What is the Best Electronic Dart Board? A Complete UK Guide

The game of darts has been traditionally famous as a bar game in the United Kingdom, but with progression in technology, the introduction of electronic dart boards has modified the game significantly. Now, whether you’re a casual player or a serious enthusiast, electronic dart boards truly modernize this popular pastime. However, how does one decide on the best one? Here at DartSource, we’ll try to address your most common queries, such as:

What is the best electronic dart board? 

Can you use real darts on an electronic dart board? 

How does a smart dartboard work?  

Do magnetic dart boards work well? 

Let us get straight to the point and provide you with an informative guide for everything related to electronic dart boards. 

What is the Best Electronic Dart Board?

As is the case with everything else, there are several brands available in the UK experienced with electronic dart boards, catering to different expectations and price ranges. Here are some of the top ones. 

Viper 800 Electronic Dartboard 

The Viper 800 is well known to be one of the most reliable models on the market, boasting excellent features that experienced players will appreciate. In other parts of the UK, it’s preferred among players because of its versatility which includes 39 games and 179 variations all of which can be viewed in high resolution display.

Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core

For advanced players who take their game seriously, this board is constructed using high-quality materials. Its ultra thin wiring increases the scoring area whilst decreasing the chances of the dart bouncing off the board.

Unicorn Eclipse Pro

This board is built for professionals and is widely used in competitions. This board has self-healing sisal fibers which sustain its purpose for a longer period of time. 

Gran Board 3

A modern dartboard that syncs with a smartphone, Gran Board 3 makes it easy for tech-savvy players to monitor their progress as well as play online. 

When searching for an electronic dart board, remember to consider reliability and other specified features. The Viper 800, much like Gran Board 3, is both entertaining and useful. 

Can You Use Real Darts on an Electronic Dart Board?

This question is very common among dart lovers. The answer is: only in certain types of electronic dart boards.

Soft-tip darts are the only darts compatible with the electronic dart boards of the present. These darts have low chances of inflicting damages to the board because they come with a plastic tip as opposed to a metal one. Although, certain electronic boards such as ‘Winmau Blade 6’ do allow both, plastic tip and steel tip, darts for use. These boards are known as hybrid model boards. 

To avoid damaging the machinery, the preferred choice to be used with standard electronic boards are soft-tip darts. Real darts will void any warranty that comes with the board. Ensure that you consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before using any non compatible darts with an electronic board.

What are the steps in which a smart dartboard operates?

The world of darts has introduced the smart dartboard which is the newest design on the market. The boards can be paired with smartphones and tablets via bluetooth or wi-fi. Some features that come with the smartboard include online gaming, score tracking, and different types of challenges and games. 

Here’s how they work: 

Sensors: Smart dart boards have sensors that track the movement and landing position of the dart. They can determine the precise spot on the board due to their accuracy. Moreover, they can tell where the different scoring zones of the board are.

Connectivity: When you hit the dart, the board sends a data packet to your smartphone or tablet at once. This enables you to keep a record of your score and progress without having to type in any values manually.

Apps: Most smart dart boards come bundled with accompanying mobile applications featuring a plethora of functions such as multiplayer, tutorials, and detailed performance statistics.

The Gran Board 3 is a great example of a smart dartboard. Beyond being easy to use, it also lets you play several games and set matches with other players across the globe.

Are Magnetic Dart Boards Effective?

Magnetic dart boards are some of the more popular boards for families and social players. They replace dull pointed arrows with those that have a strap and are easier for children and novice players.

But how effective are they?

Pros:

Child and beginner friendly.

User-friendly.

Cost-effective unlike electronic and classic dart boards.

Cons:

Accuracy is not as good as traditional or electronic boards.

Darts have a high propensity to drop off which hinders game play.

Few options for game variations and score tracking.

While magnetic dart boards have their perks when it comes to casual play, they don’t cater to more serious players or those looking to get the most out of darts.

Guidelines on Selecting the Best Electronic Dartboard

Consider Your Level of Experience: To novices, an electronic dartboard that requires minimal features and low effort to set up would be preferable. Experts on the other hand, may require a dartboard that includes professional-grade features for precise performance and seamless connectivity.

Evaluate the Available Games: Some offer hundreds of game types and variations while others restrict the selection. Pick one that matches your needs.

Check for Construction Quality: High-quality materials that can tolerate frequent use should be taken into consideration when selecting an electronic dartboard.

Consider Smart Features: If you are looking to monitor your performance metrics or want to play online, a smart dartboard with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities will be best.

To Conclude

With their ability to replace traditional methods of scoring with modern technology, electronic dartboards have transformed darts into an engaging experience for players with any level of experience. Whether you are wondering the options for the best electronic dartboard, learn wonders about using actual darts, or want to understand how smart dartboards function, you will find answers in this article.

Here in the UK, the Viper 800 and Gran Board 3 remain head and shoulders above the rest in quality, advanced construction, and connectivity. For a safer, and more casual approach, you could consider the use of magnetic dartboards, although they tend to lack some measure of gameplay variety and accuracy.

Don’t delay any more! Grab your darts, select the best board, and begin the game today!