Choosing your first proper set of darts can be overwhelming. Walk into any darts shop and you’ll find hundreds of options—different weights, barrel shapes, grip patterns, and price points. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality set that’ll serve you well as you develop your game.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best entry-level tungsten darts available in 2026, focusing on quality sets under £60 that offer genuine value without compromising on the essentials.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
Why Tungsten?
If you’ve been throwing brass darts from a pub set, upgrading to tungsten is the single biggest improvement you can make. Tungsten is significantly denser than brass, which means the barrels can be thinner while maintaining the same weight. Thinner barrels mean tighter groupings—when three darts are heading for the treble 20, there’s simply more room for them to fit.
Most beginner tungsten darts use 80% or 90% tungsten alloy (the remainder being nickel and other metals). Higher percentages allow for even slimmer barrels, but the difference between 80% and 90% is relatively modest at entry-level weights. Don’t feel you need to stretch for 90% tungsten—an 80% set will serve you perfectly well.
What Weight Should Beginners Choose?
Most beginners do well with darts between 22g and 24g. This weight range offers enough heft to maintain a stable flight path while being light enough to throw comfortably for extended sessions.
If you’re coming from pub brass darts (which are often unlabelled but typically around 18-20g), you might initially prefer something in the 22g range. If you’ve been throwing heavier house darts, 24g might feel more natural.
The good news is that most of the sets in this guide are available in multiple weights, so you can experiment to find what suits your throwing style.
Quick Comparison
| Darts | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Red Dragon Javelin | Absolute beginners | £20-25 |
| Target EXO Range | Finding your grip preference | £35-40 |
| Target Bolide Range | Variety of shapes | £45-55 |
| Harrows NX90 | Premium feel at entry price | £35-40 |
| Winmau Sub-Zero | Aggressive grip | £25-30 |
Red Dragon Javelin
The Red Dragon Javelin is an excellent choice for absolute beginners who want quality tungsten darts at the lowest possible price. These darts punch well above their weight considering the price point, and Red Dragon describes them as their “longest dart ever made.”
The Javelin features a straight barrel design with a medium-ringed grip that provides enough purchase without being overly aggressive. This conventional shape works well for most throwing styles and gives beginners a neutral starting point from which to develop their technique. The grip isn’t too tacky, which is actually beneficial for new players—you can adjust your grip pressure without the dart sticking to your fingers.
At around £23, these are among the cheapest tungsten darts available, yet they don’t feel cheap in the hand. They come with Red Dragon HARDCORE flights and TRX shafts, which are perfectly functional for getting started.
Key Features:
- 85% tungsten barrel
- Straight barrel shape with ringed grip
- Available in 20g, 22g, 24g, and 26g
- Includes stems, flights and case
- Excellent value entry point
Target EXO Range
Target’s EXO range offers three distinct barrel shapes at around £40, making them ideal for beginners who want to experiment with different grip positions and barrel profiles.
All three EXO models feature a simple yet elegant radial-grooved grip that provides a consistent release without being overly aggressive. The grooves are precision-machined into the 90% tungsten barrel, creating a texture that’s grippy enough to feel secure but smooth enough for a clean release. Reviewers consistently praise the grip as well-balanced—neither too slippery nor too tacky.
Each set comes with Target’s Swiss Point system (interchangeable points), Pro Grip shafts, and EXO Edition Pro Ultra No.6 flights, plus a Swiss Point tool for changing points.
Target EXO 01
The EXO 01 features a front-weighted design with a more pronounced taper toward the point. This suits players who grip the dart near the front of the barrel. The weight distribution encourages a more arc-like trajectory. Available in 22g and 23g.
View on AmazonTarget EXO 02
The EXO 02 has a centre-balanced barrel with consistent width throughout. This is the most versatile shape, suitable for players who grip the dart in the middle section. It’s a solid choice if you’re unsure where your natural grip position falls. Available in 22g and 24g.
View on AmazonTarget EXO 03
The EXO 03 is rear-weighted with a torpedo-style profile. This suits players who grip the dart toward the back of the barrel. The weight distribution can help produce a flatter trajectory. Available in 21g and 23g.
View on AmazonKey Features (all EXO models):
- 90% tungsten barrels
- Radial-grooved grip for consistent release
- Swiss Point interchangeable point system
- Target Pro Grip stems and Pro Ultra flights included
- Around £40 per set
Target Bolide Range
The Target Bolide range expands on the EXO concept with five barrel variations at around £55, giving even more choice for finding the shape that suits your throw.
What sets the Bolide apart is the combination of precise radial grooved cuts and a hand-sandblasted coating. This dual-texture approach gives the dart added grip and feel—reviewers frequently describe them as “really grippy” and “nice grippy,” making them ideal for players who want secure finger placement. The sandblasted finish also adds a premium tactile quality that’s unusual at this price point.
Like the EXO range, each Bolide set includes Target’s Swiss Point system, a yellow Pro Grip shaft, and eye-catching flights designed exclusively for the range.
Target Bolide 01
The Bolide 01 features a straight barrel with subtle ringed grip. A classic, neutral design that works for most grip styles. Available in 21g, 23g, and 25g.
View on AmazonTarget Bolide 02
The Bolide 02 has a slight front taper with more aggressive grip bands. Suits players who like to feel secure finger placement. Available in 21g, 23g, and 25g.
View on AmazonTarget Bolide 03
The Bolide 03 offers a torpedo shape with pronounced rear weight. Ideal for players who hold further back on the barrel. Available in 22g, 24g, and 26g.
View on AmazonTarget Bolide 04
The Bolide 04 features a scalloped grip section for precise finger placement. The indentations help maintain consistent grip position throw after throw. Available in 21g, 23g, and 25g.
View on AmazonTarget Bolide 05
The Bolide 05 has a bomb-shaped barrel with front-heavy weight distribution. Suits players who grip near the point and want maximum dart speed. Available in 22g and 24g.
View on AmazonKey Features (all Bolide models):
- 90% tungsten barrels
- Hand-sandblasted finish with radial grooved cuts
- Swiss Point interchangeable point system
- Target Pro Grip stems and exclusive flights included
- Around £55 per set
Harrows NX90
The Harrows NX90 represents excellent value at around £36, offering a level of refinement that belies the price. One of Harrows’ most successful dart releases in recent years, the NX90 has earned a strong reputation among players of all levels.
What makes the NX90 special is its three distinctive grip styles combined in a single barrel. A combination of ringed, micro, and scalloped cuts creates a unique feel that offers players multiple grip zones to suit their throw. The front-loaded, tapered-rear design gives the dart a natural balance point, and the variety of textures means you can experiment with different finger positions without changing darts.
Harrows has been making darts since 1973 and their experience shows in the quality control. The barrels are match-weighed to +/-0.05g—exceptional precision at this price point. The included Black Supergrip midi shafts and 100 micron NX90 flights are a step above the basic accessories found in cheaper sets.
Key Features:
- 90% tungsten barrels
- Three-zone grip: ringed, micro, and scalloped cuts
- Front-loaded with tapered rear design
- Match-weighed to +/-0.05g
- Available in 21g, 22g, 23g, 24g, 25g, and 26g
Winmau Sub-Zero
The Winmau Sub-Zero offers a more aggressive grip option for players who prefer to really feel the dart in their fingers. At around £25-30, they’re competitively priced and visually striking with their distinctive titanium nitride coating in blue and silver.
Winmau is one of the most respected names in darts—they manufacture the official PDC dartboards—and their budget darts benefit from the same engineering expertise applied to their professional-level equipment.
The Sub-Zero features a straight barrel with consistent grip throughout. The deep-cut grooves are designed for players who want secure purchase, and reviewers praise the “real good durability and ease of use with the grip.” If you have dry hands or prefer a secure grip, these are worth considering. Players with naturally moist hands might find the grip a bit too aggressive and should consider smoother options like the EXO range.
Key Features:
- 80% tungsten barrels
- Deep-grooved grip with titanium nitride coating
- Straight barrel design
- Winmau Prism Alpha flights and Pro Force shafts included
- Available in 22g, 23g, 24g, and 26g
How to Choose Your First Set
With so many options, here’s a practical approach to finding the right darts:
Consider Your Budget
Under £25: The Red Dragon Javelin offers genuine quality at a price that won’t hurt if you decide darts isn’t for you, or if you want to experiment with different setups.
£25-40: The Winmau Sub-Zero, Target EXO range, and Harrows NX90 all sit in this bracket, offering 90% tungsten (or 80% in the Sub-Zero’s case) with refined grips and quality accessories.
£45-55: The Target Bolide range represents a step up, with hand-sandblasted finishes and premium construction that you’d typically expect at higher prices.
Think About Grip Style
If you hold the dart near the front: Look at front-weighted options like the EXO 01 or Bolide 05.
If you grip in the middle: The EXO 02, Bolide 01, or Red Dragon Javelin are solid choices.
If you hold toward the back: The EXO 03 or Bolide 03 will suit your style.
Not sure yet? Start with a centre-balanced straight barrel—it’s the most versatile starting point.
Consider Your Skin Type
Players with dry hands often prefer aggressive grips like the Winmau Sub-Zero. Those with naturally moist hands typically do better with smoother or lightly-ringed barrels that release cleanly.
What Else Do You Need?
Most beginner dart sets include stems, flights, and a basic case. These components will get you started, but you’ll likely want to upgrade or experiment with:
Stems (shafts): The length affects how the dart flies. Shorter stems produce a flatter trajectory; longer stems create more arc. Start with medium length and adjust from there.
Flights: Standard-sized flights are a good starting point. Smaller flights suit faster throwers; larger flights add stability for slower throws.
Summary
For most beginners, we’d recommend starting with either the Red Dragon Javelin (around £23) if budget is tight, or the Harrows NX90 (around £36) for its exceptional three-zone grip and match-weighed precision. Both offer quality tungsten construction and neutral barrel shapes that suit developing players.
If you already have a sense of where you naturally grip the dart, the Target EXO (around £40) or Bolide ranges (around £55) let you match the barrel profile to your grip position, with the Bolide offering a more premium hand-sandblasted finish.
Whatever you choose, remember that no dart is magic—improvement comes from practice. A £25 set in the hands of someone who practices regularly will outperform a £100 set thrown by someone who plays occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should beginners buy expensive darts?
No. Entry-level tungsten darts (£20-55) are perfectly adequate for beginners. The difference in quality between budget and premium darts is less significant than differences in barrel shape and weight. Spend your money on practice time, not expensive equipment—you can always upgrade once you know exactly what you want.
What weight darts should a beginner use?
Most beginners do well with darts between 22g and 24g. This range offers enough weight for a stable flight without being tiring to throw. If you’re unsure, 23g is a good middle ground. You can always adjust once you’ve developed your throwing style.
What’s the difference between 80% and 90% tungsten?
The percentage refers to the tungsten content in the alloy. Higher percentages allow for slimmer barrels at the same weight because tungsten is denser than the nickel used in the remainder. At beginner weights (22-24g), the difference is modest—a 90% dart will be slightly slimmer than an 80% equivalent, but both are perfectly usable.
Do I need to buy flights and stems separately?
All the sets in this guide include flights and stems. However, flights are consumable items that wear out or get damaged over time, so you’ll eventually need replacements. Many players also like to experiment with different stem lengths and flight sizes to fine-tune their setup.
How do I know what barrel shape suits me?
Pick up a pen or pencil and hold it as if you were about to throw a dart. Note where your fingers naturally rest—front, middle, or back. This gives you a starting point: front-grip players suit front-weighted darts; rear-grip players suit torpedo or rear-weighted shapes; middle-grip players do well with straight barrels.
Related Guides
Once you’ve chosen your darts, continue developing your game:
- Brass vs Tungsten Darts – Understanding dart materials
- 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 practice? Try our Around the Clock drill to work on your accuracy, or sharpen your finishes with Checkout Practice.