Best Darts for Online Play — What to Look For
Published 2 July 2026 · 6 min read
Does dart choice actually matter for online play?
For most aspects of webcam darts, your dart choice matters about as much as it does at the pub — which is to say, somewhat, but consistency and practice matter far more. That said, there is one factor that is specific to online play: camera visibility. Your opponent is watching your board through a webcam, not standing 2 metres away. Darts that group tightly and land cleanly are easier to read, which reduces score disputes.
Here is what to consider when choosing darts for competitive webcam darts.
Steel tip vs soft tip — no choice here
Webcam darts is played on a standard bristle dartboard. That means steel-tip darts only. Soft-tip darts are designed for electronic boards and will not penetrate a bristle board correctly — the tip will bend or not stick. If you own soft-tip darts, they will not work for competitive webcam darts.
Standard bristle boards are the same boards used in professional darts. The bull is at 173 cm from the floor. The throw line (oche) is 2.37 m from the face of the board.
Weight: 20g to 26g covers most players
Dart weight is personal. The range most competitive players use is 20g to 26g, with 22–24g being the most common starting point. Heavier darts (24–26g) tend to fly in a straighter arc, which some players find easier to aim consistently. Lighter darts (18–22g) require more speed and wrist action.
For online play specifically, the weight that lets you repeat the same throw every visit matters most. A consistent 45 average with 22g darts beats an inconsistent 60 with 26g. Try a few weights if possible before committing — most darts shops have practice boards.
Barrel material: tungsten vs brass
The barrel is the metal part you grip. It is made from either brass or tungsten (usually a tungsten-nickel alloy, listed as a percentage).
- Brass darts — Inexpensive (€5–15), but the barrels are significantly wider for the same weight because brass is less dense than tungsten. Wider barrels mean your darts land further apart in the board. At 180 you will notice the third dart struggling to find space. Fine for casual play, but limiting at competitive level.
- Tungsten darts (70–80%) — The standard for competitive play. Slimmer barrel at the same weight means tighter groupings. This also helps on webcam: your opponent can read a tight cluster of three darts much more clearly than three darts spread across the board.
- High-percentage tungsten (90–97%) — The slimmest barrels available, used by professional players. At this range the performance difference over 80% tungsten is minimal for most players. The price jump is significant — typically €50–200+. Not necessary unless you are already throwing consistent 70+ averages.
Barrel shape: straight, torpedo, or bomb
The barrel shape affects where the dart's weight is centred and how it sits in your grip.
- Straight barrel — Even weight distribution along the full length. The most common shape for beginners because the grip point is flexible. Good for players who grip towards the middle of the dart.
- Torpedo / bomb barrel — Front-weighted. The dart nose is thicker, tapering towards the tail. Preferred by players who grip near the front and release quickly. Many professional players use front-weighted barrels.
- Rear-weighted barrel — Less common. The weight sits at the back, which affects the flight arc more noticeably. Worth trying if you grip further back on the barrel.
For online play, barrel shape has no specific advantage. Choose what feels natural in your hand.
Flights and shafts
Flights and shafts are cheap and replaceable — do not overthink them when starting out. A standard or slim flight works for most throwing styles. Standard (kite-shaped) flights create more drag and stabilise a slower throw. Slim flights suit faster releases.
Shaft length affects the dart's angle in the board. Shorter shafts produce a flatter entry angle; longer shafts a steeper one. Start with medium-length shafts and adjust from there. For webcam darts, a dart that sits clean and straight in the board is easier for your opponent to read.
Budget guide
- Under €20 — Most options are brass. Acceptable for learning; you will likely want to upgrade within a few months. Look for mid-percentage tungsten sets in this range (they exist but are rare).
- €20–45 (recommended starting range) — 70–80% tungsten sets from brands like Harrows, Red Dragon, or Unicorn. Slim barrels, good quality flights and shafts included. Enough dart for competitive online play at any level.
- €45–100 — Higher tungsten percentages, precision machining, more grip texture options. Worth considering once you know your preferred weight and grip style.
- €100+ — Professional-grade darts. The performance difference at this price point is minimal unless you are already a very experienced player. The step up from €20 to €40 darts makes a bigger difference than €40 to €150.
FAQ
What weight darts should I use?
Start with 22–24g and adjust. Most competitive players settle somewhere in the 20–26g range. The right weight is whatever lets you throw consistently.
Do I need tungsten darts?
For competitive online play, yes — 70–80% tungsten is the standard. The slimmer barrel helps with tight groupings, which are easier to read on webcam.
Can I use soft-tip darts for webcam darts?
No. Webcam darts uses standard bristle boards, which require steel-tip darts.
Do expensive darts improve your average?
No. Practice improves your average. A good set in the €20–40 range is more than adequate for competitive play at any level.
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