Darts is not just a casual game in pubs. For professionals, it’s a serious sport with strict standards. Choosing the right dart board matters for accuracy, durability, and practice. If you want to know which dart board professionals use—and why—this guide will answer all your questions.
We’ll look at brands, materials, and features that make a dart board “professional-grade. ” You’ll also find comparison tables, real-world examples, and practical advice for picking your own board.
What Makes A Dart Board Professional?
Professional dart boards are built for precision and consistency. They use higher quality materials, have tighter wiring, and are designed to last through thousands of games. The most important factors include:
- Material quality: Professionals prefer boards made from sisal fibers. These fibers are self-healing, meaning holes close up after darts are removed. This keeps the board smooth and playable for a long time.
- Wiring system: Thin, staple-free wiring reduces bounce-outs. Thicker wires or staples can block darts and frustrate players.
- Size and markings: Regulation boards have exact measurements. The bullseye, scoring zones, and triple/ double rings must match official standards.
- Mounting and rotation: A professional board can be rotated easily. This prevents wear on specific segments and keeps the board fresh.
- Brand reputation: Only a few brands are trusted in tournaments and by top players.
Most casual boards miss these details. If you’re aiming for professional play, knowing the differences helps avoid common mistakes—like buying a board that wears out quickly or doesn’t match tournament specs.
The Dart Boards Used In Professional Tournaments
Not all boards are equal. Professional events use only boards approved by governing bodies such as the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and British Darts Organisation (BDO). Let’s look at the leading boards:
| Brand | Model | Main Features | Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winmau | Blade 6 | Density control, staple-free wiring, sisal fiber | PDC, BDO, World Championships |
| Unicorn | Eclipse Pro | Ultra-thin wiring, high visibility, durable sisal | PDC Premier League |
| Target | Pro Tour | Staple-free, advanced fiber, rotatable | PDC Pro Tour Events |
| One80 | Gladiator III | Staple-free, density balance, clear markings | Asian tournaments |
Winmau Blade Series
The Winmau Blade 6 is arguably the most famous professional dart board. Used in the PDC World Championships, it features a density control system for consistent scoring, ultra-thin wiring to minimize bounce-outs, and a staple-free design. The Blade 6 also rotates easily, which extends its life.
Unicorn Eclipse Pro
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is another top choice. Its wiring is even thinner than most competitors, and the board uses premium sisal fibers for durability. Many PDC events rely on this board, especially the Premier League.
Target Pro Tour
Target’s Pro Tour board is trusted by professionals for its advanced fiber construction and staple-free system. It’s common in PDC Pro Tour Events, where accuracy and wear resistance are critical.
One80 Gladiator Iii
In Asia, One80 Gladiator III is gaining popularity. It matches international standards and offers balanced density across segments.
Why Professionals Prefer Sisal Fiber Dart Boards
Sisal fiber is the gold standard for professional dart boards. Here’s why:
- Self-healing surface: When you pull out a dart, the fibers close up. This prevents holes and keeps the board looking new.
- Durability: Sisal boards withstand heavy use. Some can last for years with regular rotation.
- Consistent feel: Darts stick easily but don’t fall out, which is crucial for scoring.
Non-sisal boards, such as cork or paper, don’t last as long and often lead to more bounce-outs. Professionals avoid them because they don’t provide the same reliability.
Key Features Professionals Look For
Choosing a professional dart board is not just about brand. Players also check specific features that affect gameplay:
| Feature | Importance | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Staple-Free Wiring | High | Reduces bounce-outs and improves scoring |
| Rotatable Board | Medium | Even wear, longer board life |
| Density Control | High | Consistent dart penetration, accurate scoring |
| Clear Markings | Medium | Easy to see and score |
| Official Size | Essential | Matches tournament standards |
Staple-free wiring is especially important. Even advanced players can miss shots if the board has staples or thick wires blocking the scoring zones. Boards with density control also create a uniform feel, so every segment performs the same.
Comparing Professional And Amateur Dart Boards
Many beginners wonder why their home boards don’t feel like those seen in tournaments. Here’s a direct comparison:
| Aspect | Professional Board | Amateur Board |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Sisal fiber | Cork or paper |
| Wiring | Thin, staple-free | Thick, stapled |
| Size | Official regulation | Often smaller or non-standard |
| Durability | Years with rotation | Months, wears quickly |
| Price | $60–$100+ | $20–$50 |
Professional boards cost more, but the investment pays off with longer lifespan and better practice. Beginners often miss that cheap boards can frustrate learning by causing more bounce-outs and inconsistent scoring.
Professional Dart Board Brands: What Sets Them Apart
Let’s look closer at the leading brands and what makes them trusted by professionals:
Winmau
Winmau is known for innovation. The Blade series, especially the Blade 6, uses a patented wiring system that’s thinner and angled. This reduces bounce-outs by up to 50%. Winmau also uses density control, so each segment is uniform.
Unicorn
Unicorn is the official supplier for many PDC events. The Eclipse Pro’s visibility and ultra-thin wiring help players focus on their aim. Unicorn boards are also easy to rotate, which prevents uneven wear.
Target
Target’s boards stand out for advanced fiber technology. The Pro Tour board’s staple-free design and consistent density make it ideal for frequent play.
One80
One80 offers affordable professional boards with high density and clear markings. They are increasingly used in Asian competitions.
Common Mistakes When Choosing A Dart Board
Many buyers make mistakes when picking a dart board. Here are some to avoid:
- Buying based on price alone: Cheap boards can wear out fast and ruin your practice.
- Ignoring material: Non-sisal boards don’t last and can feel inconsistent.
- Not checking wiring: Thick wires and staples lead to more bounce-outs.
- Missing size standards: If the board isn’t regulation size, it’s not suitable for professional practice.
- Forgetting about rotation: Boards that can’t rotate will wear out unevenly.
A non-obvious insight: Some boards claim to be “professional” but use mixed materials (like sisal blended with cork). These often perform worse than pure sisal boards.
Tips For Maintaining A Professional Dart Board
Even the best board needs care. Here’s how professionals keep their boards in top shape:
- Rotate regularly: Turn the board every few weeks so segments wear evenly.
- Keep dry: Moisture can damage sisal fibers. Avoid humid rooms.
- Use proper darts: Heavy or blunt darts can cause extra wear.
- Clean gently: Use a soft brush to remove dust. Never soak or scrub hard.
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays fade markings and weaken fibers.
Professionals also replace their boards every 1–2 years, depending on use. This ensures top performance and accurate scoring.
Real-world Examples: Boards Used By Champions
The world’s top players don’t use just any board. For example:
- Michael van Gerwen practices on a Winmau Blade 6, matching his tournament board.
- Phil Taylor has played on Unicorn Eclipse Pro boards for years.
- Gerwyn Price uses the Target Pro Tour board in practice and competition.
They rely on boards that match official standards. This helps keep their skills sharp and avoids surprises during tournaments.
Should You Use A Professional Dart Board At Home?
If you’re serious about darts—or just want the best experience—using a professional board at home is smart. Here’s why:
- Better practice: You’ll get the same feel as in tournaments.
- Less frustration: Fewer bounce-outs and more consistent scoring.
- Longer lifespan: Boards last years, not months.
- Improved skills: Practicing on a regulation board builds muscle memory.
A professional board is also easier to maintain and looks better in your game room. For beginners, upgrading helps avoid common mistakes and gives a true taste of the sport.
Where To Buy Professional Dart Boards
You can find professional boards at sports shops, online retailers, and official brand websites. Always check for official certification—look for logos from PDC, BDO, or other governing bodies. For more information on standards and board choices, the Wikipedia Dartboard page gives a detailed overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Is A Professional Dart Board?
A professional board has a diameter of 18 inches (457 mm) and is about 1.5 inches (38 mm) thick. The bullseye is 12.7 mm wide, and the double/triple rings are 8 mm wide.
How Often Should You Replace A Professional Dart Board?
Most professionals replace their board every 12–24 months, depending on usage. If segments look worn or darts start bouncing out more, it’s time for a new board.
Can Electronic Dart Boards Be Used Professionally?
No, electronic dart boards are not used in professional steel-tip tournaments. They are popular for soft-tip darts but don’t match the standards required for major events.
Is It Worth Buying A Professional Board If You’re A Beginner?
Yes, because a professional board helps you practice with accurate scoring, fewer bounce-outs, and builds good habits. Beginners often find their skills improve faster with a quality board.
What Is The Best Way To Hang A Professional Dart Board?
Use a center-mounted bracket for stability and easy rotation. The bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor. This matches official tournament height.
Choosing the right dart board is more than a simple decision. For professionals, the board is a tool for skill and competition. Whether you’re aiming for tournaments or just want to play like the pros, picking a quality, regulation board makes a huge difference.
With the right board, your practice becomes more rewarding, and your skills grow faster. Remember to check for sisal fiber, staple-free wiring, and official standards—these are the keys to a professional dart experience.
