Best Soft Tip Darts (Reviews & Ranking)
Best High End
Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
Best Mid Range
Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts
Best Inexpensive
Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip Darts (18gm)
Last Updated: 8th Mar, 2023
If you're looking for soft tip darts, this obviously means you either play on an electronic dart board or are planning to play on one pretty soon. Maybe you're looking for a professional soft tip darts set. Or perhaps you're looking for a budget set to replace the existing darts that came with your electronic dart board.
Whatever be the case, we can help you pick the right soft tip darts for your needs.
While a soft tip dart may seem like any other steel tip dart with a plastic tip but there is more to it than meets the eye. Soft tip darts come with a very specific design and weight distribution, which allows them to stick to the electronic or plastic dart board and fly more aerodynamically.
You may wonder why?
You see, in bristle boards, the darts can hit the board at any angle and still stick to it. On the other hand, the electronic boards, the darts can only enter at a certain range of angles, approximately 70 to 110 degrees with respect to the board. For this very reason, soft tip darts are lighter (16 to 18 gm), evenly weighted, come with more shallow flights and have flexible points. This allows the dart to be more aerodynamic and yet at the same time, reduce the chances of bounce outs.
But not all soft tip darts are made the same. The dart tips vary based on the shape of the holes on the board - square or circle. Then you also need to consider the net weight, grip, length, and more! For the uninitiated, it can be too much to chew on.
To save you the hassle, we have picked the best 6 soft tip darts across different categories and price ranges. We have also included a handy buyer guide discussing various factors you should consider before making the purchase.
Our Top Picks for the Best Soft Tip Darts
- Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts- Pro Pick
- Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts (18-Gram) - Best Overall
- Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip - Budget Pick
- WIN.MAX Darts Plastic Tip Darts Set - Best Starter set
- CyeeLife 15PCS-Soft tip Darts - Multiple design options
- Viper Black Magic Soft Tip Darts - Bargain Pick (Great for beginners)
- Tufflex III 2BA Thread Soft Tip Dart Points - Best replacement points
1. Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts - Pro Pick
Harrows Wolfram needs no introduction. It's one of the best-selling professional soft tip darts for the past six years, with over thousands of stellar reviews to its name. The Infinity is the upgraded version in the Wolfram lineup, which is further fine-tuned to offer stellar performance. It's available in two weight options - 18gm and 20gm. Most players tend to choose the 18gm variant, as it's considered more or less the ideal weight for soft tip darts.
If you play darts seriously or plan to play someday, this is the dart you should choose! That said, beginners and intermediate players would also benefit from the darts, but spending $60 on a dart might still not be justified for them yet. The dart is compatible with all electronic boards and can also be used on bristle board, although it's not recommended!
The Wolfram Infinity has a lot of things going its way - 97% tungsten barrel for a slimmer profile, precision manufactured grips, immaculate design, and decent pricing. The black titanium nitride coating adds to the durability and gives a nice feel to the darts while the red metallic coating gives the darts its killer looks.
Now, let's discuss the performance:
The dart is longer and thinner than most of the other soft tip darts; as a result, it flies rather straight. If you like throwing with a flatter trajectory, you will surely like the setup. The ring grooves are grippy but not overly aggressive, giving good control for consistent and precise release. I particularly liked the scallop at the center, which act as a reference point while gripping.
The thinner 6mm barrel with a flat nose allows for tighter grouping on the board. The balance point is slightly off-center, making it a no-brainer choice for front grippers. Middle and rear grippers will need to adjust their throw a bit if they're used to throwing with evenly weighted darts. The tip is durably built and easily penetrates with minimal bounce outs. The dart comes fitted with Midi Supergrip Fusion shafts and new Prime standard flights with the tolerance of +/- 0.05 Grams.
The universal 2ba grooves make it easy to switch to any standard tip.
Top Features:
- Best-in-class 97% tungsten barrel - Sturdy and durable
- +/- 0.05% weight accuracy
- Black Titanium Nitride coating
Who is it for?
If you're looking for pro-quality soft tip darts, the Harrows Wolfram Infinity won't disappoint. It offers superior performance and is durably built to withstand years of play.
2. Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts (18-Gram) – Editor's Pick
Coming from the stable of Arachnid, which is well-known for making some of the finest electronic dartboards, these are the best value soft tip darts on the market. These darts are an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players.
The Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts are available only in one weight option - 18gm and two compositions. One with 80% tungsten and the other with 90% tungsten. The 90% tungsten darts are slimmer, thinner, and more durable than the 80% ones. I suggest going for the 90% model, as the price difference isn't huge, while the performance difference is noticeable.
The barrel is slim with a straight taper and a bullnose. All this results in thinner darts, which are easier to group in the high scoring areas. The dart also features three gripping sections for all types of grippers - knurling grip on the front, radial grooves at the center and rear. So no matter how you hold the dart, you will find a suitable grip. However, the grip is medium-low, which might not be to everyone's liking.
It comes with durable Aluminum shafts rather than the plastic ones, which are commonly found in soft tip darts. This makes the setup even more durable and sturdy.
By default, the darts come fitted with narrow flights that fly straight and direct. Included in the package are three standard flights, which are suitable for lob throws.
You also get the three spare flights, three 1 7/16" short shafts, 7 3/16" spare tips or points, and a slide rider case for convenient storage. On top of it, the dart comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Top Features:
- Two options - 80% or 90% tungsten barrel
- Comes a case to store all the items safely
- Spare flights, shafts, and points
Final note:
Dollar for Dollar these are the best value soft tip darts. The performance is above-par, quality is excellent, and the pricing is very reasonable.
3. Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip – Budget Pick
For our budget pick, we've chosen the Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip darts. This dart also happens to be highly reviewed on Amazon with a combined rating of 4.8 across 124 reviews (at the time of writing the review). The dart is made out of 90% tungsten and 10% nickel and comes with a distinctive black and orange styling.
The barrel is slim with a parallel profile with traditional radial grooves throughout. The barrel is quite grippy with a good overall feel to it that gives precise and consistent control. The groves are split into three sections allowing the player to keep track of the grip position. The dart comes with an in-between shaft and a standard flight. In the default configuration, the dart flies stable and slow. You might want to change the flights to something like slim or speed for fast throws.
The dart is available only in one weight option, i.e., 18gm and two vibrant color options. The threads on the barrel are 2BA, which allows you to put almost all types of tips. The dart is durably built, and the tip easily goes through any soft tip dartboard.
Few users did complain that the tips break off easily. Well, that's the case with every soft tip dart, and it also depends on how the player throws the dart, what kind of flooring is there and what dartboard you use. However, for the dart set I tested, I found no such issues whatsoever. However, I do recommend putting O-ring between barrel and shaft for a solid joint.
Top Features:
- 90% tungsten even-weighted barrel
- 2BA threads
- Two grip styles
Final Note:
The Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip offers a perfect blend of performance, build-quality, and value. A no-brainer for anyone looking for high-quality soft tip darts.
4. WIN.MAX Darts Plastic Tip Darts Set - Best Starter Set
This is an excellent soft tip dart set for beginners and home recreational players. In the set, you get 12 complete 18gm darts with aluminum shafts, 100 replacement tips, 20 rubber O-rings for a tight fit, 24 poly standard flights for a stable flight, flight protectors, and a dart tool. You get everything to get you going, and the stock should easily last you for a long, long time. But the best part is you get all this under $19, making it a screaming buy.
What makes this dart ideal for beginners? Well, everything! The dart weighs 18gm, measures 6.8'' in length, and comes with standard flight and knurled grooves. These are neutral parameters suitable for most and are a great starting point for any player.
The medium-thick barrel is made out of Nickel silver, which is inexpensive yet sturdy enough and scratch-resistant. For a firm and solid grip, the barrel comes with knurls at the front and deep-groove at the rear. The soft tips used are compatible with all electronic dartboards, but they do break rather easily on hard floorings. But don't forget you have over 100 replacement tips in the pack. The lightweight aluminum shafts are near unbreakable and firmly hold the flight in place. The provided O-rings prevent the shafts from loosening.
You also get flight protectors as an extra safety measure to protect the dart in case of Robinhood situations. A handy tool is provided to tighten the shafts and tips while also allowing you to remove broken tips.
Top Features:
- Comes with 12 darts, 100 tips, 20 O-rings, 24 flights and a dart tool
- Nickel silver barrel with knurled grip
- Unbreakable Alu shafts
Final Note:
The build quality of WIN.MAX Darts is about average, and corners have been cut, but for the price, you can't really ask for more!
5. CyeeLife 15PCS-Soft tip Darts – Multiple Design Option
If the look of the darts matter, you should check out the CyeeLife 15PCS-Soft tip Darts. From firing yellow to classic black, there are several design options to choose from. The most prominent feature of this set is that it's compatible with all electronic dartboards. The default tips work with 95% of the boards, but for some reason, if it doesn't work, you can request the manufacturer to send you specific tips. You get test tips to check the exact size of the tip that's compatible with your board.
Besides the looks, these darts play quite decent as well and are priced fairly. Included in the set you get, 15 barrels, 15 alu-shafts, 30 flights, 25 O-rings, 180 replacement plastic tips, and a dart tool. The net weight of the dart is 18gm, which happens to be the most preferred weight option as well. However, you might find these darts a little heavy and longer than the one that came with your set. But they play great and are ideal for casual games. Additionally, the set comes with plenty of spare flights and tips. So don't worry if you break a few, this kit is going to last for a while!
The barrel comes with a standard knurl grip along the length, which is excellent to try out various grips.
Top Features:
- The set comes with 15 complete darts and 180-replacement points
- Standard knurl grip
- Attractive flights designs
Final Note:
Don't expect professional quality here. What you're getting here is well-designed beginner darts offering the best bang for your bucks.
6. Viper Black Magic Soft Tip Darts - Bargain pick (Great for beginners)
If I had to choose the best serious soft tip darts for any beginner, I would choose the Viper Black Magic Soft Tip Darts without a blink. They're excellent for practicing and training while inexpensive enough not to hurt your pocket. A set of three costs just $13.
The Viper Black Magic darts have all the attributes you expect in a quality unit. It weighs 18gm and comes with a slim brass barrel, which is finished with knurled bands and deep grooves for excellent gripping. You can practice different grips - front, medium, or rear and experience different throwing styles. The aluminum shafts are of medium size and are very durable. The shaft also features locking holes for a tighter fit resulting in stable and consistent throw without needing to re-tighten the shaft from time to time. It comes with fitted with slim flights that travel through the air quickly. Therefore, these darts are ideal for players who tend to throw straight. The 2BA Tufflex Tips II plastic points come with a reinforced cone, which further adds to the durability, and the barrel is compatible with all 2BA dart points.
The only downside of this otherwise awesome dart set is that it does not come with spare tips or O-rings. Not a deal-breaker as you can get a set of 200 tips for less than $5.
Top Features:
- Two grip options - Coarse or Medium knurling
- Diamond cut aluminum shafts
- Durable 2BA Tufflex Tips II points
Final Note:
If you're starting out and are looking for a top-rated soft tip dart set for practice, this is your best bet.
7. Viper Dart Accessory: Tufflex III 2BA Thread Soft Tip Dart Points – Best replacement points
Playing with soft tip darts comes with an obvious issue - tips breaking! The plastic tips tend to break rather easily, and breaking a couple of tips per game isn't uncommon, more if you play on hard flooring. Luckily the replacement tips are super cheap, easier to install, and compatible with almost all barrels with 2BA threads.
The Tufflex III 2BA Thread Soft Tip Dart from Viper is the best replacement tip on the market. I have personally tried them, and I like the fact they're more durable than the default tips that come with the dart or the dartboards. A set of 1000 can last you for years, and costs just under $18.
So what makes these tips special and better than the others available? They feature reinforced cones, which adds to the strength and make them compatible even with heavier 20gm darts. It also comes with a locking hole for a secure and tight fit with the barrel. The tip measures 1.25'' in length, including the thread, and is compatible with almost all electronic boards and all darts with 2BA threads. In rare cases, if the dart doesn't fit the board, you can contact the manufacturer for the specific size.
Final Note:
Without a doubt, the Tufflex III 2BA Thread Soft Tip Dart Points are the best replacement tips currently available.
Buyer's Guide for Soft Tip Darts
When it comes to darts, there is nothing like "The Best". The dart which you're more comfortable handling and throwing is the right one for you. You may very well be off your game using a 100 dollar darts and throw just right with a cheap 10 dollar brass darts.
So, while choosing a soft tip dart, a lot of it depends on your personal preference. Some like their darts to be light, some like heavy, some like light grip, some like heavy grip, and the list goes on. That said, there are a couple of factors you must keep in mind while selecting the soft tip darts, which we have discussed below.
Also, remember it's quite unlikely the first set of darts that you pick will be the perfect one. You would be trying quite a number of darts and different configurations before settling for one or maybe two pairs.
The characteristics you look for in a soft tip dart are a lot similar to steel tip darts with a slight difference, as explained below.
Difference Between Soft tip and Steel Tip darts
<Playing Style>
Many traditional (steel tip) dart players would argue that the game of soft tip dart isn't as competitive as the former! But they can't be more wrong. No doubt, soft tip boards allow for higher scoring due to the larger segments, but that also means the game allows little to no scope of error. One bad throw, and you may very well be out of the game. The typical PPD (Points per dart) of a soft tip dart player hovers around 30 to 32, and PPR (Points per round) ranges from 100 to 110. Whereas, steel tip players average PPD is much less, about 20 to 25.
On the other hand, in steel tip darts, you can still crouch your way back after a bad round! So as you can see, both games come with their own set of challenges, and one can't say one game is better than the other. It boils down to your preference. A traditionalist may prefer the feel of steel tip darts while a modern player may like the convenience of soft tip boards.
<Construction>
While both the types of darts have a similar function but they're constructed quite differently. Soft tip darts tend to be lighter (16 to 18gm), evenly weighted, and are mostly fitted with narrow flights. In contrast, steel tip darts are heavier, can be rear or tip heavy, and are usually fitted with standard flights.
To give you a context, the average weight of a typical steel tip dart is 22gm.
Soft tip darts are designed lighter to minimize the wear and tear of the board and reduce bounce-outs. Heavier darts risk damaging the individual holes of the soft tip boards. However, some of the latest boards like Dartslive 200s support up to 25 gm soft tip darts.
Due to the lighter weight, most players tend to throw soft tip darts flat rather than the typical lobbing style seen in steel tip darts. As a result, soft tip darts are even-weighted and come with slimmer flights. The slim flight reduces the air drag, allows the players to throw the dart harder, and helps the dart remain close to perpendicular to the board. Also, slimmer flights allow for a tighter grouping.
For heavier soft tip darts, something in the range of 20 to 22gm, standard flights would still be needed to provide the much-needed lift through the air.
Lastly, the most obvious difference is the tip or the point. Steel tip darts as the name suggests use steel and soft tip darts use flexible plastic points.
<Usage>
So the benefit of soft tip darts is that they're compatible with both soft tip and bristle dart board. However, you may notice occasional bounce-outs on the bristle board due to the more blunt tip. You can solve this by using conversion tips, which allows you to put steel points on the darts.
However, the reverse isn't true - you can't use steel tip darts on soft dart boards.
Also, playing with soft tip darts means that there is minimal risk to your wall and flooring due to the plastic point. And you don't really need a backboard or a mat, saving you quite a bit of money.
Key Considerations
<Skill level and Intended Usage>
The first factor you need to consider is your current skill level and what's your ultimate goal of purchasing the darts. Are you starting out with darts but intend to play seriously? If that's the case, you should be looking for a high-quality middle-of-the-road option, something with average weight, grip, and high tungsten content. This will allow you to experience different throwing styles and techniques.
As you gain experience and develop your game, you can opt for a custom configuration that truly complements your game. The best part is you can still adjust the weight, shaft, and flights of your darts to your liking. However, if the grip is something you aren't comfortable with, then you would need to replace the whole dart set.
Look for darts with 80 to 95% tungsten content and 16 to 18gm net weight with slim or standard flights.
If you plan to recreationally at home, bar, or office, then you don't need the costliest dart out there. You need a dart that is sturdy and durable while still being cheap. The performance won't be the same as the costlier counterparts, but it would still be good enough to enjoy the game.
Look for darts under $30 with a brass barrel.
<Material>
Tungsten, Nickel, and Brass are the most commonly used metals for barrels. Each of these materials has its specific characteristics and directly impacts the performance of the dart. Brass is the cheapest of the lot, which also makes it quite popular. You usually find them in bars as house darts. Brass being light and soft, tends to be thicker and wears out quickly.
Nickel is harder than brass and an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players. It's quite sturdy and durable.
When it comes to darts, undisputedly tungsten is the best material. It's extremely dense, which results in a thinner barrel and overall profile. Tungsten is stronger than nickel or brass, and as a result, it resists wear and tear better. But when buying a Tungsten dart, pay close attention to the percentage of tungsten content.
Generally, the higher the tungsten content, the better the dart is. But that also makes the dart more costly. Tungsten darts are ideal for all skill players, be it beginners or professionals.
<Weight>
Soft tip darts are available in various weights from 14gm to all the way up to 22gm. The weight you're comfortable with depends on a lot of factors. If someone is transitioning from steel tip darts, he/she may prefer heavier darts (18gms+). While a front gripper may choose a lighter dart, something in the range of 14-15 grams. So, there is nothing like the best weight, and it all comes down to your personal preference.
That said, 18 to 20 gram dart is the preferred choice for most players, and it can be a good starting point for beginners or anyone starting out.
<Barrel - Shape & Grip patterns>
Where do you grip the dart - center, rear, or front? Based on how you grip the dart, you need to select the appropriate darts.
If you hold the dart at the center of the barrel, you need an evenly weighted dart. If you grip the dart near the rear of the barrel, you need a front-heavy dart, and if you hold the dart at the front, you need a rear-heavy dart.
The weight distribution actually depends on the shape of the barrel. Straight barrels are even-weighted, bomb-shaped barrels are front-heavy, and torpedo-shaped barrels are rear heavy.
Beginners should ideally start with a straight barrel as it gives them more options to try out different techniques.
You also need to consider the actual grip pattern on the barrel. Your release timing and form depends on the grip. Some grips come with smooth knurling patterns while some may come with super grippy shark fin type patterns. The options are endless here.
If you're new to the game, it's best to opt for a simple ring cut or knurl grip.
<Customization>
Like we mentioned already, straight out of the box, the dart may not be to your liking, but you have the option to customize the setup. You can change the flights, which affects the flight pattern of the dart. Changing the length of shafts will change the center of gravity of the dart.
Standard flights fly slower through the air and help the dart fly with more stability. They're ideal for heavier darts and keep the dart in the air longer. Slim flights, on the other hand, cut through the air and flies flatter. This allows throwing the dart with faster speed.
You also have the option to change the weight distribution by changing the length of the shaft. The shorter shaft moves the weight towards the front while longer shaft moves weight towards the rear.
All these minute changes can help you customize the darts your exact needs.
Let's Wrap Things Up:
While the physics behind darts and how the materials impact the flight characteristics are quite complex, we sincerely hope the buyer's guide could educate you about the essential factors to consider.
All the 6 soft tip darts that we have recommended above are excellent choices in their respective segments, and you can buy any of them with confidence. Just consider your goals, and budget and the selection process would become more straight forward.
As always, if you have any queries or questions, please comment below. We would be happy to help!
