How to Refelt a Pool Table in 10 Easy Steps

Posted on April 27, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

How to Refelt a Pool Table in 10 Easy Steps

Is your pool table at home starting to get worn out? We know just what you mean.

Over time, the felt of your pool table felt can become torn, damaged, and uneven due to the impact from the balls and the cues as well as other factors.

Now, you can hire professionals for pool table refelting OR you can also do this project on your own as a LOW-COST OPTION. Just read our guide below to find out how to re-felt a pool table in 10 steps!

Refelting Pool Tables: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before refelting a pool table, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment on site.

Because there are plenty of steps in this process, it’s a good idea to ORGANIZE everything first. This prevents any unwanted delays, mistakes, or accidents down the line.

If you don’t have much experience using these tools, we recommend trying them out ahead of time.

Get information from professionals or search up articles with pictures on a reliable website so that you understand how to operate them safely and properly.

Lastly, go over the instructions below very carefully so you have a clear idea of the many things you have to do.

Materials Needed for Felt Replacement

Felt for pool tables
Staple gun and staples
Staple remover
Screwdriver or wrench
Glue and sealing wax
Leveler
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Rubber mallet
Wooden block

Instructions for Refelting a Pool Table

Step 1: Disassemble the Pool Table

The first step is to take apart your pool table on site. Sounds tedious, but don’t worry!

That’s why we made sure to outline each step thoroughly.

Take note: This process varies per pool table type and brand, but generally, you have to SEPARATE the rails from the frame and the featherstrip from each rail.

Using a screwdriver or a wrench, carefully remove the screws or bolts that are holding the pool table cushions in place. MAKE SURE to bag them up after removal.

It would be a nightmare if you lose those pieces.

Step 2: Remove the Old Pool Table Felt

Pull out the staples attaching the OLD FELT to the rail. Exercise caution while doing this—the staples are very sharp!
Before you set aside the rails, mark them and TAKE PICTURES so you know which piece goes on which side of the table. If you mix up the positions of the cushions, the refelting won’t be done properly.
To remove the felt on the pool table, repeat the same process above. If the felt was stuck to the surface with glue instead of staples, simply start RIPPING it off at one corner of the pool table.
After the felt removal, scrape off any pieces of hardened glue that remain on the surface.

Step 3: Clean the Pool Table Slate

Once you’ve removed the old felt, you should now see the pool table’s slate.
Over a long period of time, dust can gather here, so you should clean it properly BEFORE covering the pool table again with cloth.
Wipe the whole surface down with a dry cloth to remove dirt and dust particles.
NEVER use any liquid cleaners or sprays on the slate, as this can degrade the quality and condition of the material.

Step 4: Measure the Pool Table

Using a measuring tape, check the size and dimensions of your pool table so you know how much felt to use. Always add in a few extra inches just in case you make a mistake!
BEFORE BUYING the felt replacement, make sure that it looks new and feels smooth. You don’t want any bumps, wrinkles, or creases, as these could negatively affect gameplay.
Ideally, you should pick a felt replacement made of high-quality worsted wool for your table; if this doesn’t fall within your price range, though, Teflon felt or napped felt are still quality, low-cost options too.

Step 5: Cut the Pool Table Felt

Cut the felt according to your pool table measurements, but remember to set aside cloth to cover each rail.
Make sure you mark which side of the cloth is face-up too; if you refelt with the WRONG side up, you’ll have to repeat the process all over again.
Another option is to buy a pre-cut felt kit that’s made for your specific pool table.

Step 6: Level the Pool Table

Once that’s done, you can now make any necessary adjustments to the pool table.
With a leveler, check if everything is balanced. If not, put shims under the legs of the table or under a specific part of the slate to raise the height of the pool table.
Adjust the table more until completely level.

Step 7: Refelt the Pool Table Rails

To refelt the rails, put the cloth face-down over the rail. Keep at least 4 INCHES or more of felt overhang and AROUND 1-INCH of excess felt over the feather strip space.
Get the featherstrip you disassembled in Step 1 and place it back into position.
Stretch the felt until it is taut, put a tapping block over the featherstrip, and start hammering it down with your mallet.
Stop about 2 inches from each end, as these are where the pockets will be.

Step 8: Refelt the Pool Table Surface

Staple Method:

If you want to staple the felt to the pool table, grab your stapler or staple gun.
Lay the felt on top of the table; pull it until it’s fully stretched, and begin stapling from the head end.
You can ask for assistance during this part of the process so that it’s not hard to stretch the felt and staple at the same time.
When stapling, START at the center before working your way to both ends of the table. Keep pulling the felt so that it’s free from any creases or wrinkles.
Once you reach the pockets, cut three slits so you can wrap the felt inside and staple it in place.

Glue Method:

If you want to use the glue method, clean the entirety of the pool table first with a dry cloth.
Again, make sure there are NO HARDENED PIECES of glue still stuck to the table, as these will interfere with the pool table refelting.
Next, apply the glue all over the table and carefully place the felt over it.
Stretch the felt and cut off any excess at each end.
Lastly, make some cuts at the edge so you can fold the felt into the pockets. Glue this into place.

Step 9: Reattach the Rails

Now that all the pockets are done, it’s time to reattach the rails to the table.

Line up the holes with the rails
Bolt them in place.
Once you’re sure they’re positioned properly on the table, you can tighten them all the way.

Step 10: Install New Pocket Liners

The last step is to put in the NEW pocket liners.

Just place the liner into the pocket and mark it for cutting.
Use a utility knife to trim them down so they fit your pool table pockets perfectly.
Then, fasten each one in place.

That’s it! You now know how to refelt a pool table by yourself at home.

FAQs

Is It Difficult to Refelt Pool Tables?

If you’re quite handy with fabric, you’ll probably find that refelting a pool table is fairly simple! The best part is, it’s low-cost as well!

However, refelting a pool table still takes time, effort, and patience on your part, especially if you don’t have much experience in the field.

It helps if you try to read and understand this guide to the best of your abilities, but it can still be difficult to put it into action.

If you feel like this is too complicated for you, you can always opt to hire a professional instead. You’ll have to pay a HIGHER PRICE of course, but it’s a fair cost if you know you can’t handle it by yourself.

Plus, you can trust that you’re getting quality service too!

How Long Does It Take to Refelt Pool Tables?

Generally, it takes around two to three hours for a professional to refelt a pool table (one if he’s very, very efficient).

If you’re a beginner, expect to spend more time refelting a pool table—maybe even one whole day.

This is why it’s important to prepare everything beforehand. If you’re very organized from the get-go, the process will be a lot quicker and smoother too!

How Often Should You Replace Pool Table Felt?

When you start to notice that the felt of your pool table is affecting players’ gameplay, it may be time to get a replacement.

Physical signs of damage such as cuts, tears, or folds on the felt may also indicate it’s time for pool table maintenance and/or refurbishment.

ONE TIP to prevent frequent felt replacements is to invest in high-quality felt from the very beginning, especially if you play pool a lot at home.

It may cost more upfront, but it’ll save you a lot on repairs down the road.

How Much Does Pool Table Refelting Cost?

If you hire a professional to refelt your pool table, it can cost around $300 to $600, not including the price of a pool table felt.
If you need to move your table to a different location, it’ll cost around $200 more. Other factors that can hike up the price include the size, weight, and condition of your table.
If you plan to DIY it, you’ll just have to pay for the cost of the pool table felt, tools, and other necessary materials for refelting.
If you already have most of the equipment at home, then you won’t have to shell out a lot of money for the project.

Keep in mind that the felt for the table can be pretty expensive, depending on the one you choose.

Pros use NCAA professional-grade felt for their tables, which goes for a whopping $1000, but prices for a regular table are just around $100 to $400.

Conclusion

A subpar playing surface often disrupts the flow of games. This affects the way the balls roll around the pool table, and it doesn’t look very pleasing to the eye either.

Lucky for you, you now have the knowledge and skills to refelt a pool table!

Did this guide help you learn how to refelt pool tables? Do let us know if you try it out, and send us pictures of the finished product!

Good luck with your project!

Pool Tables Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on April 27, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

Pool Tables Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know a pool table purchase doesn’t typically include free professional installation services?

But why should that worry you when you’ve got us to help you out! We’ve done our fair share back in the day.

Assembling a billiards table seems like complicated work that should be left up to professionals with more experience, but any person can actually do it on his own!

Keep reading to know more about billiards table assembly.

Materials Needed for Billiard Table Assembly

Before unpacking all the pool table parts and beginning work at the location, make sure you have the following tools and materials for a smooth, easy, and safe installation process.

Phillips and flat head screwdriver
Hammer and nails
Measuring tape
Stapler
Leveler
Paint scraper
Utility knife
Scissors
Blowtorch
Beeswax or putty
Glue
Felt/Pool table cloth
Billiard table parts

Reminders

#1 – Get Help

Although you can definitely perform the billiard table installation on your own, the work will be much easier if there’s more than one person to help with the set-up.

Remember, the pool table pieces are quite bulky and heavy, so you’ll have to exert more effort putting together different parts on your own.

You should also expect to spend AT LEAST 2 HOURS or more on pool table assembly.

#2- Check All of the Components

When the pool table pieces are delivered to your location, make sure to check the items are complete.

Running from 1 location to another is a waste of time, gas, and it’s downright exhausting.

Typically, your purchase should include the following:

A long box for the pool table frame
Wood
Hardware
A tall box for the pool table legs
A flat box for the rails
An accessory kit
Felt for the table

Depending on the brand you bought from, it may come with more accessories as well.

#3- Follow the Procedures Properly

We also recommend going over the next instructions carefully and thoroughly before starting any work.

Because this is usually done by professionals, it’s important that you understand the directions clearly to prevent any accidents or errors.

For added protection, wear safety goggles while operating any of the high-powered tools above.

Instructions for Pool Table Assembly

Do you have all the equipment you need with you? Let’s get started!

#1 – Selecting the Pool Table Location

First, determine where you want to position the pool table in your room.
Don’t just account for the size of the table when choosing a location; make sure to leave excess space on all sides too so that players can move around more while playing.
Although the exact measurements depend on the size and length of your cues, AROUND 5 FEET of space all around should be sufficient for comfort. More space is better if possible, of course!
Now, if your recreational room is already filled with different kinds of game tables, don’t be tempted to pack in the pool table, especially if it will be a tight fit.
It’s best to disassemble one or more of the tables (preferably those you use the least) so that you’ll have a more enjoyable experience playing pool.

#2 – Unpacking the Pool Table Pieces

Next, using your scissors, remove the packaging of the pool table pieces.
SEPARATE larger wood parts such as the frame, legs, and hardware from the smaller pieces like the nuts and bolts.
Double-check the user manual to see if you’re missing any pool table components—you don’t want to go looking for something in the middle of installation!
Set aside the boxes so you have a big, clean space to work with.

#3 – Building the Table Frame

Now, it’s time to build the pool table frame.

Place the frame upside down on the designated location.
If yours doesn’t come pre-assembled, you may have to put together some panels and other frameworks. Just make sure to follow the instructions in the manual for this!
Using your screwdriver, affix (attach) the legs and leg supports to all FOUR corners of the table.
After attaching the legs, check to see if they wobble or move around. MAKE SURE the legs are completely stable before turning the table right side up.

#4 – Placing the Slates on the Table

Before putting the slates on the table, use a leveler to check if the table and legs are balanced. If certain legs need more leveling, PLACE SHIMS below them to raise their height.
Next, use a measuring tape to locate the center of the table. This space is where the center slate should be.
Put the other two slates in place beside it, and CHECK THE BALANCE with a leveler to ensure everything’s even.
If you’re using only one slate, place the whole piece carefully into the frame. Then, use a leveler to check that it is properly balanced.
Once the slates are in place, screw them securely onto the table. Use a leveler again to make sure the slates are balanced.
Then, make any necessary leveling adjustments. You can use more shims in the space between the slates and the table frame to make the pool table completely level.

FAST FACT: While a professional may be able to do this on his own, we recommend getting someone to assist you with this step. Slates—especially a one-piece kind—are extremely heavy, so they can be difficult to position correctly on the table.

#5 – Sealing the Slates on the Table

There are two options for sealing slate joints. The first method uses wax while the second method uses putty.

For the wax method:

Use a blowtorch to melt beeswax in the gap between slates—this will help each slate adhere properly, resulting in a smoother table surface.
Repeat with the other slates’ joints.
Leave the beeswax to dry for a few hours or more.
Once fully dry, scrape off any excess wax from the table, then check if the slates are properly sealed.

For the putty method:

Apply this mixture to the joints and make sure you don’t leave any gaps.
Repeat until you’ve covered all slates’ joints, then leave to dry for a few minutes.
Scrape off the excess hardened putty from the slates.
Before applying wax or putty, you can also put a FEW DROPS of liquid glue between slates for more adhesion.
Wipe off the excess with a cloth, and proceed with your preferred method.

#6 – Applying the Felt to the Table

Before placing the felt, ensure the surface is clean.
Spread the large piece of felt on the pool table, make sure it’s as CENTERED as possible.
Using a stapler, fasten the cloth to the first side of the table.
ALWAYS BEGIN AT THE MIDDLE, then move to the extremities before working your way back to the center.
When you proceed to the next side of the table, pull the felt until it’s taut before repeating the same stapling process. This ensures no wrinkles will form and that the table surface will be completely smooth.
Move to the middle slates, and begin stapling at the CENTER pocket.
Make sure the felt is stretched to its maximum capacity before fastening it in place. Apply the same technique to the corner pockets.
Now, spray the slate surface of the pocket with glue. Wait 2 MINUTES or more for the glue to dry before pushing the felt into the pocket opening.
With a utility knife, make cuts into the cloth so that you can fold it neatly underneath the pocket. Smooth out any creases before stapling the underside of the pocket opening.
Repeat these steps for all remaining pockets. Once that’s done, cut off all excess felt from the sides of the table.

#7 – Applying the Felt to the Rails

Now you have to apply the felt to the rails.

Begin with an end rail, and mark the center so you have a guide when placing the felt.
Carefully hammer the felt onto the rail, making sure you don’t create any creases. Cut off any excess cloth from the side.
Turn the rail over and start folding the felt so it covers ALL EXPOSED AREAS.
Smooth out any wrinkles; staple it into place, and cut off the excess cloth for a clean finish.
Repeat this process for the other end rail as well as the side rails.

#8 – Finishing the Pool Table

All that’s left to do is to attach the rails and pockets to the table.

Fasten the rails to the side of the table
Staple the drop pockets to the underside of the table, and you’re done!

You can now play a fun game of pool at your brand new table!

How to Disassemble a Billiards Table

At this point, you know how to set up a pool table, but what if you need to take the table apart to make space in your game room?

Fortunately, disassembling the table is more straightforward than assembling it.

Instructions

#1 – Gather the Materials

You’ll need safety goggles, a flathead screwdriver, a wrench, and a drill.

#2 – Remove Staples

Use your screwdriver to remove the staples that attach the drop pockets to the table. It’s important to wear safety goggles during this step because the staples could fall into your eyes by accident!

#3- Remove Rails

Next, remove the rails from the table with a wrench.

Make sure to collect ALL THE SCREWS and rail wood pieces—you’ll want to leave these somewhere safe so that you can easily reassemble the table next time.

#4 – Remove Felt

Take out the felt covering by gently pulling at it from one corner of the table.
Be careful, especially at the table edges and pockets, since this could tear! If that happens, you may have to buy a new one when you want to use your pool table again.
If the felt is stapled onto the table, use your screwdriver again to remove the staples.
Once the cloth is fully removed, fold it up and put it somewhere clean for safekeeping.

#5- Remove Screws

To remove the slates from the table, you need to take out the screws.
Scrape off any glue or beeswax coatings before removing the screws with a drill.
Each corner of the table will have a screw, but there may also be additional screws running along the center.

#6 – Remove the Slate

After you’ve removed all the screws, carefully lift the slate off the pool table and set it aside.

This is very heavy and large in size, so ideally, more than one person should be doing the job. Don’t forget to put away the screws for future use too!

#7 – Remove the Legs

Now, remove the legs of the table.

If the table’s legs are secured with nuts, take these out FIRST with a wrench.
Then, unscrew the legs from the body of the table and set them aside.

You’re done! Time to pack everything up.

Packing Up

After going through all these steps, you should pack everything up nicely so you have a clean and organized game room.

If you’ve kept the boxes from your initial purchase, now would be a good time to bring them back out to store the table framework, legs, felt, and other pool table components.
When transferring game tables from your room to storage, make sure every little piece is accounted for.
During disassembly, it’s CRUCIAL to bag up the screws, nuts, and any other fasteners used because you’ll be using these again during installation work next time.
Don’t forget to pack up the shims that were placed under the legs of your table too. You’ll need these again when leveling your pool table.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Pool Table Installed?

Labor costs are around $200 to $600, depending on the size and weight of your table.

These cover any moving and/or installation that needs to be done.

Note that prices may go up if the table has to be carried very far or lifted up the stairs. It’s best to get a quote from your local companies for a more accurate estimate of the price.

Is It Hard to Assemble a Pool Table?

Before assembling a game table in a specific room or area at home, you should always have the proper tools and safety equipment on hand.

You should also understand all the steps involved in a successful installation process.

However, if you don’t have much experience operating power tools or doing construction work, then it’s always an option to hire a professional to set up your table instead.

You’ll have to spend more money, of course, but at least you’re certain that the table will be assembled properly in the designated room, with no hassle at all on your part.

Because these professionals have more experience in the field, you can trust that they’ll do it efficiently too.

How Far Does a Pool Table Need to Be From the Wall?

In a game of pool, people need to move around and extend their cues behind them, so you’ll need a lot of room to play comfortably.

Generally, around 4.5 to 5 feet around all sides should be enough!

Conclusion

Getting game tables such as a billiards table is a great way to spruce up the recreation room in your home.

With all the steps outlined here, installing and leveling the game tables in your recreational room can be done in a few easy steps.

With the right tools and equipment, effort, and a little bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new pool table at home!

How to Disassemble a Pool Table: A Step by Step Guide

Posted on April 27, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

How to Disassemble a Pool Table: A Step by Step Guide

IT’S TIME TO MOVE HOUSES!

But there are many things you have to pack and disassemble to move to a different home, and that includes your beloved pool table.

Having a pool table is a GREAT ADDITION.

But moving a pool table is not the easiest thing to do. The first step is to disassemble it.

Usually, professional movers do this. But if you can’t afford to shell out the cash to get movers, here’s how you can do it yourself (with a friend)!

Items You Will Need

When you disassemble your pool table, you can’t do it with your bare hands. You need tools! So here’s a list of supplies you will need in order to do this.

Electric drill with flat head bit and screwdriver bit
Flat head screwdriver, a staple puller, or needle-nose pliers
Blankets
Box or Bag, or any container for the hardware accessories
Markers
Plastic Ziploc Bags
Bubble Wrap
Socket Wrench

Safety Tips

For safety purposes, you may want to wear eye protection, like safety goggles or glasses.

Most importantly, you want a friend or assistant to help you. Movers never do this alone, there are always at least two of them.

So don’t expect yourself to do it alone. GET HELP.

Disassembling a Pool Table

Now that you have everything you need to start, here’s how to do it!

Please do note though, that this way of disassembling only applies to the furniture slate table, and not the coin pool table.

Make sure you have Ziploc bags or containers to place your pieces in. You wouldn’t want to lose a screw!

Without further ado, here are the steps!

1) Remove the Pocket Liners

The pockets are an important part of the pool table. It is also one of the first things to remove.

So if you have pocket liners, this is the best place to start.

First, remove the screws or staples that hold the pocket straps in the table. You can use a staple remover, flat head screwdriver, or needle-nose pliers to remove the staples and a screwdriver for screws.
Once you remove the tacks or screws, just squeeze the sides of the pocket and push down on it so it goes through the apron and detaches from the table.
Do it the same way for all the pocket liners.
When all the drop pockets are removed, place them in a box or container.
Put the screws into a Ziploc bag, and the drop pockets into a separate container so you don’t lose them.

2) Remove the Rail Bolts

After you’ve removed the pockets, the next step would be to remove the RAIL BOTS.

You can lay it down underneath the table and use a socket wrench attachment for your drill to remove these.
The side rails usually have 3 BOLTS PER RAIL, meaning you will most likely be removing a total of 18 bolts.
If you have an older table, the side rails could be attached in two places with different bolts (Be careful not to remove the smaller apron bolts).
Keep all the rail bolts in a Ziploc bag, and label it accordingly so you don’t lose them.
Since you will be laying it under the table, a way you can keep your eyes from getting hit by a bolt is to wear eye protection or goggles.

3) Remove Corner Miters

After removing the rail bolts, lift the rail system off the table.

Flip it over and lay it back on the table.

Please get help from a friend or family member for this. You don’t want any accidents. You could accidentally break the rail or hurt yourself.

In the corner of the tables, you will find two corner casting brackets. You should remove this with a FLAT HEAD BIT.

Once the screws and brackets are removed, you can lift out the corner pieces.

Place all the corner parts, each screw and bracket, in another Ziploc bag and label it.

4) Remove Aprons

There are 4 apron sections that can be removed from the rails.

Unscrew the apron bolts.
Hold on to the apron as you remove the last bolt so you keep control of it.
Wrap each apron in a blanket so it doesn’t get damaged while you move it. You can SECURE it using MOVER’S WRAP around the ends.
Place the apron bolts in another Ziploc bag and label.

5) Remove the Pocket Castings and Rails

Now it’s time to loosen and remove the bolts in EACH pocket casting. Yes, the pockets are not quite done yet.

You can do this using a 14mm ratchet wrench. Once all 12 of the nuts and bolts are removed, place them in another Ziploc bag so you don’t lose them.
Place the pocket castings in a box.
Once these are separated, the rails should be separated as well.
Just like how you wrapped the aprons in blankets, do the same with the rails, securing each end with mover’s wrap.

6) Remove the Felt

Removing the felt is important since you have to uncover the slate bed to remove it.

If the felt on your pool table is stapled, remove the staples slowly with a staple remover or flathead screwdriver so as to not damage the felt.
You can use your needle nose pliers to make sure you remove the felt slowly and gently.
If the felt is glued on, carefully peel it from the table.
Once the felt is removed, fold it neatly, and put it in a waterproof bag for protection.
We would personally fold the felt in half widthwise twice first, then fold it in half width lengthwise thrice to make it a neat fold.
Try to make as little creases as possible in the felt.

Pro tip: Use a magnetic bowl to hold the staples so you don’t make a mess.

7) Remove the Slate Pieces

Once the felt is off, you’re ready to remove the slate bed.

You have to BE REALLY CAREFUL in this part. If any slate piece gets chipped or scratched, it could ruin the whole table.
There are 4 slate screws on each piece. Remove EACH of these with a drill.
Some manufacturers cover the screws with beeswax to smoothen it out. This makes them hard to identify and remove. If you notice your table has beeswax, scrape it off with your flathead screwdriver.
Once the screws are out, put them in a Ziploc bag and label them.
Before you remove the slates, label each of them with a number. This is important if you want to reassemble it. Also, MARK THE MIDDLE PIECE so you know its position.
Lift each of the slate pieces and see them aside. Make sure to get help. Each slate can weigh up to 250 lbs., and there are usually three slates.

8) Disassemble the Frame and Remove the Legs

To disassemble the frame, you have to remove the legs first.
The legs are normally screwed onto the body, so you just have to unscrew it. If there are nuts, place them in a Ziploc bag so you don’t lose them.
Wrap each of the legs in a blanket to protect it from scratches, just like you did with the apron and the rails.
After removing the legs, you can unscrew and disassemble the entire frame, if your particular pool table allows for it.

F.A.Q.

Can You Move a Pool Table Without Taking It Apart?

You cannot move a slate pool table in one piece. You have to disassemble it and reassemble it.

In SOME cases, you can move it with furniture sliders without taking it apart. You could probably do this if you just want to move it to a different room in your house, and if the door is wide enough.

How Much Does a Slate Pool Table Weigh?

Each slate piece weighs around 150 to 200 lbs. The entire slate pool table would weigh around 650 to 1000 lbs.

How Much Does It Cost to Disassemble a Pool Table?

If you already own all the tools needed, you need basically nothing to do it yourself.

But if you want to have it disassembled and reassembled by movers, it would cost around $200-$600, which includes the price of them to move it.

Now You’re Ready to Move Your Pool Table!

Pool tables are great. If we had to choose between a dining table and a pool table, we would choose a pool table. So of course, it CANNOT BE LEFT BEHIND.

Of course, it’s important to you, right? You didn’t do all this research for nothing!

While it is definitely possible to do this yourself, and there are easy steps here, we recommend having professional movers do this if you’re having doubts about installing it yourself or want to prioritize safety.

This will lessen the chance of you accidentally breaking your pool table or worse- injuring yourself!

Pool tables can be very complex, so doing this by yourself is quite a challenge.

But if you do choose to take apart the table yourself, just make sure you don’t lose a piece of your pool table, or you may not be able to reassemble it later.

What Should The Pool Table Light Height Be?

Posted on April 27, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

What Should The Pool Table Light Height Be?

A pool table is an excellent addition to your home. You can practice your shots, or have friends over to play a game.

But it doesn’t feel quite complete until it has lights. RIGHT? Not to mention, good lighting makes playing much more pleasant.

Some may say it doesn’t look like it belongs until it has a light fixture. It’s just as essential as having a good cue stick.

But how high should you hang the light fixture? Surely it has to be low enough to give the effect that you get in a bar pool table.

Proper Height of Pool Table Lights

Some factors to consider for the height of the lights would be how tall the player and the table are.

The BOTTOM OF THE LIGHT should be around your nose height (A.K.A., the average person).

If it’s too high, the bulbs could end up shining in your eyes, which is not a great idea as it can be distracting.

So one thing you should take into consideration is how tall you and the people you’ll be playing with are.

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Here are other guidelines to help you:

The bottom of the lamp shade is usually around 62-66 INCHES from the floor.
As for the table, 32-36 inches from the bed of the pool table is usually the appropriate height.

So taking all of those factors into consideration, you should be able to find the appropriate height for the light fixture.

What Is the Standard Height of a Light Over a Pool Table?

While there are suggestions for a casual setting, if you want to fit the tournament standard, some will want to look at the World Pool Billiard Association standards.

The slate bed and the rails should get AT LEAST 48 foot-candles (520 lux) of light at each point.
The light fixture should be adjustable. Depending on the players, the referee can adjust it. But the distance SHOULD NOT BE LOWER than 40 inches from the playing surface.
If the light fixture is fixed, it cannot be fixed lower than 65 inches from the surface of the table.
The light cannot be more than 465-foot candles (5000 lux). This is considered blinding.
The bleachers and the background should not get more than 5 foot-candles (50 lux) of light.

These are basic guidelines for lighting, but if you check their website, there are even more guidelines, even for standardized billiard tables.

Why Does the Height Matter?

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first.

If the pool table light is too low, then you might hit your head on the bottom of the lampshade when playing. It could also hit your cue stick or a jump ball shot if it gets THAT low.

If the light is too high, it doesn’t look that nice anymore.

But is that all there is to it?

The point of a pool table light is actually to eliminate any shadows and light up the table. So it has to at least cover the whole top of the pool table, including the rails.

Some may say that without the right light height, the shadows can actually ruin a game.

What Is the Proper Height for Billiard Tables?

The height varies between 29 1/4 inches and 33 inches. It usually gets higher as the length and width of the pool table increase.

Pool tables have standard sizes. Depending on what type of table you need, you will want a different size. In general, here are the standard sizes and measurements of billiard tables.

12-ft (snooker): 140″ x 70″
10-ft (oversized): 112″x 56″
9-ft (regulation size table): 100″ x 50″
8-ft+ (pro 8): 92″x 46″
8-ft (typical home table): 88″x 44″
7-ft+: 78-82″ (198.1-208.3 cm) x 39-41″ (99.1-104.1 cm)
7-ft: 74-78″ (188-198.1 cm) x 37-39″ (94-99.1 cm)
6-ft: 70-74″ (177.8-188 cm) x 35-37″ (88.9-94 cm)

For a better illustration, this is what a snooker with lights could look like:

Whereas a 10ft oversized table would have 4 lights:

What Light Size Is Good for My Pool Table?

Getting the right-sized pool table light is essential since you want it to be able to light up the whole area so you can play well.

It’s just as essential as getting the right-sized cue. For the light size…

It DEPENDS heavily on the table size.

If you have a 7 foot or shorter table, a 3 light bar shade should work. But if you have a 9 foot or longer table, a 4 bar shade is much better.

There are many pool table light shades to choose from. They come in different designs. So do pick something that fits well into your room. Consider the size, shape, and color you want.

Do I Need Lights?

No, you don’t NEED pool lights.

HOWEVER!

You will have a harder time visualizing shots if there are shadows, especially if the lighting in the room is offset. Overall, lamps make a game more pleasant.

And not to throw any shade, but pool tables without a light fixture look amateurish. If you want your pool table to be the centerpiece that it truly deserves to be in your home, then get lights.

Some pool light shades also look highly attractive and can add to any room design.

Just think of it as glasses. If you need glasses, it’s not impossible to get the right shot. But it sure would help…SIGNIFICANTLY.

But that’s for a home setting. In a bar setting, we would say that good lighting is a must. This is because a bar is dark, and you need to actually see the table to play.

How to Install the Lights

Once you have the lights in a canopy that you love, it’s time to install it!

It would be easiest to do this before the pool table arrives, so you don’t risk ruining your table by having to get on it. You wouldn’t want to have dust fall on the cloth either!

If you have the pool table already in place, cover the pool table with a thick blanket and cover the slate area with a 3/4 inch plywood over the blanket before you get on.

You should also use a ladder to get on, and not just climb on and risk ruining the rails.

Here is what you can do:

You need to find the true center of where the table will be. You can do this by marking out the table and playing area on the floor.
Once you have found the center, mark it on the ceiling.
With a stud finder, locate the studs on the sides of the mark. Drill into them and install hooks for your chains. We recommend using sway hooks to properly drape your chain over it.
Once your lights are hung, measure from the ground up, or check if it is around as tall as your nose. Make sure to take note of the proper adjustments for how high the ceiling is.
Once the lights are up, plug them in to test them.
If you plan to hardwire it to the electrical box, make sure the lights in the room are off first. We suggest getting a professional to do this for you if you want it to have a light switch of its own.

If you really want high-quality pool lights, choose the adjustable types so you can always adjust the length of the chain accordingly including any other measurement, depending on how tall the players are.

What Kind of Lightbulb Do I Need for Good Pool Table Lighting?

For lighting, lamps should be not too bright and not too dim. If it’s too dim, then there really isn’t any point in having them at all. If it’s too bright, it can be blinding to the eyes of the players.

The bed of the table must receive at least 40 watts of light. But most pool light fixtures allow for up to 60 watts.

For the best lighting, you should get fluorescent light bulbs.

Conclusion

There is a standard height range for pool table lights. Overall, it really depends on you what height it is exactly, as long as it’s in the range.

If you can, we suggest getting lights you can adjust so you can change the distance of the light from the bed of the table depending on who is playing.

Now you can create the centerpiece your home deserves!

Hope this article helped answer your question and any other questions you may have as well.

Good luck hanging your billiard lights!

The Best Portable Pool Table: Which One Stands Out the Most?

Posted on April 23, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

The Best Portable Pool Table: Which One Stands Out the Most?

Are you a diehard pool lover that does not have enough space in the house for a full-sized billiard table?

Do you want to maintain your love for billiards even if you are always on the move?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, you might want to consider some of the portable pool tables we will discuss.

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks:

Image

Products

Fat Cat Original 3-in-1, 7-Foot Pockey Game Table - Best Overall

Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table (6 Feet) - Best Value

Hey! Play! Mini Tabletop Pool Set- Best Budget Pick

GLD Products Fat Cat Trueshot 6-Foot Pool Table

Hathaway Maverick 7-Foot Multi Game (Pool and Table Tennis)

Hathaway Spartan 6' Pool Table

Costzon 47' Folding Billiard Table

The 7 Best Portable Pool Tables

1. Fat Cat Original 3-in-1, 7-Foot Pockey Game Table – Best Overall

Specifications:

4 pushers and pucks (required for air hockey).
2 pieces of chalk.
1 resin triangle.
2 cue sticks.
1 billiard brush.
1 set of billiard balls (cue ball included).

Do you want to give yourself your best all-around playing experience? Well, FEAST your eyes on the Fat Cat Original 3-in-1 Game Table.

You heard that right! The product does not only limit itself to billiards. It also offers table tennis and air hockey, two FAN FAVORITES among kids and sports enthusiasts.

Why go to the arcade when you have all these fun games at your disposal?

Worried about changing the games? A tri-fold tabletop technology allows you to flip the tables in an instant. All you have to do is unlock the latches, and you should be good to go.

Quality is another strong suit of the pool table thanks to its strong and compact blue felt, which gives you a feel of what the original pool table looks like. [R]

Of course, these boards come with essential accessories such as:

4 pushers and pucks (required for air hockey)
2 pieces of chalk
1 resin triangle
2 cue sticks
1 billiard brush
1 set of billiard balls (cue ball included)
2 table tennis paddles and balls
1 net with post net

Indeed, Fat Cat gives you the whole package with its 3-in-1 set, making it a worthy choice of the best overall portable pool table.

Pros

Offers multiple sports (Pool, Air Hockey, and Table Tennis)
User-friendly tri-fold tabletop technology
Strong blue felt
7-foot size lets you play anywhere

Cons

286-pound item weight may be too heavy for some
Hefty price tag

2. Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table (6 Feet) – Best Value

Specifications:

If you want to go for a portable pool table that is slightly cheaper but still delivers excellent value for money, you must try out the Hathaway Fairmont Portable Pool Table.

First off, the folding pool table has a ONE-UP over other pool tables in the storage category. The inclusion of folding legs lets you keep your table in your storage room if you’re not using it.

Once it’s time to play, you won’t have to worry about the assembly process because there’s no assembly needed! NONE. AT. ALL.

Just unfold the table and let the games begin!

The fun doesn’t stop there. The 6-foot size makes the pool table suitable for kids and adults.

The former will have an easy time learning the basics, while the latter gets to enjoy its minimalist and high-quality design.

Like most professional billiard tables, you get the required items. These include:

2 pieces of chalk
2 pool cues (48 inches)
Table brush
Racking triangle
leg levelers (1.5-inch size)
Standard billiard balls (2.25-inch size)

“What if it gets damaged?”

There’s no reason to panic! The Hathaway Fairmont is backed with a 180-day warranty covering replacement parts, repairs, and even a brand new table if needed.

Pros

Easy-to-fold leg system
Compact and ergonomic 6-foot size
Leg levelers even out the playing field
Complete set of accessories and materials
Excellent customer service

Cons

None we could find

3. Hey! Play! Mini Tabletop Pool Set- Best Budget Pick

Specifications:

Believe it or not, the Mini Tabletop Pool Set from Hey! Play! is a portable pool table specifically tailor-made for kids. It’s no secret that the 2-figure priced pool table is the best budget option on the list.

Even though it is a miniature version of the regulation table, its materials resemble the real thing. Do you want to know why?

Hey! Play! uses the same wood and green felt found on bigger pool tables.

Moreover, the triangle rack, pool balls, and ball return system are directly proportional to the small pool table so that the kids will receive that same professional experience.

The mini pool table is a HUGE WIN for those who don’t have room for bigger portable pool tables. Its 12.25” (W) x 20.25” (L) x 3.5” (H) dimensions can fit most standard tables and desks.

You can even bring it with you while traveling if you need to find activities you can do in the hotel or Airbnb.

The table brush ensures that dust particles aren’t surrounding the playing surface. [R] Those who are highly allergic may want to take advantage of this extra accessory.

All that’s left to do? Why not Hey! Play!

Pros

Easy-to-use materials (table brush, chalk, balls, etc.)
Lightweight size
High-quality felt material
No assembly needed
Requires little space
Affordable price point

Cons

It does not come with a folding leg system

4. GLD Products Fat Cat Trueshot 6-Foot Pool Table

Specifications:

GLD products holds its own with its Trueshot 6-foot pool table. If black is your favorite color, you may want to consider buying this.

It may not use the traditional green or blue felt material, but the application of MDF wood ensures that the pool table does not sacrifice quality and strength.

Indeed, you have yourself a playing surface that is durable and scratch-resistant.

One of its main assets is EASY PORTABILITY made possible by its 114-pound weight and foldable legs. Yes – ONLY!

It won’t require a village to move the folding pool table from one area to another.

Do you want to improve your skills with the pool cue?

GLD Products incorporates a Trueshot Aiming System, a set of dots (18 to be exact) surrounding the table to help you UPGRADE your aim game.

To cap it off, strong pockets store your balls after every hit. These nets have wide openings and are shock-resistant, so the chances of damage are minimal.

Pros

Lightweight composition
Foldable legs provide easy storage
Easy-to-use Trueshot Aiming System
High-quality MDF wood

Cons

It does not have a ball return system

5. Hathaway Maverick 7-Foot Multi Game (Pool and Table Tennis)

Specifications:

Let’s keep the ball rolling with another high-quality pool table from Hathaway.

For starters, the multi-game table offers billiards and table tennis settings. You won’t have to buy two separate tables because the Hathaway Maverick lets you play all your games in one.

The dimensions are also compatible with those with limited space at home. A 7-foot length, 46-inch width, and 31-inch height provide equal space for all four sides.

Say no more to hours of finding the perfect spot for your pool table!

Hathaway prides itself in quality construction with its chrome-plated corner caps. [R] These ensure that the table stays sealed and compact during the games.

A mixture of polyester and wool felt make up a smooth and well-rounded playing surface for your pool table. [R]

Uneven floors won’t be enough to spoil the fun because the Hathaway Maverick comes with additional leg levelers.

These adjust the height of all four legs, thus providing a balanced playing field for everyone.

Pros

Convenient 2-in-1 feature (Pool and Table Tennis)
Unbreakable chrome-plated corner caps
Proportional dimensions for the average room size
High-quality playing surface (polyester and wool felt)
Adjustable levelers for the pool table legs

Cons

The legs are not foldable

6. Hathaway Spartan 6′ Pool Table

Specifications:

Like the Hathaway Maverick, the Spartan pool table comes with a table tennis top and accessories (balls, net, and paddles included).
The installation process itself is easy because you only have to place the table tennis top above the pool frame, and you're ready to get that ping-pong action started.
Both the multiple options and 6-foot frame will have your kids engaged with different sporting activities to try out during their summer break.

Another 2-in-1 option that keeps up with the best portable pool tables is the Hathaway Spartan. Here are some reasons why this is the case.

Like the Hathaway Maverick, the Spartan pool table comes with a table tennis top and accessories (balls, net, and paddles included).
The installation process itself is easy because you only have to place the table tennis top above the pool frame, and you’re ready to get that ping-pong action started.
Both the multiple options and 6-foot frame will have your kids engaged with different sporting activities to try out during their summer break.

Standing at 100 pounds, bringing it to the house’s play space WON’T BE A HASSLE!

The Spartan pool table also provides you with everything you need, such as a table brush, cue sticks, a complete set of balls, and a racking triangle to organize the balls.

Pros

Complete set of accessories for both sports
Easy assembly process for the table tennis top
Ergonomic size for rooms with limited space
Lightweight size

Cons

Legs are not foldable

7. Costzon 47′ Folding Billiard Table

Specifications:

Costzon may be an underrated brand compared to its counterparts, but its folding pool table is still capable of giving you and your kids a fun time.

Quality materials make up most of the accessories. The balls are made out of resin, the cue stick uses whitewood, and the playing surface uses an MDF board.

Still not convinced yet? Four adjustable pads help your legs adapt to uneven ground.

Is limited space a cause for concern? Balanced dimensions (47’’ x 26’’ x 29’’) and foldable legs save a lot of space during and after the games.

Costzon emphasizes the NEED FOR FAMILY INTERACTION, so they included 2 cue sticks so that you can teach your child how to play the game properly.

The best part is you don’t need to assemble it anymore because the pool table will come to you fully assembled.

Pros

All accessories are present (triangle rack, table brush, cues, and balls)
Foldable legs save space
Lightweight size
No assembly needed
High-quality MDF playing surface

Cons

None we could find

What Are the Different Parts of a Portable Pool Table?

When it comes to playing any sport, it helps to learn about the environment. In basketball, familiarizing yourself with the court will lead you to a lot of buckets and highlights.

In the case of football, studying the field will garner you unforgettable touchdowns and field goals.

THE SAME GOES for the game of billiards.

It may be more complex than more popular sports, but dedicating time to knowing the pool table’s anatomy will bring you one step closer to WINNING the games.

Don’t worry because you won’t have to learn the table pool parts alone. We’ve got you covered with the different parts of the portable pool table. Let’s go over them one by one.

Head Rail– The cue ball is placed here at the start of the games.
Foot Rail – All the billiard balls are assembled here for breaking purposes.
Cushions – They make up the outer perimeter of the pool’s playing surface.
Rails – A cloth that protects the cushions.
Bed Cloth/Pool Table Felt– In charge of covering the playing surface.
Bed – The actual playing surface; most beds are made up of slate.
Cabinet End/Side – Supports the slate’s topmost part and is referred to as the “body” of the pool table.
Blinds – These are located at the side of the top rail.
Legs – Raises the pool table and provides support for the cabinet
Leg Levelers – Evens the playing field by leveling the table
Drop Pockets – The balls fall here. These are usually made up of leather material.

The best portable pool tables may not have every single part most professional pools possess, BUT these have the essential parts needed for all billiards games.

Indeed, each portable pool table simulates the game-like atmosphere, so you will get the same experience most professional billiards players get.

Why Should You Choose a Portable Pool Table?

Indeed, there are so many advantages a folding pool table possesses over its regular-sized counterpart.

If you are still not convinced even after browsing through our product reviews, we highly suggest going over each benefit to know what you are getting.

Portability

One major advantage the portable pool table offers is its superior lightweight abilities. This feature allows you to move the foldable table around the house until you find the perfect spot.

Most portable tables also have folding legs, which is a huge plus for assembly and storage purposes.

You won’t have to worry about bulky billiard tables getting in the way of your living room once the games have concluded.

Affordability

We’re sure you wouldn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on one pool table. Fortunately, most portable pool tables won’t require using up your entire savings account.

The manufacturers of such billiards tables emphasize the importance of making their products CHEAP and COST-EFFICIENT.

Unlike the more expensive standard pool tables, the portable alternative still gives you a top-tier pool experience for a fraction of the price.

Portable Pool Table Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Consider

Table Size

First and foremost, you need to determine the perfect table size for your portable pool table. Who enjoys the lack of space when playing a game of pool, right?

When in doubt, you should go for a billiard table that allocates at least 4-5 feet of extra space on EACH SIDE.

On the one hand, bigger pool tables simulate the professional game-like atmosphere full-sized billiard tables offer.
On the other hand, smaller tables have an easier assembly process and can fit most room sizes. These models also save space and provide easy folding for storage purposes.

Budget

One other important factor to consider when looking for a portable pool table is how much you are willing to spend.

Most portable pool tables have an average cost of $200-$500. Some of the more high-end tables that offer extra accessories can go for a lot more than that.

If you’re running on a tight budget, there’s no reason to be discouraged because the cheaper pool tables only cost $70-$100.

In fact, our best budget pick has a price tag of roughly $17.

The bottom line is that there are pool tables for every budget, so no one should feel left out.

Materials

Now that we’re done talking about price, let’s hop on the materials.

Even though we are only discussing portable pool tables, you have to make sure their build quality match or come close to the standard pool tables.

Playing Surface

Most professional billiard players will tell you that SLATE is the best playing surface among all the rest. Unfortunately, pool tables made out of slate will cost you thousands of dollars.

Thankfully, most portable pool tables use MDF (medium-density fiberboard), a cheaper option.

Some commercial sites and buildings include MDF because of its strength and water-resistant qualities, so it is safe to say your portable billiard will be in good hands. [R]

Playing Bed

You also want to take a look at the materials used for the pool’s playing bed.

Most non-professional pool tables use wool cloth.

But if you want a FASTER BALL ROLL, you may want to go for a pool table that utilizes worsted wool. [R]

Before placing the balls on the table, make sure to check the cloth to see whether if all sides are laid out evenly. The last thing you want is your pool balls to fall off the table due to uneven covering by the cloth.

Keep an eye on the bumpers and cushions too, because they are in charge of giving your billiard balls a steady bounce.

Leg Levelers

The first two materials won’t be put to good use if you cannot level your pool table.

Even if most tables possess foldable legs, they may not be enough to keep your table straight and balanced.

However, there’s no need to fear because leg levelers are here to save the day. They ensure to give the pool table a uniform playing field no matter how uneven the floor may be.

We highly recommend you buy portable pool tables that already come with leg levelers.

It may cost you a little extra, but you will realize that it’s a worthy investment when you start enjoying the games without any difficulties.

Health and Safety

We cannot let you buy any of these portable pool tables without emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health and safety.

The thing with billiards is some of the items and accessories can be hazardous to kids and even some adults.

Let’s take cue chalks, for example.

We believe that using chalk is a great way to teach kids and beginners the fundamentals of playing billiard games.

However, if there is no supervision from a parent or guardian, let’s just say that chalk may affect the kids’ health. [R]

Some pool cues are sharper than others, so being clumsy while handling the cue is a huge no-no. You would not want to poke yourself on the eye or other parts of your body.

We’re not here to scare you, but we want to raise health awareness so that there won’t be any casualties in the middle of your games.

Fun Playing Experience

Last but not least, have fun! All these reminders won’t mean anything if you do not enjoy your playing experience.

It is also important to note you don’t need to be an expert to fully enjoy your games at the pool table. Of course, being knowledgeable about the game of billiards gives you an upper edge over your beginner friends.

However, be sure to avoid starting a feud over a game of billiards. We want you and your friends to have a fun time playing at the portable pool table.

Besides the friendly banter and competition, playing a game of pool helps you take a break from your mobile device and busy schedule.

Indeed, doing recreational activities like billiards serves as a great way to unwind after a long week at work. [R]

What Questions Should You Answer Before Buying the Best Portable Pool Table?

Before we let you hop onto the store to begin searching for the best portable pool table option for your home, please keep in mind the following questions.

Browsing through many portable pool tables may give you a confusing time looking for the right one.

Your ability to provide reasons and answers to each question serves as a useful tool to narrow down your choices.

Who Are Your Intended Players?

Make a list of potential candidates that will be playing billiards: Are they kids? Grown-ups? Beginners? Experts? Aspiring billiard athletes?

Determining your target audience will help you choose a portable pool table that best suits your family and friends.

Are you and your acquaintances also interested in other sports like table tennis and air hockey?

If that’s the case, you should buy portable pool tables that offer multiple games. This will diversify your knowledge of other sports and provide your guests multiple options besides billiards.

Will You Be Playing Often?

You need to keep in mind that the average folding pool table will fall in the hundreds range.

If you are the type that wants to channel your inner “Mamba Mentality”(R.I.P. Kobe Bryant) by practicing the sport every single day, then going for the high-end portable pool tables is a worthy investment. [R]

However, if you plan to use it sparingly, we recommend you go for the cheaper tables.

Of course, if you have the money for the expensive models, go ahead and purchase them by all means.

Do You Want to Use Your Portable Pool Table for Decorative Purposes?

Just like the Christmas tree, the pool table can serve as a decoration for your household.

If you are conscious about making the living room stylish and presentable, you will have to take the pool design more seriously.

You cannot settle for any other folding pool table. It has to resemble the vintage billiard table in terms of overall craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

Elements like a functional ball return system, fully-colored billiard balls, original felt, and high-performance wood should do the trick.

Is Warranty Offered In Case My Pool Gets Damaged?

Warranty tends to be one of the most overlooked factors when buying a portable pool table. As a responsible buyer, you need to pay close attention to the warranty service. [R]

It will be your savior when catastrophe strikes on the pool table.

Most brands take pride in excellent customer service, and the portable pool table industry should be no different.

We’re certain you wouldn’t want to spend a huge chunk of money just to replace your damaged pool table with a brand new one.

The best way to avoid this is by checking the warranty terms and conditions to see whether your pool table can receive proper maintenance.

Conclusion

Billiards is a fun sport, and there are so many quality portable pool tables to choose from.

However, you need to make sure to find the best portable pool table that suits your personal needs and brings you closer to your goal of nonstop fun for family and friends.

We may have listed some of the best portable pool tables, but the choice is still yours to make.

Take into account the space, budget, and overall interest in the sport. These will help you determine which one stands out the most.

Happy shopping and have fun!

How to Level a Pool Table

Posted on April 23, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

How to Level a Pool Table

Ever played the winning shot at pool only to have the ball tilt to one side because of an unlevel pool table? Heartbreaking.

While a pack of cards may do the trick in a jiffy, it’s not exactly the most long-term or aesthetic solution.

If you’ve been looking for ways to level your pool table, this is your cue. Read on to find out how.

Find Out If Your Pool Table Is Level: What You’ll Need

The ways you can level a pool table will depend on the materials you have on hand.

Just to cover all bases, you can use:

Carpenter’s level
App
A marble and piece of glass
Cue ball

#1 Using A Carpenter’s Level

The best way to check for level issues is to use a carpenter’s level. A carpenter’s level will measure the plumb and straightedge level of your pool table.

While there are analog or digital types of carpenter’s level, the MOST COMMON ones have a simple tube of liquid with air bubbles inside to check for unlevel surfaces.

Simply place the carpenter’s level on the side of the table you want to check and see IF THE BUBLLES settle in the middle of the two marked lines of the level.

For your pool table, it’s best to measure the following areas:

All four sides of the table
The middle of the table
Playing surface of the table
Surface areas near the table pockets

How It Helps You:

What’s nice about using a carpenter level is that you can place it on different areas on your pool table to help pinpoint the exact location of the problem.

#2 Using An App

While not everyone may have a carpenter level handy, it’s safe to say almost everyone has a smartphone nowadays.

Download a ‘bubble level’ app on your Android phone or simply use the Compass app on your iPhone.

Simply use your device as a level by placing it on the surface of your pool table or against all four sides. Follow the app instructions on how to check for levelness.

How It Helps You:

While an app may not be as accurate as a carpenter level, it will definitely be able to tell you if your pool table is grossly skewed towards one side.

From there, it will be easier to diagnose the reason (i.e., uneven floors or a short table leg) and address the situation.

#3 Using A Marble and A Piece Of Glass

Using marble and a piece of window glass is another SIMPLE way to test the levelness of your pool table if you don’t have a carpenter level.

Again, it’s important to measure all sides of your pool table using this marble technique to find the problematic area.

It also helps to observe how much the marble rolls and to what side to determine the severity and direction of the skew.

How It Helps You:

Simply place the piece of glass on the surface of the table you want to test.

Then, put the marble on top.

If the marble stays on the window glass and does not move, your table is level.
If it rolls one way or another, then that particular surface of the table is not level.

#4 Using Cue Balls

Finally, when all else fails, use your cue ball!

Take your cue ball and roll it STRAIGHT DOWN the length of whichever side of your pool table you’re testing.

The only thing you need to do is carefully observe the plane of movement. SQUAT DOWN so that your eye level is in line with the ball’s height. This angle allows you to see in which direction the ball rolls.

How It Helps You:

If the cue ball rolls slightly to one side, that side may not be level.

Let’s Level

In case you’ve found that your pool table isn’t level, there are several ways to address the issue.

Now, depending on whether your pool table has adjustable legs or not, you may need to use certain pool leg levelers.

We’ll tackle both scenarios in this guide.

If Your Pool Table Has Adjustable Legs

Aside from checking the instruction manual that came with your pool table, you can easily check if your table has adjustable legs by checking if it has screw-on levelers.

If you want to raise or lower a side of your table, enlist a friend’s help to lift the table. Then simply adjust the problem leg by turning it right for more height and left for less elevation.

Keep checking the evenness by constantly referencing back to your carpenter level to check if the changes you made bring you closer to a level table.

Adjusting the legs on your pool table is mostly a trial-and-error exercise, so it will take a little patience on your part to get the table level just right.

Top tip: Some pool tables also have metal plates on their legs you can remove to adjust the table height.

If Your Pool Table Doesn’t Have Adjustable Legs

In case your pool table doesn’t have adjustable legs, don’t fret! There are several ways on how to level a pool table.

#1 Simply Tighten The Screws

Sometimes, the reason for an uneven playing surface is because the SLATE SCREWS under pool tables LOOSEN over time.

We suggest going this way first and then moving onto other solutions in case you find that the table surface is still skewed to one side.

#2 Shims

A simple and cost-effective way to even out a pool table is by using shims.

Fast Fact: A shim is a thin and usually tapered or wedged piece of material used to fill in small gaps and spaces between two objects, like the table legs and the floor.

Shims are also easily found in home improvement or hardware stores which makes this solution one of the more straightforward ones when it comes tackling how to level a pool table.

To use a shim in leveling a pool table, follow these steps:

Using your carpenter level, find out which corner of your billiard table has a slope.
Ask someone to help you lift the table off the floor.
Place the shim under the leg of the problematic corner.
When dealing with slate pool tables, you will need to SLIGHTLY LOOSEN the screws holding the slate in place. You can then lift it up and insert the metal shim between the slate and the table.
Check if the adjustment made with the wooden or metal shims addressed the skew.

Keep in mind that leveling a billiards table with shims is as much a trial-and-error process as balancing the table with adjustable leg levelers.

You may also need to add more than one shim so it’s probably best to pick up a couple of shims at the hardware store if you’re going the shim route.

When using a shim, just remember to consider the type of material your billiard table is made of. A WOODEN SHIM might be too weak for a slate table, so it would be best to use metal shims instead.

#3 FlatJax

When it comes to leveling a pool table, even the smallest of adjustments can make the BIGGEST differences.

FlatJax is one of the few reliable pool table levelers designed to make the leveling process easy while still delivering dependable precision.

Each FlatJax plate comes with a ball driver so you can make minute adjustments, even those that are thousands of an inch which gives you more control than using shims.

To get started on leveling your pool table with FlatJax, follow these simple steps:

Make sure all your FlatJax plates are in the fully-lowered position.
Ask a friend to help you hoist the table up then place one FlatJax plate under each leg.
Using your leveling tool, determine which corner is higher than the rest. Do not raise the FlaxJax plate of that corner.
Raise the FlatJax leg levelers of the rest of the corners of your pool table to meet the height of the highest corner.
Level the table along its length first then side to side using the FlatJax ball driver.

Remember that each clockwise full turn of the driver RAISES the FlatJax leg levelers 0.004 of an inch, so a few turns won’t be visible to the eye.

At its fully elevated height, a FlatJax plate raises up an additional 3/8 of an inch so keep checking your billiards table as settling may happen.

Fine Tuning: Pro Tips on How to Level A Pool Table

It’s easy to even out your pool table when it has such a huge angle of skew because the discrepancy is so obvious. All you have to do is adjust a leg or simply throw a shim under the table.

However, leveling a pool table when the slope is more minute gets much harder because you’re trying to get the balance just right.

#1 Check Levels Horizontally And Vertically

You might be tempted to use your carpenter level in the middle of the table and call it a day.

Unfortunately, most leveling issues are found at the sides of the table which you won’t catch if you just place your carpenter level in the middle of the surface.

Here’s a guide to follow:

First, use your carpenter level in a vertical direction to check the entire length of your table.
Then, turn it the other way to check horizontally.
When going in a horizontal direction, line up your carpenter level with the diamonds painted on each side of the table.
Check the entire length again.

#2 Use the Center of the Playing Surface as Your Benchmark

Line up your carpenter level using the center pockets in the middle of your table.

Then, slide the carpenter level SLIGHTLY from one side to the other to check which end of your table might be experiencing issues.

#3 Don’t Forget to Check Diagonally, Too.

This last tip is really to check whether all areas of your game surface are finally level.

Place your carpenter level diagonally from each of the table pockets. If your table is balanced, the bubble should be in the center and not skewed in one direction.

Cost Comparison: Leveling Service vs Doing It Yourself

There are several professional services that offer to level billiards tables for a fee.

However, this leveling process includes everything from refelting the table, evening out the table legs, and making sure the table is ready for a game.

Some services offer a fixed rate while others charge an hourly rate. Regardless of the cost structure, expect to shell out $250 to almost $400 for a professional service.

Even if they’re just there to fix your table legs, you could end up paying a sizable sum.

Definitely consider calling a friend for help to level your pool table yourself. After all, there are several DIY options that are fast, easy, and affordable and won’t take much more than a couple of minutes.

En Fin

Pool tables need to be leveled from time to time to account for sag due to gravity, people sitting on it, and other factors beyond your control.

That said, remember that you don’t have to get your table completely level in order to enjoy playing a game on it.

Unless you’re playing professional pool, shooting for ‘more or less’ even is good enough for a relaxing game with friends.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, let us know in the comments and share your own inside tips and tricks to leveling your pool table.

How to Hang a Dartboard on Different Surfaces

Posted on March 11, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

How to Hang a Dartboard on Different Surfaces

Getting started with darts? You have to consider a few things before hanging it up. The position of your dartboard will affect your aim and throwing motion. You also have to consider the surface of the wall that you’re going to use. In this article, you’ll learn about the dimensions needed for the proper distance of the throw line to the dart board and how to properly mount on specific wall surfaces.

Things to Consider

Before you get started, here are a few things you have to consider and measure.

Materials Needed

Tape measure
Stud finder
Dartboard and cabinet kit
Level
2 1/2 inch wood screws
Power drill with long screw tip
Plumbline or string
Screwdriver

Height and Distance Regulations

It’s best to consider the measurements stated in the Official Dartboard Regulations when you hang a dartboard.

The official height of a dartboard from the floor to the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches / 1.73 meters. This is the eye level for people 6 feet tall.

When you hang your dartboard, the distance of the bulls eye from the throwline on the floor will depend on the type of dart you’re going to use.

If you’re playing with soft-tipped darts, your throw line or toe line should be 7 feet 9 1/4 inches / 7.23 meters measured from the face of the board. If you have steel tip darts, increase the distance to 8 feet.

Take note that these measurements do not include the thickness of your dart board. Make sure that you measure directly from the front face of the dartboard.

Dartboard Regulation Measurements:

Dartboard Diameter – 17 3/4 inches / 451 mm with 20 radial sections
Center Bull Dartboard Height – 5 feet 8 inches
Minimum Throwing Distance – 7 feet 9.25 inches (soft tip), 8 feet (steel tip)
Diagonal Distance from Bullseye to Back of Throw Line – 9 feet 7.5 inches
Height of Raised Throw Line – 1.5 inches
Length of Raised Throw Line – 2 feet
Conversion Factor – 0.3837 inches

Best Location

Pick a location where you have a clear area of 5 feet wide and 11 feet long to hang your dartboard. Make sure that this area is not beside a door, glass, pathway, bathrooms, or other fragile items. Darts can bounce over 8 feet from the bulls eye. It’s best to place your dart board in an open area like a basement, a game room, or your backyard. Pick a place where there’s not a lot of foot traffic happening. The wall area must be a few feet away from windows, electrical boxes, cabinets, or any other furniture potential to damage. Make sure that there is at least 2 feet clearance behind the toe line. The most important thing is to look for enough space so that the dart won’t hit people passing-by or anything fragile.

Floor Protection and Level

You also have to consider the flooring of your chosen area. Your dart can break, and the points can be dulled if you have concrete, stone, or tile floors. You’d also want to avoid having darts on vinyl, linoleum, or wood floors. Darts can bounce from the face of the board and puncture holes on these types of floor surfaces. You can use a carpet strip or dart mat that goes for around 3 feet wide and extending 2 feet 6 inches beyond your throwline to keep your floor or carpeting safe. The floor of the space you’ve chosen should be level. This will improve your stance and prevent any accidents when throwing darts. You can use cardboard pieces or carpet rugs under the dart mat. This will help level your floor space.

Wall Protection

Your darts might also end up colliding with your wall. This can damage both soft tip and steel tip darts. Best to cover the wall area surrounding your dart boards with the same dart mat.

How to Hang a Dartboard on a Drywall

If you’re going to hang your dartboard on drywall, the best option is to mount it on a wall stud. The wall stud provides enough support for the weight of your dartboard. Dartboards usually weigh around 10 pounds or more. This can potentially rip mounting screws out of the walls if your board is hung without wall anchors.

Find a stud around the wall you’ve chosen using a stud finder.
Measure 68 inches up from the floor to the wall where the stud is located. Mark this spot. This where you will put the bottom cup of the mounting bracket.
Hold the bracket in the marked spot, open side-up. This is so that the dartboard can slide into place.
Mark pilot holes through the bracket holes with a pencil.
Remove the bracket and slightly drill pilot holes on the marks. The holes should be slightly narrower than the screws of the bracket set.
Position the wall bracket for the bracket holes to line up with the holes you made onto the walls.
Grab the screws included with the mounting hardware. Insert and tighten them on the pilot holes.

Wall Anchors and Toggle Bolts

Can’t use wall brackets? You can opt to use heavy-duty wall anchors or toggle bolts instead. Especially for plaster walls, toggle bolts are needed for enough holding power. The anchors and bolts that you’re going to use should be made to hold stuff heavier than your dartboard. Count the number of holes needed to mount the dartboard bracket. To hang your dartboard, use one anchor or toggle bolt for each screw hole. If you’re hanging a dartboard cabinet, use one anchor near each corner. Dartboard cabinets should already have mounting holes. Drill holes in the wall. Make sure it’s wide enough for the wall anchor or the toggle bolts to fit snugly.

Wall Anchors

If you’re using a wall anchor, push and hammer it into the hole until the screw opening shows. Insert the screws on the holes of the dartboard mounting bracket.
Tighten the screws into an anchor with a screwdriver.

Toggle Bolts

If you’re using a toggle bolt, remove the wings first. Push the bolt through the holes on the dartboard mounting bracket and then re-attach the wings.
Push the wings of the bolt into the wall and tighten it with a screwdriver. Apply pressure for the wings to stick against the backside of the wall.

Finally, slide the dartboard or dartboard cabinet on the wall brackets. Hold the dartboard near the wall and slowly slide it down to the mounting bracket.

Mounting a Dartboard on Brick or Concrete

It’s not advisable to directly mount a dartboard on brick or concrete walls, especially for steel-tipped darts. The tip of your darts will be damaged if it strays away from the board and hits a hard, concrete surface. If your only location choice is a brick or block wall, it’s recommended that you mount a sheet of plywood first. The plywood must be several feet taller and wider than the dartboard. Your dartboard should be hung from the center of the plywood. The center hole should be at the proper darting height.

Pick a location to mount your plywood, then use masking tape to plot out the board’s perimeter.
Drill pilot holes for every foot on all sides of the board. The holes should be drilled into the face of the board and not the edges.
Hold the board up against the wall, then grab a pencil. Mark the wall through the pilot holes.
Remove the board and proceed to drill the marked spots. The hole sizes should match with the concrete screws.
Have the board up against the wall again and insert one concrete screw into each hole. Tighten them with a screwdriver.

You can also choose to mount the dartboard against the plywood backer board with the same instructions. With this, you can use simple wall anchors attached to the plywood backer.

How to Hang a Dartboard Without Screws or Nails

If you’re renting an apartment or a condo unit, you might not want to damage your wall to hang your board permanently.

Here are some tools you can resort to:

3m Command Hooks
3m Double Sided Tape (depending on the weight and size of your dart board)
Hang your dartboard on a large and thick piece of plywood positioned against the wall.

You can also try asking your landlord first if they can allow you to poke a few holes on the wall for your dartboard.

Conclusion

The best way to hang a dartboard will depend on the type of wall you have. Many of these dartboards already come with the tools you need. When choosing a method to hang your dartboards, you have to consider their weight, your floor, and the type of dart that comes with it. If you have a question, feel free to comment below!

6 Best Bristle Dartboard For Your Game Room At Home

Posted on March 11, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

6 Best Bristle Dartboard For Your Game Room At Home

Even if you’re just a beginner, investing in a high-quality dart board will benefit you in the long-run. One of the recommended dart boards, regardless of skill level, is the bristle dartboard. Whether you’re purchasing one for practice or just for fun, a bristle dartboard is the best pick. They’re high-quality, affordable, and sustainable. Bristle dartboards are made out of self-healing materials which makes it very durable and usable in the long-run. Here are some of the best bristle dartboards in the market:

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks:

Image

Products

Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard with All-New Thinner Wiring for Higher Scoring and Reduced Bounce-Outs , BLACK WHITE RED, 1.50 x 17.75 x 17.75 inches

Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dart Board with Ultra Slim Segmentation – 30% Thinner Than Conventional Boards – For Increased Scoring and Reduced Bounce-Outs

Unicorn Eclipse Pro: Best Value

Viper by GLD Products Shot King Regulation Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard Set with Staple-Free Bullseye, Galvanized Metal Radial Spider Wire; High-Grade Compressed Sisal Board with Rotating Number Ring, Includes 6 Darts, Black, 17.75 inch

Viper Shot King Sisal Fiber Bristle Dartboard: Best Budget Pick

Viper League Pro Regulation Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard Starter Set with Staple-Free Bullseye, Radial Spider Wire, High-Grade Sisal with Rotating Number Ring, Chalk Cricket Scoreboard, Steel Tip Darts

Viper League Pro Sisal / Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard

Viper AIM 360 Tournament Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard Set with Staple-Free Razor Thin Metal Spider Wire, Self-Healing Premium-Grade Sisal, Aiming Marks, Movable Target Circles for Focused Training

Viper Aim 360 Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard

Winmau Diamond Plus

6 Best Bristle Dartboards to Use at Home [2021]

1. Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard: Best Overall

Specifications:

Professional bristle dartboard with exclusive British Darts Organization (BDO) endorsement.
Increased scoring area with 14% thinner wiring system than the previous generation Blade 4 for higher scoring potential.
Reduced bounce-outs and improved dart deflection with 30-degree reduction in razor wire angle.

If we’re talking about quality, the Winmau Blade 5 Bristle is the best bristle dartboard out of the bunch. This bristle dartboard is made of high-density sisal fiber.

Sisal Fiber makes the dartboard durable with its elasticity and tensile strength. This lengthens the life expectancy of the board. Once the darts are pulled out, the high-density fiber instantly self-heals.

It’s one of the longest-lasting dartboards as its bullseye ring has a steel reinforcement that uses carbon diffusion technology.

The sharp wiring and the bullseye of this dartboard are built to prevent bounce-outs. The razor wires make the darts glide smoothly into the dartboard. It also has a movable number ring that makes it very durable.

Compared to other models, its wire angles have a thirty-degree reduction, meaning more space for a larger playing area.

What makes this the best bristle dartboard is its double-coating of bristle. A normal dartboard usually has one layer of bristle which makes the wooden backend vulnerable to damage.

It can be a bit pricey, but its quality is worth it. This bristle dartboard is usually preferred by serious dart players. It’s also endorsed by the British Darts Organization.

This high-quality bristle dartboard has a triple wheel lock-and-level system with adjustable points.

This supports the rotation of the dartboard to align it perfectly and safely secure to any type of surface. Though, it is advised to put a cork slab prior to mounting the dartboard to protect your wall.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 17.8 inches (tournament size is 18 inches)
Thickness: 1.5 inches
Weight: 10.7 lbs

Pros

Durable construction with double bristle layer for long-term use.
Staple free and extra thin wiring and bullseye for more playing area.
Sharp wiring for minimal bounce outs
Triple-wheel lock system with movable number ring for secure installation.
Endorsed by British Darts Organization for professional dartboard play.

Cons

Darts are not included
No warranty information

2. Unicorn Eclipse Pro: Best Value

Specifications:

The quality of the Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dart Board comes close to Winmau. It’s just slightly cheaper. If you are a casual player or a beginner on a budget, this might just be the better choice.

It has the same good qualities as Winmau as it is also staple-free bullseye, has sharp wiring, a rotatable number ring, and durable construction.

Some dart boards use staples in their wirings which leads to increased bounce outs. This dartboard apparently has a 30% thinner segmentation system compared to other bristle dartboards.

A reason why it’s one of the best bristle dartboards is because it’s built with a Spider 2 Radial wiring system. This increases the board scoring area and lessens bounce outs. It also comes with a removable number ring.

This dart board has a standard tournament size of 18.1 inches diameter. Hence, this bristle dartboard is endorsed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and is used in PDC world championship tournaments.

The Eclipse Pro is a professional dartboard that’s very beginner-friendly and durable. It’s built for less bounce-outs and more scores for a game of darts.

Though, compared to Winmau Blade 5, this bristle dartboard isn’t as easy to mount. It’s recommended to keep it in the same place.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 18.1 inches
Thickness: 2 inches
Weight: 9.3 lbs

Pros

Affordable price for a casual or beginner player.
Professional dartboard endorsed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
Tournament Size.
Used by professional dart players.
Removable number ring and has a staple free build.
Cheaper than Winmau
Thinner Spider 2 wiring system for increased scoring area and less bounce outs.

Cons

Does not include darts.
Not as easy to mount or install.

3. Viper Shot King Sisal Fiber Bristle Dartboard: Best Budget Pick

Specifications:

Self-Healing Sisal Fibers - Compressed sisal fibers heal over time, ensuring your dart board is always ready for more, perfect for steel tip darts.
Circular Spider Wire - Galvanized steel spider wire and staple-free bullseye helps to reduce bounce-outs and deflections.
Regulation Size - 17.75” diameter face so you’ll play on the same size dart board as the pros.

Similar to Winmau Blade 5, the Viper Shot King is made out of sisal fibers. These sisal fibers have been compressed to make it as durable as possible. This is the best bristle dartboard for casual players.

Its design also prevents bounce-outs with its staple-free bullseye. This bristle dartboard comes with a movable number ring as well for durability. It also has a tournament size of 18 inches.

Though it’s not staple-free, this steel tip dartboard viper model has a spider wiring system that has rounded wires.

This allows the darts to smoothly slide off the wiring and land on the playing surface. It has all the main features you need at a pretty affordable price.

This sisal bristle dart board comes with a mounting hardware for easier set-up. The Viper Cabinet comes with a 3 led lighting system and a laser oche. The wooden cabinet provides added wall protection and locks when not in use.

The Viper Shot King Bristle Dartboard comes with two sets of darts (a total of six steel tip darts). This model can also be played with soft tip darts but you have to buy them separately.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 18 inches
Thickness: 1.8 inches
Weight: 11 lbs.

Pros

Removable number ring to allow the board to heal.
Thin spider for larger playing surface.
Includes two sets of steel tip darts.
Rounded wires for the darts to slide off into playing surface.
Compatible for both soft and steel tip darts.
Affordable tournament bristle board that’s fit for all skill levels.
Easy to attach other accessories to the dartboard cabinet.

Cons

Wiring is not staple free

4. Viper League Pro Sisal / Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard

Specifications:

Constructed from sisal bristle fibers compressed together, providing unsurpassed durability.
Features a staple-free bullseye which helps prevent bounce-outs; A movable number ring further extends the dartboard's life.
Viper League Pro is an official tournament size board, measuring 18" in diameter and 1.5" D; Dartboard accommodates both steel tip and soft tip darts.

No matter the skill levels, the Viper Pro Bristle Dartboard is the best bristle dartboard for a game of darts with friends.

This sisal dartboard comes with a cricket scoreboard along with a chalk and eraser. The set also includes three steel tip darts. It’s the best option to put in a games room where you take your friends.

This model has all the features needed for a bristle dartboard. It has a movable number ring, a dense sisal board, and a staple-free bullseye. Credits to Viper for this wonderful piece!

Although, it’s best used if you and your friends are only using it as casual players.

Compared to the other dartboards, the wiring of this sisal board model is thick and round. This can result in poor prevention of bounce-outs compared to the higher quality bristle dartboards.

This particular bristle steel tip dartboard also does not have staple-free wiring.

Though, if you’re playing darts just for fun and you’re not particular with precision, this Viper League Pro Bristle Dartboard might be a better option.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 18 inches
Thickness: 1.5 inches
Weight: 9.4 lbs

Pros

Great for casual players
Very dense and durable sisal board for long-term usage.
Tournament size.
Moveable number ring.
Includes a board for the scoring system with chalk and eraser.
Comes with 3 steel tip darts.
Can be used for both soft and steel tip darts.

Cons

Wiring is not staple-free and is a bit thicker and round, makes it prone to more bounce-outs.

5. Viper Aim 360 Bristle Steel Tip Dartboard

Specifications:

Tournament quality regulation 18 inch diameter face, constructed from high grade self-healing compressed Sisal fibers.
High resolution diamond markers, in doubles and triples, give the board a classy new look while giving you laser focus on hard to reach segments.
Staple-free spider utilizes razor thin galvanized wires, greatly increasing the surface area, which help to prevent bounce-outs.

What makes the Viper Aim 360 bristle dartboard unique is its high-resolution diamond markers on each section of the dartboard. This model is the best bristle dartboard for added precision.

Compared to other bristle boards, the Viper Aim 360 is best for training. The diamond markers on its playing surface help you develop a precise aim.

This board also has the same features as a basic dartboard model.

It comes with a staple-free wiring system to prevent bounce-outs, a moveable ring for added durability, and thin razor wire to increase playing area. More than that, it also has moveable training targets.

It’s also made out of self-healing sisal. This material is perfect for long-term durability if you’re going to use it for frequent precision training.

You can also move the diamond markers and aiming circles around the board to help you focus on specific areas.

If you’re aiming to train for a precise hit on the bullseye, this board is for you. Out of all the bristle dartboards, the features of this dartboard are perfectly built for those who plan to regularly train or practice.

It comes at a very affordable price. One of the cheapest best bristle dartboards in the market, but still high quality.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 18 inches
Thickness: 1.8 inches
Weight: 11 lbs.

Pros

Perfect board for precision training.
Self-healing sisal that’s built to last.
Thin wiring to prevent bounce outs.
Staple free wiring and bullseye
Moveable aiming circles and diamond markers to perfect your aim.
High-resolution diamond markers

Cons

Strictly for training, not be suitable for tournaments.

6. Winmau Diamond Plus

Specifications:

The Winmau Diamond Plus is similar to other Winmau bristle dartboards in terms of quality. This dartboard is perfect for an advanced level of darts.

Its bristles are tightly packed for quick self-healing and long-term durability. Though it might not prevent bounce-outs as well as the other bristle dartboards.

It has a refined triangular wiring system with a bullseye that’s staple-free. However, the wiring of this dartboard isn’t staple-free. Its wires aren’t as thin as the Winmau blade dartboards. But in terms of durability and quality, it’s not much different from the other dartboards.

Drawbacks-aside, this board is also endorsed by the British Darts Organization and includes an official darts booklet. It is recognized to have a CNC precision-engineered sisal base.

Main Features

Dartboard diameter: 17.75 inches
Thickness: 1.5 inches
Weight: 10.5 lbs

Pros

Moveable ring
Sharp wiring and bullseye
Bristle dartboard perfect for advanced darts
Durable sisal bristle dartboard

Cons

Wiring is not staple free
Might not be suitable for beginners and casual players.

Bristle Dartboard Vs. Cork Dart Boards

A cork dart board is pretty cost-effective. Although, most dartboard players aren’t a big fan of it. They’re very much not as durable as bristle dartboards. If you’re planning to use a dartboard long-term, the cork board isn’t the best choice. It’s not as durable as a bristle one. Though, if you’re looking for a cheaper option for a quick game of darts, then you might want to consider buying one. These two different types of dartboards are usually mistaken as the same thing. Cork boards tend to have a short life expectancy as it easily gets worn out. It has features that make it a good choice for kids’ play and for beginners. But if you’re planning to play darts for a while, you might want to invest in a bristle dartboard that has a longer life expectancy, built with its durable material.

Things to Consider When Buying a Bristle Dartboard

If you’re still thinking about which board to get, here are some things you need to consider for you to make the right choice.

Purpose

When choosing a board, you have to consider how you intend to use it. Are you going to use it for casual play, serious play, or training?

If you’re planning to buy one for casual play, you might not want to spend much on a professional board. You might not need a lot of the high-end features that some of these dartboards have.

But if you’re planning on having a serious game of darts, then you might need to shell out a few bucks for a pro board.

If you intend to use it long-term and for heavy use, better to choose those with rotating rings and double sisal layers for extra durability.

Size / Dimensions

Take a look at your game room or whatever location you’re planning to set-up your board. Make sure you have enough space for it and the right measurements needed for a game of darts.

If you have enough space, it might be nice to invest in one that includes a dartboard cabinet. The cabinet might take a lot of space, but it helps preserve your board and keeps everything you need for darts organized.

Most bristle boards are 18 inches in diameter, which is a standard size for pro darts. They are also usually 1.5 inches thick. These are the official measurements stated in pro dart rules.

If you’re just planning on playing casually without much space, you can look for a board with a smaller size.

Sisal Density

All bristle boards are made out of sisal fibers that make it very durable due to its self-healing qualities. But what’s important is its density.

For long-term use, you have to look for a board that has densely packed sisals. Its density determines how fast and effective the board recovers from a dart puncture.

But take note that if the material is too dense, the darts tend to be pushed out of the board.

Most manufacturers do not state the density of the board. If it’s not explicitly stated, it’s safe to assume that it has regular density.

Moveable Ring

Determining if the number ring is moveable or not is a big factor for board durability. The number ring surrounds the board surface and makes it easier to see the scoring.

Having your number ring moveable limits the board’s wear and tear. Some games can be a bit too focused and intense in certain areas. Having a moveable ring allows you to change the number sectors.

Besides making sure it’s moveable, you also have to consider the material it’s made of.

Sometimes the darts damage those made out of plastic easily. It’s best to pay attention to the type of number ring the board comes along with if you’re planning to use it long-term.

Bounce Out Rating

A dart is prone to hitting a hard surface on the board which causes it to bounce out, thus making you not earn any points.

A board’s bounce out is affected by the material of the main scoring area of the board as well as its bullseye and wiring. You must look at all of these parts of the board.

If a bristle is too dense, it’ll be hard for a dart to penetrate the surface.
If the wiring is too thick, the thrown dart is prone to hitting it more than the scoring area.

Wiring

The wiring will be the one that’s mostly responsible for your board’s bounce-out rate. Its quality has a big impact on a board’s playability.

Thick and round wires are prone to bounce out as there is a greater probability for a dart to hit it rather than the playing area.

Make sure that the wirings are sharp and thin so that it will naturally direct the dart onto the playing area.

This is very important because, in an actual game, you’re given a limited number of throws. If your dart bounces off the board, your throw is counted, but you earn no points.

Along with the wiring, you also have to consider these factors with the bullseye. Check if your board has them stapled in or not. Usually, the cheaper boards just staple these onto the board, increasing a board’s bounce-out rate. Best to get one that doesn’t use staples.

Darts

Some boards come along with a set of darts, mostly steel. You might also want to take a look at the quality of these.

A dart has these parts:

Flight & Shaft: directs the travel of the dart from the thrower to the board.
Barrel: where you grip before throwing.
Tip: pierces the surface of the board.

Darts are available in different weights, usually depending on the material. Obviously, soft tip darts are lighter than steel ones.

Dart weight ranges around 10-20 grams for a soft tip and 15-28 grams for steel tip. A couple of differences in grams impacts the way a dart is thrown so make sure you keep it consistent.

Steel tip darts can easily damage walls, floors, objects, and anything that surrounds your board. It’s best to invest in a dartboard with a cabinet to protect the surrounding surfaces.

Price

Rule of thumb in buying dartboards, the bigger its playing surface, the pricier it is. Usually, if a dartboard comes with a cabinet, it’s also a bit more expensive.

Most good quality dartboards are in a price range of around $50-100. If the board you’re eye-ing is less than this, make sure to read the reviews. Chances are it’s not as high quality as the ones mentioned above.

The budget that you’re planning to set for buying a board should match with your playing goals. If you’re planning to seriously train for an actual darts competition, it’s good to invest in a pro model.

Higher quality boards will definitely cost a lot. But it’s a good choice for long-term training and use.

Final Thoughts

The best bristle dartboards have high-quality features that are worth investing in if you’re planning on taking your dart game seriously. Overall the best board should be tough, durable, and has a large playing surface. All of the boards mentioned above are great for various skill levels, but the best out of them all is the Winmau Blade 5 model. It’s best to get used to playing with a board that’s used in official tournaments. It’s a tad bit pricier than most. But if you’re determined to go pro, it passes all the features mentioned above.

How to Aim Darts: 8 Techniques to Quickly Improve Your Game

Posted on March 5, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

How to Aim Darts: 8 Techniques to Quickly Improve Your Game

So you want to up your accuracy when you throw darts? Getting a dart to hit bulls eye actually relies on several components, but the most crucial step is to aim the right way.

The game of darts is tricky. Knowing how to aim darts quickly, while maintaining both accuracy and precision, maximizes your results in the best way possible to enjoy your dart game better.

If you’re someone who wants to learn that impressive aim, this article is for you. So, how do you aim a dart? Let’s look at some strategies to polish your dart throwing skills.

8 Effective Techniques to Aim Darts With More Accuracy

1. Get Into a Proper Stance

Standing in a pro-stance can be vital in learning how to aim darts properly.

First, keep your whole body straight yet relaxed. Don’t bend your back; any unnecessary bend or twitch in your body can cause the dart to go off track.

Next, have your best foot forward. Place your dominant foot in front, and the other behind, but don’t position them too far away from each other. Just find your balance and stay focused.

Balance your body position by distributing your body weight equally. Planting too much of your body weight on one side throws your aim off.

Still, try to develop a posture that feels right and convenient for your aim. There’s no need to veer TOO far away from what feels comfortable.

2. Grip Your Dart Wisely

Because a good dart throw relies on letting go at the perfect time, how you grip your dart assists your trajectory; so grip that dart wisely.

For more serious dart players, there can be plenty of different ways to grip a dart. However, if you want to get a head start, we can start with the most basic yet most effective one – the pencil grip.

Getting the hang of learning any dart grip can really take quite some time to master, so don’t be discouraged if you fail a few times.

How to Hold a Dart

1. You need three fingers at most to grip the dart with accuracy so that you can have full control over the dart.

Balance it with your index and the middle finger clamping down the middle of the barrel or shaft from the top, and your thumb supporting it from the bottom. Don’t hold towards the backside of the dart.

Holding the barrel with your whole hand makes it hard to release the dart from all your fingers simultaneously, so it’s best to keep the count to three. You may support extra-long darts with your ring finger.

2. Avoid curling your fingers because this loosens the grasp you have on the body of your dart. Keep your fingers open at all times instead.

3. Have a firm but relaxed grip. Don’t put too much pressure on your finger muscles that your fingers turn white. Again, you want to release darts easily. At the same time, you want to make sure your hold isn’t flimsy either so that you can speed up your throws.

Make sure the rest of your fingers aren’t stiff and are easy to shift around. When in doubt in finding the right pressure to apply, it’s better to have a looser grip than a firm one.

3. Find Your Dominant Eye and Hand

Good hand-eye coordination comes with knowing how to use your more powerful hand and eye to your advantage.

We all know what our dominant hand is, but how can we tell which eye is our more dominant one?

Your dominant eye is simply the one that provides slightly more input to the visual cortex of your brain and relays information more accurately, such as the location of objects.

Most, but not all, people have a dominant eye, and the amount of dominance varies per person.

For some, it may be obvious to see which eye is dominant but because our eyes work together, it can also be tricky to figure it out.

How to Find Your Dominant Eye

Here are 3 simple tests you can do to find your dominant eye for darts:

Extend your finger in front of you, search for an object in the distance and point to it. Then, have one eye closed. If your finger appears to have moved far from the object then the closed eye is your dominant eye.
Put your hands out in front of you and make a triangle, positioning the bull’s eye at the center. Then, slowly bring your hands to your face, the whole time making sure to keep the target in the center of the triangle. Once your hands are near your face, you’ll find that your hands are not in the middle of your eyes but rather nearer either the left or right. This is your dominant eye.

Lastly: Try throwing three darts at a time per eye while the other is closed. The eye that you struggle keeping shut is your dominant eye.

Why Knowing This Matters for Darts

For games that require a precise aim and throw, your dominant eye helps to more accurately determine the position of your target. It’s what you’ll use primarily to aim darts.

When throwing darts, one of the most effective darting techniques is to learn to raise the dart up and position it in front of your dominant eye.

This does not mean you should close your other eye when you aim and throw the dart. Both eyes are important for depth perception; just let your dominant eye lead the way with confidence.

4. Find Your Sight Line

A sight line is an imaginary straight line that starts from eye level, goes past your hands and dart, and ends at the dart board. Aligning all elements can enhance your throw accuracy. This line is up to you!

The purpose of doing this is to pin your eyes to the target and make sure they stay there. A good line of sight will help you line up your game shots consistently.

Sight lines vary from one player to the other. Some people use their little finger to line up properly, or even have their knuckle of their throwing arm sticking up.

Some also use the dart tip to aim. Regardless, the most important thing about this tip is to search what line works best for you and be consistent with it every time.

5. Stay Still When You Throw

It’s highly recommended to minimize your movement.

Any pro dart player can vouch for this tip because they know that it’s essential for the shoulder and elbow to be motionless.

Otherwise, even with the slightest movement when you release the dart, your aim will likely go off course. So don’t miss your shot, and stay still.

6. Point With Your Elbow

Bet you didn’t know that your elbow contributes significantly to how precise your throw will be.

Because your elbow serves as your pivot for your throw, the position of your upper arm and even your wrist dictate where your darts go.

The first thing to do is to be aware of where your throwing arm’s elbow is, including the direction it is pointing.

You’ll aim better if your elbow is pointing up and directly at the dart board, and leaned in towards you.

Have your upper arm almost parallel to the ground as much as possible, and align your shoulder, elbow and wrist at a 90-degree angle.

If your throws were already precise but lacked accuracy before reading this article, this tip might just be what you need; your elbow could have been pointed down all along.

7. Aim the Tip of the Dart Upwards

Before throwing your dart, make sure the sharp tip is tilted slightly upward (emphasis on slightly). Also, not the entire dart, but just the tip. This ensures the best trajectory for your throw.

How much it should be tilted depends on how heavy your dart is and how fast you throw darts. Determining the actual angle of your dart is something you’ll get the hang of over time.

The important thing here, if anything, is to never keep the dart tip pointing down when playing darts. This ensures that you miss your target when you throw.

8. Lock-In on Your Target

This may sound like a no-brainer tip, but it’s important to know that losing target leads to poor throws. It could be that the player aimed at the wrong thing, or was distracted at the last moment.

Eyeing your target as you walk up to your throwing line. As you move left and right to find your stance, don’t forget that your eyes should always be fixated on the target.

Don’t just look at the general board direction. Directly aim exactly where you want your dart to land, and turn your game mode on.

Conclusion

All of these techniques discussed on how to aim darts more accurately can sound like throwing darts is easy-peasy. However, playing darts is challenging and requires consistent practice.

The moment you incorporate these strategies and improve your mistakes by learning your own style, you’ll be dart throwing like a pro in no time! Find an effective style that feels second nature to you.

Ready to impress people when you join dart games? Keep at it and let us know if you have any tips you’d like to share as a dart thrower by leaving a comment on the article below. Enjoy playing!

The 9 Best Soft Tip Darts For a Guaranteed Bulls-Eye in Your Next Game [Reviewed]

Posted on March 5, 2021 | by 5dmin | Leave a Comment

The 9 Best Soft Tip Darts For a Guaranteed Bulls-Eye in Your Next Game [Reviewed]

Are you on the lookout for the best soft tip darts? You’ve come to the right place.

If you’re wondering what the best quality darts are, we have a list of suggestions. You also get to see our list of features to look for and some considerations before you buy your own set.

So, let’s get started. We hope you’re ready!

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks:

Image

Products

Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts, Red, 18 Grams

Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts – Best for Value

Arachnid Professional Series 90% Tungsten 18-Gram Soft Tip Dart Set For Use with Electronic Dartboards

Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts – Best Budget Pick

Bottelsen Skinny's Tough Koat 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Dart, 20 Gram, Black

Bottelsen Skinny Tough Koat 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

RED DRAGON Amberjack 1 Soft Tip: 18g - Tungsten Soft Tip Darts Set with Flights and Stems

Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip Darts

Viper Diamond 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Elkadart Razor 80% Tungsten Soft-Tip Darts

Wolftop 15 Pack Soft Tip Darts 17 Grams - Preminum Darts Plastic Tip Set for Electronic Dart Board - Aluminum Shafts, Standard Dart Flights and Extra Dart Tips

Wolftop Soft Tip Darts

Fat Cat by GLD Products Realtree APC Pink Camo Steel Tip Darts with Storage/Travel Case, 23 Grams , Black

Fat Cat Realtree APC Pink Camo Soft Tip Darts

The Top 9 Soft Tip Darts

1. Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts – Best Overall

Specifications:

Pros:

Barrel material is 97% tungsten
Made with CNC machines
Appealing black and metallic red coating

Cons:

Some users report bounce-outs and flights

Is It for You?

One thing’s for sure: you won’t go wrong with these high-quality darts.

When out shopping for new darts, always look for high tungsten percentages. Tungsten is the ideal, durable material for darts, and this brand has 97% of it!

In comparison – and yes, we’re spoiling you – the rest of the list has around 80 to 90% tungsten.

If you want to learn more about what to look for in the best soft-tip darts, read this article until the end. We have some tips and tricks in deciding what’s the best buy!

Now, back to Harrows Wolfram’s soft-tip darts. Aside from the material, these darts went through Japanese CNC machines. CNC machines can control machinery tools to be more accurate! These darts are secure with better grips.

After all, you don’t want any slipping or retightening happening when you’re busy playing. This brand ensures you stay focused on the game.

If you’re looking for the best-looking darts, these are visually striking. A player can avail of black titanium or vivid red coating. Check out these premium darts here.

2. Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts – Best for Value

Specifications:

Designed with high quality, nickel silver plated barrels which offer exceptional balance and styling in a slim profile.
Each barrel has strategically placed grooves underneath a rubberized barrel sleeve that make excellent gripping points and encourages consistent hand placement.
Diamond-cut aluminum shafts feature locking holes which allow for a tighter fitting that improves stability and greatly reduces the need to retighten during play.

Pros:

Engineered grooves
Nickel-silver plated barrels
With locking holes
Diverse color options

Cons:

Though accurate, some users report that the darts can be quite floppy

Is It for You?

The Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts live up to its name. The darts come with a rubberized sleeve with grooves, making sure there is no hand slippage when handled. Your hand placement remains consistent.

So, you can hold it well. What else does it have to offer?

The answers don’t seem to run out. If you want something you can buy for value, consider these Viper Darts! First, all of their nickel barrels are silver-plated.

While it’s not as high-quality as tungsten, it’s still a premium choice without burning through your pocket.

These darts are slim, with exceptional balance. For better stability, Viper employs aluminum locking holes and shafts.

Once you’re playing, it’s hard for anyone to suddenly shift focus. The locking holes make sure players don’t have to waste time retightening their darts.

Even this brand’s soft tips are durable! All of its tips come with a reinforced cone.

This set comes with the best precision, stability, and speed. However, it also doesn’t hold back on aesthetics! Choose different colors for your tip dart set: black, blue, pink, purple, orange, and red.

These darts are suitable for beginners and experts alike. You can see more of these darts here.

3. Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts – Best Budget Pick

Specifications:

Pros:

With deluxe clip-on belt case
With spare replacement parts
80% tungsten or 90% tungsten choice

Cons:

May need O-rings

Is It for You?

Arachnid offers players some flexibility. With their quality soft-tip darts, you can choose from 80% to 90% tungsten alloy. These soft-tip darts are slim, allowing better control, handling, and accuracy.

Aside from the three darts included in this soft-tip dart set, you can also find spare shafts, points, and flights.

You can keep them all secure in the SideRider case! Make sure you never lose them. It’s quite easy to do so when they can clip onto your belt.

Plus, the case has specific slots for the darts and spare replacement parts. You won’t find them rolling around in a small pile of dart materials.

If you need something repaired, these darts come with a one-year warranty.

Check out this budget set of soft-tip darts here.

4. Bottelsen Skinny Tough Koat 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Specifications:

Pros:

Aluminum grooves for better grip
Slim darts for more accuracy

Cons:

Deluxe case doesn’t hold darts that well

Is It for You?

The dart set features three complete soft-tip darts.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these slim-fit soft tip darts can guarantee great performance! Just having the aluminum shaft in your hands can maximize how you throw each dart.

These darts fly fast, stay low, and won’t deflect during a game.

If you’re having problems with hand grips whenever you play, buying these soft-tip darts can be the solution. The small knurled grip provides small ridges to avoid any hand slippage.

Plus, these soft tip darts also have six hand-painted rings in its barrel. Your accuracy shines with this set of darts! The finish is high-quality and the weight distribution is well-balanced.

Keep your darts safe with the deluxe case. However, you may find that your darts don’t stick in the case very well. If you don’t mind seeing your darts moving inside the deluxe case, then go for this product!

If you’re still curious, check them out at this link.

5. Red Dragon Amberjack Soft Tip Darts

Specifications:

Pros:

Laser-etched dragon logo for each soft tip dart
Distinctive colors, polish, and style
Ringed and knurled grips

Cons:

While most users report that these soft tip darts are of great value, some report brittleness. This may be a factory mistake, but consider yourself warned!

Is It for You?

Pick out the Red Dragon darts from a crowd! They have a unique orange and black styling that makes their premium quality darts much more appealing.

However, their visuals aren’t the only reason they made it on this list.

These soft-tip darts also have various weight options, ringed and knurled grips, and a polished finish. Prevent hand slippage and control every dart with accuracy.

You can rely on these soft tips darts’ commitment to premium performance. The flights are even extra thick!

Get these tungsten darts at this link. You won’t regret it!

6. Viper Diamond 90% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Specifications:

Designed with high quality, 90% tungsten and 10% nickel barrels which offer exceptional balance and styling in a slim profile.
Each barrel has strategically placed knurled bands, deep grooves and rings that make excellent gripping points and encourages consistent hand placement.
Diamond-cut aluminum shafts feature locking holes which allow for a tighter fitting that improves stability and greatly reduces the need to retighten during play.

Pros:

Nickel and tungsten darts
Knurled grips with deep grooves
Aluminum locking shafts

Cons:

Its thinness would be an advantage for some, but some users report that these soft tip darts are thin to the point of being detrimental.

Is It for You?

You may remember the brand Viper from another item featured on this best soft tip darts list.

If you can’t choose between nickel and tungsten darts, Viper Diamond combines both.

It has 90% tungsten and 10% alloy for its barrels. As you can probably glean from that information, these Viper Diamond soft-tip darts have great balance and accuracy!

Now, that’s just with Viper Diamond’s material alone. The design is also exceptional. The knurled grip, deep grooves, and rings ensure no slippage. Hold your darts with security and stability!

Did you previously need to retighten your darts every time you play? Eliminate this need with Viper Diamond’s premium aluminum locking shafts.

You also get a deluxe case and extra parts whenever you buy their soft-tip darts set.

You can get flights, flight protectors, dart points, a dart mechanic wrench, and shafts! You can get a replacement whenever, wherever. Plus, you get to keep your entire Viper dart set secure!

Get your own set at this link.

7. Elkadart Razor 80% Tungsten Soft-Tip Darts

Specifications:

Designed with high quality, 80% tungsten and 20% nickel barrels which offer exceptional balance and styling in a slim profile.
Each barrel has strategically placed knurled bands, deep grooves and rings that make excellent gripping points and encourages consistent hand placement.
Lightweight, aluminum shafts feature locking holes which allow for a tighter fitting that improves stability and greatly reduces the need to retighten during play.

Pros:

Knurled grips and deep grooves for steady playing
Reinforced cone tips
With holes for locking
Nickel and tungsten material

Cons:

Can wear out

Is It for You?

Like the Viper soft-tip darts, the Elkadart set has both nickel and tungsten as its barrel material. The aluminum shafts are slim, lightweight, and incorporated with locking holes.

You can make sure your soft-tip darts are secure, stable, and never need retightening in the middle of play!

Don’t let the words “soft tip darts” fool you. These darts have reinforced cones, making them more durable than the other darts on the market.

Whatever your skill level is, we can make sure that this set of soft-tip darts helps you out with consistent play. Their knurled bands and deep grooves make the slim flights easier to grasp!

All chances of slipping can be reduced with the right choice. Make Elkadart yours. Store a maximum number of three darts in their durable, fashionable case. You can get them in shark-fin or with O-rings.

Check them out here.

8. Wolftop Soft Tip Darts

Specifications:

UNBREAKABLE ALUMINUM SHAFTS: These 2BA dart shafts are made of solid aluminum with anodized finish, more durable than PVC rods. Also designed with locking hole to allow you to use extra leverage to tighten the shaft to your barrel.
PRECISION-MACHINED BARRELS: High quality nickel plated steel barrels with good balance and unique styling. Strategically placed knurling and deep grooves can provide excellent gripping points and enhance your control.
PERFECT FOR ALL LEVELS: Each dart weighs-in at 17 grams. Whether you are a professional dart player, or just play for fun, these darts should fit the bill. All 15-pack soft tip darts come in a round jar.

Pros:

Anodized finish
With black coating
12 darts with accessories

Cons:

May have problems sticking to the dart boards at times

Is It for You?

Are you not sure about what’s the best dart for your skill level? Get something for all kinds of players! The Wolftop Soft Tip Darts are the perfect choice for your first game – and even your nth one.

The aluminum shafts have an anodized finish and have holes for locking, too.

Meanwhile, the steel barrels have a premium black coating for better balance. Enhance both your control and performance with the best soft tip darts!

We also love how they offer a pack of 12 darts, plus some accessories. You get four unique shafts and an extra 36 pieces of dart tips! They also come with rubber O-rings.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can benefit from this set of soft tip darts! Check them out here.

9. Fat Cat Realtree APC Pink Camo Soft Tip Darts

Specifications:

Designed with high quality, nickel silver plated barrels which offer exceptional balance and styling in a slim profile; Features hand-painted pink rings.
Each barrel has strategically placed knurled bands, deep grooves and rings that make excellent gripping points and encourages consistent hand placement.
Diamond-cut aluminum shafts feature locking holes which allow for a tighter fitting that improves stability and greatly reduces the need to retighten during play.

Pros:

Distinct style
Deep grooves on knurled bands
With spare parts and a hardshell case

Cons:

Size may not be for bigger hands

Is It for You?

Fat Cat’s barrel material involves nickel-silver plating. The slim profile isn’t just distinct, it also features hand-painted pink O-rings!

Improve your grip and dart game stability by making use of the knurled bands and deep grooves. The holes for locking reduces the need for any retightening while you’re busy playing with other players!

If you ever need a replacement or want to fix some dart items, Fat Cat comes with nylon shafts, flights, mechanic wrench, and sharpening stone.

You can find all your darts and their spare parts in the fashionable, hardshell case!

Any player will find these darts easy to throw with enough accuracy. If you’re still curious about the Fat Cat soft tip darts, check them out here.

What Makes a Quality Dart?

The best quality darts don’t become one without a mix of different elements. To see if the dart you’re eyeing is of high quality, check out our list of features below.

The Right Weight

You can find a wide range of darts with different weights. Normally, the standard starting point for dart weights is 18 grams.

For steel tips, the point and barrel make up the weight. For soft tips, we include the point, barrel, shaft, and flight.

Steel tips are much heavier, but the weight can vary with the material. Tungsten barrels can go up to 26 grams, while those made of brass go up to 23. Meanwhile, soft tips go up to 20 grams.

Truthfully, the “right” weight for a player is a personal call.

It may be wise to try out different weight options before shopping for darts. Borrow a friend’s or see if you can try out some before you commit to a specific weight.

However, there is a general rule. You can choose the weight of your darts based on your skill level and throwing style. Heavier darts may be harder to manage, so make sure to keep that in mind.

When you do direct and straight throws, heavier darts can be more stable. Indirect, arc-like throws fit lighter darts better.

Experiment with different weight options, throwing styles, and materials.

Grips

Smooth grips can slip out of your hands easily. Ideally, a player should get a grip that is uniquely comfortable to them. So, if smooth grips are fine for you, nothing stops you from having them!

Still, many players prefer knurled grips. There’s a lot of etching and grooves with knurled grips.

If you look back on our list, you may see that many of our soft tip darts have knurled grips! Get deep grooves for easier handling when it comes to games.

However, there are other types of grips available everywhere. Dimplex grips include protruding dimples on the darts, while razor types have cuts you can control easily as well.

Other common grips include stone and shark fin.

Flights

Flights are one of the most essential elements in your darts. In a way, they can steer the trajectory of your dart on its way to the dart board.

There are several shapes to choose from, and each one of them can direct how the darts will stick. You can choose your preferred shape and design when you get your own soft tip darts.

However, the most common flight types are standard and slim. You may find them more often than other shapes.

Standard flights, in general, can help you with stability. Larger dart flights can help with drag.

Slim flights, however, are good for hard throwers. Players who prefer to reduce the drag of their soft-tip darts can opt for slim flights.

Whatever shape or design you choose, consider whether you want smooth or textured flights. The latter can drag more, and the smooth flights much less.

If you’re a beginner, you also want to make sure you spread your flights before using them. Don’t forget to do this! You want to make the most use out of your darts.

Dart Shafts

Like flights, there are a number of shafts out there. To choose a dart shaft, factor in the length and material.

Like all merchandise, dart shafts come in three standard lengths: short, medium, and long.

The length can shift the weight and center of gravity of the dart. Short shafts shift the center of gravity to the front, but long ones shift it to the rear.

You might think that a medium length is a perfect balance, but it’s actually ideal to get a short shaft instead. Slim, short shafts can be the ideal pick.

When it comes to material, plastic can easily break. However, they do have the advantage when the shafts bend. Plastic shafts are also much cheaper, so you can consider getting a more durable plastic material.

Aluminum shafts are much more reliable. Once bent, however, they may be useless. Most of our recommendations have aluminum shafts, so take that into consideration!

Other materials include nylon and carbon-fiber. It’s somewhat still experimental, but manufacturers are trying to find the perfect material that leads to less breakage.

However, it should still supply flexibility.

Try out short shafts first. You can play around with the different materials dart shafts can have. If plastic breaks, go for aluminum. If you can’t get the hang of that, go for nylon or carbon-fiber. See what sticks! Your throwing and playing style matters, too.

If you don’t have the budget, stick to aluminum shafts for durability. They’re reliable enough, so don’t worry!

Tips

Darts usually come in either soft tips or steel tips. Let’s break each type down below.

Steel

Steel tip darts were first! They’re considered to be the standard darts in the sport. They’re heavier, but they have a lot more accuracy.

However, some players may have a hard time with heavy darts, especially if they’re steel tip darts. It may be harder if you’re a beginner.

Still, it’s much more durable. If you want something that will last you long as a dart player, consider steel tip darts.

Plastic

Soft tip darts are also called plastic tip darts. They’re a much newer innovation compared to steel tip darts, but they match in popularity!

If you have electronic dart boards, invest in a plastic tip or soft tip dart set.

However, unlike steel tip darts, plastic tip ones are much less durable.

They can get damaged easily, so if you get a soft tip dart, make sure the set has accessories and spare parts. Plus, bounce outs are more probable with soft tips.

This isn’t to discourage you from buying soft tip darts! They’re great in a game. Just make sure you buy something durable and high-quality. Get one of the best that you can for yourself, and you will be just fine.

Material

When you get your own darts, there are several materials you’ll encounter. Let’s compare materials for both steel tip darts and soft tip darts!

Brass

Brass barrel darts are the cheapest darts you can get. If you’re only starting out, brass darts are great beginner-level material.

There are some considerations to remember if you choose a brass dart. These darts are usually heavier and can take up more room once the dart tip sticks to the board.

They’re quite cost-effective, and players won’t go wrong when choosing this material. Start out with brass darts with aluminum shafts. Consider the weight, how much you have, and try out a game or two.

Experiment with different flights, designs, and weights.

Tungsten

Tungsten barrels are quite common, and they’re very durable! If you’re looking for the best, high-quality darts, go for tungsten.

It’s a dense metal that you can always rely on. Both soft tip and steel tip darts have them! The material also gives you added control.

The higher the tungsten percentage is in a dart, the more high-quality it is.

Most of the time, you get tungsten alloys. Whatever percentage the tungsten material doesn’t cover, nickel does, instead. So, for example, you get a soft tip darts set at 80% tungsten. The other 10% is nickel!

You may have noticed that most of our recommended darts above are tungsten. A note of caution, however: some may find tungsten to be a bit hard to control!

Buying Soft Tip Darts: A Buyer’s Guide

Brand

A name isn’t everything, but a company’s history can make all the difference.

If the brand has a history of making malfunctioning goods, or they aren’t up to par, you wouldn’t even think of investing money in them!

Go for long-standing brands that have a background of the best darts in their repertoire. They don’t have to be at the top all the time! Just having stable, consistent goods is enough.

Price

You might want the best quality for your materials, but they might burn a hole through your pocket. Before you consider what features you want to include in your choice of darts, set a budget first.

If you’re not a professional player and getting into darts as a hobby, make sure you have everything else accounted for. Set aside money for your needs first, then siphon off what you have to spare.

Take your skill level into account. If you’re just a beginner, consider experimenting with one type of dart at a time. If you have more cash to spare, go ahead! Try out different materials, weights, and designs.

Thankfully, some of the best dart manufacturing companies offer trial or test kits. You can test out different weights and materials then.

If you’re upgrading your darts, consider how your playing could improve:

What kind of dart would be the best choice for you to try out next? Consider your playing. Do you need more drag or less drag? Are you considering going for a different kind of flight or weight?

You want your playing experience to gradually improve as time goes by!

However, if you’re simply here to try out the best darts possible, we aren’t stopping you.

Let experience teach you what your price points should be. You’ll soon figure out what you need for yourself. So, take your chances!

Warranty

Too often, players struggle with buying new darts to experiment with new dart tips and designs – only to find broken material when the set comes.

With the current times, most of us settle for buying our wants and needs online. Some of us don’t have the necessary stores nearby, while some just can’t leave their houses.

While online shopping is fast, convenient, and easy, we’re taking a lot of chances.

So, try to insure yourself as much as possible. In a way, you’re playing a game of darts with online shopping! It’s a mix of luck and accuracy to get to your bulls-eye.

One way of ensuring this is by having a warranty ready. At the very least, when you do shop online, look for a one-year warranty guarantee.

If ever anything happens to your darts, or if they arrive with broken bits and pieces, you can get them all fixed up. Get the most bang out of your buck!

Extras

Speaking of insurance, you can always look for extras with your darts. A warranty can expire. It’s just your luck that your best set of darts break right after the warranty date.

Or, something may happen that isn’t covered by the warranty whatsoever.

Your best bet is having a couple of extras on the side. Spare parts, like flights, tips, and the like, are great tools.

At least, you don’t have to shell out money for a whole new set right away! Your dart board doesn’t have to wait.

While most darts come in a set of three’s for a game, consider looking into darts that come in a higher number. We have a 12-pack dart set above. If you’re worried, you can go check that out on our list!

But how do you prevent something from happening to your equipment anyways? One tip: get a case.

That way, you’re not just protecting your stuff from incidents, you also prevent losing them. If you’re a scatterbrain like most of us can be, this is a good tip to keep in mind.

Look for durable, hardshell cases. Preferably, they have something inside to hold darts and spare parts in place, always ready for a sudden game.

Look for a size that’s easy to carry around, put in your bag, or clip on to your clothes.

After all, you may get a case to prevent losing your equipment. But what happens when you lose the case itself?

Keep all of these in mind before you buy the best soft tip darts possible. Make every instance of consumption an investment.

The Verdict

Are you ready to find our winner? It’s been a long journey. Let’s get started below.

Winner

The winner went ahead and defied all our expectations! And it is…

Harrows Wolfram Infinity 97% Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Without a doubt, our best overall pick is the winner for the best soft tip darts!

The Harrows Wolfram Infinity Soft Tip Darts have 97% tungsten barrels, with the best machinery to ensure their accuracy. Plus, you can pick them out from the crowd with their striking colors.

Practice with these darts and amp your performance in every game. They’re just the right size and weight, too! Players can thoroughly enjoy experimenting with this soft tip dart kit.

Our Runner-Up

Out of the number of options above, did you really believe we could stick with just one highlight? No, there must be a runner-up. This brand stood out from the list, making us even reconsider our choices.

While Harrows can keep the throne, it better watch out. This brand can hold their weight and give them a run for their money. And our runner-up is…

Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts

If you want the perfect mix of expertise and value in your soft tip dart kit, go for Viper, our best value pick!

Players won’t catch themselves getting frustrated at these darts. Each dart comes with a rubberized sleeve, deep grooves, and reinforced cones at the tips.

You get to hold it well, and you know you won’t be rushing for a replacement dart any time soon. It’ll last long in your care!

Throw a dart and see the exceptional balance for yourself. It can outdo your accuracy! It’s just the right weight and size.

You can choose different colors, so you can have the dart that’s most aesthetically pleasing to you. Make sure to use it in your next game!

In Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article! It was a mixed bag of a buyer’s guide, how-to, and comparison table for each product.

We love to help you get started on your dart journey, so we hope you refer back to this article when choosing your sets.

That’s a wrap for the best soft tip darts on the market! Did you agree with our choices? Are there any other best soft tip darts we should include in this list?

Tell us more! Drop your questions and experiences in the comments, too.