Darts are becoming increasingly popular, and if you frequent the King's Hotel on a regular basis, chances are you might be in situations where you just have to play a game. As a complete beginner, you don't need to get any of your own equipment at all, since bars usually provide darts for their customers' use. But you don't really want to be seen with the same ol' stuff everybody else is using, right? Bring a little flair to your game by checking off the quick shopping list below.
Darts
The obvious toy for playing darts is the dart itself. Get your own set at 16, 18, 20, or 22 grams, whichever you find most comfortable. Make sure you check out the finger grip first. The thick cylindrical casing around the middle section is important in balancing the dart and making it easier to hold.
Flights
Are you British? American? Or German? Show your patriotism with your flights! It is the stabilising end of the dart, with four tail planes at a 90 degrees angle from each other. Made of tough nylon or flexible plastic, it is detachable and replaceable so that you can modify your darts using different shapes to suit your needs.
Shafts
Modification with different shafts is important in darts playing as well. Made of plastic or solid aluminum, it is a detachable back end of a dart which holds the flight. The difference in length, material, and weight can make the world of a difference, especially with spinning shafts, which would help in getting closer groupings on board. Rigid shafts increases likelihood of rebounds, so spinning shafts enabling flights to slip in next to each other gives you better chances of winning.
Dart Tips
Tips are made of plastic, and can vary in strength, flexibility, length, and color. Some would suggest getting their tips from Tiga, but there isn't a better or worse, just a matter of individual preferences. Especially with beginners you can use up a lot of tips in your games, since the likelihood of it hitting wrong places and bending is rather high, so remember to stock up!
Dart Pouch
The pouch isn't just where you keep your darts and accessories. It is also great for you to carry around and flaunt your unique taste. Get a decent leather one and show it off to your dart buddies!
So where do you get all these gadgets? The simplest way is just off the bars. There are also shops that sell darts equipment in Wanchai 188 and Mong Kok Sino Plaza. Claudia suggested J Darts, which is this quaint Japanese store right behind Sogo with terrific accessories. Brands like Darts Live Hong Kong, Phoenix Dart Hong Kong, and Medalist Darts Hong Kong supply darts machines as well as host its own leagues. They produced a home version darts board as well so you can practice hard at home and wow your friends at the pub. You should also consider getting digital cards that record your scores and customise your name on the board with your signature wallpaper to let people know who is in the house tonight. Darts Live machines and Phoenix machines uses different card systems, yet it is great to keep the cards so that you can compare your grades and results against your pals'.
There isn't much of darts wear per se, but you don't want to wear anything too tight that will obstruct your throw. Having said that, when you are playing darts you are usually with a group of friends for drinks, so you don't really want to be seen in sweats either. Ah, dilemma!