If you’re a fan of darts but are wondering if you’re current set-up poses a breakage risk to one of your windows, you’ve come to the right place. First of all, can a dart really break a window?
Yes, it is entirely possible for certain types of darts to break windows or any other type of glass/delicate material. Some darts are extremely heavy and have steel tips, causing damage easily. In fact, this is (unfortunately) a relatively common occurrence.
Thankfully, there are ways we can reduce the risk of damage to our windows and breakable items by choosing alternative darts or setting up your system so that nothing breakable is anywhere near your dart set-up. Keep reading to find the best ways to reduce breakage due to darts.
What Types of Darts Break Windows the Most?
Depending on the type of dart you have, the chance of damage to surrounding windows changes accordingly. There are three main types of darts available on the market- steel-tipped, soft plastic-tipped, magnet darts, and rubber-tipped suction darts.
Steel Tip Darts
If you have steel-tipped darts, the strongest and heaviest type of dart, it’s very easy to cause damage to the surrounding windows and walls. These are more than capable of shattering class with their strong construction and extremely sharp points. In fact, most cases of window breakage related to darts involve this specific type.
Soft Tip Darts
There are soft plastic-tipped darts that are still capable of breaking windows or walls depending on how hard they are thrown, but generally, pose much less of a risk in this regard than steel-tipped darts. These darts are made of soft plastic, creating a safer environment for users and their belongings.
Magnet Darts
Magnet darts are fairly uncommon, but they do indeed exist. The magnet is attached to the end of the dart with a circular, but flat design, similar to a small single cell battery that are installed in a watch. It is possible for a magnet dart to break a window due to the small magnet acting just like a small rock. With enough force, the magnet tip dart can definitely crack your window.
Rubber Suction Darts
Lastly, there are rubber-tipped suction darts that pose virtually no risk to your windows and surroundings. However, these darts require a special dartboard that they can be used with. These are often used for children but can be a good choice for people worried about damage. This is the prime choice for families that want to get their kids in on the dart fun without worrying about safety hazards.
Therefore, if you’re trying to reduce the amount of damage your darts have to your windows, you can opt for either soft plastic-tipped darts, which reduce the chances of damage, or rubber-tipped suction darts, which post virtually no threat to your environment. Avoid steel-tipped darts if you’re worried about damaging windows.
How Can I Set up My Dartboard So That I Avoid Damage to My Surroundings?
If you’re worried about causing damage to windows or other areas of your home, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk.
First, make sure the area you decide to put it near is far away from windows and free of delicate, breakable belongings. Find a large wall in your home to put your dartboard that has ample space.
If you’re choosing to put your dartboard inside the home, you can invest in a large cut of corkboard, hang it on your wall, and put your dartboard on top of it. This means that even if your darts miss, there’s a protective larger layer of corkboard available for the darts to fly onto.
Use a Dartboard Backboard to Protect Your Wall
There are also products available that are large and made specifically to put under your dartboard to protect the wall under it, called dartboard backboards. We highly recommend a dartboard backboard like this one since it covers a broad area to better protect the surrounding area. If you’re worried you’ll spend extra money fixing any damage caused to your home, this could be a worthy investment.
Place the Dartboard in Your Garage
However, another great option is to put your dartboard in your garage, where there are fewer windows and possible damage is lower-stakes. In fact, many fans of playing darts choose to do it this way for these same reasons.
While darts do pose a certain risk to your belongings, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage. Invest in lighter soft-tipped or rubber-tipped suction darts to reduce or eliminate risk, or purchase a backboard to protect your wall. If you care more about damaging your home than your garage, putting it there could be a great solution as well.
Final Thoughts
Steel tip darts have the highest chance of cracking or breaking a window. Soft tip darts can still break a window depending on the weight of the dart, and how hard the dart was thrown. Rubber suction darts don’t really stand a chance at breaking your window strictly due to their design. These darts are built with safety in mind.
The location of your dartboard should be considered before you install it. Observe your surroundings and take note of any windows, furniture, or breakables that may be damaged during or after a dart throw. Also consider using a dartboard backboard to help protect your surrounding wall.
If you must install your dartboard near a window, it would most likely be best to install a soft tip dartboard. Using soft tip darts will still allow you to play the game as intended, unlike suction and magnet dartboards, while also helping you reduce your risk of breaking a window.