Whether you’re in it for fun or as a hobby, darting can be a rewarding game. However, jotting all those scores down might be a bit tedious – and what’s more? There’s always room for discrepancies with the score. Fortunately, with the best electronic dart board, you can focus more on enjoying the flow of the game rather than resolving arguments over the scores.
Top 10 Fun Electronic Dart Board Reviews 2020
Our team presented this information in the comprehensive table below for you to have a quick look before you read our buying guide where we show what to look for. We’ve also answered some FAQs to ensure you have all the information you need to choose the best electronic dart board. Here are our 10 favorite electronic dart boards and what makes each one of them unique.
Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 – Overall Best Electronic Dart Board
Features:
A target area of 15.5-inch which meets the Tournament-Quality standards
Provides NylonTough segments for enhanced playability and durability
Extra thin segment dividers that reduce chances of bounce-outs
Supports up to 8 players thanks to its accommodative LED display
Provides 40 games with 179 variations (7 cricket games included)
OVERALL RATING: 10 out of 10
10
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This electronic dashboard provides you with a generous and well-designed play area of 15.5-inches. On top of that, it boasts LED lit classic red, black, and yellow target areas. That means you can enjoy a classic look despite using this highly modernized version of a dart board. A closer look at it reveals that it comes with the built-in ability to evaluate the average scores per player round. This is an exclusive feature that makes it easy for you and your partner(s) to track their scores without the need for manual calculations. So, convenience is the name of the game here. And there is more! The Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 comes with a 3 level heckler feature. Wondering what on earth that is? Well, the heckler feature comes in handy in making the game more interesting. For instance, if someone throws poor quality dart shots, the system would automatically heckle them. Likewise, if someone delivers impressive scores, the board would applaud them. Of course, the Heckler is a good feature but it may seem like a bit of nuisance for those who enjoy quiet gaming. Luckily, it comes with an ON/OFF button which means you can turn it off for an uninterrupted gaming experience. Another thing is that the Heckler has 3 optional levels ranging from mild to unforgiving. So, you can always adjust it as per your specific gaming needs. Tired of accidental bounce-outs? This particular dart board focuses on resolving that issue by introducing extra-thin segment dividers. These effectively improve your scoring potential. So, there’s no disputing that this is potentially one of the few boards out there that offer the best playing experience. Ultimately, with a digitized method of collecting scores and few bounce-outs, what more can one ask for? To crown it all up – this electronic dart board set boasts NylonTough segments. These are proven to provide outstanding experience even when put to years of exceptional abuse. Besides that, the NylonTough material is known to be a tad quieter than other traditional materials. And who said that darting has to be a boring game restricted to only a handful of players? With the Cricket Pro 800, you get the opportunity to have as many as 8 players take part. You only need to select the mode of play and the machine will do the heavy-lifting for you. The entire package comprises 6 darts (a few extras provided), AC adapter, operating manual, mounting tool and game instructions.
Conclusion This is a highly advanced electronic dart board. Its features are not only easy to use but also interactive. Besides that, it’s built to stand the test of time all thanks to its micro-thin segment dividers and NylonTough segments. And although it’s a bit pricey, we think it represents nothing but good value for money.
PROS:
Easy to use
Interactive board
Durable segments
Provides a wide variety of games
LED lit for enhanced user experience
CONS:
The interactive voice feature can get really noisy
We hope you will have many hours of enjoyable use with your new product!
Arachnid CricketPro 800 Electronic Dartboard
Yotube Video Review: Arachnid CricketPro 800 Electronic Dartboard
Viper 777 Soft Tip Dartboard – Best Value for Money
Features:
Powerful darting surface with an adorable 15.5-inch face
Thin segment dividers for reduced bounce outs
Bilingual usability (English and Spanish)
Provides you with a stylish color scheme
Concave-holed segments that withstand years of impact
Huge catch ring surrounding the entire target face for added safety
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
8
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On a tight budget? This might just be the best electronic dart board for the money. It’s designed along with the tournament-quality requirements which you can always bank on. We’re talking about a 15.5-inch target face and a well-built playing surface. And as you know, playing darts can get a little tricky especially when the segment dividers are too thick. Fortunately, this unit boasts ultra-thin dividers which further reduce the chances of bounce outs. This way, you can enjoy closer dart groupings and even maximize scoring. Moving on, the Viper is bilingual. It supports both Spanish and English. As if that’s not enough, it also provides a total of 43 games with the potential to play up to 320 options. In addition, this board is designed to support up to 8 players at a time. Also, this digital device provides you with an LCD display which has earned the reputation of being crisp. Indeed, the display provides a clear view of the gaming statistics and scoring. So, once you get this system, you’ll no longer need to bother about manual scorekeeping. Its darts are entirely soft tipped which makes them user-friendly and incredibly easy to use. That’s in addition to the fact that the board can either run on 3 AA batteries or rely on external power. The external power can be obtained through an adapter which is, however, sold separately. Another awesome but possibly underrated aspect of this board is that it comes with segments that are made from thermal resin. The material provides exceptional durability in addition to making the surface easier for the darts to stick on. On top of that, the segments are colored either black, white, blue or red which further enhances your gameplay experience.
Conclusion This dart board may not have all the bells and whistles observed on the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 but it certainly does stun. Its ultra-thin segment dividers and superbly large catch rings around the target face make it extremely easy and friendly to use (no matter your level of experience). So, if you’re looking to enjoy a quiet and uninterrupted gameplay, this is probably something you don’t want to miss out on.
PROS:
Intelligent design with enough dart holders and interactive display
User-friendly backlit LCD display
Provides 10 buttons that enable you to customize your gaming experience
A score correction button is included to allow for a manual intervention when necessary
CONS:
Gobbles battery power too fast, better invest in an adapter for it
Thank you for purchasing the 777 Electronic Dartboard. Its computerized scoring system makes game playing easy and enjoyable. With 26 games and 113 options to choose from, beginners and more advanced players will find challenging games to suit them.
Viper 777 Dartboard | Talking Scoreboard Overview
Yotube Video Review: Viper 777 Dartboard | Talking Scoreboard Overview
The Viper 797 Electronic Dartboard with Soft Tip – Most User-friendly
Features:
Handy LCD display capable of keeping scores for up to 4 players simultaneously
Big and bright surface making it easy to use even beyond the throw line
Handy user interface that allows for effortless navigations through the gaming menus
With 240 gaming options and the ability to explore different options including 6 starter darts
OVERALL RATING: 8.5 out of 10
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8.5
One thing that Viper dartboards are known for is the ability to combine quite a number of tournament-grade features at a cheap price. For instance, the Viper 797 has a 15.5-inch target face in addition to thermal resin segments. Thermal resin is cheaper than NylonTough and still does a good job. Of course, it may not be as tough but it performs well especially when put under moderate gaming use. Moving on, this board provides you with ultra-thin segment dividers. These greatly lower the risk of bounce outs meaning you can enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience no matter your level of experience. Moving on, although this isn’t an electronic dartboard with cabinet, the truth of the matter is that it comes with sufficient built-in storage. The compact storage can hold 2 sets of darts. In fact, you can stash a few dart points in the provided storage compartments as well. In total, this board provides you with 43 games and 240 potential options. And believe it or not, unlike other boards that support a maximum of 8 players, this one can accommodate a max of 16 players. On top of that, the Viper 797 provides you with a large dart catch ring which offers superior protection to your wall in case of errant throws. Add that to the fact that this unit provides a bright LCD display and it’s clear that you have a winning combination here. Why is the LCD display such an important feature? Simple, because with it you can enjoy a clear view of the statistics while also eliminating the need for manual scorekeeping. And the icing on the cake is you get to enjoy a stylish color scheme comprising black, red and silver color codes. This dartboard’s superior construction makes it a perfect bet for the discerning user. It has huge catch rings which create a superior 360-degree landing zone. This ensures that most of your missed shots are captured, thereby protecting your wall from damage. On top of that, we liked the fact that this unit has extra-thin spiders which allow for better shot groupings. Of course, with a larger surface comes a whole range of benefits among them higher chances of landed shots and reduced bounce-outs.
Conclusion Everything about this board seems perfect. Its design, LCD surface, and enhanced user interface make this a perfect bet even for beginners. What’s more? You can always call in your buddies to play because this machine supports up to 16 players.
PROS:
Has a regulation-sized target face
Powerful LCD display for a crisp view of stats and scores
Congratulations and THANK YOU for purchasing the 797 Dartboard. You have chosen a product that should provide years of entertainment. To assist you with customer service and warranty claims, staple your receipt to the inside cover, then keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Viper 797 Electronic Dart Board and Darts Set
Yotube Video Review: Viper 797 Electronic Dart Board and Darts Set
Arachnid E650ARA Cricket Pro Electronic Dartboard – Most High-quality
Features:
Extra-ordinarily thin segment dividers for increased scoring chances
Segments made from NylonTough segments for enhanced durability
Allows you to set up player handicaps allowing players to participate competitively
Highly responsive sensors
Great and crystal clear LED lighting
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
7.5
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One thing you’re likely to have noticed about Arachnid branded dartboards is that they’re a bit pricey. But do they come with additional features to justify the prices? Well, first off, a closer look at this Cricket Pro reveals that it comes with NylonTough segments. The NylonTough segments are tougher than the traditional thermal resin material. That’s pretty much all the freedom you need to enjoy great playability and durability. So if you’re really concerned that your board’s segments are wearing out too fast and are looking for a replacement, we’d recommend getting one with NylonTough segments. Likewise, if you’re buying a board for heavy usage, we’d recommend sticking to this variety. However, if you’re simply shopping for an electronic dart board for home, then a simple resin surface would suffice. Back to the Arachnid Cricket Pro, our analysis revealed that it comes with 24 games complete with 132 variations. That’s sometimes all the flexibility you need to learn the game and explore more options while at it. And even if you’re a rookie, the fact that this surface comes with extra thin segment dividers means that you get reduced bounce-outs. As you know, thick segment dividers tend to eat into the play space area thereby making it easy for bounce-outs to occur. In line with the other dartboards from Arachnid, this one is designed to support a max of 8 players. That’s alongside the fact that this unit supports 2 sets of Tricolor cricket LED displays. Have you been disappointed by the fact that your dartboard doesn’t seem to be sensing the scores as it should? Well, it might be time to upgrade to this cute unit. Our experience with it is that it comes with highly responsive sensors with unmatched accuracy. Yet another major plus with this dart board is that it comes with a built-in player call-out feature. This feature calls out when it’s your turn to play – effectively keeping the game interactive.
Conclusion High-quality dart boards don’t come cheap. Therefore, if you’re looking for good value for money, you may need to dig deeper into your pockets to walk away with the Cricket Pro. But is it worth its weight in gold? Well, we certainly think it’s worth trying especially if you’re looking for the best bang for your bucks.
PROS:
Designed to allow for maximum scoring potential
Tough segments
Great and responsive sensors
Low risk of bounce-outs thanks to micro thin segment dividers
CONS:
A bit pricey
Doesn’t provide the option of turning off the double bull
Its segments are made from thermal resin which is highly durable
Provides you with 18 games which further contain 96 options
Can accommodate up to 8 players at once (allows for team play)
Loaded with 6 starter darts (soft-tip)
Provides a stylish color scheme for the best darting experience
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
8
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You don’t always have to go for a professional electronic dart board especially if you’re just a hobbyist. Therefore, if you’re in the market for an addition to your family’s game night toy, the Fat Cat 727 would be a superb find. This unit comes with a well-thought-out 13-inch target face which means you can easily find space for it even in cramped walls. Around the target face is a huge catch ring which helps protect your wall from the impact of those errant throws. As you know, a small target can only increase the chances of errant throws. And so, the large catch ring would be a perfect investment for you. Picture this – within this miniature board are 18 games among them cricket and 301. On top of that, you’ll be delighted to find out that this unit provides you with 96 scoring options. With such sheer variety, you can rest assured that your family will never run out of fun options. Away from the games, this Fat Cat 727 boasts a stylish color scheme. This comes in combinations of red, dark black, cream, and green. Moreover, its segments are designed from durable thermal resin. This way you wouldn’t need to worry about the surface breaking down after just a few dart nights. But even while appreciating that, it’s worth keeping in mind the fact that thermal resin isn’t as tough as NylonTough. But given the cost of this unit, you can rest assured that you’d still find this material more than sufficient for home use. Moving on, the 727 boasts concave segment holes. These do an incredible job of locking in your shots, further reducing the chances for accidental bounce outs. On top of that, this unit comes fully equipped with an automatic LED scoreboard. This effectively eliminates the need for manual scorekeeping thereby giving you the freedom to enjoy full-time gaming. And heck, it also does away with potential conflicts over inaccurate manual record-keeping.
ConclusionNew to electronic dart boards? Worry not because the 727 comes with one of the friendliest user interfaces you’ll ever come across. Some of the button key options provided include Option, Bounce/Eliminate, Play/Next, Game, and ON/OFF. And with multiplayer options for up to 8 players at once, this is the best bet especially when you don’t want to leave anyone sitting on the sidelines.
PROS:
Great value for the money
Easy to install
Has a friendly user interface
Boasts a stylish color scheme
CONS:
Its tiny target face might be a bit of an issue for professional gamers
The darts could be nicer (otherwise, you may need to buy a better set later)
Pro Tip
Always double check to confirm if a power adapter is included in your purchase.
Jon
Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 Electronic Dartboard – Must-have for enjoy
Features:
Provides 24 games with up to 132 unique options
Provides you with a handy arcade-style cabinet board
Helpful 7-foot cabinet with lots of storage space
Supports up to 8 players at a time
Well-built NylonTough segments for enhanced durability and playability
Comes with add-on features like sleep mode and voice prompts
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
8
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The Cricket Pro 650 is meant for anyone who is looking to enjoy serious darting – either professionally or at home. The fact that it’s a standing board makes it easy to use as you don’t necessarily have to think too hard to find a surface to place it on. One really unique quality of this dart board is that it comes with Bull Shooter graphics. These are completely done in black finish. In general, the Pro 650 comprises three shelves along with plenty of storage space under the cabinet lid. In total, the unit provides with a 7-foot tall cabinet. As you can imagine, that’s quite a lot of storage space. On top of that, the unit boasts a beautiful background all thanks to its innovative electronic dart board. By design, this unit is meant to keep scores for up to 8 players at once. That way, you can always invite a few friends over to your place for arcade-style fun. And have you been having too many bounce outs of late? The good news is that this piece of equipment comes with extra thin segment dividers. Usually, the thinner the dividers the greater the surface of contact – potentially, better scoring chances. Yet unlike some cheaper options, this one comes with NylonTough segments which improve durability and playability. Actually, it doesn’t matter how intensively you use this dart board. It provides you with an average of 5 years lifespan under intensive use. To crown it all up, no matter your style of play, there’s something for everyone. We’re talking about the presence of options such as the solo play feature, player handicap as well as voice prompt features. The target board itself measures 15.5-inches. That’s well in line with the recommended regulation standards. In addition, it provides you with more room so those errantly thrown darts don’t end up landing on your wall.
Conclusion If you’re really into darting and want something that will allow you to enjoy this game like never before, the CricketPro 650 is a must-have. However, it’s a bit bulky and difficult to install. So, unless you’re really serious about darting, we’d recommend keeping off it – because if anything it comes at a higher-than-average price tag.
Please make sure to read and understand this manual before use.
Fat Cat Electronic Dart Board with Cabinet – Best for family-friendly
Features:
Great variety of games with up to 167 options
Provides up to 5 skill levels
Can accommodate up to 8 players
Extremely easy to operate all thanks to its 11 lustrous silver buttons
Powerful LCD panel display for enhanced user experience
Intelligently designed with user-friendly 360-degree landing zones
OVERALL RATING: 8.5 out of 10
8.5
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One common challenge with darting is that it involves the use of darts and some spare tips. Without these handy parts, the game would probably not be as rewarding as we’ve known it to be. The trade-off, however, is that you have to figure out where to keep all those tiny accessories. The Fat Cat dartboard comes with a well-made storage cabinet. Yet unlike the Cricket Pro 650, it’s pretty easy to install (and not bulky). Adding onto the user-friendliness of this machine is an LCD front display. This comes with an easy-to-read control panel. In other words, this is the lifeline you need to customize your gaming experience. That said, we were a bit disheartened by the fact that this unit comes with a 13.5-inch target face. That’s a bit tiny and folks with a wide margin of error would probably end up ripping the walls of their homes apart with stray darts. Luckily, the cabinets are designed to open up and cover the sides effectively providing a creative cover for the walls. And to make sure most of your shots count, this unit has concave segment holes. On top of that, the segment dividers (read spider) are extremely thin, effectively reducing the bounce outs. There’s no doubt that this electronic dart board is intelligently designed. Its thermoplastic segments, for instance, are meant to support many years of recreational play. And to top it all up, the unit’s LCD panel display is so easy to use that even a 5-year-old can manage it. The user interface is incredibly friendly. You’re provided with 11 silver buttons with great travel distance. You can, therefore, turn to these buttons in case the system has an error and you would like to eliminate some scores or note a bounce out. In a nutshell, this board gives you the freedom to create your ideal gaming experience through a simple push of a button. Using the Fat Cat Electronx, it’s possible to explore up to 38 games with a generous 167 options.And what’s more? You can invite your friends over to your place for a tournament because this unit is designed for up to 8 players. And for solo players, there’s the option to play against the computer. So, there’s never a dull moment in darting provided you have this unit at home with you.
Conclusion This is a family-friendly plaything that we’d recommend for any family looking for a creative activity to enjoy together at home. It’s easy to set up and use. However, its target face is a bit too tiny although still quite usable and practical.
PROS:
Great electronic scoring
Effective soft tip darts that easily stick within the board
Provides you with a creative storage space
Built-in indicator lights and superb scoring displays
Enhanced in-game customization options
CONS:
Its audio quality could have been better
You may need to purchase better darts for it (it’s darts break easily)
Congratulations and THANK YOU for purchasing the ElectronX Dartboard. You have chosen a product that should provide years of entertainment. To assist you with customer service and warranty claims, staple your receipt to the inside cover, then keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Pro Tip
Go for LED display if you’re looking for a crisper and easy-to-read display.
Jon
Viper Specter 42-1035 Bilingual Dart Board – Best shot under 100 budget
Features:
Provides room for playing up to 50 different games (704 handy options)
Comes with a large catch ring for extra protection to your wall
Bright LCD display automates scorekeeping
Can be battery-powered (AA batteries) or adapter operated
Its surface is made from tournament-quality thermal resin segments
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
8
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Imagine getting the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of electronic dart board games without having to break the bank? The Viper Specter 42-1035 provides you with all the freedom to do that and then some. Just to give you a rough idea of what’s in store for you, this unit presents you with 50 games which can be enjoyed in 704 options. And if in case you’re feeling like sharing the platform with a few friends, all you need to do is call in a maximum of 4 people to dart together. And in case you’re still getting started in darting, the fact that this unit comes with a large catch ring will encourage you to understand its massive potential. As you know, a large catch ring helps protect your walls by accommodating any errantly thrown darts. Isn’t that all the freedom you need to learn the ropes? Besides that, this unit comes with a bright LCD display which makes it extremely easy to view the scores and stats. Needless to say, because this is an electronic unit, you needn’t worry about manual bookkeeping when using it. Its variety of colors is quite rich also. That’s because it provides you with a generous black, silver and red scheme. And to crown it all up, you get 6 well-made soft tip darts along with a mounting hardware at no additional cost.
Conclusion If you’re a curious cat, this is the best shot at darting board that you can ever make with an under 100 budget. The unit has a durable surface, a powerful electronic system and most importantly a well-thought-out layout. A perfect bet for professionals and beginners alike.
PROS:
Well-built segments
Ideal for bilingual use (English and Spanish)
Accommodates a wide variety of games
Comes with a bright and extremely powerful LCD display
Adorable and stylish color scheme
CONS:
Its voice prompts sometimes sound a bit distorted
Win.Max Soft Tip Dartboard with 6 Darts – Most lovely
Features:
Designed to provide a wide catch ring which provides additional wall protection
Can accommodate up to 8 players (also supports solo-play)
Comes with 1 LCD display which provides basic record keeping features
A wide variety of games (21 to be precise) and 65 options
Easy to install all thanks to its straight-forward design and lightweight
OVERALL RATING: 9 out of 10
9
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What if you could find an electronic dart board for kids that can also be used by adults? The Win.Max comes pretty close to meeting that exact description. Home to 21 exciting games with up to 65 options, this unit comes in handy for anyone looking for variety but on a tight budget. The unit provides you with popular game listings among them the Scram, No-score Cricket, 401, 301, 901, Double down, Shanghai, Shove a penny, Golf, and so forth. And don’t let its seemingly small size fool you. The Win.Max comes with a built-in capacity to accommodate up to 8 players. Its LCD display could have been larger and brighter but nonetheless, it gets the job done. Further, we liked the fact that this board provides ultra-thin segment dividers. The idea here is to keep the bounce outs at a minimal. Of course, what do you expect when you have wide catch rings at your disposal? Another plus with this dartboard is its automated voice prompts. So, ditch that manual scorekeeping board and join the electronic bandwagon. In fact, aside from automatic scoring, this unit comes with a voice announcer. The voice announcer is so realistic that you’ll feel as if you were in a real arena. And alongside the board is a set of 6 soft darts along with 40 free tips. With all those factors in mind, we genuinely think that this unit provides a good value proposition. Of course, it may not rival other higher-end devices but it certainly offers a great option for beginners.
Conclusion This is a lovely dashboard. That said, most of its parts are made from plastic which might make you a bit skeptical. Fortunately, all the darts go in and stay in (provided you know how to throw them correctly). On top of that, the machine’s scoring accuracy is super accurate. Its voice prompt quality is also quite great. Its LCD screen is, however, a bit cheap looking in our honest opinion.
PROS:
Great sound quality
Spot-on electronic scoring
Highly user-friendly and easy to install
Reasonably priced
Generous supply of games (read, no more boredom)
Provides you with more than the replacement tips you’ll need
CONS:
Its darts are a bit flimsy
Its plastic surface is a bit tricky to use before you get accustomed to it
Pro Tip
Go for a board with ultra-thin segment dividers to minimize the bounce out effect.
Jon
Harley-Davidson 61969 Electronic Dartboard – Most Premium
Features:
Premium quality target board
Its bulls-eye is staple free
Comes with all the instructions and rules needed to excel
Boasts the traditional Harley-Davidson colors
Provides a combination of high tensile wires leaving behind a large
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
8
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You definitely know that there’s no compromise when Harley-Davidson is involved. Therefore, if you’re looking for an electronic dart board scorer, the Harley-Davidson 61969 would be a superb bet. Or is it? First off, this dartboard comes with 48 games including the popular 01 and Cricket. You can customize it to accommodate up to 8 players which means you can arrange for routine face-offs with your buddies. Its 4 color LCD scoring panel is the best we’ve come across so far. The panel is pretty powerful and you wouldn’t need to inch closer (past the throw line) to see the scores. In fact, its design provides you with the cutting-edge visibility you need to enjoy the view even from the other side of the throw line. And there is even more! The Harley Davidson has a built-in sound engine that activates when you land the bull’s eye or win the game. This classic sound is a rare feature that can go a long way in boosting your confidence. The package comprises 6 darts all with handy spare tips, a game manual, and helpful AC adapter. The board itself enjoys a 1-year warranty which is pretty much above average. Generally, this board provides you with a generous target surface. This also goes a long way in protecting your wall against any stray darts. Most importantly, the surface itself is durably built meaning you can bank on it to enjoy long-term value.
Conclusion Made from high-quality African sisal fibers and complete with high-quality tensile wires, this unit stands out as the ideal choice for heavy-duty gaming. It performs way better than darts made from NylonTough and thermal resin. It, however, retails at a premium price probably because it rides on the fame of the Harley-Davidson brand.
PROS:
Has a powerful sound engine with crystal clear voice prompts
Fantastic, automated scorekeeper
Its LCD scoring visible is easily visible beyond the throw line
Provides a wide variety of games (48 to be precise)
Can accommodate up to 8 players
CONS:
You may struggle to get the darts to stick for the first few days of using it
How Do Electronic Dart Boards Work?
Electronic dart boards work pretty much like the traditional boards. The only difference is that the electronic ones are equipped with sensors and LED/LCD screens which beam the results. So, the moment you make a shot, the sensors automatically pick the signal and relay the same to the processor. The processor then beams the score via the LCD/LED screen for all to see. Some electronic dart boards come with built-in voice prompts. These are meant to make the games even more interactive. It’s, therefore, safe to say that the electronic boards come with built-in computers which remove the need for manual intervention. But even then, it’s important to note that some manual buttons are always provided. Those make it possible to manually intervene if in case the automated system malfunctions.
Buying Guide
What factors should you keep in mind when shopping for an electronic dart board? Well, our key suggestion would be that you should always prioritize quality over quantity and hype over value. So, let’s see how you can go about that.
Quality of Display
It’s one thing to have a dartboard with a display and another one to be able to read the scores from the other side of the throw line. For that reason, we’d strongly recommend going for a unit whose display is interactive, intuitive, and readable. Note that, the size of the board doesn’t matter as long as the screen’s pixels are understandable.
Player Accommodation
Do you just want to play alone (solo play) or invite a few friends over to your man cave for a night of fun? Depending on your style of play, we’d recommend going for a board that allows you to accommodate different players. Some cheap models allow for up to 4 players. The average choice is, however, one that can accommodate up to 8 players at a go. There are also ones that offer up to 16 player accommodation. So, you basically need to understand your unique needs before making a choice. If you have a tight-knight circle of friends, we’d suggest going for the 8 player model.
Price
There’s no doubt that the price of the dartboard can be a big factor. From our reviews above, we came across this serious discrepancy. For instance, there were some huge units which go for prices above $300. Likewise, we found some which traded for under $50. Generally, we’d recommend going for an electronic dart board under 100 if you’re a beginner or just looking for a fun dartboard to use at home.
Target Face Size
As we’ve already mentioned, this is quite an important factor to keep in mind. The amount of free space you have at home can dictate the best size to go for. However, you should always note that smaller dart boards are recommended for professionals. That’s because their small size increases one’s margin of error. And guess what happens in such cases? The wall surface takes frequent hits – and this might get you into trouble with the company that manages your property.
Board Types
There are many different types of electronic dartboards. Generally, though, almost all electronic boards are known for their unique ability to display the score (that’s what we’d call a standard feature). However, if you look closer, you’re likely to notice that different categories exist. Some examples include:
Arcade Style Boards
The arcade style type of boards is known for its standalone design. If you’re looking for an ideal electronic dart board for bars or casinos, this board type might be the best pick. However, as the love for the game grows, this design is also finding its way into our homes. One advantage of this standalone design is that once installed, it’s quite easy to maintain. Besides that, it provides lots of storage space.
With Cabinets
Even though the arcade style boards are quite popular, they tend to be bulky and costly. Luckily, manufacturers have come up with electronic dartboards with cabinets. These come in handy in providing extra storage space without taking up too much room in your home.
15-Inch vs. 13-Inch Electronic Dartboards
The kind of target face you go for matters a lot. Basically, the smaller the target face, the easier it is to miss your shots and end up damaging the walls. The 15-inch (or 15.5-inch) variety is the most popular choice on the markets nowadays since it also meets the generally accepted gaming standards. However, if you’re looking for a cheap electronic dart board with screen, chances are that you’ll end up with a 13-incher. Not that 13-inchers are bad, but only that they require a bit more precision when aiming than their 15-inch counterparts. Besides those three common types, you can also choose to understand these boards from a different angle. For instance, some boards are customizable while others aren’t. Likewise, while some come with thermal resin surfaces, others come with NylonTough, Plastic or even African Sisal target surfaces. In fact, there are some whose surfaces are made from magnetic boards. The magnetic dart boards are, however, recommended for amateurs. Instead of having pinpointed dart tips, they come with tiny magnets attached.
Dart Tips
As we’ve already mentioned, there are different kinds of dart surfaces. And to complement these wide-ranging surfaces are different dart tips as well.
Electronic dart board soft tip
These types of darts have soft tips which are mainly made of plastic tips. As you can imagine, plastic tips aren’t as tough as you’d expect. So, these kinds of tips are best suited for plastic surfaces e.g. NylonTough and Thermal Resin. In fact, you’re likely to find that such surfaces come with some ready-made holes. Those holes are specifically meant for the tips to easily fit in. Note: Soft tip points are the best darts for electronic dart board.
Electronic steel tip dart board
These are the most common type of darts. As their name suggests, they come with sharp, metallic tips. They’re, therefore, suited for bristle boards since they have immense penetrative power.
Preloaded Games and Game Variations
What’s the point for buying a dartboard if you can’t enjoy exploring unknown territories with it? That’s where the question of the kind of preloaded games provided comes in. We’d generally recommend going for boards with the widest variety of preloaded games. Normally, the greater the number of preloaded games, the higher the number of game variations at your disposal. Just to guide you, on average, we’d recommend going for a unit with at least 25 games. That often translates to over 150 game variations. The more, the merrier.
LED or LCD Display
As much as you’re going to settle for an electronic dart board with screen, chances are that you’ll end up with either an LED or LCD display. Both LED and LCD displays are closely related. That’s because both types use what’s known as liquid crystal display to determine the kind of light that appears on your screen. Basically, when an electric current penetrates through the liquid, it also causes the crystal to align. However, even though they are similar, some minor differences exist. LCDs use a tiny cold cathode fluorescent lamp which provides backlighting. LEDs, on the other hand, use some tiny diodes which illuminate the screen. Safe to say, cold cathode fluorescent lamps (LCDs) are an old form of technology while the tiny diodes (LED) are the new technology.
Care and Maintenance
Picture this – the minute you unbox your dart board, you expose it to all manner of risks. From dust to oil from the hands, it’s easy for these handy devices to wear out prematurely if denied the right kind of care. But even when caring for them, it’s even more important to make sure you’re using the appropriate cleaning methods so you don’t end up damaging the delicate network of electrical elements. For that reason, we’d recommend sticking to a strict care and maintenance approach which would entail the following tips.
Set aside 2 clean cleaning cloths and a mild detergent (or an all-purpose cleaner). Always avoid any detergents that may contain ammonia.
Before you start the cleaning process, make sure the dartboard is switched off and disconnected from its source of power. Remove the batteries or if using an adapter be sure to disconnect it.
Start by shaking off the excess dust from the board. This should, however, be done gently. Also, we’d recommend getting this done in an environment that’s safe for everyone including the kids.
Take a dry cleaning cloth (it should be a gentle one) and use it to wipe away the debris. Carefully wipe the area between the crevices and dips of your board.
Take the second cleaning cloth; dip it inside the cleaning detergent. Note – you should never pour the detergent directly onto your board. This time around, focus on cleaning the surfaces that you’d have missed with the dry cloth.
Are you satisfied that the board is completely clean? Well, the next step is to flip it upside down. Leave it to dry in this position. Only until it’s completely dry should you replace the batteries or the adapter.
Only use the dart board according to its recommended guidelines. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for too long unless it is UV treated. Most importantly, always keep your darting equipment out of children’s reach.
Warranty
Only manufacturers who are totally confident in the quality of their products will provide you with a warranty. In fact, the longer the warranty period, the higher the probability that the product is of extremely good quality. Why so? Because no manufacturer would like to lose cash in unnecessary replacements if such can be avoided. That said, you need to make sure that the manufacturer is in a position to honor their side of the bargain. The only way to be assured of this is by buying an electronic board from a well-known brand. Also, keep in mind that warranty terms may change if you buy a product through a dealer as opposed to directly from the manufacturer. So, always double-check the warranty terms just you’re on the safe side.
FAQ
How much should I pay for a new electronic dart board?
Prices for electronic dartboards range from as little as $35 to as much as $500. However, the sweet spot in our opinion is somewhere between $100 and $300.
My board’s heckler is too noisy, what should I do?
Most boards that come with the heckler also come with extra control buttons. You can either use those buttons to customize the voice prompts or mute them.
