Darts buying guide
What Does Tungsten Percentage Mean in Darts?
When shopping for darts, you will often see sets described as 80%, 90%, 95% or even 97% tungsten. It is easy to assume that the highest percentage must be the best—but tungsten percentage does not tell you how well a dart will suit your throw.
Its main influence is on how much weight can be packed into the barrel—and therefore how slim that barrel can be made.
Why Is Tungsten Used in Darts?
Tungsten is an extremely dense metal. This allows manufacturers to create relatively slim dart barrels without making them too light.
Slimmer barrels can leave more room in the treble bed when your darts are grouped closely together. This is one reason tungsten darts are generally preferred over larger brass barrels by regular and competitive players.
Dart barrels use tungsten combined with other metals to create a practical alloy. The percentage on the packaging tells you how much of that alloy is tungsten.
A 90% tungsten dart is therefore made from an alloy containing approximately 90% tungsten and 10% other metals.
What Is the Difference Between Tungsten Percentages?
| Tungsten percentage | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| 70–80% | Usually a slightly wider and more affordable barrel |
| 85% | A useful balance between barrel size and price |
| 90% | A common choice offering relatively slim dimensions |
| 95% | Can allow an even slimmer barrel or more complex design |
| 97% and above | Premium, less common and often more expensive |
These are general guidelines rather than strict rules.
The final barrel dimensions also depend on its weight, length, shape and design. A long 80% tungsten dart may still be slimmer than a short 95% tungsten dart of the same weight.
You should compare the actual barrel dimensions rather than judging the dart by tungsten percentage alone.
Does More Tungsten Make a Dart Better?
Not automatically.
A higher tungsten percentage can help a manufacturer produce a slimmer barrel, but it does not make the dart more accurate. It will not correct an inconsistent throw or guarantee tighter grouping.
A 95% tungsten dart that does not suit your grip could be a much worse choice than an 80% tungsten dart that fits your hand naturally.
The dart's barrel shape, grip position, grip pattern, dimensions, balance and weight can all have a greater effect on how it feels in your hand.
Higher tungsten also does not necessarily mean that a dart will feel better made. Two darts with the same tungsten percentage can have completely different designs, finishes and grip profiles.
Are Higher-Tungsten Darts Slimmer?
They can be, although you should always check the listed barrel diameter.
Using a higher percentage of tungsten allows manufacturers to fit the same weight into a smaller amount of material. This creates the opportunity to make the barrel slimmer.
However, manufacturers may use that extra density in different ways. They might create:
- A shorter barrel
- A shaped or tapered barrel
- Deeper grip cuts
- A more complex design
- A heavier dart without dramatically increasing its size
This means that a higher percentage does not always result in the narrowest possible dart.
Do Slimmer Darts Improve Grouping?
A slimmer barrel creates more physical space when several darts land close together. That can make tight grouping easier to accommodate.
But a slim barrel will only help if you can throw it comfortably and consistently.
Some players prefer the feel and reference point provided by a wider barrel. Others find that a narrow barrel sits more naturally between their fingers.
Your grouping is ultimately influenced by the consistency of your throw—not just the diameter of your darts.
What Tungsten Percentage Should a Beginner Use?
A beginner does not need to buy the highest tungsten percentage available.
An affordable 80%, 85% or 90% tungsten dart can provide a good-quality, reasonably slim barrel while you learn more about your natural grip and preferences.
At this stage, discovering a suitable barrel shape and grip profile is normally more useful than paying extra for a very high tungsten percentage.
Once you understand what suits your throw, you can decide whether a slimmer or more premium version of that style offers a worthwhile benefit.
Is 90% Tungsten Good for Darts?
Yes. A large number of quality darts are made from 90% tungsten because it provides a strong balance between barrel dimensions, design flexibility and price.
However, 90% should not be treated as a minimum requirement or a guarantee of quality.
An 80% tungsten dart can still be an excellent match for your throw, while a poorly suited 95% tungsten barrel may never feel comfortable.
What Should You Look at Besides Tungsten Percentage?
Before choosing a set of darts, consider:
- Where you naturally grip the barrel
- Whether you prefer a straight, torpedo, bomb or scalloped shape
- The barrel's length and diameter
- The position and strength of its grip
- Whether it is front, centre or rear weighted
- The weight that suits your throwing action
- Whether your fingers can return to the same position consistently
These characteristics help determine whether a dart works with your natural throw.
The Right Match Matters More Than the Highest Number
Tungsten percentage is useful information, but it is only one part of a dart's design.
A higher percentage generally gives manufacturers more freedom to create a slimmer or more intricate barrel. It does not automatically make that barrel better for you.
Rather than choosing the highest tungsten percentage you can afford, look for a dart whose shape, grip and balance complement the way you naturally throw.
That is far more likely to improve your confidence and consistency than the number printed on the packaging.