Let’s face it:
You won’t hit the bullseye every time, no matter how good of a player you are.
And that’s when having the best dart mat indeed comes in handy – the darts end up on a protective surface, instead of diving head-first into your hardwood floor.
Of course, that’s not the only advantage, but more on that later – so, keep on reading!
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I know you're interested to see how the best dart mats compare to one another, so check out this comparison chart of the top 3 models on the market.
Even the best of players make mistakes – and costly ones, too – which is why mats are one of the essential pieces of equipment for dart games.
And I can give you three pretty good reasons why, too.
Before you dismiss the idea of getting one, take a moment to consider how much money you invested in your floor. You wouldn’t want to destroy it by letting dart tips gouge right into it, now, would you?
A dart board floor mat is not infallible, but it will be your first line of defense, and one of the surest ways to keep your play area in pristine condition.
They don’t call it dart board floor protection for nothing, you know?
Whenever you have a "bounce-out," the first thing that goes through your head is probably something along the lines of:
I hope I didn’t damage the dart’s tip!
Well, having a mat could put you to rest – and it’s certainly more affordable than buying a new set of darts every time.
If you’re going to play a game of darts, the least you can do is make sure you’re following the regulations!
Now, I know you’re probably reading this, thinking:
But isn’t a piece of tape enough to mark the throw line?
And you’re right. It’s enough – in most cases, that is. Here’s when it wouldn’t work, though:
So, YES, getting the best dart mat with throw lines might be a good idea if you want to keep your dart game fair!
Best Dart Mat On The Market: My Top 6 Recommendations
Okay, it’s time for my in-depth dart mat reviews – let’s dig in!
If you’re wondering what your fellow players are using, chances are they own a Viper dart mat!
It’s made from soft, cushioned vinyl, but at the same time, it has a heavy-duty feel to it, which is always a plus when it comes to dart board floor mats.
Moreover, the toe lines are embossed and show precise distances for both steel and soft tip dart games.
Oh, and thanks to the Roll Flex material, rolling it up in-between games is a breeze.
Now, besides the fact that it’s a not-so-affordable option, there’s one more issue I need to warn you about:
It doesn’t stay in place.
It slips out of position by an inch or two as soon as you step on it. Overall, it’s one of the best dart game floor mats out there, but the constant adjusting is a bit of a hassle.
- Made from soft, cushioned vinyl
- The material feels heavy-duty and durable
- It features embossed toe lines for steel tip and soft tip darts
- The Roll Flex material rolls up easily
- It’s not exactly budget-friendly
- It doesn’t always stay in place
When it comes to floor protection, industrial-grade rubber dart mat is the way to go.
Now, you might think that three millimeters aren’t enough thickness-wise, but the low profile certainly has its benefits, most notable one being the minimized risk of tripping, especially in high foot traffic areas.
I want to add that the non-curling design, which ensures the mat lays flat at all times, also plays a significant "safety" role.
Most importantly, it features official steel tip and soft tip dart throw lines, which makes it the perfect addition to any game room setting.
That said, I feel like they could’ve made it a bit wider because right now, I don’t feel like it’s covering a wide enough surface to catch all stray darts.
Also, it has a slight rubbery odor – but it should go away after a couple of days or so.
- It uses industrial-grade rubber
- It stays flat thanks to the non-curling design
- Features throw lines for steel tip and soft tip darts
- You can roll it up quickly for storage purposes
- It should be wider
- There’s a slight rubbery smell
If you want to bring a little competitiveness into playing darts, what better way to do so than with a mat that’s suitable for both home use and tournaments?
The throw lines are painted on with visibility in mind, and the non-slip micro grip layer keeps the mat in place – everything you need for a good game!
Made from durable rubber – although only three millimeters thick – this Dart World mat will do an excellent job at protecting your darts if they bounce out of the board.
That said, it won’t do much for the surface you’re playing on – I feel like it’s way too thin to keep steel tip darts from going all the way through to the floor.
Moreover, it has that strong rubber smell, so leave it outside for a couple of days before you use it for the first time.
- Made out of durable rubber
- Suitable for both home use and tournaments
- It’ll stay in place thanks to the non-slip micro grip
- It’s not thick enough to protect the floor
- A bit expensive
- It has a rubber smell
The very best target masters use the Target Darts World Champion mat. This one will not only protect your floors, but it will also preserve dart points and reduce breakage.
One of the highly appreciative features is the design of the mat. It's made out of lightweight and odorless fabric, supported by the full-length Oche system.
Once you finish your game of darts, you can roll up the mat and store it safely. The compact sizing is what most players need; you want something that will protect your floors, not take up the entire room.
Speaking of that, the Target Darts World Champion mat has just the right size. It will cover the vital areas without leaving room for floor damage.
For any bounce-outs or missed shots, you will get the most protection out of it.
Plus, the anti-slip design makes sure the mat stays in its place; no sliding whatsoever. Because it's not entirely rubber, it will not create any creases while you play. Therefore you can only expect a flat and reliable surface.
The dart mat also features three vibrant Oche lines to ensure a proper distance from your dartboard.
- Rubber bottom
- Carpet top
- Rolls to a convenient size
- Odor-less
- Anti-slip
- Could feature more coverage
Professional, heavy-duty, and non-slip. What could you possibly want more out of a dart mat? This one covers all the necessary checkpoints when it comes to a useful protector dart companion.
The Lehom dart mat measures 118" L x 24" W x 1/5" D and is the perfect protector in all of your competitive dart matches, whether in a bar or home.
Made from high-quality material, the Lehom mat features industrial-grade rubber. You know the exceptional protection it offers for those of you who had the opportunity to play with this kind of mat.
When I tell you it will not budge, I do mean it. The dart mat is anti-slip and will stay put once you find the proper place for it.
One of the reasons I appreciate this mat is its ability to cushion the missed shots.
With shock-absorbing components, your bounce-outs will not end up on the floor beside the mat. They will all be caught by the 4mm thick protector mat.
It features four throw lines: 7′6", 7′9-1/4", 8′0", 8′6" and offers a regulation distance for both soft and steel tip darts.
- Easy to clean
- High-quality industrial rubber
- Anti-slip
- Includes four throw lines
- Pricy
If you want a mat with a professional feel to it, look no further – the ZAAP is the way to go.
The mat features four oche lines, which makes it suitable for all play levels, be it friendly or competitive.
Since it's made from heavy-duty, durable rubber, the mat is thick enough to provide sufficient floor protection, even when you’re playing with steel tip darts.
Moreover, the anti-slip design, paired with the weight, keeps it in place throughout the game.
Plus, I liked the fact that it’s so compact and easy to roll up when it’s not in use.
You know what I didn’t appreciate, though? The smell.
As soon as I unpacked the mat, the entire room started smelling like rubber, and it took me days to air it out completely. It’s not a big deal, but consider yourself warned.
- Durable rubber mat
- The anti-slip design and weight keep it in place
- It’s thick enough to protect your floor
- It features four different oche lines
- You can easily roll it up to save storage space
- The rubber smell is overpowering
How To Choose The Best Dart Mat: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
Now that you went through my reviews, it’s time to see what it takes to pick the best one out of the bunch!
1. Materials
Okay, first things first:
Pay attention to the materials used for your mat and make sure they're compatible with your dartboard area.
When it's time to pick the best dart mat materials, remember the following:
2. Non-slip Design and Surface Compatibility
Sure, the mat might have a non-slip underlay, but don’t forget to factor in the different surfaces you’ll be using it on, including:
Some will undoubtedly perform better on bare floors, while others will stand their ground even on rugs – it all comes down to what you need!
3. Visible – And Accurate – Throw Lines
While they play a significant protective role, dart board floor mats can be more than helpful in setting up your game area correctly.
And, as you probably know, there are some essential rules to be followed, including distance regulations.
So, before you purchase a mat, check if the throw lines are not only adequately labeled and visible, but accurate, as well!
4. Can You Get a Good Deal?
Well, I’ll be honest with you:
Dart mats are not a very competitive market.
As a result, the manufacturers can dictate their prices without worrying about the competition, and most dart mats come with a not so budget-friendly price tag, with the average being around 70 bucks.
You won’t find any cheap dart mats, but spending a bit more to protect both your darts and your floor is a worthwhile investment, nonetheless.
FAQs
What do the lines mean on the dart-throwing mat?
The Oche or the dart-throwing line represents the toe line behind which the player must stand upon throwing the dart.
What is the throw line for darts?
With steel tip darts, the throwing line is usually 7 ft 9 1⁄4 inches, while the soft tip darts require 8 in the distance from the board.
The other lines in the dart mat are used as variations for different leagues.
What is the best dart mat?
The best dart mat is the Viper Padded Throw/Toe Line Dart Mat.
The mat is made out of durable and cushioned vinyl material that will ultimately protect your surroundings.
With both steel and soft tip dart throw lines, your aiming is bound to get by the minute.
How can I protect my floor from the wall and darts?
The best way to protect your walls is by purchasing a dart backboard, while for floors, you need a quality dart mat.
However, if you cannot afford or want to be a DIY master, there are a few helpful solutions. Around the wall, use a soft, cushioned material or a wood panel such as this one.
For floors, use a standard rug; make sure it does not slip or crease.
And The Best Dart Mat Is...?
Every single one of these mats will get the job done, but you’re here to find the best dart mat – and that’s the Viper Padded Throw/Toe Line Dart Mat.
With durable vinyl material and rolled-up compact size, I'm sure this is going to be one of your favorite darting accessories.
Both pros and beginners will appreciate this one due to the precise throwing lines suitable for both steel and soft dart tips.
Would you agree with my choice or do you have a personal favorite, too? Let me know in the comments below!
- Made of soft, cushioned vinyl, the Viper padded throw line dart mat protecting your floors from bounce outs
- Heavy-duty, non-slip mat measures 117" L x 24" W x 1/4" D
- Can be easily rolled up for storage in-between use
- Provides a regulation distance embossed toe line for both steel tip darts (93-1/4") and soft tip darts (96") which eliminates guess work
- Made in USA
After reviewing your list I bought the ZAAP Mat. Unfortunately I was very disappointed and returned the mat.
The ends never lost the curl, looked awful and presented a tripping hazard.
I might have been able to fix that, but it also had a distinct curve when rolled out. It had at least a 6″ curve and would not lay straight on the floor. Would not recommend this mat.
Need to find a better choice.