John Paul
Have you ever wondered what those fins on the back of darts are called? They are known as flights. The purpose of flights is to help stabilize the dart in the air after it is thrown toward the dartboard.
Just imagine a horizontal axis between the position of your dart and the dartboard in front of you. The flights are designed to keep the dart on that axis as it is moving toward the board. That way, the dart will move as straight as possible without falling below too much into the vertical axis.
Not all darts are made with the same type of flights. Even though all fins are designed to split the airflow and help maintain the flight path, you might find the thickness and shape of the fins are different as you browse the various darts that are available.
There is really no good or bad flight type that you can choose. Each one has their own unique benefits for players of different skill levels. Let’s go over these flight types now.
Numbers of Dart Flight
Standard
The average dartboard will come with darts that have standard flights. These flights are known as “No. 2,” which refers to their shape. This standard shape will give the dart a great combination of stability and lifting power after it is thrown. Most beginning players will want to use standard flights. The heaviness of the darts gives them the reliability that most players love to have.
Number 6 Shape
The Number 6 Shape provides a “small standard flight” which gives players the most stability and lift possible for the darts. Beginning players who are not doing well with the standard shape darts should try the number 6 shape as an alternate. This shape is more forgiving as you become accustomed to how the game is played.
Lantern
The Lantern has a unique aerodynamic shape which is designed for maximum stability. This is achieved by the tail being kept down. Suitable for intermediate level darts players who are good at controlling their darts.
Slim
Slim is the narrowest flight shape that you will find. If you are a player who prefers lighter darts instead of heavier darts, then you will like slim flights. When you throw one of these darts, the trajectory is kept flat and steady. Make sure you go easy on your throws because these darts will move very fast.
Teardrop
The teardrop flight is shaped just like a teardrop. This shape will give your dart the most lift possible. If you are playing darts in a smaller room or area, the teardrop flight will help you maintain your accuracy. This dart flight is suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
Kite
The Kite flight is often used by professional players that want to have complete control over their dart. Often times, players will use Kite flight darts if they need to group their darts close together on the dartboard. For instance, if your opponent throws their dart into the bullseye and then you need to hit the bullseye too, this will be difficult with that other dart in your way. The only way to land your dart in the bullseye is to have complete control over it.
Conclusion
Do you see which flight is the best for your dart? If you are a beginner player, then you will want to choose either the standard flight or the number 6 flight. If you are an intermediate player, then you might prefer the lantern, slip, or teardrop flights. Professional darts players will want to use the kite flight or any of the previous three flights, depending on where they need to land their dart.
