Sisal or electronic dartboard? How to choose the right board
A sisal board with steel tip darts or an electronic board with soft tip darts: it is the first choice you make, and it determines how darts feels at home. These are the differences that really matter.
The difference at a glance
- Sisal: natural fibres that close up after every throw, you play with steel points
- Electronic: plastic segments with holes, soft plastic points and automatic scoring
- Sisal plays and feels like in the darts venue and on TV, electronic is about convenience and games
- Sisal needs no power and, used well, lasts for years
Choose sisal if…
You want the real game: the same darts, the same distance (2.37 metres) and the same sound as in the pub and on stage.
- You want to practise seriously or ever consider competition or a small tournament
- You want a board that lasts for years: sisal repairs itself after every throw
- You like the classic look in your dart corner
Choose electronic if…
- Young children play along: soft plastic points are a lot safer
- You mainly want convenience: automatic counting and built-in game variants
- Do note: soft tip plays at 2.44 metres and feels really different from steel tip
Why we choose sisal
Navy Strikes makes only sisal boards. Not because electronic is bad, but because the real game is played on sisal: what you practise at home, you throw anywhere. A good sisal board also needs no socket and lasts for years.
Frequently asked questions
Can I throw steel tip darts on an electronic board?
No, steel points damage the plastic segments. The other way around does work, but soft tip darts stick poorly in sisal. So choose your board first, then your darts.
Is a sisal dartboard suitable for children?
From about eight to ten years old, supervised, it is fine. For younger children an electronic board with soft points is the safer choice.
How long does a sisal dartboard last?
Years, especially if you rotate the board regularly so the segments wear evenly. Our maintenance guide covers the three rules that make the difference.
