Best Dart Shaft (Reviews)

If you're eyeing for a new set of dart shafts (also known as stems), this means you are definitely not a casual dart player! You're getting serious or already are a pro. Maybe the default darts that came along with the dart board have given up, or perhaps you're looking for more of a customized setup based on your preference.

I will be frank here - there isn't anything like the best dart shaft cos it's more of a personal preference. Some like long, some prefer short, some prefer tungsten, and the list never ends. Material, weight, length, and shape, all influence the performance of your darts during a game. Understanding these factors will be crucial to finding the right dart shaft.

Having said that, we've gone ahead researched the best shafts and categorized them. Our list will highlight the best features we found across each one, and our buyer's guide will give you a break down on everything you need to know to make an informed buy. Check it out below!

Our Top Picks for Best Dart Shaft

The shaft is one of the four major components of the darts. The other three being - tip, barrel, and the flights. All these parts must work in sync with one another to get the desired performance. What I mean here is that you can't use a short shaft on a short barrel. Otherwise, your dart will travel so fast that it will hit the dartboard before even you release it.

So the length and type of shaft you use should be in line with the other parts. That said, it isn't complex, and in this guide, I'll brief you on how you should go about choosing the perfect shaft for yourself.

How Do You Grip The Dart?

Depending on how you naturally hold the dart can affect the shaft type you need. This has to do with the center of gravity and the overall weight distribution. If you find that you hold the front of the barrel when throwing, consider opting for shorter shafts. These will move the center of gravity towards the front, closer to your fingers.

Likewise, long shafts will take the center of gravity and move it towards the rear of the dart. If you like to hold the barrel by the back, try adjusting to a longer shaft size.

How to Choose a Dart Shaft

To choose a shaft, you need to account for four factors: Length, composition, functionality, and aesthetics (optional). Of this, length is the most crucial element.

Length

The length of the shaft determines the flight pattern of the dart and trajectory.

So, here is the basic rule of thumb you should stick with: If you have a shorter barrel, use a longer shaft, and if you use a longer barrel, you should use a shorter shaft. 

When choosing a shaft, you usually find 5 or 6 standard lengths. Adjusting the length of the dart shaft is one of the common ways to fine-tune the performance of the darts. A good place to start looking is short, medium, and extra short shafts. 

• Extra Short: 13mm
• Short: 9mm
• In-between: 26mm
• Medium: 33mm

Shorter shafts are ideal for players who like to lob or float their darts. If you use front-loaded or torpedo darts, you should opt for shorter shafts. On the other hand, longer shafts travel through the air straight and with a flatter trajectory. So, if you shoot straight, perfectly flat choose a longer shaft. 

Medium shafts are the most forgiving and offer the best balance of control and stability.

So, which is the right shaft for you? There is no straight answer to this, and it depends on your preference and gripping style. Each player will have a unique style of throw, with its strengths and weaknesses. The best way to discover the "optimal" shaft design is through experimentation. Although some obvious issues like wobble or shaky flight patterns can be resolved by shortening the shaft length.

For starters and intermediate players, it's best to stick with a medium or in-between shaft. These sizes are very common amongst players, and you'll probably find one of these three will appeal to you. As you progress as a player, feel free to branch out to more uncommon lengths such as mid and micro, which fall in between other standard lengths.

Shape

Shafts come in either straight or slim profile. They don't necessarily result in any difference in performance. This has more to do with aesthetics and weight. Generally, for lighters darts, slim shafts are preferred.

Composition

Shafts are made of a variety of materials, from plastic to carbon fiber. Each material has its pros and cons and affects flight behavior.

At the bottom of the spectrum, there are nylon shafts that are often used for its low cost. You will see these types of shafts used in soft tip dart sets most often. They provide a cheap entry-level option for new players getting into darts, and function well enough for casual players to use on a less frequent basis. Pro players will want to opt for better material.

Polycarbonate is very similar to plastic and performs much like its nylon counterpart. The advantage here is the polycarbonate shafts have a much higher strength and durability for a little bit more cost. This material is a great choice for up and coming players looking to invest in better components. You are sure to get many games out of polycarbonate shafts. Pros often will take these as their first choice of material. Another reason why Poly shafts are popular is that they're available in a wide range of colors and textures.

Aluminum is not as durable as polycarbonate but still functions exceptionally well. A wide variety of sizes, colors, and modifications can be found in aluminum constructed shafts. Prices tend to be in the mid-range, making them suitable for all player types. Aluminum makes for a solid step up from nylon, and an alternative to polycarbonate.

Carbon Fiber shafts are increasingly getting popular due to the sturdy and robust build quality and classic black finish. They don't break easily, either. Mine is still going strong even after three years of usage. No matter how many times you Robinhood them, they will still survive. However, they're quite expensive. A set can easily cost you upwards of $30.

"Supergrip" branded shafts are either polycarbonate or nylon and fitted with a special O-ring to keep the flight secure during play. See our number one pick for more details.

Another term you may want to know is "sidewinder." These shafts have a different insertion method for the flights. A long opening along the shaft's side acts as extra protection for when the flights are opened and placed directly into the shaft. This design can improve stability slightly.

Functionality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Weight of the Shaft - Does it really matter?

Yes, it does, but most players tend to check the net weight of the darts rather than the shaft alone. If you're looking for a lighter shaft, nylon, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber would be an ideal choice. For heavier ones, aluminum is a preferable choice.

Which type of shaft can withstand Robinhood?

While the sight of Robinhood is always pleasing but you mostly end up ruining your flights or shafts. Flights are relatively cheaper to replace but not shafts. So, you should either choose super cheap shafts like nylon, which you won't break your bank to replace. Or, you can opt for something like carbon or aluminum shafts, which aren't easy to Robinhood.

Another way to prevent your shaft is by puncturing your flights and using a champagne ring. This configuration is much tighter and solid. In an event, if any dart hits the shaft, it won't crumble into pieces as the ring would hold the structure in place.

O-Ring: Do you need one?

O-ring is a silicon or rubber ring which is placed between the barrel and the shaft. The ring securely tightens the two components together. During the game, darts take a lot of hits and may become loose. Using an O-ring reduces this and is always recommended to use.