As a beginner dart player, you may be wondering whether a dart mat is necessary, and if so, which one to choose. Dart mats are an essential accessory for darters, helping to protect your floor from falling darts and ensuring that you have the correct throwing distance. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to decide which one best suits your needs. Don't worry, we’re here to guide you step by step in choosing the right dart mat for your game.
A dart mat serves several purposes. First, it protects your floor from darts that may miss the dartboard or "bounce out" after hitting the board. It also helps safeguard your darts from damage, especially the dart points, which can get dulled or bent if they hit hard surfaces like concrete or tile. Additionally, a dart mat often features a "raised oche", or throwing line, to ensure you maintain the correct distance when playing. The official throwing distance is 2.37 meters (7 feet 9 ¼ inches) from the dartboard, and an oche gives you a consistent starting point, which is important for fairness in your game.
There are a few types of dart mats to consider, each with its own advantages and characteristics. Understanding the differences will help you make the right choice based on your needs and space.
A foam dart mat is an excellent entry-level option, ideal for beginners. It offers protection for both your floor and your darts by absorbing the impact of bouncing darts. Foam mats are often available as puzzle mats, meaning the mat consists of several interlocking pieces that are easy to assemble and store. This makes them portable and simple to use, but they may not provide as much grip as rubber mats, so they can shift during play.
A carpet dart mat is another great option. Like foam mats, it provides protection for the floor and darts and most of the carpet mats have anti-slip under them. These mats are easy to roll up and store, but over time, they may begin to curl at the edges. Carpet mats tend to have a softer feel and look more aesthetically pleasing, but may not always offer the same durability as other materials.
A rubber dart mat is a more durable and stable option. It not only protects your floor and darts, but the rubber material ensures the mat stays in place while you play, reducing the chance of it slipping during your throw. While rubber mats are harder to roll up and store compared to foam or carpet mats, they tend to last longer and don’t curl. If you're looking for something sturdy and practical that won't move around, a rubber dart mat is an excellent choice.
If you don’t want to use a mat on the floor, a laser oche might be the solution for you. A laser oche doesn’t provide floor protection or dart protection, but it does project a visible throwing line on the floor. This is perfect for those who prefer not to have a mat in the room, or for spaces where a physical mat would be impractical. You simply attach the laser to the wall and use it to mark your official throwing distance.
When choosing the right dart mat for your game, consider these factors:
Material: Foam, carpet, or rubber? Each material offers a different level of durability and comfort.
Size: Dart mats come in various lengths. If you’re just starting out, a shorter mat may suffice, but a longer mat may give you more room to play and ensure you’re always standing at the correct distance. What do you mean by this?
Oche or Throwline: Ensure your dart mat includes a clearly marked throwline at the regulation distance of 2.37 meters. For added comfort and consistency consider a mat with a raised oche, which gives you a physical edge to stand against. This is also what you see on all tournaments or in pubs.
At Dartshopper, we understand how important it is to have the right setup for your dart game. That’s why we offer a range of dart mats to suit all types of players and preferences. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced player, we have a mat that will help protect your floor, your darts, and your game.
Still unsure which dart mat is right for you? Let us help! Browse our collection of dart mats and find the one that fits your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team – we’re here to assist you every step of the way!
