Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
The real difference between a fun night of darts and a frustrating one often boils down to whether your darts actually stick to the board and fly where you aim. With so many soft-tip sets out there, the confusion is real: tungsten vs brass, 16 grams vs 18 grams, and which shafts bend less. This guide sorts through the facts so you can stop guessing and start throwing.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are a league player or just setting up a game room, finding the right darts for electronic dartboard is about matching weight, grip, and durability to your own throwing style and budget.
Quick Picks
- WIN.MAX Darts Soft Tip Set – 90% Tungsten 18 Grams — Best Overall
- Viper Astro 80% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts — Premium Build
- Fat Cat Soft Tip Dart Set (21-Pack) – 17 Grams — Party Pack
- CyeeLife Soft Tip Darts Set – 12 Pack 16 Grams — Slim Gripper
- CyeeLife Darts Plastic Tip – 12 Pcs 18 Gram — Heavy Hitter
- WayArrival Soft Tip Darts Set – 12 Pack 18 Grams — Starter Value
- Sanfeng Soft Tip Darts Set – 18 Grams (Green) — Budget Brass
How To Choose The Best Darts for Electronic Dartboard
Picking soft-tip darts is different from steel-tip because your dartboard’s sensor grid changes what sticks and what bounces off. Here is what matters most.
Weight: 16g, 17g, or 18g?
To keep your darts sticking in the board instead of bouncing out, choose a weight around 17 or 18 grams. Lighter darts (16 grams) fly faster but can bounce off the board more easily if your throw is too soft. Heavier darts (18 grams) cut through the air more steadily and usually stick better, though they can feel a bit heavier over a long session. Most recreational players settle on 17 or 18 grams as a balance for consistent play on electronic boards.
Barrel material: brass vs tungsten
Brass barrels are affordable and decently weighted, but they are thicker, so your darts take up more space on the board. Tungsten (80% or 90%) is much denser, letting you have a slim barrel that groups shots tighter — a big advantage if you are aiming for triples and doubles. The trade-off is cost: tungsten sets cost more upfront.
Shafts: why O-rings matter
Aluminum shafts hold up better than nylon, but the real secret to a dart that stays tight is a rubber O-ring between the shaft and barrel. Without it, the shaft loosens after a few throws. The O-ring creates friction that keeps everything snug so you don’t have to retighten mid-game.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | Barrel Material | Weight | Included Tips | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIN.MAX 90% Tungsten | Serious players wanting tight grouping | 90% Tungsten | 18 Grams | Stock tips (replaceable) | Amazon |
| Viper Astro 80% Tungsten | Consistent grip & premium case | 80% Tungsten | 18 Grams | 13 Tufflex II tips | Amazon |
| Fat Cat Soft Tip (21-pack) | High-volume household / parties | Nickel Silver | 17 Grams | 2BA Tufflex tips | Amazon |
| CyeeLife 12 Pack (16g) | Light, colorful family play | Steel / Aluminum | 16 Grams | 50 extra 2BA tips | Amazon |
| CyeeLife 12 Pcs (18g) | Heavier balance & durability | Brass-style metal | 18 Grams | 100 extra tips | Amazon |
| WayArrival 12 Pack (18g) | Budget-friendly starter kit | Brass / Aluminum | 18 Grams | 100 extra tips | Amazon |
| Sanfeng 18g Set | Entry-level / first-time buyer | Brass | 18 Grams | 30 extra tips | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. WIN.MAX Darts Soft Tip Set – 90% Tungsten 18 Grams
The precision dart for throwers who refuse to compromise on grouping.
If you want darts that slice through the air and land tight in the triple, 90% tungsten (a very dense metal that lets the barrel be slim without being light) is the material to look for. The WIN.MAX set uses that dense tungsten to keep the barrel narrow, so your darts cluster closer together instead of spreading wide. At 18 grams, the weight is exactly what most league players prefer — heavy enough to stick reliably on an electronic board without feeling clunky.
The barrel is machined with three different grip zones: radial grooves at the front, popular N Grip (a mid-section texture favored by pros) in the middle, and shark-cut grooves at the rear. This means you can hold it wherever feels natural, even if your hands get sweaty. Buyers report excellent grouping and a comfortable feel, though they warn that the stock flights wear out quickly — upgrading to your own flights solves that. Unlike the cheaper brass-barreled sets, the slim tungsten profile here means tighter scores.
One thing to know: buyers describe the stock tips as “poor to medium quality” and recommend switching to Lippoint tips for better durability. A 2-year warranty backs the darts themselves, which is a strong vote of confidence at this price point.
Where it shines
- 90% tungsten barrel for tight grouping and slim profile
- Three distinct grip zones suit any throwing style
- Weight matched within 0.1 grams per dart
Things to know
- Stock tips are low quality; plan to upgrade
- Included flights wear out fast
- Only 3 darts in the set (no extra sets for groups)
Reach for it if: you are a regular player who values tight grouping and wants a durable, professional-grade barrel that will last.
Consider something else if: you need a multi-pack for parties or beginners who may break expensive tips.
2. Viper Astro 80% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
A hard-case dart set that feels serious the second you open it.
The Viper Astro gets you 80% tungsten barrels — not quite as dense as the WIN.MAX, but still noticeably slimmer than a brass dart. At 18 grams, the weight is the same as the premium pick, so you get a similar feel in the hand. Where this set stands apart is the extras: a hard-shell TacTech case with a custom interior, a dart repair tool (a multi-tool for tightening or swapping parts), and 13 Tufflex II tips. The locking-hole shafts use a small screw to hold everything tight — a more secure method than a simple twist.
The barrel has diamond-cut etchings and rings that give you a consistent grip, and owners mention it helped their accuracy and consistency. One reviewer noted the weight feels accurate and the darts are well-balanced. Unlike the CyeeLife or WayArrival budget packs, this set comes as a single set of three darts — so it is for a dedicated thrower, not a party crowd. The package weight is incredibly light at 0.09 Kilograms, showing how compact tungsten can be.
If you are comparing it to the WIN.MAX above, the Viper uses 80% tungsten instead of 90%, so the barrel is slightly thicker, but the difference is small for most recreational players. The TacTech case is a real bonus if you travel with your darts or just want them stored safely.
Standout features
- 80% tungsten barrel for slim profile and good balance
- Premium TacTech hard case with form-fitting interior
- Locking-hole shafts for secure, wobble-free attachment
Limitations
- Only 3 darts in the set
- No extra O-rings included beyond what is installed
Your move if: you want a tournament-worthy dart with excellent storage and don’t need a multi-pack.
Look elsewhere if: a bulk pack for the whole family is more useful than a single premium set.
3. Fat Cat Soft Tip Dart Set (21-Pack) – 17 Grams
Twenty-one darts in a jar means nobody sits out at game night.
Most soft-tip sets give you 6 or 12 darts. The Fat Cat gives you 21 darts at 17 grams each — enough for a full crowd or to keep backups when tips inevitably break. The barrel is nickel-silver plated, which is not as dense as tungsten but offers better durability than plain brass. The knurling (a rough cross-hatched texture) and precision rings on the barrel give you a steady grip, and the nylon shafts and strong flights keep the dart stable mid-flight.
Customers note that these darts work perfectly with popular electronic boards like the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800. One reviewer even noted their game improved dramatically, winning 14 of 16 games after switching. The included twist-top storage jar is a clever way to keep everything organized, though some users note the darts are lighter than the ones that came with their board — but at 17g they are a solid middle ground between the lighter 16g sets and the heavier 18g.
Compared to the 18g WayArrival set below, the Fat Cat is 17g versus 18g and comes with 21 darts versus 12 darts. If you are hosting parties or have kids who lose darts, the sheer quantity here makes it a practical choice.
Why it works for groups
- 21 darts in one set — enough for teams and spares
- Nickel-silver barrels offer good durability
- Twist-top jar keeps darts organized and portable
Watch for
- Tips break with hard throws (normal for soft tips)
- Flights can pop off, but less often than other budget sets
Best for: households or rec rooms where multiple people play and you need a big supply of darts.
Not ideal for: a competitive player who needs precision-matched tungsten barrels.
4. CyeeLife Soft Tip Darts Set – 12 Pack 16 Grams
Light, colorful, and ready for the whole family right from the start.
At 16 grams, this CyeeLife set is the lightest in the list — 16g versus the 18g CyeeLife set also reviewed here. That lighter weight makes the darts fly faster, which some beginners prefer, though they may bounce off the board more on a weak throw. The set includes 12 darts in four colors (red, blue, yellow, green), making it easy to split into teams. The anodized aluminum shafts come with rubber O-rings pre-installed, so the shafts stay tight during a game — a detail that makes a noticeable difference compared to sets without O-rings.
The barrels are precision-machined metal steel with a non-slip grip, and the plastic soft tips are designed to reduce bounce-outs on electronic boards. Reviewers point out the darts feel sturdy, well-made, and good in the hand, with one buyer noting the flights don’t fall off even when hitting the board hard. The included 50 extra tips give you plenty of replacements before needing to buy more.
If you are comparing it to the heavier 18g CyeeLife set, this one is better for younger players or anyone who prefers a faster, snappier throw. The package weight of 0.26 Kilograms is light enough to keep in a drawer for quick games.
Highlights
- 12 darts in 4 team colors — great for group play
- Aluminum shafts with O-rings prevent loosening
- 50 extra tips included for extended use
Trade-offs
- 16g is lighter — may bounce out on some boards
- Barrels are not tungsten, so less dense than premium options
Pick this if: you want a colorful, family-friendly set with enough darts for teams and a weight that favors speed.
skip it if: you prefer the heft of an 18g dart for more controlled, stable throws.
5. CyeeLife Darts Plastic Tip – 12 Pcs 18 Gram
The heavier CyeeLife that sticks the board and stays there.
This is the 18-gram counterpart to the 16-gram CyeeLife set above, and the weight difference is immediately noticeable in your hand. Heavier darts cut through the air with less wobble and are less likely to bounce off the board’s sensor grid. The deep-cut rings on the barrel give you a firm grip that minimizes the dart sticking to your fingers on release — a small detail that helps with a clean throw. The aluminum shafts are billed as unbreakable, and shoppers say they hold up well even with frequent practice.
The set includes 100 extra tips, 16 flights, and 2 flight protectors (small clips that stop the flights from popping off). The flight protectors are a nice touch you do not see in cheaper sets. However, one buyer mentioned that in a 2-hour session they went through 20 tips, calling the included tips trash — they bend and stretch easily. This is a common theme with stock tips across many brands, so budget for better tips if you play heavily.
At 0.32 Kilograms package weight, this set is heavier than the 0.13 Kilogram Sanfeng set, reflecting the extra darts, tips, and accessories. The 10-year warranty is an unusually long promise that suggests the manufacturer stands behind the shafts and barrels.
Solid points
- 18g weight provides stable, bounce-resistant throws
- 100 extra tips and 2 flight protectors included
- 10-year warranty on the set
Weak spots
- Stock tips bend and stretch quickly — factor in replacements
- Not as slim as tungsten darts for tight grouping
Reach for it if: you want a heavy, well-accessorized set for regular home play and don’t mind swapping tips.
Pass if: you want premium tungsten density for league-level competition.
6. WayArrival Soft Tip Darts Set – 12 Pack 18 Grams
A generous 12-pack at 18g that keeps the whole family throwing.
For the price, this set delivers a lot: 12 darts at 18 grams each, 100 replacement tips, 24 flights, and a dart wrench for tightening. The 18-gram weight gives you the stability of a heavier dart without the cost of a premium material. The barrels are 16-gram knurled brass (the brass itself is 16g, but the full dart with shaft and tip comes to 18g), providing a non-slip grip that helps you develop a consistent throw. The flexible polymer tips are designed specifically for electronic dartboards — they stick properly without damaging the sensor holes.
Buyers report the darts throw nicely for the money and the weight is good. One noted they bought them as a set to leave at home for use on an outdoor board and were pleased with how they felt. The aluminum construction is a step up from all-plastic darts that snap easily. Unlike the cheaper Sanfeng set below, the darts here come with a dart wrench so you can tighten the shafts and tips properly, which prevents them from working loose during a game.
One minor frustration: there are no printed instructions for assembly, but a quick YouTube video solves that. The set works well for family game nights, beginners, and casual league practice while staying affordable.
Why it works
- 12 darts at 18g — good weight for most players
- 100 tips included, so you are covered for weeks
- Dart wrench included for easy maintenance
Downsides
- No assembly instructions included
- Brass barrels mean thicker profile than tungsten
Good for: anyone setting up a home dart board on a budget who wants a proper 18g dart with plenty of spare parts.
Not for: advanced players looking for tungsten density and precision weight matching.
7. Sanfeng Soft Tip Darts Set – 18 Grams (Green)
The no-fuss entry point to 18g soft-tip play at a throwaway price.
If you just need a basic set of soft-tip darts to get started, the Sanfeng set gives you three darts at 18 grams with a brass barrel, aluminum shaft, and a small carrying case. The brass barrel features cross-cut rings and a knurled grip for decent control. The shafts come with locking holes and rubber O-rings to keep everything tight — a surprising feature at this price level. The set also includes 3 extra nylon shafts, extra flights, and 30 replaceable 2BA standard tips.
Buyers are generally positive: one called it a great dart kit with good quality for the price, and another said their son loved his first set. But there is a catch. One detailed review notes the aluminum shaft bent after 1-2 weeks (likely from a hard throw hitting the board or another dart), and the flights are made of cheap material — one failed early. At 0.13 Kilograms, this is the lightest package in the lineup at 0.13 kg versus the 0.32 kg of the 18g CyeeLife set because it includes fewer darts and accessories.
For the price, this is a fine starter set, but if you play regularly, the aluminum shafts may not hold up as well as the sturdier options in the WayArrival or CyeeLife sets. The lifetime warranty is a nice safety net, though it covers responsibility rather than accidental damage.
What you get
- 18g brass barrel with good grip at a low cost
- O-rings and locking holes for shaft stability
- Lifetime warranty from the seller
Known issues
- Aluminum shaft may bend after a couple weeks of play
- Flights are cheap material; one may fail early
- Only 3 darts, 30 tips — fewer spares than other budget sets
Try it if: you need an ultra-budget set to see if you enjoy soft-tip darts before investing more.
Expect to replace: shafts and flights if you play more than a few times a week.
Understanding the Specs
Dart Weight (grams)
The weight of a dart, measured in grams, directly affects how it flies. Lighter darts (16g) fly faster but can bounce off the board on a soft throw. Heavier darts (18g) are more stable in the air and usually stick better on the board’s sensor holes. Most casual players find 17g or 18g to be the most forgiving and consistent.
Barrel Material (Tungsten vs Brass)
Barrel material determines the dart’s density and thickness. Tungsten (80% or 90%) is much denser than brass, so a tungsten dart can be slimmer at the same weight, allowing darts to group closer together — crucial for hitting triples. Brass is cheaper but thicker, so your darts take up more space on the board and spread out more.
Soft Tips and 2BA Thread
Soft-tip darts use flexible polymer tips that stick into the holes of electronic dartboards instead of piercing a sisal board. The standard thread size for these tips is 2BA, meaning they screw into the barrel. Most sets include extra tips because they bend, stretch, or break over time — especially with hard throws or off-center impacts.
O-rings and Shaft Locking
A rubber O-ring placed between the shaft and the barrel creates friction that keeps the shaft from unscrewing during play. Without O-rings, you will be retightening your darts after every few throws. Locking-hole shafts use a small screw to secure the shaft even more firmly — a feature found on higher-end darts like the Viper Astro.
FAQ
Can I use steel tip darts on an electronic dartboard?
What is the best dart weight for an electronic dartboard?
Do all soft tip darts fit every electronic dartboard?
How long do soft tips last before needing replacement?
Why do some darts have O-rings on the shaft?
What is the difference between brass and tungsten dart barrels?
How do I stop my dart shaft from loosening during play?
Are heavier darts always better for electronic boards?
Can I replace the tips on my soft tip darts?
Will a 90% tungsten dart make me a better player?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most players looking for the best darts for electronic dartboard, the winner is the WIN.MAX 90% Tungsten 18g Set because its dense, slim barrel gives you professional-level grouping and a comfortable grip at a fair price. If you want the convenience of a hard case and a proven brand, grab the Viper Astro 80% Tungsten. And for a family rec room where quantity matters, the Fat Cat 21-pack gives you enough darts for everyone to play without waiting.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.







