softtip

Softtip refers to a category of darts that use plastic or polymer tips, designed for use with electronic or soft-tip boards. The term distinguishes these darts from steel-tip darts, which have metal points used on traditional bristle boards. Softtip darts are common in arcades, casual play, and many home setups where electronic scoring is provided by the board.

Construction and design aspects commonly found in softtip darts include a plastic tip, a metallic or composite barrel, a shaft, and a plastic flight. The tips are typically replaceable and can wear or bend with use, which affects accuracy and requires periodic replacement. The shafts and flights may be made from lightweight materials such as nylon, aluminum, or carbon fiber, and are often color-coded to indicate weight or model differences.

Compatibility is a key consideration: softtip darts are designed for electronic or soft-tip boards that detect where the dart lands via sensors. They are not generally compatible with traditional bristle boards or with steel-tip darts due to differences in tip geometry and scoring mechanisms.

Performance and safety advantages commonly cited for softtip darts include reduced risk of puncture or damage to walls and surfaces, and the ability to use automated scoring. Limitations can include tip wear and potential inaccuracy relative to high-grade steel-tip setups.

Softtip darts continue to be popular in recreational settings and competitive formats that utilize electronic boards, offering a safer, quieter alternative to steel-tip play while maintaining familiar game formats.