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Steel tip darts vs soft tip darts. What is the difference?

Choosing to play a game of darts with either steel tip darts or soft tip darts, will have a big influence on your tactics, and your enjoyment of the game. In this article, we will explain to you everything you need to know about steel tip darts, and soft tip darts.

Josh Isaacson
Josh Isaacson

Last Updated: 2024-10-16

Chad Nagel

4 minutes read

Dartboard bull's eye

Dartboard bull's eye//Getty Images

What are darts with a steel tip on the end? 

Steel tip darts are darts that have a point on the end of the dart that is made from a steel material. Steel tip darts are darts that are played by professional darts players, and these darts are used in professional darts tournaments such as the PDC World Darts Championship

What are darts with a plastic tip on the end? 

Soft tip darts refers to the dart point which is made from plastic instead of steel. Steel tips have been used ever since the sport of darts began, and the inclusion of soft tip darts was added much later to the game. Soft tip darts are lighter than steel tip darts, and they are safer to use compared to steel tip darts. If you use a steel tip dart incorrectly, you can accidentally injure yourself or other people as the steel tip is sharp enough to penetrate the skin. A soft tip dart will not cause any injury, even if you use it incorrectly. 

Steel tip darts vs soft tip darts

Our darts experts have played with steel tip darts, and soft tip darts. We are passionate about the game of darts, and we enjoy using both steel tip darts and soft tip darts. In the table below, you will find a comparison between playing darts with steel tip darts vs soft tip darts. Everyone has their preference. Some people might prefer the competitive nature of the steel tip darts, and others might prefer the safety aspect of soft tip darts, especially if you have young kids and you do not want to risk leaving any sharp objects lying around. 

  1. Safety: Soft tip darts are safer because they have a soft point at the end of the dart which is unable to cause injury. A steel tip dart has a sharp point which can penetrate the skin. 

  2. Weight: Soft tip darts are lighter than steel tip darts, usually by around 20-30 grams which means they allow for a lighter streamlined throw. Soft tip darts have been criticized for their lack of precision. 

  3. Strength: Soft tip darts get damaged very easily over time compared to steel tip darts. This is understandable because the steel tip darts are made with steel on the end of the dart. 

Give steel tip darts and soft tip darts a try! 

Let me tell you a quick story about my experience of steel tip darts vs soft tip darts. Just like you, I was also interested in the difference between these two different types of darts. So, what did I do? I bought myself a pair of steel tip darts, and a pair of soft tip darts, and I tested out playing with both steel tip darts and soft tip darts. The experience was extremely fun. I even managed to hit the Bullseye twice with both the steel tip darts, and the soft tip darts. Sure you will need to adjust to using both steel tip darts, and soft tip darts, and this is exactly what SportsBoom is here for! Keep updated with our darts tips, and keep an eye on the site, so that you get the best tips to improve your darts game. 

Quick recap of steel tip darts vs soft tip darts

In conclusion, both steel tip darts, and soft tip darts have their benefits, and their pros, and cons. It really comes down to which type of darts you prefer playing with. We highly suggest that you test out playing with both steel tip darts, and soft tip darts, so that you can experience both these types of darts, and who knows you might even like playing with both of them. 

FAQs

What are steel tip darts?

These types of darts have a point on the end of the dart that is made from steel. This is how steel tip darts get their name. The tip of the dart is made from steel. Steel tip darts are used in professional darts tournaments. 

What are soft tip darts?

Soft tip darts have a dart point which is made from plastic instead of steel. Soft tip darts are lighter than steel tip darts, and they are safer to play with compared to steel tip darts. Soft tip darts are unable to penetrate the skin, and therefore, soft tip darts can be good for beginner darts players, and for very young darts players. 

Josh Isaacson
Josh IsaacsonSports Writer

Josh has over ten years of experience as a Sports Writer. Josh has created content for some of the biggest sports brands and publications in South Africa. Josh is a creative writer who puts you in the game with his unique content. Josh writes about Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Basketball, Darts, Golf, and all major sports.