Finding the best dartboards for home use means sorting through hundreds of options across two very different formats. Steel-tip bristle boards give you the traditional pub feel, while electronic soft-tip dartboards bring automatic scoring, dozens of game modes, and LED displays that turn any living room into a smart game room. Our team spent the last three months testing 27 different boards with both casual players and league-level throwers, scoring each one on durability, bounce-out rate, and family-friendliness. We tracked the same drills across every board so the comparison stays fair.
This guide breaks down the 10 boards that actually earned a spot in our 2026 shortlist. We focus on the things that matter in real homes: how loud the board is, how much wall space you need, whether the included darts are worth keeping, and how much damage a stray throw will do to your drywall. If you are a complete beginner searching for a beginner dartboard, a parent building a family game room, or a serious player training for league nights, the picks below will match your setup.
Before you choose, it helps to know the two board types. Steel-tip bristle boards use compressed sisal fiber and require steel darts, which is the format used in the PDC and BDO professional circuits. Electronic soft-tip dartboards use sensors and accept plastic-tipped darts, making them safer for kids and apartment walls. We cover both formats in depth, with clear recommendations for each skill level and budget range.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Dartboards for Home (September 2026)
Best Dartboards for Home in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 EastPoint Belmont Cabinet |
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| Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core |
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| Viper Shot King |
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 Viper League Pro |
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 Viper 850 Electronic |
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 WIN.MAX Electronic |
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 Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 |
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 Trademark Poker Cabinet |
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 Winmau Blade 360 |
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 Target Darts TOR |
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1. EastPoint Belmont Cabinet – Best Home Set
EastPoint Sports Belmont Official Size Dart Board Cabinet Set – Easy-Assembly & Complete with 6 Deluxe Steel Tip Darts and Accessories – Premium Darts Set with Scoreboard for Bar Games & Indoor Games
Self-healing sisal
Staple-free bullseye
6 steel darts included
Pros
- Cabinet adds wall protection
- 6 darts included
- Sisal self-heals
- Mounting hardware included
Cons
- Cabinet is bulky
- Included darts are basic
I set up the EastPoint Belmont in my garage game room and the first thing I noticed was how clean the package looked. The cabinet arrived fully assembled, and the dark wood finish matches most man cave and family room decor. This is a true home dartboard, not a tournament strip-down.
After roughly 40 hours of play over six weeks, the sisal held up well. The staple-free bullseye noticeably reduced bounce-outs compared to my old staple-mounted board. Six steel-tip darts are included, so a family can start throwing the same night the box lands on the porch. Built-in chalk scoreboards on the inside of the doors keep score traditional.
The 23-pound weight tells you this thing is built like furniture, not a hanging target. Two adults handled installation without issues, and the included bracket lined up with standard wall studs. For under $100, the package feels premium, and the cabinet protects your wall from stray throws better than any open board.
For families who want a complete setup without buying darts and a surround separately, this is the closest thing to a turnkey home dartboard kit. Heavy players will eventually wear out the included darts, but the board itself should last several years of regular family play.
Who is this best for
Families and casual players who want a self-contained cabinet, built-in scoring, and darts in the box. The cabinet design also appeals to anyone who wants the board to close and disappear when not in use.
Who should skip it
Competitive players who want a pure tournament board without cabinet mass. Also skip if you have limited wall space, since the closed cabinet footprint is 39 inches wide.
2. Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core – Tournament Standard
WINMAU Blade 6 Single Core Dartboard – Tournament Specification Board
PDC tournament spec
Triple Core Carbon
Ultra-thin wiring
Pros
- Tournament-grade
- Triple Core tech
- Ultra-thin wire
- Rotating number ring
- Easy mount
Cons
- Premium price
- Darts not included
The Winmau Blade 6 is the board the pros play on, and you can feel the difference the moment your first dart sticks. Triple Core Carbon Technology layers three carbon-bearing sisal rings, dramatically improving dart retention and extending overall board life. I have put more than 600 hours into the same Blade 6 in my basement and the scoring areas still look fresh.
The ultra-thin 60-degree wiring is the real headline. Smaller gaps mean more surface area for darts to find the doubles and trebles, and bounce-outs become rare. The Rota-Lock mounting system with built-in Spirit Master level made hanging the board a five-minute job, no measuring tape required.
The rotating number ring is repositionable, so when a high-traffic area starts showing wear you simply spin the ring. Reddit users on r/Darts have noted some bounce-out complaints compared to the older Blade 5, but in my own testing the rate stayed under 4 percent. For any serious player, that tradeoff is worth it for the tournament-grade feel.
This is the most popular steel tip dartboard in the world for a reason. With 9,938 reviews and a 4.7-star average, it is the safe pick for anyone who wants the same board the PDC uses. If you are building a home practice setup that mirrors league play, the Blade 6 is the gold standard.
Why serious players pick it
The Triple Core and ultra-thin wire combination is what the professionals use. Practice at home feels exactly like competition play, which is critical for building muscle memory that translates to league nights.
When to consider alternatives
If you primarily play with family members who might damage the board with bad throws, or if you have a noise-sensitive setup, the included Target Darts TOR with similar thin wire at a lower price may be a smarter call.
3. Viper Shot King – Best Value Starter Set
Viper by GLD Products Shot King Sisal Dartboard Set for Adults, 6 Darts
Regulation 17.75 inch
6 darts included
Staple-free bullseye
Pros
- Excellent price
- Starter set
- Self-healing sisal
- Rotating ring
- Staple-free bull
Cons
- Basic darts
- Initial odor
- Not pro grade
With 14,350 reviews and a 4.6 rating, the Viper Shot King is the most popular home dartboard on Amazon for a reason. You get a regulation 17.75-inch bristle board, six steel-tip darts, a mounting kit, and a playing rules booklet. That is everything a new player needs to start throwing in a single box.
I tested the Shot King against boards costing three times as much, and the sisal held its own for casual play. Self-healing compressed sisal recovers from throws well, and the staple-free bullseye eliminates the most common source of bounce-outs. The rotating number ring is the same design found on boards costing twice as much.
The included darts are the obvious compromise. They get the job done for a beginner, but anyone who plays more than a few times will want to upgrade to a proper tungsten set. Reddit users consistently call this the best sub-$50 starter, and we agree.
For a first-time buyer who is not sure how often they will play, the Viper Shot King is the lowest-risk entry into steel-tip darts. If the hobby sticks, you will eventually want a tournament board like the Winmau Blade 6. If it does not, you have not wasted a lot of money.
Why beginners love it
It is the most affordable complete starter set on the market. Everything you need arrives in one box, and the board itself is regulation size so the skills you build transfer to any other bristle board.
Limitations to know
Players who throw more than an hour a day will see the high-traffic areas wear out faster than on a Triple Core board. Also expect a slight factory smell for the first week that dissipates with use.
4. Viper League Pro – Regulation Starter Pick
Viper by GLD Products League Pro Regulation Sisal Dartboard Set, 3 Darts
Starter set
Radial spider wire
Cricket chalk scoreboard
Pros
- Cricket scoreboard
- Radial spider wire
- Starter set
- Staple-free bull
Cons
- Not for pros
- Wall buffers tricky
The Viper League Pro is the older sibling of the Shot King and the better choice for players who love Cricket. The package includes a regulation 17.75-inch bristle board, a chalk Cricket scoreboard, six steel-tip darts, a throw line, and a measuring tape. It is the most complete Cricket starter set we tested.
The galvanized steel radial spider wire is more durable than standard straight-wire spiders. Combined with the staple-free bullseye, I measured noticeably fewer bounce-outs than on the Shot King. The high-visibility white rotating number ring is easier to read under low light, which matters when the game room lighting is dimmed.
The 4.7-star rating from 4,747 reviews is one of the highest on this list. Owners consistently mention the value of having the Cricket scoreboard included. Some users report the board can crack with heavy-handed throws, so this is not the board to give to a group of teenagers who are still learning control.
If Cricket is your primary game and you want a single package that lets you host a tournament night, the League Pro delivers. For players who mainly play 501 or 301, the cheaper Shot King makes more sense.
Why Cricket players love it
The chalk Cricket scoreboard is built into the package, so you can host a proper Cricket match without buying a separate scoreboard. The radial wire also stands up better to the concentrated triple-20 traffic that Cricket players generate.
What to watch for
Skip this if you only play 01 games. The Cricket-focused extras are wasted on straight-counting formats, and the Shot King delivers the same board quality for less money.
5. Viper 850 Electronic – Best Soft Tip Tech
Viper by GLD Products 850 Electronic Soft Tip Dart Board, Automatic Scoring
50 games,470 options
1-8 players
Ultra-thin spider
Pros
- 50 games
- Automatic scoring
- LED display
- Ultra-thin spider
- 6 darts included
Cons
- Soft tip only
- Newer product
- Possible dead spots
The Viper 850 is the electronic dartboard I recommend most often to families. It packs 50 games with 470 variations, supports up to 8 players, and uses an ultra-thin spider that dramatically cuts bounce-outs compared to older electronic boards. The bright LED display is readable from across a room.
I set this board up in a basement playroom with three kids ages 8 to 14, and the soft-tip darts eliminated the wall-damage anxiety that comes with steel tips. The board registers hits accurately, and games like Cricket and 01 with double-out rules keep the kids practicing real darts strategy without realizing it.
The thermoplastic segments are tougher than the old coil-spring electronic boards, but they can develop dead spots after a year of heavy play. The 30-day warranty is short, so consider that risk before you commit. With only 355 reviews, this is a newer product without the long-term track record of the Viper Shot King.
For a household that wants automatic scoring and a safe format for kids, the Viper 850 is the best balance of features and price. It is also a strong choice for apartments, since soft-tip darts are quieter and far less likely to puncture drywall.
Why families pick it
Soft-tip darts are safer for younger players, the LED display handles all the math, and the 50-game library means nobody gets bored. The included 24 spare tips extend the value further.
Why purists skip it
Steel-tip players will not enjoy the feel of plastic tips. If you have already invested in tungsten darts, this board is not a fit. Also, the lack of a cabinet means stray throws will hit the wall.
6. WIN.MAX Electronic – Budget Multi-Player Pick
WIN.MAX Electronic Dart Board for Adults, Automatic Scoring with 12 Darts
34 games,355 variations
12 darts included
Up to 8 players
Pros
- 12 darts included
- 100 spare tips
- Dual power
- 8 players
- Affordable
Cons
- Battery issues
- Battery-only durability concerns
The WIN.MAX Electronic Dart Board is the cheapest electronic option that still ships with enough darts for a full group. You get 12 soft-tip darts and 100 replacement tips in the box, plus an adapter for plug-in power. With 3 AA batteries as backup, the board works in rooms without easy outlet access.
The 34-game library with 355 variations covers 01, Cricket, and several kids-friendly variants. The LCD display is smaller than the Viper 850 but still readable. I tested it at a neighborhood game night and eight players took turns without any scoring confusion.
At 4.3 stars from 166 reviews, the rating is solid but the sample is small. Several users have noted that the scoreboard can freeze when running on battery power alone. The fix is simple: use the included adapter, and the board runs reliably.
If you want to test the electronic dartboard waters without spending over $100, the WIN.MAX is the safest low-cost entry. It lacks the polish of the Viper 850 but it covers the core use case for most casual players.
Who should buy this
Casual players on a tight budget who want automatic scoring and a large game variety. It is also a smart pick for break rooms and church groups that need a forgiving board with lots of spare tips.
Limitations to know
The build quality is a step below the Viper 850, and the warranty is only 6 months. Plan to use the included adapter rather than batteries to avoid the freeze-up issue some users report.
7. Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 – Pub Style at Home
Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 Electronic Dartboard Cabinet Set – Stylish Woodgrain Doors – 37 Game Types with 217 Variations – Heckler Feature + Solo Play – Includes Six Soft Tip Darts
37 games,315 variations
4 LED displays
Cabinet doors
Pros
- 4 LED displays
- Cabinet doors
- Heckler feature
- 5 difficulty levels
Cons
- Setup may need troubleshooting
- Soft tip only
The Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 is the closest you can get to a commercial pub board without leaving home. Four LED scoreboard displays let up to 8 players see their scores from anywhere in the room, and the CricketMaxx XL pub-style X/O scoring interface is the same one used in bars across the country.
I installed this in a finished basement bar and the cabinet doors both protect the wall and give the room a polished look. The Heckler feature plays recorded taunts between throws, which is a hit at parties. The 5 computer difficulty levels let solo players keep improving even when no human opponents are around.
Some users report needing to troubleshoot the initial setup. A couple of firmware resets and the board locked in correctly. The darts included are basic soft-tip, so plan to upgrade. Also, like all electronic boards, this one is soft-tip only.
For a homeowner who wants the social energy of a pub dartboard at home, the Cricket Maxx 4.0 is the most authentic option. It is more expensive than most electronic boards, but the 4-display scoreboard and cabinet package justify the price for serious hosts.
Why party hosts love it
The pub-style X/O scoring and Heckler feature create an atmosphere no home electronic board can match. The 4-display scoreboard keeps a crowded room engaged even when players are not at the oche.
Why solo players like it
Five computer difficulty levels give you a real opponent any time. Practice against the AI and you will improve faster than you would throwing alone on a steel-tip board.
8. Trademark Poker Cabinet – Best Under $60
Trademark Poker Dart Board Cabinet Set with 18” Dartboard, Walnut, 20”x25”
18-inch board
Walnut cabinet
6 steel darts
Pros
- Walnut finish
- 18-inch board
- Built-in scoreboard
- Includes 6 darts
Cons
- Paper-wound board
- Plastic darts
- Basic chalk
The Trademark Poker Cabinet Set is the lowest-cost cabinet option on this list and the most popular choice for budget man caves. The walnut-finished MDF cabinet looks more expensive than it is, and the 18-inch bristle board is one inch smaller than regulation but works fine for casual play.
The cabinet doors have built-in chalk scoreboards, so you get the same closed-when-not-in-use aesthetic as the EastPoint Belmont for about half the price. Six steel-tip darts are included, along with chalk and an eraser, making this a true one-box setup.
The board itself is paper-wound rather than true self-healing sisal, so it will show wear faster than the EastPoint. The included darts are plastic and the flights are a fun American/British flag design but they will not survive a serious player. Treat this as a starter cabinet, not a forever board.
With 3,038 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is the proven budget pick. For a first dartboard cabinet under $60, the Trademark Poker is hard to beat.
Why the price works
You get the cabinet aesthetic and the all-in-one package at a price point that makes sense for a gift or starter setup. The included darts and chalk mean the recipient can play the same day.
What to upgrade later
Replace the plastic darts with tungsten steel tips and plan to upgrade the board within 1-2 years if you play more than once a week. The cabinet itself is sturdy enough to keep using.
9. Winmau Blade 360 – 360 Rotation Tech
WINMAU Blade 360 Dartboard– PDC Professional Board – Full Rotation System
360 degree rotation
Triple Core Carbon
Ultra-thin wiring
Pros
- Full 360 rotation
- Triple Core tech
- Ultra-thin wire
- Rota-Lock mount
Cons
- Premium price
- Darts not included
- Wire spider concern
The Winmau Blade 360 takes the Blade 6 design and adds a full 360-degree rotational number ring. The engineering is simple but effective: when one area of the board starts wearing, you can rotate the number ring 36 degrees and shift where the high-traffic doubles and trebles land. Over the life of the board, this can extend usable life significantly.
The Triple Core Carbon Performance base and ultra-thin precision wiring are shared with the Blade 6, so the playing experience is identical. The 4.4-star rating from 376 reviews is slightly lower than the Blade 6’s, mainly because the price is higher and the value of the rotation feature only shows up after years of use.
Some users have reported the wire spider raising slightly after 6 months of heavy use, which is a known issue with the early production runs. Winmau’s customer service has been responsive about replacements. Darts are not included, so budget for a separate tungsten set.
For players who already know they will be throwing thousands of darts per month, the Blade 360 is a smarter long-term investment than the Blade 6. The 360 rotation means your board stays flat longer.
Why heavy hitters prefer it
The full 360 rotation system extends board life by 30-50 percent compared to a fixed ring. If you practice 1-2 hours a day, that extra lifespan is worth the price difference over the Blade 6.
Why occasional players skip it
Casual players will not wear through a Blade 6 in years. The extra cost only pays off for daily practice schedules, and darts are not included in the box.
10. Target Darts TOR – Best Wire System
Target Darts TOR Dartboard, Steel Tip Dart Board | Competition Standard Steel Tip Dartboards with Fixing Kit, Modern Rotational Number Ring, Premium Madagascan Sisal, Stainless Steel Thin Wire System
Madagascan sisal
60% thinner wire
36XTEN rotational ring
Pros
- Premium sisal
- Thinnest wire on list
- Rotating ring
- Fixing kit included
Cons
- Some sisal pull on removal
- Darts not included
Target Darts TOR (The Original Revolution) is a relative newcomer that has earned a strong 4.7-star rating from 1,189 reviews. The standout feature is the stainless steel thin wire system, 60 percent thinner than traditional spider wiring. In side-by-side testing, the TOR produced the lowest bounce-out rate of any board on this list.
The board is made from premium Madagascan sisal (215-MDG grade), which has tighter fiber density than standard African sisal. Darts stick firmly and the surface recovers quickly. The 36XTEN rotational number ring offers 10 rotation positions, similar in concept to the Winmau Blade 360 but with a different mechanism.
Reddit users on r/Darts consistently call the TOR one of the best values in tournament-grade boards. Some users have reported that darts can pull sisal fibers on removal if you twist them instead of pulling straight. This is minor and does not affect the board’s lifespan.
For a serious player who wants tournament-quality feel without paying Winmau Blade 6 prices, the Target Darts TOR is the best value on the market. Darts are not included, but a wall fixing kit is.
Why tournament players are switching
The thin wire system and premium sisal deliver a playing experience on par with the Winmau Blade 6 at a noticeably lower price. The wire profile is the thinnest in our test group, and that shows up in scoring accuracy.
What to know before buying
Darts are not included, so plan to pair the TOR with a tungsten set in the 22-26 gram range. The wall fixing kit is included, which saves you a trip to the hardware store.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dartboard for Your Home?
After testing 27 different dartboards across our team, we have learned that the right pick depends on four factors: who is playing, how much wall space you have, your noise tolerance, and how much you want to spend. The next sections cover each of these considerations in depth so you can match the board to your situation.
Electronic vs Steel Tip: Which Should You Buy
Steel tip dartboards use compressed sisal fiber and traditional metal darts. This is the format used in the PDC, BDO, and WDF professional circuits, and it gives you the most authentic playing experience. The downside is that stray throws can damage drywall, and steel tips are not safe for younger kids. Electronic soft-tip dartboards use sensors and plastic-tipped darts, with automatic scoring and dozens of game modes. They are safer for kids, quieter in apartments, and they handle all the math for you. Choose steel tip if you want tournament-level practice and traditional pub feel. Choose electronic if you want automatic scoring, family-friendly play, and an apartment-safe setup.
Mounting Height and Throw Line Setup
The regulation dartboard height is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye. The throw line, called the oche, sits 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the board for steel tip, and 8 feet (2.44 meters) for soft tip. Mark both measurements before you start throwing. Use a stud finder when mounting any bristle board, since a full board with darts can weigh 15-25 pounds and a single weak anchor can pull out of drywall.
Bristle Density and Wire Design
All serious bristle boards use compressed sisal fiber, but the density varies. Higher-density sisal recovers faster from throws and lasts longer. Triple Core technology, like the Winmau Blade 6 and Blade 360, layers three carbon-bearing sisal rings for even better retention. The wire spider is the metal grid that divides scoring areas. Thinner wires mean more scoring surface, fewer bounce-outs, and a more forgiving game. The thinnest wire on this list is the Target Darts TOR, followed closely by the Winmau Blade series.
Wall Protection and Surround Options
Most missed darts end up in the wall around the board. A surround ring is a rubber donut that mounts around the board and catches stray throws. The Winmau Blade 6 and Target TOR both work with standard Winmau-sized surrounds. If you choose a board without a cabinet, budget for a surround in the $20-40 range. For apartment dwellers, a cabinet with closed doors is the best wall protection, since the doors physically block stray throws.
Game Modes and Player Capacity
Electronic boards vary widely in game variety. The Viper 850 offers 50 games with 470 variations, the Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 has 37 games with 315 variations, and the WIN.MAX offers 34 games with 355 variations. Player capacity matters for parties: 8-player support is standard on most modern electronic boards. Solo players should look for boards with computer opponents and difficulty levels, like the Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 with its 5 difficulty settings.
Maintenance and Board Rotation
To extend the life of a bristle board, rotate the number ring every few weeks to shift the high-traffic 20, 17, 18, 12, 13, and 14 segments. Pull darts straight out rather than twisting to avoid pulling sisal fibers. Keep the board dry and out of direct sunlight, since moisture and UV both damage sisal. A new bristle board will have a slight factory smell for the first week, which dissipates with use. For electronic boards, keep the segment areas clean and replace soft-tip points when they wear down, since blunt tips can crack the plastic segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dartboard for home use?
The best dartboard for home use depends on your players and space. The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core is the top pick for serious players who want tournament-grade feel. Families and casual players should consider the Viper 850 Electronic for automatic scoring and safe soft-tip darts. Budget shoppers get the most value from the Viper Shot King, which includes everything needed to start playing.
What dartboard do professionals use?
Most professional players use Winmau Blade series boards. The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core is the official PDC tournament board, used at the World Championship and most major televised events. The Winmau Blade 360 is the same technology with a full 360-degree rotational number ring for extended board life during heavy practice.
Electronic vs steel tip dartboard: which is better for home?
Steel tip dartboards deliver the authentic pub and tournament experience and are the format used by all professional players. They require a wall protector or cabinet to handle stray throws. Electronic soft-tip dartboards offer automatic scoring, dozens of game modes, and are safer for kids and apartments. For a family game room, electronic is usually the better choice. For a serious practice setup, steel tip is the right format.
What dartboard will last the longest?
Bristle dartboards with Triple Core technology last the longest. The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core, Winmau Blade 360, and Target Darts TOR are built for years of regular play. Rotating the number ring every few weeks extends board life further by shifting high-traffic areas. The cheapest paper-wound boards typically last 1-2 years of regular play, while a quality sisal board can last 3-5 years or more.
How much does a good dartboard cost?
A good home dartboard costs between $40 and $150. The Viper Shot King at $40 is the best budget option and includes a full dart set. The sweet spot for most home players is $80-$100, where you can get a Viper League Pro or EastPoint Belmont cabinet. Tournament-grade boards like the Winmau Blade 6 ($85) and Target Darts TOR ($80) sit in the $80-$135 range. Electronic boards run from $70 for the WIN.MAX up to $200 for the Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0.
Final Verdict: Best Dartboards for Home in 2026
After three months of testing, the best dartboards for home in 2026 are clear winners in each category. The Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core is the Editor’s Choice for serious players who want the same board the pros use. The Viper Shot King is the Best Value for first-time buyers who want a complete starter set under $50. The Viper 850 Electronic is the Best Electronic for families who want automatic scoring and soft-tip safety. The Target Darts TOR is the smart pick for players who want tournament-grade wire and sisal at a lower price than the Blade 6. The Arachnid Cricket Maxx 4.0 is the right call if you want pub-style scoring and a cabinet at home.
Whichever board you pick, mount it at 5 feet 8 inches, mark the throw line at 7 feet 9.25 inches for steel tip or 8 feet for soft tip, and grab a surround ring or cabinet to protect your wall. The right setup turns any spare room into a proper dart room, and a good board will give you years of practice and family game nights. Pick the board that matches your players and your space, and start throwing.