Dart points guide

Do Longer Dart Points Improve Grouping?

Longer dart points are popular with players looking to create more space around their first dart and achieve tighter groups. But simply fitting longer points doesn't automatically improve your grouping.

Changing point length can also change the balance and behaviour of your entire dart.

Why Do Players Use Longer Dart Points?

When a dart with a longer point enters the board, the barrel sits further away from the sisal.

That can create additional space around the barrel for the second and third darts.

This is particularly attractive when attacking congested targets such as the treble 20.

But creating additional physical space and actually being accurate enough to use it are two different things.

Do Longer Points Change Dart Balance?

Yes.

Adding additional material to the front of your dart changes its overall setup and can move the balance forward.

Moving from a relatively short point to a 40mm, 45mm or even longer point can therefore make the dart behave differently.

Depending on your throw, you may notice changes to the dart's stability and the angle at which it enters the board.

Can Long Points Make Darts Enter Flatter?

Adding additional weight and length towards the front can influence the angle of entry.

For some players, the tail of the dart may sit lower than it did with a shorter point.

That's important because point length shouldn't be considered independently from the rest of your setup.

Point Grip Matters Too

The way the point interacts with the board is another consideration.

With more point protruding from the board, contact from another dart can create movement.

Having sufficient grip on the point can therefore become increasingly important, particularly with very long setups.

Are Longer Dart Points Better?

Not necessarily.

Longer points can create more physical room for grouping, but they won't make an inaccurate throw accurate.

They may also make technical inconsistencies in your release more noticeable.

The best dart point length is therefore the one that complements your throw, dart balance and preferred board-entry angle.

As with barrel shape and weight, don't change your equipment simply because another player uses it. Understand what the change actually does to your setup first.