How Do You Know When to Replace a Dartboard?
Key Takeaway:
- The longevity of a dartboard is affected by various factors, from the weather to usage, all of which will help you better understand when to replace your dartboard and how to preserve it for longer.
- Sisal fiber dartboards are more durable, compared to cork and paper dartboards.
- Regularly rotating the dartboard ensures that the playing surface is evenly worn out, prolonging the life of the board.
- Environmental factors such as sunlight can have a significant impact on the life of a dartboard.
- Board usage is another important factor to consider when determining the lifespan of your dartboard. Frequent and heavy usage can wear out the board quickly, while casual players can expect their dartboards to last longer.
- Investing in a multicore dartboard can significantly increase its longevity. These boards are designed with multiple layers of sisal fibers, which distribute pressure evenly and prevent excessive wear on any one spot.
What Factors That Affect a Dartboards Longevity?
There are several factors that can affect how long your dartboard will last, such as:
- Quality of the Dartboard
- The Environment
- Dartboard Usage
- Quality of Darts
- Dartboard Maintenance
- Proper Dartboard Installation
- Multi-Core Dartboards
Quality of the Dartboard
The type of dartboard, and the core material it is made from, is a huge factor in how long it may last.
When playing with steel tip darts, bristle dartboards, made of compressed sisal fibers, are the most durable of all.
- Sisal fibers are known to have self-healing properties, which enables dart holes to close up after the darts are removed from the board.
- This property is key to increasing the lifespan of a dartboard, as it can withstand heavy usage.
- You typically see the holes remain in Cork and paper boards, which have a far shorter life expectancy than sisal fiber boards.
- Plastic boards, played on with soft tip darts, will last a very long time.
Environment
The impact of environmental factors on dartboard longevity is significant to its lifespan.
Humidity
You should keep your board away from excessive moisture if you want it to last.
Humidity is a big problem in some parts of the world and can cause the fibers to swell in some materials like cork and sisal.
Increased moisture on the surface, will also cause rusting of metal components in electronic dartboards & can also interfere with the electrical components.
This can and will ultimately end up leading to a decrease in performance and durability over time. While water will cause it to wear out quicker, sunlight can be just as bad.
Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is good for removing mold, however left too long under the rays, and it can discolor the board, dry it out too much and cause cracks.
In humid areas or places with extreme weather conditions, it is essential to store your board in a cool, dry area and cover your dartboard when not in use to preserve its lifespan.
It’s also important to note that the environmental effects may not be seen immediately but build up gradually over time – leading to the premature wearing out of your board.
Dartboard Usage
Like most things in life, the more you use something the more it will wear out and dartboards are no different.
- Regular played on boards, will never last as long as a less played on one.
- High traffic areas on the board, like the treble 20, usually sees the most action and therefore the wear tends to be more evident.
Which is why you should rotate your board. The need to rotate a dartboard is a crucial factor in extending its longevity, no matter what type of player you are.
Regular board rotations, will help ensure that it wears evenly across the board.
Quality of Darts
The type of darts used can also impact the longevity of a dartboard.
- Darts with sharp, well-maintained points are less likely to cause excessive damage to the board.
- Darts with blunt or damaged points can cause the fibers to loosen or break, reducing the lifespan of the board.
Dartboard Maintenance
Aside from rotating the board and ensuring the environmental conditions are correct, maintaining the condition of the dartboard can be helped through regular cleaning of the board, which will extend its lifespan.
Remove any debris or dirt from the surface using a brush or a specialized dartboard cleaner.
Avoid using water or liquids to clean the board, as the moisture can damage the fibers.
Proper Dartboard Installation
Correctly setting up the dartboard is essential for its longevity.
The board should be securely mounted on a stable surface, such as a wall or a dartboard cabinet, using the appropriate fixtures.
A stable installation prevents unnecessary vibrations and movements that could lead to premature wear and tear.
Multi-Core Dartboards
A multi-core dartboard, also known as a dual-core or triple-core dartboard, is a type of board that is made with additional layers of sisal fiber.
As you can imagine with a type of bristle board, that is made with multiple layers of sisal fibers, their longevity is on a different level to traditional dartboards.
- You won’t find multi-core paper or cork boards, as they are typically high end and favored in tournaments due to their durability and performance.
- The dual-core design also provides improved grip for the darts, reducing bounce-outs and enhancing the overall accuracy of the game.
FAQs About How Do You Know When to Replace a Dartboard?
What Are the Signs of Wear on a Dartboard That Indicate Replacement Is Needed?
Several factors can contribute to the wear and tear of your dartboard, and these signs signal that it is due for replacement. Look for small holes around the board’s high-traffic areas, such as the triple 20 section, or damage that affects the board’s integrity.
Gradual loss of color or fading and discoloration are also indicators that it’s time to get a new one.
How Long Does a Dartboard Last Before Needing Replacement?
The life of your dartboard can vary depending on the frequency of use and the type of board purchased. On average, a dartboard can last two to five years with average use.
However, the more you play, the shorter the lifespan becomes. Heavy usage, such as daily play, can reduce the board’s lifespan to six months to a year.
What Is a Multi-Core Dartboard, and How Does It Increase the Board’s Lifespan?
Multi-core dartboards, such as the Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core, are boards constructed from multiple layers of sisal fibers, each compressed to different levels. While the outer core has a lower level of fiber compression to reduce bounce-outs, the inner core has a higher level of compression for better dart retention.
The high-quality manufacturing process and construction result in additional longevity over traditional boards with a single layer of sisal fibers.
How Can Dartboard Rotation Extend Its Useful Lifetime?
Rotating the dartboard evenly spreads out the wear and tear created during play, minimizing the number of holes and micro-tears around the board.
Frequent rotation can help prolong the life of your dartboard significantly.
When Should You Retire an Old Dartboard?
Retire an old dartboard when the signs of wear and tear have become too excessive, and/or multiple areas of the board are unusable.
A gradual loss of color in the board or damage affecting its integrity is also another sign that it’s time to replace it.
How Can You Tell If a Dartboard Needs Replacement?
Examining the board’s high traffic areas and looking for visible signs of wear like tiny holes, fading, or discoloration is the easiest way to tell.
References
https://gamesforfun.com/factors-to-consider-when-buying-a-dart-board/
