭐ 8.5/10 |
| Blade 6 Triple Core | Best Professional | Ultra-thin | £55-70 | ⭐ 9.7/10 |
| Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 | Best Alternative | Thin | £30-40 | ⭐ 8.5/10 |
1. Winmau Blade 6 — Best Overall Dart Board
The Winmau Blade 6 — the official board of the PDC and our top pick for 2026.
The Winmau Blade 6 is the gold standard in dartboards. It's the official board of the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) and is used in every major tournament from the World Championship at Alexandra Palace to the Premier League.
What Makes It the Best?
- Ultra-thin wiring system — 14% thinner than the Blade 5, significantly reducing bounce-outs
- 60° angled wire — deflects darts into the board instead of away from it
- High-density Kenyan sisal — premium fibres that self-heal after every throw
- Razor-thin number ring — cleaner look and more scoring area
- Staple-free bullseye — no metal in the centre means fewer bounce-outs
- Removable number ring — rotate the board to extend its lifespan
Pros & Cons
- Used in all PDC professional events
- Minimal bounce-outs
- Excellent self-healing sisal
- Great value for professional quality
- Widely available everywhere
- Slightly more expensive than basic boards
- Colours can fade over time with heavy use
- Needs rotating regularly for even wear
2. Target TOR Dartboard — Best Runner-Up
The Target TOR — a premium board from one of the biggest names in darts.
The Target TOR is a flagship board from Target Darts — one of the biggest names in darts equipment and the brand behind players like Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Rob Cross. The TOR is built to compete directly with the Winmau Blade 6 and delivers excellent performance across the board.
Key Features
- High-compression sisal — dense, premium-grade fibres for superior self-healing
- Ultra-thin razor wire — minimal wire surface area for fewer bounce-outs
- Staple-free bullseye — seamless centre for cleaner scoring
- HD number ring — bright, easy-to-read numbers with a modern design
- Removable number ring — easy rotation to extend board life
- Target's premium build quality — excellent craftsmanship and materials throughout
Pros & Cons
- Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
- Very low bounce-out rate
- Dense sisal gives a satisfying feel when darts land
- Great alternative to the Winmau Blade 6
- Sleek, modern design
- Not the official PDC board (if that matters to you)
- Less widely stocked than Winmau boards
- Slightly higher price than some competitors
3. Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core — Best Premium Option
The Blade 6 Dual Core — Winmau's premium version with enhanced dart penetration.
The Blade 6 Dual Core takes everything great about the standard Blade 6 and adds a dual-density core technology. The inner core is softer for improved dart penetration, while the outer core is harder for durability. The result is better dart retention and fewer drop-outs.
Key Features
- Dual-density sisal core — softer inner layer for better grip, harder outer for durability
- All Blade 6 features — ultra-thin wiring, 60° angled wire, staple-free bull
- Enhanced dart retention — darts sit tighter in the board, reducing drop-outs
- Professional tournament quality — step up from the standard Blade 6
- Same removable number ring — rotate for extended life
Pros & Cons
- Noticeably better dart retention than standard Blade 6
- Fewer drop-outs and bounce-outs
- Longer lasting than the standard version
- Worth the upgrade if you play regularly
- More expensive than standard Blade 6
- Difference is subtle for casual players
- Overkill if you only play occasionally
4. Viper Shot King — Best Budget Dart Board
The Viper Shot King — a solid bristle board at a fantastic price point.
If you're just getting into darts and don't want to spend £40+ on a board, the Viper Shot King is an excellent entry-level option. It's a genuine bristle (sisal) board — not a cheap paper or cork board — at roughly half the price of the Blade 6.
Key Features
- Genuine sisal bristle — self-healing surface, not paper or cork
- Standard regulation size — 45.1cm diameter, same as professional boards
- Staple-free bullseye — reduces bounce-outs in the centre
- Removable number ring — can be rotated for even wear
- Comes with mounting hardware — ready to hang out of the box
Pros & Cons
- Incredible value for money
- Genuine sisal at a budget price
- Good enough for beginners and casual play
- Comes with everything you need to mount
- Great first "real" dartboard
- Thicker wiring = more bounce-outs than premium boards
- Sisal quality is lower — wears faster
- Colours aren't as vibrant or long-lasting
- Not suitable for serious competitive play
5. ONE80 Gladiator 3+ — Best Mid-Range
The ONE80 Gladiator 3+ — excellent quality at a mid-range price.
The ONE80 Gladiator 3+ is a fantastic mid-range board that punches well above its price. It's popular in amateur leagues and clubs worldwide and offers a significant step up from budget boards without the premium price tag.
Key Features
- High-grade compressed sisal — dense, durable playing surface
- Thin blade wire — thinner than budget boards, fewer bounce-outs
- Staple-free bullseye — clean centre scoring
- Bright, clear colours — easy to see segments from the oche
- Excellent price-to-quality ratio — best board under £30
Pros & Cons
- Best value in the mid-range category
- Noticeably better quality than budget boards
- Popular in clubs and leagues
- Good durability for regular use
- Wire is thinner but not as thin as Blade 6
- Less widely stocked in physical shops
- Not as well-known as Winmau or Target brands
6. Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core — Best Professional Board
The Blade 6 Triple Core — Winmau's absolute top-of-the-line dartboard.
The Blade 6 Triple Core is the pinnacle of Winmau's dartboard range. It features a three-layer core system — the softest inner core for maximum dart penetration, a medium middle layer for optimal grip, and a hard outer layer for maximum durability.
Key Features
- Triple-density core — three layers engineered for the ultimate playing experience
- Maximum dart retention — virtually eliminates drop-outs
- All Blade 6 technology — ultra-thin wiring, 60° angle, staple-free bull
- The absolute best board Winmau makes — the top of the range
- Premium sisal fibres — longest lasting board in the range
Pros & Cons
- The absolute best dartboard you can buy
- Unmatched dart retention and feel
- Longest lifespan of any Winmau board
- Perfect for dedicated practice rooms
- Most expensive option on this list
- Overkill for casual players
- Marginal improvement over Dual Core for most players
7. Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 — Best Alternative
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 — a quality board from one of darts' oldest brands.
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 is from one of the most established names in darts. Unicorn has been making dartboards since the 1930s. The Eclipse Pro 2 is their flagship bristle board and is used in many amateur tournaments and leagues worldwide.
Key Features
- Unicorn's proprietary sisal blend — high-density compressed fibres
- Thin wire dividers — reduced bounce-out rate
- Staple-free construction — clean bullseye and segment dividers
- UV-coated surface — colours stay bright for longer
- Established heritage brand — trusted since 1937
Pros & Cons
- Trusted heritage brand with 80+ years of experience
- UV coating keeps colours vivid
- Good quality sisal at a competitive price
- Great option if you prefer non-Winmau boards
- Wire is slightly thicker than Blade 6
- Not used in PDC events
- Some players find the sisal harder than Winmau
Dart Board Buying Guide — What to Look For
Not sure which board is right for you? Here's what to consider before buying:
Material — Bristle vs Electronic vs Cork
Bristle (sisal) is the only choice for serious players. The compressed sisal fibres are self-healing — when you pull a dart out, the fibres close back up. Electronic boards are fine for casual fun but aren't used professionally. Cork and paper boards should be avoided entirely — they wear out extremely fast.
Wiring — Thinner Is Better
The metal wires that divide segments are the #1 cause of bounce-outs. Thinner wiring means more scoring surface and fewer frustrating bounces. Budget boards have thicker, rounder wires. Premium boards like the Blade 6 have ultra-thin, blade-shaped wires angled to guide darts into the board.
Bullseye — Staple-Free Is Essential
Look for a staple-free bullseye. Older and cheaper boards use metal staples to hold the bull in place, which cause bounce-outs. All quality modern boards use a staple-free design.
Number Ring — Removable Is Important
A removable number ring lets you rotate the board to spread wear evenly across all segments. Without this, the triple 20 area will wear out much faster than the rest of the board. All boards on our list have removable number rings.
Your Skill Level & Budget
Be honest about how often you'll play:
- Casual/beginner (play once a week) — Viper Shot King (£15-25)
- Regular player (play 2-3 times a week) — Winmau Blade 6 (£35-45)
- Serious/competitive (play daily) — Blade 6 Dual Core or Triple Core (£45-70)
Essential Accessories
A dartboard alone isn't enough for a proper setup. Here are the accessories we recommend alongside any board:
Dartboard Surround
Protects your wall from stray darts. Essential for home setups, especially when starting out. Most surrounds are high-density foam and fit all standard size boards.
Dart Mat with Oche Line
Protects your floor and marks the official throwing distance. Just roll it out and you've got a perfect oche every time. Heavy-duty rubber backing prevents slipping.
Dartboard Light / Corona
A dedicated dartboard light eliminates shadows on the board, making it much easier to see the segments clearly. A corona-style light fits around the board for even, shadow-free illumination.
Mounting Bracket
A dedicated mounting bracket makes hanging your board easy and secure. Most boards come with basic fixings, but a proper bracket gives a more stable setup.
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How to Make Your Dart Board Last Longer
A quality dartboard is an investment. Here's how to get the most life out of it:
Rotate the board regularly
Remove the number ring and rotate the board by a few segments every 1-2 weeks. This spreads wear evenly across the entire surface instead of destroying the triple 20 area.
Keep it out of direct sunlight
UV light fades the colours and dries out the sisal fibres, making them less self-healing. Mount your board away from windows or areas with strong direct sunlight.
Avoid moisture and humidity
Don't mount your board in a garage, shed or bathroom. Moisture causes the sisal to swell and warp, ruining the playing surface. A dry, indoor room is ideal.
Use sharp darts
Blunt dart points tear the sisal fibres instead of parting them cleanly. Keep your dart points smooth and sharp (not needle-sharp — slightly rounded is best) using a dart sharpener.
Never use water or cleaning products
Don't spray anything on your dartboard. The sisal fibres will absorb the liquid and swell. If your board is dusty, use a dry cloth or soft brush to gently wipe it down.
With proper care and regular rotation, a quality bristle board should last:
Budget board: 6-12 months of regular use
Winmau Blade 6: 1-2 years of regular use
Blade 6 Triple Core: 2-3 years of regular use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dart board to buy?
The Winmau Blade 6 is our top pick and widely considered the best dartboard you can buy. It's used in all PDC professional events, features ultra-thin wiring for minimal bounce-outs and offers excellent durability at a reasonable price.
What dart board do professionals use?
Professional PDC tournaments use the Winmau Blade 6. The World Championship at Alexandra Palace, the Premier League and all major PDC events feature the Blade 6 as the official board.
What is the difference between a bristle and electronic dart board?
Bristle boards are made from compressed sisal fibres and use steel tip darts. They're self-healing and used in all professional play. Electronic boards are plastic with tiny holes for soft tip darts. They auto-calculate scores but are less durable and not used professionally.
How long does a dart board last?
A quality bristle board lasts 1-3 years with regular use. Extend its life by rotating regularly, keeping it away from sunlight and moisture, and using sharp darts.
Do I need a dartboard surround?
A surround isn't essential but is highly recommended for home setups. It protects your wall from stray darts, especially when you're starting out. Most surrounds cost between £10-20.
What size is a standard dart board?
A standard regulation dartboard has a diameter of 45.1cm (17.75 inches). This is the size used in all professional tournaments and is the standard across all major manufacturers.
Is the Blade 6 Dual Core worth the extra money?
If you play 2-3+ times per week, yes. The dual-core technology provides noticeably better dart retention and lasts longer. For casual players who play once a week or less, the standard Blade 6 is more than enough.
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