Choosing the right dartboard can make a significant difference to your game. Whether you’re setting up a home practice area, kitting out a games room, or looking for a board that’ll survive league night punishment, there’s a wide selection of quality dartboards available.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from PDC-quality professional boards used in televised tournaments to budget options that won’t break the bank. Every dartboard featured here uses staple-free construction with blade or knife-edge wiring—we’ve deliberately excluded boards with staples, as they lead to far more bounce-outs.
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Quick Comparison: Best Dartboards 2026
| Dartboard | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core | PDC tournaments | £80-100 |
| Winmau Blade 360 | Even wear distribution | £85-105 |
| Target TOR | Modern features | £70-90 |
| Target Aspar | Mid-range option | £50-65 |
| Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 | WDF tournaments | £45-60 |
| One80 Gladiator 3+ | WDF approved | £45-55 |
| Mission Samurai 2 | UKDA/SDA leagues | £35-50 |
| KOTO King Pro | Budget option | £30-40 |
What to Look for in a Dartboard
Before diving into specific products, it’s worth understanding what separates dartboards at different price points.
Sisal Quality
All bristle dartboards are made from sisal fibres—natural plant material that self-heals when darts are removed. The quality and origin of the sisal varies between manufacturers. East African (Kenyan) sisal is used in premium boards from Winmau and One80. Madagascan sisal is used in the Target TOR. African sisal is the general term you’ll see on mid-range boards from various manufacturers.
Higher sisal density means the board holds darts more securely and recovers from impacts more effectively. Premium boards compress the sisal more tightly, which reduces dead spots and extends the board’s lifespan.
Wire Construction
Modern dartboards use thin, embedded wires (called the “spider”) to separate scoring segments. The thinner these wires, the larger the scoring area and the fewer bounce-outs.
Blade wire (pioneered by Winmau) uses angled, razor-thin wire that deflects darts into segments rather than bouncing them out. Leg-free spiders (used by Target and Mission) embed the wire directly into the sisal, eliminating the raised edges that cause deflections.
Boards with staples holding the wire in place have raised areas around the bull and at segment boundaries that cause more bounce-outs. Every board in this guide uses staple-free construction.
Number Ring
A rotatable number ring allows you to spread wear across the entire board by rotating the segments regularly. This prevents the 20 and treble 20 bed from wearing out prematurely.
Quality boards use number rings that clip or lock in place without tools. The numbers should be clearly visible under various lighting conditions.
Mounting System
Look for boards with proper mounting brackets included. Winmau’s Rota-Lock system allows quick installation and adjustment. Target’s Peak-Fix system on the TOR has adjustable feet for uneven walls.
Premium Dartboards (£70+)
These are the boards used in televised PDC tournaments. They represent the highest tier of dartboard manufacturing.
Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core
The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core is the official dartboard of the PDC and is used in all televised PDC tournaments including the World Championship and Premier League.
The “Triple Core” name refers to three distinct layers of sisal fibre. The outer layer uses softer Kenyan sisal for dart penetration, while the middle and inner layers provide firmer compression for retention and self-healing. A carbon fibre reinforcement in the base adds structural support.
The blade wire construction is angled at 60 degrees to guide darts into scoring segments. The bullseye is completely staple-free.
Key Features:
- Three-layer sisal construction with carbon fibre reinforcement
- PDC-endorsed and used in all PDC tournaments
- Ultra-thin blade wire with 60° deflection angles
- Rota-Lock mounting system with Spirit Master levelling tool
- East African sisal
Winmau Blade 360
The Winmau Blade 360 uses the same Triple Core technology as the Blade 6 but adds a symmetrical design. Where traditional boards have a clear “starting position” (usually with 20 at the top), the Blade 360 looks identical at any of its 10 rotation points.
The symmetrical graphics mean you can rotate in 36-degree increments (10 positions) rather than the standard 5, distributing wear more evenly across the board. There’s no obvious “worn” position visible after rotation.
The board uses the same premium East African sisal and blade wire construction as the standard Triple Core.
Key Features:
- Same Triple Core technology as the Blade 6
- 360° symmetrical design with 10 rotation points
- No visible wear patterns after rotation
- Laser-cut steel number ring
- Rota-Lock mounting system
Target TOR
The Target TOR is Target’s flagship dartboard. It uses premium Madagascan sisal (215-MDG grade) rather than the East African sisal found in Winmau boards. Madagascan sisal has different characteristics—it’s softer and more receptive to dart penetration.
Target’s 36XTEN rotational number ring allows 10 rotation positions at 36 degrees per turn. The minimalist graphics mean there’s no obvious starting orientation.
The Peak-Fix mounting system has adjustable feet that compensate for uneven walls. The TOR is also compatible with Target’s Omni autoscoring system.
Key Features:
- Premium 215-MDG Madagascan sisal
- Leg-free spider
- 36XTEN rotational number ring (10 positions)
- Peak-Fix adjustable mounting system
- Omni autoscoring compatible
- Staple-free bullseye
Mid-Range Dartboards (£35-70)
These boards offer quality construction at more accessible prices. They’re suitable for home use and club play.
Target Aspar
The Target Aspar uses high-quality African sisal with Target’s Smart Edge Technology—wire that’s 35% thinner than conventional round wire boards.
The leg-free spider is embedded directly into the sisal. The symmetrical graphics enable rotation without affecting appearance, and the number ring sits flush against the board with upright numbers.
The Aspar is a firm board, which affects dart retention differently depending on throwing style. Lighter throwers may experience more bounce-outs until the board breaks in. The board was used at the World Seniors Darts Championship at the Circus Tavern.
Key Features:
- African sisal construction
- Smart Edge wire (35% thinner than standard)
- Leg-free embedded spider
- Symmetrical design for rotation
- Flush-mounted number ring
- Firm sisal density
Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 uses Unicorn’s Spider2 radial wiring, which is 30% thinner than conventional boards. The reduction is most noticeable in the doubles and trebles segments.
The bullseye is 14% larger and the 25 ring is 2% larger compared to standard boards due to the ultra-slim design. Grade A African sisal is used throughout.
A black circumference band around the board keeps sisal fibres tightly packed in the main scoring areas. The Eclipse Pro 2 meets World Darts Federation specifications and is compatible with all Unicorn mounting systems, cabinets, and lighting.
Key Features:
- Grade A African sisal
- Spider2 radial wiring (30% thinner)
- Ultra-slim bullseye (14% larger than standard)
- Staple-free construction
- WDF specification compliant
- Rotatable white number ring
One80 Gladiator 3+
The One80 Gladiator 3+ is a WDF-approved board using first-grade Kenyan sisal—the same origin as Winmau’s premium boards.
One80’s Sword Edge wiring creates clean segment boundaries, and the patented ferrule system at the backboard provides secure attachment without staples. The spider in the 3+ version was redesigned for improved backboard connection compared to earlier Gladiator models.
The board is notably quiet during play. The graphics and wire numbers have a more traditional appearance compared to Target or newer Winmau designs.
Key Features:
- First-grade Kenyan sisal
- Sword Edge wire construction
- WDF approved
- Patented staple-free ferrule system
- Anti-glare rotatable number ring
- Quiet impact sound
Mission Samurai 2
The Mission Samurai 2 is the official board of the UKDA (United Kingdom Darts Association) and the SDA (Scottish Darts Association). It’s also WDF approved.
Mission uses African sisal with a softer compaction than some competitors. The ultra-thin wire construction features a triangular blade profile that sits flush to the sisal surface, guiding darts into scoring segments.
The board features non-fade colours through a deeper printing process. Specifications are: 450mm diameter, 38mm depth.
Key Features:
- African sisal construction
- Ultra-thin triangular wire profile
- Official UKDA and SDA dartboard
- WDF approved
- Non-fade deep-printed colours
- Staple-free throughout
Budget Dartboards (Under £40)
These boards offer bristle dartboard features at entry-level prices. They’re suitable for casual play and beginners.
KOTO King Pro
The KOTO King Pro offers A-quality sisal, thin wire technology, and staple-free construction at around £35.
The wire is thin for this price point, and the rotatable matte white number ring allows for regular rotation. The board has official tournament dimensions.
Durability differs from premium boards—heavier use will show wear more quickly. Reviews indicate noticeable deterioration after 4-6 weeks of intensive daily play. For casual players throwing a few times a week, the board will last longer.
Key Features:
- A-quality sisal fibres
- Thin wire construction
- Completely staple-free
- Rotatable matte white number ring
- Official tournament dimensions
NPQ Dartboards – Factory Seconds
NPQ stands for “Near Perfect Quality”. These are professional-level dartboards manufactured by Winmau that have minor cosmetic imperfections—such as tiny marks or slight colour variations—that don’t affect play.
NPQ boards use the same razor/blade wiring system and construction as standard Winmau boards but are sold at reduced prices due to not meeting cosmetic quality control standards. They include the same fixing kit as regular boards.
Where to buy NPQ boards in the UK:
- Red Dragon Darts (requires loyalty programme signup)
- Bully Darts – around £40-50
- Premier Darts – often backordered
- Dart City – around £40
- St Helens Darts Shop – offers boxes of 4 boards
NPQ boards represent a cost-effective option for practice setups or clubs that need multiple boards. The imperfections are typically minor and invisible during play.
Durability: A Note on Expectations
Dartboard lifespan varies significantly based on usage and environment. A board used for casual play twice a week will last much longer than one subjected to 2 hours of daily practice.
Environmental factors also affect longevity—boards in damp garages or sheds deteriorate faster than those in climate-controlled rooms.
To maximise board life:
- Rotate regularly – Move the number ring every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently with daily play
- Avoid moisture – Keep boards away from damp areas, direct sunlight, and temperature extremes
- Use maintained darts – Blunt or damaged points cause more sisal damage than sharp tips
- Brush occasionally – A soft sisal brush helps fibres recover and removes chalk dust
When darts start falling out of high-use areas despite solid throws, it’s time for a replacement.
Summary
PDC standard: The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core or Blade 360 are used in all PDC televised tournaments.
Alternative premium option: The Target TOR uses Madagascan sisal with different characteristics and is compatible with Target’s autoscoring system.
Mid-range options: The Unicorn Eclipse Pro 2 and One80 Gladiator 3+ offer professional features at lower prices. The Mission Samurai 2 is the official board for UKDA and SDA competitions.
Budget option: The KOTO King Pro offers bristle dartboard features at an entry-level price.
Factory seconds: NPQ boards from Winmau provide professional-quality boards with minor cosmetic imperfections at reduced prices.
Whatever your budget, prioritise boards with staple-free construction and rotatable number rings—these features make the biggest difference to your playing experience and the board’s longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dartboard do they use in the PDC World Championship?
The PDC uses the Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core for all televised tournaments including the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, the Premier League, and the World Matchplay. This has been the official PDC dartboard since 2022.
How often should I rotate my dartboard?
For casual play (2-3 times per week), rotate your dartboard every 4-6 weeks. If you practice daily, rotate every 1-2 weeks. Regular rotation spreads wear across all segments and significantly extends your board’s lifespan. Most quality boards have 10 rotation positions.
What’s the difference between sisal origins (Kenyan vs African vs Madagascan)?
Kenyan sisal (used in Winmau and One80 premium boards) is considered the highest quality, offering excellent self-healing and dart retention. Madagascan sisal (used in Target TOR) is softer and more receptive to dart penetration. African sisal is a general term for mid-range boards and varies in quality between manufacturers.
Are staple-free dartboards worth the extra money?
Yes. Staples create raised areas around the bullseye and segment boundaries that cause bounce-outs. All quality dartboards (£30+) now use staple-free construction with blade or knife-edge wiring. The reduction in bounce-outs alone justifies the price difference over cheap stapled boards.
What is an NPQ dartboard?
NPQ stands for “Near Perfect Quality”. These are Winmau-manufactured dartboards with minor cosmetic imperfections (tiny marks or slight colour variations) that don’t affect play. They use the same construction as full-price boards but sell for £40-50, making them excellent value for practice setups or clubs.
How long does a bristle dartboard last?
With regular rotation and proper care, a premium dartboard (Blade 6, TOR) typically lasts 1-2 years of daily practice. Mid-range boards last 6-12 months with heavy use. Budget boards may show significant wear after 4-6 weeks of intensive play. Environmental factors (moisture, temperature) also affect longevity.
Related Guides
Once you’ve chosen your dartboard, complete your setup with the right equipment:
- Brass vs Tungsten Darts – Choosing the right material for your darts
- Dart Barrel Shapes Explained – Finding the right profile for your grip
- Dart Stems Explained – How stem length affects your throw
- Dart Flight Types Explained – Shapes, sizes and their effects
Ready to practise? Try our Play Darts game or work on your finishes with the Checkout Practice drill.