Small Changes, Big Difference
Most players focus almost entirely on their darts barrel — but the truth is, your flights, shafts, and points have a significant impact on how your dart flies, how it lands, and how consistent your game feels. If you've hit a plateau or just want to fine-tune your setup, this guide walks you through every component and how to optimise it.
1. Flights: The Most Overlooked Part of Your Setup
Flights control the aerodynamics of your dart. The shape and size of your flight affects the arc, speed, and stability of every throw. Getting this right for your style can make an immediate difference.
Flight Shapes Explained
- Standard (No2) — the most common shape; more drag, higher arc, good for a harder throw or players who loft the dart
- Slim/No6 — less drag, flatter trajectory; suits a smoother, more direct throw
- Kite/Pear — a middle ground between standard and slim; popular with intermediate and club players
Flight Thickness
Thicker flights (150 micron+) are more durable and hold their shape longer. Thinner flights are lighter but wear out faster. If you're replacing flights regularly, consider upgrading to a thicker option.
One-Piece Flight & Shaft Systems
One-piece integrated systems eliminate the weak point where a traditional flight meets the shaft — reducing deflections and keeping your setup consistent. Worth considering if you find your flights popping off mid-game.
- Mission Force 90 Vortex Moulded Flight & Shaft (No2 & No6) — £5.50 — a solid, affordable one-piece system available in standard and slim profiles
- Shot Flight Deck One-Piece System (Kite & Clear) — £7.95 — a popular choice with a secure locking mechanism
- L-Style Barflight Integrated Flights & Shafts — £4.95 — a lightweight, low-profile option
- Target K-Flex No2 / No6 — £8.55 — used by many Target-sponsored professionals; excellent durability
- Target K-Shift No2 / No6 — £14.95 — the premium version with a rotating flight system to reduce deflections further
- Robson Plus Dart Flights — £7.50 — dimpled surface for added stability and a unique look
2. Shafts: Length and Material Matter
Shaft length affects the angle at which your dart enters the board and how stable it feels in flight. Most shafts come in short, medium, and long lengths — and the difference is more noticeable than most players expect.
- Short shafts — suit a more direct, flat throw; the dart enters the board at a steeper angle
- Medium shafts — the most versatile; a good starting point if you're experimenting
- Long shafts — add stability for a loopier arc; suit players who loft the dart more
Shaft Materials
- Polycarbonate — lightweight, affordable, and easy to replace. Great for regular swapping as you experiment
- Aluminium — more durable, slightly heavier; holds its shape better over time
- Nylon — flexible and less likely to snap on impact; popular for beginners
Shafts Available at Darts To You
- Mission Griplock Shafts (Black & White) — £0.95 — a reliable polycarbonate shaft with a locking ring to prevent loosening mid-game
- Mission Sabre Shafts (Black & White) — from £1.45 — a slightly heavier polycarbonate option with a clean finish
- Harrows Supergrip Dart Stems/Shafts — £1.50 — a trusted classic from Harrows; compatible with all standard darts
3. Points: Don't Ignore the Tip
Worn or blunt points cause bounce-outs — one of the most frustrating things in darts. Replacing your points regularly is one of the easiest ways to improve your scoring consistency.
If you're getting frequent bounce-outs, consider switching to a ripple or grooved point, which grip the sisal fibres of the board more effectively than plain points.
- Mission Ripple Dart Points (Silver & Black) — £5.50 — a popular ripple-tip replacement point that reduces bounce-outs significantly
- Mission Caliburn Replaceable Points (Grooved & Ripple) — from £6.50 — designed for Mission's Caliburn replaceable point system
- Mission Sniper Points — £8.95 — precision-engineered ripple points for maximum board grip
- Mission Glide Dart Points — £3.50 — a smooth plain point in gold finish; a budget-friendly replacement option
4. Protect Your Setup: Dart Cases
A good dart case keeps your points sharp, your flights intact, and your barrels scratch-free. If you're playing regularly — especially travelling to leagues or venues — a proper case is essential.
- Mission Country EVA Darts Case — £10.95 — a slim, compact case that holds one full set; great for everyday carry
- Takoma Darts Case / Wallet — £14.95 — a step up in protection with a more structured design
- Takoma XL Large Darts Case — £19.95 — fits multiple sets plus spare flights and shafts
- Takoma Home Extra Large Darts Case — £29.95 — ideal for players with multiple setups or who want to carry everything in one place
5. The Setup Improvement Checklist
- ✅ Replace worn flights — if they're bent, torn, or losing shape, they're affecting your throw
- ✅ Try a different flight shape — standard vs slim can transform your trajectory
- ✅ Experiment with shaft length — short, medium, and long all fly differently
- ✅ Check your points — replace blunt tips to reduce bounce-outs
- ✅ Consider a one-piece flight/shaft system — eliminates the most common point of failure
- ✅ Invest in a dart case — protect your setup between sessions
Browse our full range of flights, shafts, points, and accessories at Darts To You — everything you need to fine-tune your setup, with fast UK delivery.