A dartboard isn't something you replace every year, but it doesn't last forever either. Exactly how long it lasts depends on how often you throw, where you aim and how you treat the board. In this article you'll read where the wear comes from, how to tell your board is worn out and what you can do to enjoy it for longer.
How long does a dartboard last on average?
There is no fixed number of years. With home use, a good bristle board often lasts several years, but if you train for hours every evening you'll wear out a board noticeably faster than someone who plays one game a week. The quality of the sisal matters too: more densely pressed sisal usually recovers better and stays pleasant to play on for longer.
Most dartboards in the shop are sisal bristle boards. Sisal consists of fibres that part each time a dart goes in and then mostly close up again. That self-healing effect has its limits: in a spot you hit thousands of times, the material eventually gives up.
Where does wear come from?
Wear is not evenly spread across the board. A few factors play the biggest role:
- Your favourite target: most players mainly aim at the treble 20 and the bullseye. That area wears out first.
- Your points: damaged or burred points tear fibres when you pull the dart out. So check your steeltip points regularly.
- How much you throw: a board used for one club night a week wears differently from a board used for daily practice.
- Moisture and temperature: a board in a damp garage or cellar can lose its shape and tension, because sisal absorbs moisture.
When is your dartboard due for replacement?
There are a few clear signs. Darts stick poorly or fall out, even when you throw hard enough. You get more bounce-outs than before. You see bare or sunken spots on the treble 20 and the bullseye. Or the segments bulge and lose their sharp definition. One of these signs is no reason to replace the board right away, but several at once are.
| Sign | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Darts don't stay in | First check your points and rotate the board |
| Lots of bounce-outs | Check whether the wiring is still straight and the points aren't blunt |
| Bare spot on the treble 20 | Rotate the number ring or the board, if possible |
| Several signs at once | Replace the board |
How to make your dartboard last longer
A few habits extend the life of your board without much effort.
- Rotate the board regularly: with boards that have a rotating number ring or a rotation system, you spread the wear over more segments. Switch it up, for example every week or every month.
- Use good points: replace damaged steeltip points in time. On a bristle board, always use steeltip darts, not softtip.
- Pull darts straight out of the board: a quick sideways jerk stretches the fibres.
- Hang the board in a dry place: choose a spot without moisture and big temperature swings. For how to hang the board and at what distance, read our guide to hanging a dartboard correctly.
- Protect the surroundings: with a surround you catch darts that land beside the board. That saves the wall and is also good for your darts.
Boards from the shop
If you're looking for a replacement, the category dartboards has models for different levels. The Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core has a two-layer core, designed to let darts in easily and hold them. The Target Tor Dartboard is a board for those who also want to play at competition level. A simpler board for home use is the Unicorn Striker Dartboard. The Bull's Advantage 8 Dartboard and the Shot Ranger Professional Dartboard are other options from the same category. For extra protection of your wall, the category dartboard accessories has fixing material and other aids.
In summary
A dartboard often lasts several years if you rotate it regularly, use good points and hang it in a dry place. If the board does start to sag, you'll notice it from poorly hanging darts, bounce-outs and bare spots. Then it's time for a new board. Not sure which brand suits you? Then read our overview to compare dartboard brands.