Do you think you need to replace your dart shaft? Do you even know how to replace the shaft?
This guide is going to answer all your questions. You can’t have a dart without a shaft, so you need to know how to replace and take care of one.
Take a look at this review of 9 of the best dart shafts on the market in 2021.
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Before you make a purchase, you should make sure that the shaft is going to work for you.
To make it easier for you, here is a summary of the essential features of the top 3 products.
9 of the Best Dart Shafts - A Detailed Reviews
The first product on the list is the MAXMAU Aluminum Dart Shafts. You can buy these in a set of twenty-seven pieces.
The best feature of the product is that it contains a variety of shafts. There are nine carved Aluminum pieces. Then there are nine grooved shafts. The last nine are smooth.
Each of these types feels different when you hold them. They might even feel different when you throw them. It is great because you can try them all out and decide which feeling you want.
They take the diversity even further. The smooth and grooved shafts are 48 mm long while the carved ones are 45 mm long. They are all relatively short, so they are a good option if you prefer short darts.
The pieces come in three colors: red, blue, and black. Each type of shaft has three in every color.
All of them are constructed from Aluminum. They are unlikely to break, but they could bend if you drop them. Maxmau made them with a 2BA groove. As most products have this thread, they should fit.
Another benefit of the set is that it comes with O-rings. They should keep the shaft from coming loose from the barrel.
- It comes with eighteen 48 mm pieces and nine 45 mm pieces.
- The set contains grooved, carved, and smooth shafts.
- The set includes O-rings.
- 2BA thread
- It comes in several colors.
- Can warp if dropped a long distance.
Let's talk about Viper, a highly reputable brand among dart fanatics. This time, they are delivering an impressive aluminum dart shaft, designed to upgrade your beginner level to pro.
These shafts are made out of lightweight but durable and sturdy aluminum. The reason I always prefer aluminum shafts to, let's say, nylon ones are their ability to not mess with your throw.
Additionally, the aluminum shaft is durable and will protect the dart from any severe wear and tear.
By this, I mean the aluminum will not add any extra weight to the dart and will offer good stability to your dart flight. If this is your first purchase from Viper, you should know that the shaft comes in two sizes; short and medium.
Now, let's talk about the main advantage of these Viper Spinster Aluminum shafts. The rotating shaft allows you the flight to spin when it's stuck in the board. As you could assume, this will most definitely improve your throws and overall performance.
If you are bothered by the shaft's constant tightening, then this is the best pick for you! Thanks to the locking hole, the shaft will stay put on the dart all the time.
With this purchase, you will be getting three dart shafts to complete your everyday collection.
- It comes with three shafts
- Durable aluminum build
- Rotating shaft top
- Prevents deflection
- Affordable price
- You can use any flight
- Some of the users complained about the compatibility with soft tip darts
The Wolftop is another budget-friendly pack of dart shafts, made to last and suit beginners and advanced players.
Let's start with the overall quality. The shaft is designed out of high-quality aluminum with an anodized finish, which gives it a sleek and professional look. Not only that, but they will certainly last you longer than PVC shafts.
This black and blue color combination set will make any beginner feel like a pro while they proudly display their assembled darts.
If you decide on ordering the set, you should know that it comes with 24 aluminum shafts, enough for long-time service. It also includes rubber O-rings, but I have to admit I was pretty disappointed here.
They practically don't serve you well at all!
The design of them is relatively thin and useless unless you use at least two O-rings at once. Consequently, the shaft will become loose after a while and give you quite a headache!
The Wolftop shafts are compatible with all 2BA dart screw threads. The length of the shaft is around 41 mm without the thread and 48 mm with one.
Another plus is that they feature a lockable mechanism.
You can use this in your leverage when you adjust the shaft and make sure it stays put. However, this is all questionable due to the O-rings issue I mentioned earlier.
- Affordable
- Includes 24 aluminum shafts
- Lockable mechanism
- High-precision delivery
- Robust aluminum build
- O-rings are loose
- Heavy
- Paint finish wears off quickly
The CavalierDarts Aluminum Medium Darts Shafts are one of the top rated products on the market. You can buy the shafts in sets of 20, 30 or 40 pieces. If you buy one with 30 or 40, you get a metal box to put them in.
Unfortunately, the container won’t be large enough to hold all your fully set up darts. But it is still handy.
The shaft is fifty-three millimeter or two inches long. It is a medium length, so it is a good compromise. It should work for most players.
The next important thing to consider is the groove. The shaft comes with a 2BA thread which is a pretty standard one. Most barrels will fit these grooves perfectly.
The manufacturers made them with Aluminum which means that the shafts are quite light. They weigh in at about 1.50 - 1.55 grams. When you put everything together, it should be an excellent weight to throw.
These darts seem to be durable enough that they shouldn’t break but be careful as they tend to bend or warp if you drop them.
The package comes with an O-ring for each piece. These rings help a lot with metal shafts because the thread might not sit tightly enough without them.
- The set contains shafts in different colors red, black, blue, green and purple.
- 2BA groove
- The products are 53 mm long.
- Set contains an O ring for every shaft.
- Sold in 20, 30 or 40 pieces.
- The 30 and 40 pieces set come in a metal box.
- Made out of Aluminum.
- Inexpensive
- Can warp if dropped a long distance.
We had our fair share of aluminum dart shafts in this review. Now, it's time to bring out the big guns.
The carbon dart shaft is for anyone looking for a durable, robust, and lightweight way to upgrade their dart set.
Let's see what this Viper Carbon Plus set has to offer.
I bet that as soon as you search for the best carbon dart shafts, this set will be one of the best offers. Why?
Well, mostly because Viper is a highly respected brand that offers a sound mind to both pro players and beginners.
Now, as for this set, this is an exceptional quality carbon design. What makes it special is the lightweight feature that lessens the carbon weight and upgrades the weight balance upon throws.
If you are looking for a lightweight shaft, look no further.
Besides the front-loaded weight balance, the shaft is also lockable. As soon as you install the shaft onto the dart, it will stay put and requires no tightening afterward.
The set of shafts comes in an attractive silver color with two size options. The short one is one ¾ in length, while the medium one is around 2 inches. Oh, and there are three shafts in the offer; a perfect way to complete your collection.
What makes this Viper Carbon Plus set truly attractive is the budget-friendly price! They are as durable as nylon or aluminum but share the same price point.
- Carbon construction
- Lightweight
- It comes in two sizes
- Affordable
- Can break after a bounce-out
Everything you need for your steel tip or soft tip darts is right here in this set!
However, I would like to put a little side note before we begin this review. If you decide on purchasing this set, you should know that it's only compatible with the TERO AK7 flights. They need to be ordered separately, so keep an eye on that.
Getting back to the review, I first have to praise the marvelous design of the shafts! They are creatively composed with a built-in telescopic spring system.
For those of you new to this design, let's break it down.
The telescopic spring feature gives the dart an extra 'something' that prevents the flight from breaking when it comes to contact with another. Additionally, the rotating design keeps the flight in place.
There is extra molding on the screw that secures the barrel while you throw. The threading here allows you to customize the tightening of the shaft. Unlike the automatic lock in some previous shafts, this can present a problem to some.
That being said, there are a few negative comments regarding the O-ring of the set. In practice, they work well, but they tend to fall off.
However, I have to mention that the durability is fantastic! For any player who is looking for top-notch quality, then this is the perfect pick for you.
- Telescopic spring system
- Adjustable tightening of the shaft
- Durable
- Only suitable for TERO AK4 flights
One of the best dart shafts on the market in 2021 is the Gracefulvara Aluminum Medium Darts Shafts. You can buy them in a set of twelve pieces.
All the pieces in the set come in one color. However, you can choose between six options each in a different color. They are available in black, purple, red, blue, green and gold. So you can pick the one that suits your flight and barrels.
All of the shafts are grooved. These grooves serve several purposes. It can help you to get a better grip on the dart. It also makes the shaft lighter which can make throwing easier. The grooves can affect how you throw so if it will work for you depends on your preference.
Gracefulvara made the pieces from Aluminum. They are durable and should last you a while. Just remember that alloy darts can bend or warp if they fall or you drop them.
The shafts are a medium length. They are 52 mm or 2.07 inches long.
Gracefulvara made it with a 4.5mm thread which is equivalent to a 7BA or 6BA thread. This type is unusual so check whether it will fit your barrel.
One benefit of this set is that it is very inexpensive. It is an excellent option if you are on a budget.
- Made with grooves.
- Sets are available in different colors.
- 52 mm or 2.07 inches long
- 7BA thread
- Inexpensive
- Made with a less common thread type.
- Can warp if dropped a long distance.
The next product on the list has been designed and produced by Aketek.
These dart shafts are sold in as a deal with three sets. It means that it contains nine pieces in total. This total is a pretty good number depending on how many darts you have you should be able to replace most of your shafts with some extras.
Aketek made these pieces from Aluminum. The shafts are quite sturdy. But avoid rough handling. Try not to drop them because they can bend and warp from the force.
They are cheaper than a lot of the products in the review. But they still offer value for money. So you should consider these if you are looking for a bargain.
A con of this product is that it doesn’t come with O-rings. You will need to buy some separately if you want them to fit tightly. These are necessary with metal shafts and barrels.
One thing that counts in their favor is the sleek colors of the pieces in the set.
Each set contains three gold, three black, and three silver shafts. With these, you will be able to kit out your dart set in style. The colors match each other beautifully and will work with most other shades.
Aketek manufactured them with a 2BA groove which will work on most darts.
- Made from Aluminum.
- Shafts come in different colors.
- 2BA Groove
- Inexpensive
- Can warp if dropped a long distance.
- Doesn’t come with O-rings
Arachnid has made one of the best dart shafts of 2021. The pack contains three full sets, so it comes with nine pieces in total.
These Black Aluminum Dart shafts are 50 mm or 1 inch long. It is a medium length so if you don’t like darts that are too long or too short you might prefer these.
Sadly, it only comes in black, But on the other hand, black matches most things. It should look good with most of your gear.
One downside is that it doesn’t come with O-rings even though the product description says it does. That means you will have to find and buy them separately.
Luckily, it has a standard 2BA groove. Therefore, you should be able to use it with most barrels so in this respect it is quite versatile.
Black Aluminum Dart Shafts constructed them from Aluminum. Even for an alloy product, they are very light. These are ideal for players who hate using heavy darts. They are also a good option for younger players.
They are relatively inexpensive. But, this seems to show in some aspects of the product. You need to handle these shafts carefully. They get damaged quite easily. The black coating, for example, starts chipping after a while.
- 50 mm long
- 2BA Thread
- Very lightweight shafts.
- The product is made from Aluminum.
- Only available in black.
- Doesn’t come with O-rings as advertised.
- The black finish is prone to chipping.
Guide to Dart Shafts
If you want to be a pro you need to be properly kitted out. A key piece of equipment is the dart. Even if you don’t own a dartboard, you can buy your own dart set. A set of six or so is ideal.
The dart is made up of a flight, a tip, barrel, and a shaft. You can separate each of these pieces from each other.
If you are interested in the physic of how darts fly you should read this informative article.
The shaft sits between the barrel and the flight. The two pieces are screwed onto each other. The shaft has the male end of the thread, and the barrel has the female thread.
Its purpose is to give you a place to hold the dart so that you can throw it. The type of shaft also affects the way in which the dart flies.
1. Types of Shafts
There are different types of shafts that you can fit onto the barrel. Each one of them will affect the flight of your dart.
Here are some of the types of shafts that you can choose from:
2. How Do You Replace Your Dart Shaft?
The pressure from a throw can crack or even break your darts shaft. You will find the grip will also wear down after time.
Any cracks or damage to the shaft will severely impact how you throw. It can skew your shots and mess up your aim.
You should inspect your dart every few weeks to check its condition. After an intense game or tournament, it is best also to take a closer look.
If it isn’t broken, but it doesn’t feel right you should think of getting a new one.
Don’t worry. It is straightforward to replace. There isn’t much to it.
First, you should remove the flight from the end of the dart. With one hand holding the shaft and with the other holding the barrel you can unscrew the two from each other. If it is stuck tight, you can get a removal tool to help you.
You should check whether the thread of the shaft and barrel match before you buy one. You can then screw the new shaft on.
This Youtube video will show you exactly how to replace your dart’s shaft.
3. Features to Look for in Dart Shafts
a. Length
The length of the shaft affects how you throw the dart.
If you like to hold it near the end, a longer one will probably work out better. But if you want to hold the dart near the front, you should consider a short shaft because the weight will then sit near the tip.
If a dart is too long, it will wobble, and the flight can be difficult to predict. You need to pay attention to the sizes of the pieces.
b. Thread
The thread of the shaft needs to match the barrel of the dart. Therefore, the pieces need to fit together. You need to do some research on this aspect of the shaft.
You also need to know what type of thread the barrel has as well.
c. Material
The material from which the shaft is made affects your dart handles.
You should consider both the pros and cons before you make a choice. It will probably balance out better if the barrel is made of the same material as the shaft.
d. Type of Shaft
A pro tip is to try darts with different types of shafts before you make a purchase.
More experienced players will usually have a strong preference for one category. If you are unsure, try to find out which one will suit your play style.
e. Color
If you are only replacing the shaft and keeping the other parts of the darts, try to match the colors. When they suit each other, it will look much neater and much more professional.
So consider what colors the shaft comes in.
FAQs
What is a dart shaft?
A dart shaft is a vital part of the dart. It's one of the four main components among barrel, point, and flight.
Along with the flight, this is the only part of the dart that is replaceable.
What dart shafts do the pros use?
Depending on their personal preferences regarding weight, style, grip, length, or shape, a pro player will determine the best shaft for their performance.
Most of them opt for nylon or plastic ones since they are more flexible and reliable.
How to know what dart shafts to use?
When it comes to dart shafts, it can be tricky to know which one is the best for you. However, there is no right or wrong here.
If you are a beginner, I advise you to play around the field a bit and get to know different grip styles and weights. Once you do that, you will know which one is the best for your style.
Check out our buyer's guide! We have explained in detail what materials, weights, and lengths we recommend.
What are the best dart shafts?
The best dart shafts are the MAXMAU Aluminium Dart Shafts and the Viper Spinster Aluminum Dart Shaft. Both of these are highly appreciated among dart enthusiasts for their quality, value, and performance.
Each set is made out of aluminum, which will deliver a long service for both you and your gaming buddies.
Which Dart Shafts Are the Best?
You won’t go wrong with any of these products. They are some of the best dart shafts that are available in 2021. Each of these sets has their own unique and fantastic features.
But there is always a winner. My favorite products of all these are the MAXMAU Aluminium Dart Shafts.
This set is the most versatile. It contains twenty-seven pieces in total.
The best feature of the product is that the collection comprises different types of shafts. There are nine that are smooth, nine that are carved, and nine that are grooved. None of the other sets offers this diversity.
On top of this, the pieces have different lengths. The carved ones are 45 mm long, and the smooth and grooved shafts are 48 mm long. So you will be able to put a pretty customized set together.
All of the shafts are made from Aluminum which means they are light and durable. Most players should be satisfied with this set.
What do you think of these dart shafts? Tell us in the comments and feel free to share the article.