Dartboard Setup instructions
Dartboard Maintenance
Winmau dartboards are manufactured from the world's finest premium grade Kenyan sisal by our uniquely skilled technicians, so you can rest assured that our boards are best-in-class for longevity and scoring potential. However, darts is an impact game and to get the best out of our products we advise you follow these simple guidelines with regard to dartboard care.
One of the most common questions we get asked is: How long does a dartboard last? This is an almost impossible question to answer without knowing the exact setup a player is using, the mechanics of their throw and how often the board is used. There are so many factors that can influence the life of a board (including weight of darts, type of throw, type of points, etc.), but if you follow our simple steps below you will get the maximum durability, scoring potential and enjoyment from your Winmau dartboard!
Turn the Dartboard Regularly
At regular intervals, we recommend that you remove the number ring from your dartboard and turn the dartboard by a few segments. Turning the dartboard regularly will spread the wear to give the longest life for your dartboard.
It is important to note that the wear on the 25 and bullseye area cannot be protected by rotating the dartboard, so games such as Cricket that rely on this part of the board may result in the centre of the board being worn out first.
Winmau dartboards are continually tested during every stage of manufacture, and have been developed to perform in the widest range of scenarios (including the widest range of temperature, humidity and climate environments possible). However, we recommend you position/store your dartboard in a cool, dry place wherever possible.
Do Not Soak the Dartboard
It is a common misconception dating back to the days of pre-bristle dartboards that soaking or spraying a dartboard with water (or other liquids) will increase its life. No liquids should ever come into contact with the surface of a bristle dartboard, as this could damage the board and decrease its lifespan.
Keep Good Points to Your Darts
Blunt, hooked or engineered dart points (knurled, ringed, etc.) can cause early dartboard wear.
Dart point design has changed dramatically over the last few years and there are a plethora of options on the market with different mechanical grips and patterns (please click here for the Winmau range). This evolution has developed for two reasons:
- Grip in the hand for players who's finger touch the point.
- Grip when the dart enters the dartboard as a means of holding the dart more firmly in the board to prevent lost darts.
Whilst you can feel the extra grip of the point in the dartboard, players should be aware that these new mechanical points will wear the dartboard quicker than standard smooth points. Blunt and engineered dart points will damage your dartboard quickly as they can cause over-compaction and also prevent the bristles from "healing" once the dart has been removed. Twisting the dart as it is being removed from the board can help with this. In addition, the round surface area of blunt dart points pushes the sisal back into the board in such a way that it can't recover, leaving holes in your dartboard.
Hooked and engineered dart points can pull fibres out of the dartboard which not only looks unsightly but, over time, will reduce the surface density and impact the performance of the board.
Sharp, smooth dart points that are not blunt or hooked are the best option to maximise the life of your dartboard. However, points should not be excessively sharp. Excessively sharp points can dig in to wires, causing a bounce out, rather than deflect into the fibre and score.
How to get Sharp, Smooth Dart Points
Use a Winmau dart point sharpener (please click here for the Winmau range) and change your dart points regularly using the Winmau Craftsman Re-Pointing System. Both options are available at all good darts retailers, or please email us on [email protected] for your nearest stockist.
Excessive Weight on the Fixings
The centre screw on the back of our dartboards is designed to comfortably take the weight of a dartboard and a traditional surround, but other, heavier items (such as some lighting systems) may add excessive weight to the board and cause the board to fall from the wall potentially causing injury. For any setup including a non-traditional surround, we recommend using the Winmau Plasma Light (which fixes to the wall rather than the board) or the Deluxe Dartboard Clamp.
Dartboard Setup
About Us
Here at Winmau Dartboard Co, we're really easy to talk to so if you want to ask us anything, feel free to get in touch using the methods shown.
Winmau Dartboard Company LTD
South Road
Bridgend Industrial Estate
BRIDGEND, CF31 3PT
01656 767042
01656 650468