As everything evolves, there’s need for upgrading your darts gaming as well, and there’s no better way to do so than with a soft tip dartboard; also commonly known as electronic dartboard. You could be looking for a soft tip dartboard for safety around the home or for the fun that comes with it, but the problem is you still can’t figure out the right one.
With different brands being introduced every day, making a choice on what to buy can sometimes be overwhelming. From the numerous products that you’re likely to come across, we have narrowed down to the 7 best soft tip dartboards consumer report that you can use at any particular place.
Reviews for the 7 best soft tip dartboards to buy
Contents
- 1 Reviews for the 7 best soft tip dartboards to buy
- 1.1 Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard
- 1.2 DARTSLIVE 200S Soft Darts Board
- 1.3 Arachnid Cricket Pro 300 Soft-Tip Electronic Dartboard
- 1.4 INNOCHEER Safety Darts and Kids Dart Board Set
- 1.5 Franklin Sports FS6000 Electronic Dartboard Set
- 1.6 Ylovetoys Dart Board Soft Tip Safety Kids Dart Board Set
- 1.7 Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard
- 2 How to choose the best soft tip dartboard
- 3 Conclusion
Here are list of the 7 best soft tip dartboards based on reviews by consumer report on the market today.
Viper 777 Electronic Dartboard
This first product on the list is one of the brands from the most globally recognized in the electronic dartboards industry. Therefore, it’s no doubt that the Viper 777 is way effective in terms of performance and quality. It’s designed with the exact standards required for a tournament dartboard, featuring a sizeable LED display that keeps the scores.
It has an inbuilt scorekeeper that lets you focus on your pins, without having to keep the scores manually. This programme has the ability to keep tracks of scores for close to 8 gamers all at once.
This product features a playing area designed to match the size of the face. The playing area is made using thermal resin which plays a critical role in receiving the darts. This reduces any chances of bounce-outs.
Pros
- Comes with free darts
- Easy mounting
- Features darts built-in storage
- Ultra-thin spider for reduced bounce-outs
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy darts
DARTSLIVE 200S Soft Darts Board
This Dartslive is an upgraded version for the 100S version. The major change is visible on how more quiet it is and can also be connected to other electronic devices. To be able to use it on any device, all you have to do is download and install the app, which only takes a few minutes.
After installation, you can stream the game on any screen of your choice to experience the real Dartslive escapade. The dartboard comes with everything you need for the game. Apart from the mounting hardware, you’ll also find double sets of darts with ten additional soft-tips and of course the manual.
It offers a variety of original games which you can’t find in any other device. Similarly, it features a training mode that enables you to practice different games. During the game, you’ll be able to see the results and track your performance.
Pros
- No bounce outs
- Relatively fast
- Easy to install
- Has an auto synchronised app
Cons
- Very pricey
- The app doesn’t support online play
Arachnid Cricket Pro 300 Soft-Tip Electronic Dartboard
Arachnid brands are the closest you can be to a standard electronic dartboard. This particular one has numerals written in bold. This provides easy contrast and readability even from a distance.
It features a LED display which helps keep accurate records of the scores after which its system brings a number of scoring choices and game options that are built in.
What’s more, it has 36 games with 175 options, and has the ability to accommodate up to 8 gamers. One of my favourite features is that it records names then calls them out when it’s one’s turn to play. How cool is that?
Pros
- Has extra dart tips
- Comes with installation hardware and manual
- Increased score potentials
- Made with durable nylon
- Tracks scores for numerous games
Cons
- High bounce-out rates
INNOCHEER Safety Darts and Kids Dart Board Set
This dartboard set is one of the fairly priced dartboards that you can use for the longest period. In the package, you’ll find soft-tip darts made of rubber and this is why they are referred to as safety darts.
With them, you’ll be less likely to experience accidents or damages around your home. Therefore, if you’re looking for a set that can be used by both you and the kids, this would make a great choice.
Not only is this dartboard friendly to the family, but also to your credit card. It’s one of the most affordable pieces going for as low as $32. It’s also a great choice for casual gamers who aren’t looking to invest in something expensive. The good thing is that it still gets the job done.
Pros
- Rubber soft-tip darts are kids friendly
- Value for money
- Flexibility in instalment
- Easy-to-remove darts after pinning
Cons
- Doesn’t track performance and scores
Franklin Sports FS6000 Electronic Dartboard Set
If you have a budget to work with and need to get yourself a dartboard at the same time, this is the decent dartboard to buy. Franklin Sports FS6000 is a tournament dartboard with a playing area of 15.5’’. This gives gamers an exceptional experience whether at home or at the local joint.
Once you invest in the board, you’ll be all set for the game. The package includes a set of darts with extra replacements for the tips. Therefore, you won’t need to spend money on anything else.
It’s pre-loaded with 28 games with scoring included. The construction features an LED Scoreboard that keeps track of scores for different players. The games offered also have over 100 distinctions, giving you more fun ideas.
What’s more, it’s easy to put-up. In the box you’ll find all the necessary items needed to mount it. In addition to that, it also comes with a built-in storage that enables you to safely store all your darts. This is a great deal for some of us who keep on misplacing them every now and then.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It’s versatile
- Features darts which are safe and good for kids
- Comes with extra dart tips
- Minimal bounce-outs
Cons
- Not durable
Ylovetoys Dart Board Soft Tip Safety Kids Dart Board Set
If you need something to train your kids, this would be the perfect gift for them. It features a rubber play area that measures 16.4’’ and 9 compatible soft-tip darts which is safe for the whole family and the furniture around your home too.
It’s designed with soft materials which makes it flexible and also gives it the ability to grip the darts with ease. This means that you’ll be able to see an improvement in your scores
This dartboard also offers diversity when it comes to installation. You can decide to use the built-in bracket to station it at different surfaces like tables, on the wall or on the door. There’s also an option of mounting it on such surfaces using the nail hole.
Pros
- It’s kids-friendly
- Diverse options for installation
- Comes with 9 darts
- Availability of full refunds and free replacements
Cons
- Only suitable for casual tournaments
Fat Cat Mercury Electronic Dartboard
This is one of those soft-tip dartboards that would complement any gaming room, for those who love to play from the comfort of their homes. It comes with a hardware that makes it easier to install at home. No one deserves to pay extra dollars to have a professional mount a dartboard for them. I mean, they’re already costly.
It has a wider regulation target face, of close to 13.5’’. This is what makes it ideal for tournaments. It also gives you additional space for making the shots, and also minimizes the chances of damaging your property from where it’s mounted.
Another bonus for this item is the weight. Weighing just 13 pounds, this is a dartboard that you can carry along with ease, to whenever you choose to play. Therefore you’re not bound to gaming at the exact place you initially had it mounted. This weight also makes it easy to store when not in use.
Pros
- It’s lightweight
- Extra built-in storage
- Supports up to 8 players concurrently
- Features a display which is easy to read and interpret
Cons
- Fewer game options
How to choose the best soft tip dartboard
The best way to know how to choose a product is by first knowing what features you should expect. Most electronic dartboards come in sizes and shapes which are similar to the traditional ones, so it’s important to help you know what the unique features are.
This should help you make an informed decision on what type of dartboard is suitable for you. Here’s a list of the things that you should look out for:
- Software
One of the unique features of soft-tip dartboards is that they have the ability to calculate scores. This makes everything easier, because you won’t have to input your scores every time you make a throw. This can only positively impact on your gaming experience if the systems are fully operational.
Therefore for this reason and many others, you should consider buying from trusted sources, especially for online purchases. With this you’re guaranteed of a properly functioning item and failure to which you can get a refund or replacement. Depending on the store policies, consider also trying the dartboard at the store, before completing any transactions
- Connection
With these dartboards, you have different options for connection, and all these depend on the model. Others connect through Bluetooth and others Wi-Fi. Therefore, you should first figure out what’s compatible with the model of your choice and that of the devices that you already have. For versatility, I would advise that you buy dartboards that can be used with either of the two options.
- Size
Most globally endorsed electronic dartboards come in regulation sizes. However, we still have brands with different dimensions on the shelves. This is because manufacturers are trying to beat competition by maximizing on the playing area. Having a dartboard with a relatively wider play area spreads out your chances of scoring, and that’s why many are opting for these brands.
At the same time, the size you opt for should also depend on the size of the space that you have assigned for its installation. Apart from the space, also choose sizes which are relative to the number of people who will be using the dartboard.
- Games
Apart from the ability to store and analyse scores, these dartboards also come pre-loaded with a variety of dart games that could vary depending on the brand and size. Therefore, before completing any purchase, ensure that the pre-loaded games are those that suit you or in case of a gift, suit the person you have in mind.
We have certain dartboards that only have games that are meant for children. No one deserves to drain their credit cards, only to end up with a line up for games that don’t sit right by their spirit.
- Construction
Apart from the software, the physical parts of a dartboard are equally important. The main reason why there are differences in pricing is sometimes attributed to the quality of the material used. Investing in some of the top brands might seem overwhelming to the pocket, but it’s usually of the best ways to get value for money.
Therefore, even as you pay more to get a durable product, also ensure that it’s entirely worth it in terms of how durable the materials used are. Similarly, there are products with different colours to consider and so go for those colours that will not hinder your visibility during the game.
Conclusion
If you’re a professional looking for a dartboard that will help sharpen your gaming prowess, consider buying the DARTSLIVE 200S Soft Darts Board. However if you’re a casual gamer who just wants to have fun together with friends or family, you can opt for the Ylovetoys Dart Board.
With everything you need to know about the best soft-tip dartboards reviews by consumer report , we now hope that you’ll be able to figure out the exact board that will do the work for you.
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