When choosing a new set of darts, most players focus on weight and tungsten percentage. These are important factors, but barrel shape deserves equal attention. The profile of a dart influences where you grip it, how it sits in your hand, and how it leaves your fingers at release.
Different barrel shapes suit different throwing styles. A dart that feels perfect for one player might feel awkward for another, even at the same weight. Understanding the main barrel profiles can help you narrow down your options and find a shape that complements your technique.
Why Barrel Shape Matters
The shape of a dart barrel determines its weight distribution. Some barrels concentrate mass towards the front, creating a front-loaded feel. Others spread weight evenly or shift it towards the rear. This affects how the dart flies and where it naturally wants to point during release.
Shape also dictates where your fingers sit. A barrel with a pronounced bulge in the middle encourages a grip in that area, while a straight barrel offers flexibility. The contours, tapers and ring cuts on a dart all influence how secure your grip feels and how cleanly the dart leaves your hand.
Straight Barrels
Straight barrels have a uniform diameter from front to back. They’re cylindrical with no pronounced bulges or tapers, offering a clean, consistent profile along the entire length.
This shape provides grip flexibility. You can hold the dart at any point along the barrel without the shape forcing your fingers into a particular position. Players who shift their grip slightly from throw to throw often appreciate this freedom.
Straight barrels tend to have a neutral balance, with weight distributed evenly. They’re a good starting point for players who haven’t yet settled on a specific grip style.
Torpedo Barrels
Torpedo barrels are wider in the middle and taper towards both ends. The bulge in the centre creates a natural gripping point where most players’ fingers land anyway.
This shape concentrates weight centrally, producing a balanced feel that many players find comfortable. The tapered nose allows tight grouping, as the slimmer front end takes up less space in the board.
Torpedo barrels are popular because they suit a wide range of grips and throwing styles. If you’re unsure what shape to try first, torpedo is a sensible choice.
Bomb or Stubby Barrels
Bomb barrels, sometimes called stubby barrels, are short and wide. They pack the same weight into a smaller length, resulting in a thick, compact profile.
This shape suits players who grip their darts near the front. The short length means your fingers sit close to the point, which can improve control for certain throwing techniques.
Bomb barrels often feel more aggressive and direct in the hand. They’re not for everyone, but players who prefer a front-heavy grip may find them ideal.
Scallop Barrels
Scallop barrels feature curved indentations cut into the grip zone. These scallops provide a tactile reference point for your fingers, making it easier to place your grip consistently throw after throw.
Players who value repeatability often prefer scalloped designs. The contours guide your fingers into the same position each time, reducing variation in your release.
The depth and placement of scallops vary widely between dart models. Some are subtle; others are pronounced. Trying different scallop profiles helps you find what feels most natural.
Ringed Barrels
Ringed barrels have horizontal grooves or rings cut into the grip section. These provide texture and grip without affecting the overall shape of the barrel.
Rings come in various spacings and depths. Fine micro-rings offer subtle grip, while wider-spaced rings create more aggressive traction. The right choice depends on how much purchase you want on the dart.
Ringed barrels are a good option for players who want grip security without the finger positioning of scallops. They work well across different grip styles.
Front-Weighted Barrels
Front-weighted barrels concentrate mass towards the point. They may taper or slim down towards the rear, pushing the balance point forward.
This weight distribution suits players who throw with a higher arc or who prefer to hold the dart near the back. The forward mass pulls the dart into the board, which can help with entry angle.
Front-loaded darts often feel more stable in the air for throwers who release the dart slightly nose-down. They’re worth considering if you struggle with darts landing tail-up.
Rear-Weighted Barrels
Rear-weighted barrels shift mass towards the back of the dart. They may have a slim front section that widens towards the rear.
This distribution suits players who grip near the front and throw with a flatter trajectory. The rear weight helps stabilise the dart during a faster, more direct throw.
Rear-loaded darts are less common but have a dedicated following. If front-weighted barrels feel unbalanced to you, experimenting with a rear-weighted design could make a difference.
Mixed and Hybrid Designs
Many modern darts combine elements from multiple barrel profiles. A dart might have a torpedo shape with scalloped grip cuts, or a straight profile with a subtle front taper.
Manufacturers constantly experiment with new combinations to offer players more options. Don’t feel limited by traditional categories. The best dart is the one that fits your hand and suits your throw.
Finding Your Ideal Shape
There’s no universal answer to which barrel shape is best. Players with identical throwing styles might prefer completely different profiles.
The only reliable way to find your ideal shape is to try several options. Visit a darts shop if possible and ask to throw a few different designs. Pay attention to how each dart sits in your hand, how it releases, and how it lands.
If you’re buying online, start with versatile shapes like torpedo or straight barrels. These work for a wide range of players and give you a baseline to compare against.
Final Thoughts
Barrel shape is a key factor in dart selection that’s often overlooked. Straight barrels offer flexibility, torpedo barrels suit most grips, and scalloped designs aid consistency. Front or rear weighting can help correct trajectory issues.
Experiment with different profiles, pay attention to how each one feels, and let your results guide your decision. The right barrel shape can transform how a dart feels in your hand and how consistently it finds the target.
Related Guides
Complete your dart setup with these companion guides:
- Brass vs Tungsten Darts – Choosing the right material for your barrels
- Dart Stems Explained – How stem length affects balance and flight
- Dart Flight Types Explained – Shapes, sizes and their effects
- Top 10 Quick Tips to Improve at Darts – General improvement advice
Ready to test your new setup? Try Bob’s 27 to work on your doubles or the Treble 20 Challenge to improve your grouping.