When setting up a new set of darts, flights often receive less attention than barrels or stems. They’re small, cheap and easy to replace, so many players stick with whatever comes in the box. But flight shape and size have a genuine impact on how your dart travels through the air and lands in the board.
Understanding the differences between flight types can help you fine-tune your setup. A minor change in flight size can alter trajectory, stability and grouping. For players looking to optimise their throw, it’s worth experimenting.
How Flights Affect Dart Performance
Flights create drag at the rear of the dart, stabilising it during flight. The larger the surface area, the more drag is generated. This slows the dart slightly and helps correct minor inconsistencies in your release.
Smaller flights produce less drag, allowing the dart to travel faster and flatter. This suits players with a clean, consistent throw who don’t need as much correction.
The trade-off is always between speed and stability. Larger flights forgive more but may feel sluggish. Smaller flights reward accuracy but punish mistakes.
Standard Flights
Standard flights are the most common shape and what most beginners start with. They have a wide, kite-like profile with a large surface area.
This shape provides maximum stability and is forgiving of release inconsistencies. Darts fitted with standard flights tend to arc more noticeably and land with the tail higher in the board.
If you’re unsure where to start, standard flights are a safe choice. They work well with most throwing styles and offer a balance of control and forgiveness.
Slim Flights
Slim flights are narrower than standard flights, reducing surface area and drag. They suit players who throw with pace and want a flatter, more direct flight path.
The reduced width also helps with grouping in tight areas. When darts land close together, slim flights are less likely to interfere with incoming darts.
Many professionals prefer slim flights for this reason. They reward a consistent throw and allow aggressive grouping around the treble 20.
Kite Flights
Kite flights sit between standard and slim in terms of size. They offer moderate surface area with a distinctive pointed shape.
This design provides a good balance of stability and speed. It’s a popular option for players who find standard flights too bulky but need more control than slim flights provide.
If you’ve tried both extremes and neither feels right, kite flights are worth a look.
Pear Flights
Pear flights have a rounded, teardrop shape. They’re typically smaller than standard flights but wider at the base than slim flights.
The rounded profile creates smooth, consistent drag and works well for players who prefer a gentle arc. Pear flights are less common but have a dedicated following among those who find them natural.
They’re particularly suited to softer, more relaxed throwing styles.
Small or No.6 Flights
Small flights, sometimes called No.6 flights, are compact and lightweight. They offer minimal drag and suit fast, direct throwers with excellent technique.
Because they provide little correction, small flights demand consistency. Any wobble in your release will show more clearly at the board.
Advanced players often gravitate towards small flights as their technique improves. They allow for tighter grouping and a faster, sharper feel.
Shape vs Personal Preference
While general guidelines exist, there’s no objectively correct flight shape. What works for one player may feel completely wrong for another.
Factors like throwing speed, release angle, dart weight and stem length all interact with flight choice. The only way to know what suits you is to experiment.
Many players keep a selection of flight shapes in their case and switch depending on form, conditions or mood. Flights are cheap enough that trying different options carries little risk.
Material and Durability
Beyond shape, flight material affects performance and lifespan. Standard nylon flights are lightweight and widely available but can tear or deform quickly.
Thicker poly flights last longer and hold their shape better. Rigid flights made from composite materials offer durability but feel stiffer in the hand.
Some players prefer the crisp feel of rigid flights; others find them unforgiving. Again, personal preference plays a significant role.
Flight Protectors and Accessories
Flight protectors are small caps that fit over the rear of the flight. They reduce damage from incoming darts and extend flight life.
Opinions vary on whether protectors affect performance. Some players notice no difference; others feel they add unwanted weight at the back of the dart. Trying them for yourself is the best way to decide.
Final Thoughts
Dart flights are a small component with a measurable impact. Standard flights offer stability and forgiveness. Slim flights reward consistency and help with grouping. Kite and pear shapes sit somewhere in between.
Experiment with different shapes, track how your darts behave, and settle on what feels right for your throw. Sometimes the cheapest upgrade is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Related Guides
Complete your dart setup with these companion guides:
- Brass vs Tungsten Darts – Choosing the right barrel material
- Dart Barrel Shapes Explained – Finding the right profile for your grip
- Dart Stems Explained – How stem length affects balance and flight
- Top 10 Quick Tips to Improve at Darts – General improvement advice
Ready to test your setup? Try the Treble 20 Challenge to improve your grouping or Around the Clock to build accuracy across the board.