Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Darts: What's the Difference?

Steel tip darts have metal points and are thrown at bristle (sisal fibre) boards, while soft tip darts have plastic points and are used on electronic boards with small holes. Both are widely played in France, but they offer very different experiences in terms of weight, feel, scoring, and competition.

The Boards

Bristle (Steel Tip)

• Made of compressed sisal fibres
• Self-healing: holes close after you pull darts out
• No electronics — you score manually or with an app
• Silent — no beeping
• Requires good lighting
• Standard in pubs, clubs, and professional competition

Electronic (Soft Tip)

• Plastic surface with thousands of small holes
• Sensors detect where darts land and score automatically
• Built-in games, sound effects, and animations
• Some models connect to online rankings
• Popular in entertainment venues and gaming bars
• More beginner-friendly thanks to auto-scoring

Weight Differences

This is one of the biggest practical differences:

Electronic boards have a weight limit because heavy darts can damage the sensors. If you play both, you'll need to adjust to the weight difference.

Playing Experience

Steel tip advantages

• Authentic feel: The satisfying "thunk" of steel in sisal
• Heavier darts: More momentum, potentially more consistent
• Professional standard: All major competitions use steel tip
• Quieter: No electronic sounds or beeping
• Lower maintenance: Bristle boards last years with regular rotation

Soft tip advantages

• Auto-scoring: No mental arithmetic needed
• Built-in games: Cricket, 301, 501, and dozens of variations
• Online play: Some boards connect to apps and global rankings
• Safer: Plastic tips are less dangerous (good for homes with children)
• Social features: Team games, handicap systems, party modes

Competition in France

Steel tip

• The FFD (Fédération Française de Darts) runs the official steel tip circuit
• Most amateur bar tournaments in France use steel tip
• Professional circuit (PDC, WDF) is exclusively steel tip
• FindMyDarts lists primarily steel tip tournaments

Soft tip

• Dartslive and Phoenix are the major electronic brands in France
• Their own league systems with online rankings
• Popular in eastern France (German influence) and entertainment centres
• Growing community but smaller tournament scene than steel tip

Cost Comparison

Steel tip darts are slightly more expensive, but bristle boards are much cheaper than electronic ones. Soft tip points break regularly and need replacing.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose steel tip if:

• You want to compete in amateur tournaments
• You prefer a traditional pub atmosphere
• You plan to play seriously or improve your game
• You visit bars and clubs listed on FindMyDarts

Choose soft tip if:

• You want auto-scoring and built-in games
• You play primarily at home or in entertainment venues
• You prefer a more casual, social experience
• You want online rankings and connected play

Many players enjoy both. If you play steel tip in bars and soft tip at home, just be aware that the weight difference requires adjustment. Some players keep separate sets tuned to each style.

Switching Between the Two

If you play both formats, keep these tips in mind:

• Adjust your throw force: Lighter soft tip darts need a slightly faster release
• Watch your grip: Soft tip barrels are often slimmer
• Practice on both: Spend at least 15 minutes warming up when switching
• Carry spare soft tip points: They snap more often than steel

Find a Game Near You

Whether you prefer steel tip or soft tip, FindMyDarts helps you find bars and tournaments across France. Browse tournaments by city or check the complete darts guide to learn more about the game.

Still unsure about what darts to buy? Read our guide on what weight to choose as a beginner.