The Ultimate Darts Shaft Guide*

Are you a newbie or someone who’s really passionate about darts and wants to find out more about this game? Then, you’re in the right place. Darts means more than throwing those funny little arrows at a target. Once you become more familiar with this indoor sport, you realize there are different sorts of darts and they all have different components. One of them is the shaft and, in this guide, we’re going to teach you all the basic things you need to know about it.

Definition

First thing first, before we go on talking about the different types of dart shafts you can find, let’s make sure you know exactly what these are. The dart’s shaft is the part of the dart located between the barrel and the flight, the one that connects these two elements. The shaft, also called a stem, is screwed into the dart’s barrel, and holds the flight firmly in place. These essential components can greatly influence your game in terms of accuracy and trajectory. If you’re eager to excel at darts, you should invest in quality shafts that won’t break and provide you the grip and consistency you need. Below, you can find a list of the main shafts types and how they can impact your performance.

Length

One of the main features that distinguish darts shafts is their length. From this perspective, shafts are typically divided into three main categories: long, medium, and short. When you pick darts shafts, you should consider their length first as it influences the dart’s center of gravity, which impacts your performance.

More precisely, long shafts place the dart’s center of gravity towards their end, while short shafts bring it closer to the front. Based on how you hold the dart, one of these two types of shafts can benefit you. Those of you who are used to holding the dart closer to the rear part will achieve better performance with longer stems. Conversely, if you typically grab the dart from its front part, you will definitely have better results by using short shafts. Choosing the right shaft length according to your own style is essential for your performance. 

If you’ve barely begun exploring the darts game, we recommend experimenting with different types of shafts. This way, you’ll get the chance to understand which one suits you better and helps you score more points.

Material

Besides their length, dart shafts are also classified according to their material, which can also weigh heavily on your performance. The material that makes up a shaft influences the dart’s flight due to its weight and qualities. As you start developing your technique, you will understand which shafts benefit you the most and how they impact the dart’s performance. Here are the most common types of materials you can choose from:

• Plastic & Nylon: these shafts are quite affordable and easy to replace. If you’ve barely started to discover this game, you can begin with these cheaper shafts. However, we do recommend opting for models that are sturdier and made of quality plastic since these shafts tend to break pretty easily. These stems are made of nylon or polycarbonate and they usually work well for beginner to mid-level players. You can find them in a wide variety of colors.
• Aluminum: these dart shafts are more resistant than plastic ones and provide great accuracy. They’re a wiser investment in the long-term. Aluminum shafts are available in a wide range of colors and styles, many having specific detailing or engraved stripes. These shafts are reliable. Unlike plastic ones, they won’t break. However, due to the nature of their material, they do tend to bend and you’ll have to straighten them back.
• Carbon fiber: these types of shafts are pricier than the other models. If you are able to invest in premium products, carbon fiber shafts are a good choice. These stems are lightweight but at the same time extremely resistant. In terms of performance, they deliver a similar experience to aluminum shafts, the advantage being that these shafts are not prone to bending.
• Composite: these high-end stems are also praised for their strength and durability. Composite shafts are usually preferred by professional players. These shafts’ bases are made of plastic, while the replaceable top part where the flight is mounted consists of a strong metal alloy.

Shape

Darts stems are also designed differently in terms of their shape. The most common type of shaft is the plain straight one. These are the shafts you are most likely to come across if you play in a pub or bar. Straight stems are highly appreciated for their efficiency and ease of use. Both experienced and amateur players use them extensively and if you are a newbie, starting with this type of shaft is not a bad idea.

Alternatively, there are also shafts that provide a better grip and lock the flight tightly. These shafts that are usually used by professional players are called grip or supergrip shafts. They feature visible rings that keep the flight tightly attached to the shaft. Thanks to the firm grip, you can get a consistent and precise flight trajectory.  

You can also find shafts that spin when you throw them. While these shafts don’t offer enhanced flight performance, they do minimize deflection and reduce the likelihood of thorn flights, enabling more flights to align with one another.  

Dart shafts play a major role in your overall performance. Their length, material, and shape can make or break your game based on your skills and throwing style. Since you can’t know for sure which type of dart shaft benefits you most, it’s good to test a few models before you decide to stick to a particular pattern.

Here at IgnatGames, we provide top-quality gear for pro and amateur dart players. Whether you’re looking for consumable items like shafts or for a reliable set of darts, we’ve got you covered. Browse through our catalog and purchase with confidence!

*updated July 2022