The Darts Swap Debate: Can Another Set Improve My Throw?

[@alexwoolley5173]

Also, I'd limit practice time to around 45 mins and then have a break before going back again, not easy to fully focus for 2-3 hours

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah that’s very true. Bit of a marathon that one

[@thejuice84]

I would go with whatever feels the most natural, rather than what gives the best initial results. Badly thrown darts will sometimes score more (I'm partial to a random T18 from time to time) but as you likely improve, those won't happen as often so you can't rely on those to prop up scoring. I think it's why sometimes our scores/averages actually go down at certain progression points because those 12s and 18s are now 5s and 1s, just because we're actually throwing closer to the intended target.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Great points these

[@lukasseliga2893]

Hey Samson. What I would suggest you, analyse your throw, are you a fast thrower, or more controlled one? How you would like your darts to enter the board? Upwards, downwards? If you throw with some power, lighter barrels might suit you better.The Asp Gen 2s have been on my radar for a while now, but 92€ is a bit too much at this point. I am also in a process of choosing the right barrels, stems, flights, and everything, but there are so many variables to it. I think the Gen 2s suit you better.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I love the Gen2's they are beauties for sure. May just be a little heavy for me and I need something inbetween 26 and 21g.

[@markbradford864]

Hi samson I was told by someone who has been playing for well over 20 years that its better to change flights and stems than the dart . Mess around with shape of the flight and length of the stem before changing darts He wasnt a fan of the integrated flight and stem ( kflex) and he spent a good hour showing me diffrent set up on his darts to show how these affected the travel and speed of the dart and it was a real eye opener for myself

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Good ideas. I could try a few different things like that

[@NeverStill22]

I used to change between three sets of darts regularly. But now, I usually just change flights and stems and that is enough. Its too hard to switch between dart sets and remain successful.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

👍 makes sense

[@ficklemcselfish5773]

Hi Samson i too know that feeling of chopping and changing darts. I was torn between 2 sets. What i did was recorded how many darts from 1 to 20. How many darts to do my doubles. Threw 99 darts at treble 20 using an app. (It told me my average ). Finally i threw 30 darts at bullseye.(1 point for 25, 2 for bullseye) and recorded all the info.. Gave it 10 minutes practice with other set and done the exact same routine and recorded stats. The best results was the darts i stuck with. Doing this means you are going round the board, doing doubles, throwing at t20s and also getting practice at bullseye etc.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah I need to do this again. It is hard to make a fair comparison as the longer I play the better I play. But perhaps I could spread it over a few days

[@mattpjsmith]

I am experiencing the same myself. I love my 18g Trinidads, but I'm struggling with following through .... moved to a 23g tonight and i noticed improvement.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah sounds very similar!

[@EllisHutchins]

the goat has uploaded

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I am an old goat 🐐

[@JakeOs180_]

Hi mate, great video, my first time watching you :) For me, over time I just realised what worked for me, I thought I had found my match darts for certain, then tried another set and played even better, and that happened plenty of times. Whilst it is true that a great player can play well with any darts, I do think equipment is a massive thing, and the right barrel is especially important. When I realised that due to the way I hold the dart, a barrel with a tapered nose with grip is the most important thing for me it made a massive difference, for example I used Aspinall Gen 1s and had about a 60 average, but then switched to grippier darts and my average sits around 75-80 now. I do also think that flights and stems make a huge difference too, I stated with short stems and no6 flights, moved to intermediate stems then medium stems, and then moved to no2 flights and I wished I had done it sooner. Honestly mate find the fun in trying new equipment as opposed to getting frustrated with it (although that’s advice I need to also take myself lol) and eventually you will find the right setup mate! Top video mate subscribed 👊🏼

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Great to have you here mate. Super advice as well. Can be fun trying out new setups.

[@gingerhobbitt7824]

I have the same decision to make, I have a set of 25g harrows noble and a 22g set of shot tribal and just cant decide between them. It'll be good to hear what you end up going with as it might help me also 👍

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Probably will be the Nastris after a few more days of playing. I think it was a moment of weakness 😅

[@CJM_MMI]

Choose whatever feel most comfortable and effortless to use. It all comes down to own preference. It depends on whether you like lighter darts and front weighted etc etc. it’s all preference and what you’re comfortable with the most 👍

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Well said!

[@CJM_MMI]

@@SamsonDoesDarts180 find a balance also

[@ashleystone4266]

Great video Samson. I would the Asp's are the better dart for you, this is what i think. The bulbous section at the front gives you something to push against, this is why you find it easier/better to follow through with them. Maybe get them in a lighter weight or try a similar dart like a Gary Anderson dart that has a more bulbous nose to the barrel. Might be what you need, but also might not work. Unfortunately unless you get fitted for a type of dart you'll have to spend a bit more money on finding the one for you. Keep up the good work 👍🏼🎯

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Cheers mate. All this is great advice. Will check out those darts too!

[@Kirkster131]

I have recently gone through my darts and once warmed up I threw two rounds of 30 darts any darts under 400 points got pulled, anything over 400 got another two rounds. I have two sets that I routinely throw over 500. One is 23 grams the other is 26. For me it came down to grip levels in the 3 to 4 grip levels range that let me have a clean release unless I use a wax. I have been trying to shed the wax habit and just looking at darts with the mechanical grip levels that I throw cleanly. Over 4 in the grip level and I just can’t release cleanly. Under 3 and my control goes out the window.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

That sounds like a solid system for narrowing down what works best for you!

[@Kirkster131]

@ yea, darts are so subjective…. Did you ever think about that mission pro that fits you for darts, at dartcorner? Bit far for me to go…

[@alexwoolley5173]

I have recently made massive changes to my throw, I play in a pub league and my team finished 2nd in the league overall and I was their weakest player. I felt partly responsible so decided to study my grip/throw etc. I realised I naturally used to grip with my middle finger locked underneath the dart which seemed unusual and possibly hampering my throw so I made the change. After a few months of getting used to my new grip I have since played 5 games unbeaten and beaten the local champion which has raised some eyebrows in the pub. What I'm trying to say is, during this transition, I have tried loads of different darts and the ones I'm using now are my original darts I played with many years ago....because when I pick them up and have them in my hand they feel comfortable, like they're MY darts. My game will go up and down over the course of time but one thing that needs to stay constant is that they feel like an old pair of slippers

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Congratulations mate. Persistence will always win! Keep it going bud

[@nevergetagooduserid]

I would be tempted to try and watch the flight of the darts. Is your release producing a smooth repeatable dart flight? If they have a wiggle in flight it can affect your aim. I have a 6-7 sets of darts and there are definitely a few that fly better out of my hand with less of a kick/wiggle than others. Take 15 mins out of your day and just throw without aiming. The goal is to watch the darts as it flys to improve the release and flight path. Keep up the good work mate you are making progress every day. ;)

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah and this is a great point and why I’m probably sticking with the Nastris

[@jaysmith2858]

Play at least half a dozen or so games (Matches, Doubles Training, and Scoring) with each set of darts and keep a record of your averages. That may give you a better indication of which of the two sets of darts are better for you. Another piece of advice I'd give you is that you shouldn't practice for too long in any one session. If you do you are likely to get tired and have muscle fatigue. If that occurs any further practice will just end up in bad habits becoming muscularly ingrained. Trust me on that one. It can happen in any skill based sport.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Thanks. I will cut down the longer sessions.

[@AThompson77654]

Do you grip the dart with your finger underneath the point?. I’ve been really struggling with my grip recently and am trying to change from gripping underneath the point.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I have a finger on top of the point myself

[@stephenwilkinson7210]

Think you should try a front weighted 23g dart

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah I would like to try a few others

[@mrd7061]

Do what feels right for you mate , if you feel you throw better with the ASP darts switch back to them. I've gone through 3 sets of darts within the last 6 months. Picked up some One80 Jaime Nunez and threw very well with those, then i recently switched to the Weaver darts, hit 2 180's in 10 mins, after that i couldn't hit a thing and my usual 60 average dropped right down to 49. I now bought myself a set of Mission Thomas Banks darts, and i'm throwing much better and they feel more natural , my average is almost back to normal, so i'm gonna stick with these. Darts is a weird old game, as much as i love the game ,i hate it in equal measures at times.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Ha yeah this is very true!

[@stephenwilkinson7210]

Think you would enjoy the rvb 25th ed by target. or try the target bolide 02 from amazom as I think they are in the sale.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I will check those out. Cheers

[@TTV_kryptic_gaming]

Also I switched to regular carbon stems intermediate and mission no2 flights !!! They fly so much better then k flex

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I need to try those, not familiar with them

[@JD-re3cj]

Nobody wants to end up swapping darts like Peter Wright. It’s good to try throwing 21-26g, I settled between those weights at 23g. The darts will reveal themselves to you once you get comfortable with your particular style of throw.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Cheers!

[@TTV_kryptic_gaming]

Best way to get better better at doubles is too play 301 double in double out tournaments … or 501 double in double out tournaments … I won 20 legs and lost 4 got first place on my last tourney and I got really good at doubles

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I need to do this. Thanks!

[@golfboy7438]

As someone's who's bought 30 sets since January all I will say is once you find the shape that suits you i.e dart fly's true with no wobble or weird angle entry's then a different dart that's of the same style is purely placebo But bear in mind I'm a beginner and am a 55 average With regards to improvement I think we're all in the same boat and we need to remember most of these really good players have been playing for years and years

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Good advice this mate. I agree with you on it all, especially the patience for improvement.

[@golfboy7438]

@SamsonDoesDarts180 I was being hard on myself earlier until I told myself this 😂 we want improvement all the time and it's not reality.

[@TN-D18]

I would use any dart that gets a better follow-thru out of me. Commit to trying it until year’s end…

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah I really need to develop one and get the reps in

[@TB016]

I think you were more accurate with the asp gen 2s

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Cheers

[@MartynHull]

Play with what you have more fun throwing with, long as your dart is under control in your hand eg grip the follow-through is way more important.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Good advice that

[@RoscoeUS]

I think your throw looks more natural, with better grouping, and a smoother stroke with the ASPs

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Thanks that’s helpful!

[@noobztvgaming]

What mm point are you using aswell I tried 26/30/35 and found 30 as my fav

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

I’m using 30s too

[@stephendonnelly3921]

I have a tip for u aim at specific targets on the segments like the holes left from previous darts I hit my first 60 average for first time in ages with this technique hope this helps 💚

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

That’s actually great advice!

[@VividShade]

What was the name of the front weighted darts? can't make it out and they look ideal for my grip

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Asp Gen 2 👍

[@VividShade]

@@SamsonDoesDarts180 Thanks pal, appreciate the videos, I started around the same time as you and they've been a great help

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

@ that’s amazing. Cheers

[@intersweat]

You look better with the heavier ones. You said you were exaggerating the follow through at one point. I actually think you should exaggerate it. It looks much better for a start. Do you remember Daniel said that the follow through should be complete by the time the dart is a third away from the board. How about concentrating on that. It will give you a consistent release which seems to be your weak point. I’m a wee bit ahead of you but not by much. I have 2 types of darts but I’ve 6 of them each. I always use 6 as I saw it recommended on KZbin. I find I get more into the zone and I exaggerate the follow through. Downside is that you get more bounce outs if your grouping is good but I’m not going to complain about that. Doing a Samson pull out with 6 darts is an amazing feeling. I started just after you and I’m doing a lot of the things you do. I watch your videos just before I go out to my “arrow”. You and Luke littler are my inspiration for getting back into it. I used to have a practice board in the past. Never had a 180 on it but it really sharpened my throw and got me on a dart team. That was over 20 years ago and I can’t remember how I used to throw but it was better. Try 6 identical darts please. You get more darts in before having to pick them out. I’ve followed you from the start and don’t ever change. Your humour is right up my street

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Thanks so much for the kind words-it really means a lot! I totally get what you’re saying about the follow-through, and I’ll definitely focus more on exaggerating it during my next practice sessions. I hadn’t thought about the “dart being a third of the way to the board” timing trick, but it makes so much sense for getting that consistency on release-it’s something I’ll consciously work on. The idea of using six identical darts is interesting too. I might give that a go and see if it helps me settle into the zone more. It’s great to hear your story about getting back into darts after 20 years-you’re clearly putting the work in!

[@TheGarvster]

Maybe you just need to go up a bit in weight. Instead of 21gr maybe a 23 or 24 gr. Just look for a dart that is the same type as the Nastri, if those feel better for you. I throw Harrows Atlantis 26gr and also the Dreammaker gen2 25gr.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah that’s a good idea I hadn’t thought of that

[@NedMethod]

tbh, darts dont matter that much, especially at this stage. learn to stick to one set that makes you confident.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah I think I just need to stick with these Nastris for a while longer

[@AlanEwen]

Hi Samson , have said to you before you think far too much about what you are doing or think you are supposed to be doing , spend a lot less time thinking about it and just throw them , darts is a much simpler game when you empty your head of any thoughts apart from the target you are aiming at , first thing you need to do is keep throwing until you group the darts well no matter what the target is , and once you are throwing them all pretty consistently together then move on to the trebles and doubles , as for your question heavier darts are easier to throw straight

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah I have found the heavier much easier to throw straight! I will warm up a bit better just like you suggested. Great advice as always

[@stephendonnelly3921]

@@SamsonDoesDarts180I agree hundred percent

[@friendofsinners5025]

For f**ks sake stay with the Aspinals! I remember you has a whole thing about throwing so many darts with different sets of darts and then you would pick one and stick with those (the Aspinals) but then in a blink of an eye you are back to the Nastris.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

😅 you’re not wrong

[@friendofsinners5025]

Technique will benefit you in the long term. Aspinals promote follow through and the Nastris do not. Who cares if you can right this moment possibly throw a couple points higher with the Nastris.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Yeah this is a good point. Not sure. Might just have to find a proper darts shop somewhere

[@friendofsinners5025]

@ it seems like you are apprehensive about 26 gram darts since a lot of pros use 20-24. If you move down weight from 26, stick with the torpedo shape. The extra bulbous section (as opposed to straight barrels) seems to have a better grip for flicking your wrist over. Even Gary Anderson swapped to a bulb front on his darts after a long time of purely straight barrels.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

@ thanks I didn’t know this

[@Corrigan65_]

Looks good to me. But I'm an American. ie you're much better than me. I wish I had your form. I also wish we both could figure out how to strike a balance of breaks where ☯. They'd advise against 3 hours. I think I understand your POV as well. If you're present, in the moment and feeling functional, I don't like taking breaks either. But I know that's an issue; for me, it's an issue.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

It is great to have more Americans watching the game. It has always had some level of popularity and I think it is growing. Enjoy those arrows!

[@SylvainSoliman]

Was really disturbed by your open shirt button… but about the darts, what strikes me is that while 21g is quite lighter than the average dart, 26 is quite heavier… So, maybe try something in between? As far as the "front weighted" question, that's really a question of feeling, so since you don't seem to dislike that, go with some front-weighted intermediary weight (23-24g) darts.

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

If it makes you feel better I was equally disturbed when I noticed this on upload 😅 not ideal. Yeah good point trying something in between. That’s next on my list!

[@noobztvgaming]

Im on the 7th set i can hit a mean 26 lol

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

🤣

[@stephendonnelly3921]

Bombers better for u bud !

[@SamsonDoesDarts180]

Do you recon so?