Most players understand that the weight of a dart impacts the flight path, angle of entry and suitability of a dart to different flights, stems and points. However, fewer players really think about the way the weight of the dart is distributed.
This has a very big impact on the way the dart travels. In this article, I’ll compare front-weighted, rear-weighted and centre-weighted darts so you can choose the perfect set for your throw.
The Quick Answer
Front-weighted darts suit players with a slower throw who grip the dart close to the point, whilst rear-weighted darts suit players with a harder throw who grip the dart closer to the flight. Front and centre-weighted darts are the best for beginners, however rear-weighted darts are easier to group closely.
| Front-Weighted | Centre-Weighted | Rear-Weighted |
| Suit front-grippers | Suit most grip types | Suit rear-grippers |
| Best for slower throws | Good for most throw types | Good for fast throwers |
| Steeper angle of entry | Flat angle of entry | May lean downwards at the flight |
| Mainly suit large flights | Suits all flights | Flight size depends on angle |
Weight and Balance
When referring to the weight balance or weight distribution of a dart, we’re really talking about the barrel and how the weight is spread across the length of it. The length and weight of the point and stem also affect the overall weight balance of the dart, but most of the overall weight comes from the barrel itself.
There are three types of barrel:
- Front-weighted
- Centre-weighted
- Rear-weighted
The weight is either distributed evenly (centre-weighted) or unevenly (rear or front-weighted). Centre-weighted barrels will usually be very symmetrical, whereas front-weighted barrels will have a wider front and a narrower rear, and vice versa for rear-weighted barrels.
The way the weight is distributed across the barrel affects the balance point of the dart. The balance point is the position of the dart where the weight is equally distributed on either side of it. So if you were to balance the dart at this point on your fingertip, it should lie completely flat.
- Front-weighted dart barrels will lean forwards if held in the middle so the balance point is closer to the point.
- Centre-weighted dart barrels will lie flat if held in the middle.
- Rear-weighted dart barrels will lean backwards if held in the middle so the balance point is closer to the flight.
Front-Weighted Darts
Front-weighted, also known as front-loaded darts have more weight distributed towards the front of the barrel (closes to the point) and typically have a bomber or teardrop shape where the widest point is towards to tip of the dart.It means that the balance point is closer to the point.
If you were to hold a front-weighted dart exactly in the middle, it would lean forwards towards the point.
Angle of Entry
The angle of entry for a front-weighted dart tends to be steeper meaning it will tilt upwards at the flight more. This is useful if your darts otherwise have a tendency to hit the board tilting downwards at the flight.
Grip Position Suitability
Front-weighted darts suit players who grip the barrel closer to the point. This ensures the grip is closer to the balance point of the dart meaning it should stay flatter during the flight path. If a rear-gripper threw a front-weighted dart then the dart would be more unstable.
Throw Style Suitability
Front-weighted darts are favoured by players with a “lob” style throw. A lob-style throw is when the dart is released higher and will loop back down before it enters the board. Front-weighted darts will cause the dart to tip forwards more on the second-half of the flight path. Players with a straighter and harder throw may find that the dart tilts up at the flight too much on entry.
Flight and Stem Suitability
Players who use front-weighted darts typically select larger flights such as the shape, standard, velos and kite to suit the lob-style throw. However, if the angle of entry is too steep then a smaller flight may be necessary. Shorter dart shafts are most suited to front-weighted barrels because they work well for players who grip the dart towards the point.
Pros and Cons
- Good for stability and helps to correct a poor throw.
- Suits slower, lob-style throws.
- Harder to group darts due to the extra width closer to the point.
- Does not suit harder throwers.
Here are some examples.
Shot! Tribal Weapon
Shot! Joe Chaney
Front-Weighted Darts (images link to Amazon)
The weight of a dart impacts so many factors of your throw. Check out my comparison between light and heavy darts to learn everything you need to know.
Rear-Weighted Darts
Rear-weighted, also known as back-weighted darts are the least common type and have more weight distributed towards the back of the barrel (closes to the point) so the widest point is towards to flight of the dart. It means that the balance point is closer to the flight. If you were to hold a rear-weighted dart exactly in the middle, it would lean backwards towards the flight.
Angle of Entry
The angle of entry for a rear-weighted dart tends to be flatter meaning it will tilt downwards at the flight more. This is useful if your darts otherwise have a tendency to hit the board tilting upwards too much at the flight. However, it can be a problem if your darts are constantly landing with the flight down.
Grip Position Suitability
Rear-weighted darts suit players who grip the barrel closer to the flight. This ensures the grip is closer to the balance point of the dart meaning it should stay flatter during the flight path. If a front-gripper threw a rear-weighted dart then the dart would tilt downwards too much at the flight.
Throw Style Suitability
Rear-weighted darts are favoured by players with a harder and faster style throw. Players with a softer or lobbing-style throw may find that the dart tilts downwards too much at the flight when they enter the board and the dart will drop in the air more.
Flight and Stem Suitability
Players who use rear-weighted darts may choose a smaller flight to give them maximum speed however they could also select larger flights such as the shape, and standard if they find the dart is leaning backwards too much. Longer dart shafts are most suited to rear-weighted barrels because they work well for players who grip the dart towards the flight.
Pros and Cons
- Easier to group darts due to the narrow width closer to the point.
- Suits harder throwers.
- Unforgiving and not suitable for beginners.
- Have a tendency to tilt down at the flight.
Here are some examples.
Harrows Verve
Shot! Wild Frontier
Rear-Weighted Darts (images link to Amazon)
Centre-Weighted Darts
Centre-weighted, also known as even-weighted darts are the most common type and have a balanced shape. It means that the balance point is in the middle of the barrel so if you were to hold a centre-weighted dart exactly in the middle, it would lie completely flat. Centre-weighted darts are suitable for most grip positions and throwing styles.
In terms of the flight and stem suitability, it depends on the players throwing style. If the dart is tilting downwards at the flight, a larger flight and longer stem, whereas if it tilts upwards too much then a smaller flight and shorter stem may be more suitable.
Here are some examples.
Shot! Zen Satori
Shot! Viking Berseker
Centre-Weighted Darts (images link to Amazon)
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