If you play darts regularly—whether casually with mates or competitively—one question eventually pops up: how often should you buy darts? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The life of your darts depends on how often you play, how well you maintain them, and the quality of the materials.
As someone who’s been throwing darts for years, both socially at pubs and in league competitions, I’ve learnt that the right maintenance makes the biggest difference. This guide breaks down what most players overlook: when to replace darts, why it matters, and how to keep them in top form for as long as possible.
2. How Often Should You Replace Your Darts?
Most players replace darts or dart components every 6–24 months, depending on usage and wear.
General Rule of Thumb
- Casual players (1–2 nights a week): Replace parts every 12–18 months
- Competitive players (3–5 nights a week): Replace parts every 6–12 months
- Heavy practice players: Expect to replace more frequently
But entire dart sets rarely need replacing unless the barrels become rounded, damaged, or uncomfortable to grip.
Factors That Influence Dart Lifespan
- Material quality: Tungsten lasts longer than brass or nickel-silver
- Throwing style: Hard throwers wear out points and barrels faster
- Board type: Bristle boards are gentler; cheap boards blunt points
- Storage: Poor storage leads to rust, bending, and corrosion
- Maintenance habits: Clean darts last significantly longer
3. Signs Your Darts Need Replacing
Here are the clearest indicators that it’s time to upgrade or refresh parts:
Barrel Wear
- Ridges or knurling feels smooth
- Grips are slippery even after cleaning
- Barrel becomes rounded or uneven
Point Damage
- Frequent bounce-outs
- Visible bending or flattening
- Struggles to stick into the board
Shaft Problems
- Cracks or splits
- Loose threading
- Shafts constantly coming loose mid-game
Flight Wear
- Torn edges
- Flights won’t stay aligned
- Darts wobble during flight
If you’re experiencing these issues often, it may be time to buy darts that better suit your style or upgrade key components.
4. Dart Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
How to Maintain Barrels
What to do:
- Clean barrels monthly with warm water and mild detergent
- Use a soft toothbrush to remove oil and dirt
- Dry thoroughly and store in a case
Avoid:
- Harsh chemicals
- Leaving darts in humid environments
How to Maintain Shafts
To make shafts last longer:
- Check for cracks weekly
- Tighten regularly
- Rotate the set—don’t rely on one pair constantly
Best material for durability:
- Aluminium shafts (long-lasting)
- Carbon fibre shafts (premium, strong, lightweight)
How to Maintain Flights
Simple ways to extend flight life:
- Replace flights when edges fray
- Use flight protectors
- Store darts with flights removed
Pro tip:
Always keep 3–5 spare sets of flights in your kit.
5. Real-Life Scenarios: When Replacement Makes Sense
Scenario 1: The Pub League Player
Playing three nights a week?
You’ll likely replace flights every 2–4 weeks, shafts every 3–6 months, and barrels roughly once a year.
Scenario 2: The Casual At-Home Player
Throwing on weekends?
Your darts can last years with simple cleaning.
Scenario 3: The Competitive Player Training Daily
Expect full component rotation every few months. Performance relies on consistency, so fresh equipment matters more.
6. Pros & Cons of Replacing vs Maintaining
Replacing
Pros:
- Improved consistency
- Better grip and performance
- Fresh components reduce bounce-outs
Cons:
- Higher long-term cost
- Need to adjust to new feel
Maintaining
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Maintains familiar feel
- Extends overall lifespan
Cons:
- Requires regular cleaning
- Can’t fix heavily worn barrels
7. Helpful Comparison Table
| Component | Average Lifespan | Replace When… | Maintenance Needed |
| Barrels | 1–5 years | Grip smooths or rounds | Monthly cleaning |
| Points | 6–12 months | Frequent bounce-outs | Sharpen occasionally |
| Shafts | 3–12 months | Cracks or loose threading | Tighten weekly |
| Flights | 2–8 weeks | Torn or misaligned | Keep spares, use protectors |
8. FAQs
How often should beginners replace darts?
Most beginners can keep darts for 1–2 years, replacing only flights and shafts regularly.
Do professional players replace darts often?
Yes—many pros replace flights weekly and shafts monthly. Barrels last longer unless damaged.
Do tungsten darts last longer?
Absolutely. Tungsten barrels resist wear better and maintain grip longer than brass or nickel-silver options.
Should I sharpen dart points?
Yes, but lightly. Over-sharpening damages boards. Aim for a rounded, needle-like finish.
Is it cheaper to replace flights instead of whole darts?
Definitely. Most dart issues involve flights or shafts, not the barrel itself.
Conclusion
Knowing when to replace your darts comes down to noticing wear, listening to how your darts feel in your hand, and maintaining them properly. With the right care, your darts can last years—saving money and improving your game.