How to Tighten Loose Dart Shafts
So you’re playing in league or a tournament and every time you throw your darts you are tightening your dart shafts as you walk back. Sound familiar? The simple solution is to use Rubber O Rings. They work like a washer between the thread of the metal dart shaft and the dart barrel. When you thread metal into metal, it can’t “grip” itself. So when using a metal or alloy dart shaft, you will need to use Rubber O Rings. A package of 21 will last you a long time!
Simply slide a rubber o ring over the threads on your metal dart shaft and as you thread the shaft onto the dart it will keep the dart shaft locked in place. I will sometimes use the point of the dart to help the rubber ring over the threads at the beginning.
Attach Dart Rubber O Rings
Dart Rubber O Ring on an Alloy Dart Shaft
Dart Rubber O Ring Threaded on a Dart Barrel
You won’t need to use these rubber rings if you are using nylon or plastic dart shafts. They should stay tight in the dart barrel as is. If you find they are loosening, you may need new dart shafts as the thread may be breaking down.
Unicorn Darts Thread Washers come complete with an applicator to make it that much easier to get the rubber ring over the dart shaft threads. A great idea since you are dealing with such small parts!
Have you every tried using Rubber O Rings? Did they keep your dart shafts tight in the dart barrel? Do you know any tricks for getting them on the threads of the dart shaft?!
Dart Shaft Comparison: A Question of Length
Recently I have had many customers come in and discuss the merits of different dart shaft lengths with me. There has been some discussion regarding the Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts. The shafts are quite deceiving when viewed in the package. It appears that the medium size is quite long when compared with other medium sized shafts. To show a comparison, lets look at the charts below:
Jocky Wilson Nylon Dart Shafts
As you can see, the medium sized Jocky Wilson nylon dart shaft (second from the left) measures just over 5 cm in length. The medium sized alloy dart shaft (first shaft on the left) measures 5 cm and the Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts measures 8 cm. This is incredibly deceiving as you will see from the next set of pictures!
Nylon dart shaft, alloy dart shaft and Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts – Size Medium
Nylon dart shaft, alloy dart shaft and Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts – size short
So as you can see, looks are very deceiving. By the time you put the flights on the shafts, the Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts is actually the same length as the medium nylon dart shafts and the medium alloy dart shafts. It is interesting to note that the alloy dart shafts in the shorter size are a bit longer than their counterparts in either the nylon dart shafts or the Slik Stik dart shafts by Unicorn Darts. It is possible that the dart flight lead in on those particular dart shafts wasn’t as long as it could be (this could change with a different batch).
The Slik Stik dart shafts are a very unique product by Unicorn Darts. As far as I know they are the only company who produces such a shaft. They are quite popular now since Phil Taylor has been using them for years. The Titanium Based Side Loading dart shaft are excellent as well. Although you pay more for them at the beginning, the titanium base will make them quite strong. The replacement tops are sold in a set of 6 pieces and are only $2.50 Canadian and are available in 6 different colours. A great choice if you find that the regular Slik Stik dart shafts aren’t lasting long.
I’m interested to know – do you use the Slik Stik dart shaft by Unicorn Darts? Do you love them? Hate them? Do you find the lengths comparable to that of either a nylon or alloy dart shaft?
Product Review: Buzz Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts
This dart wallet caught my attention simply because it’s yellow. Although not all darters want a bright yellow dart case, there is something to be said for having a dart case that isn’t black! When you’re at league or a tournament and everyone in the room has a black dart case, it is easy to misplace yours or pick up somebody else’s case by accident! This Buzz Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts also features a Carabina attachment so you can clip it to your belt loop – another plus so you won’t loose your darts!
This dart wallet features a single snap closure and a variety of pockets and pouches on the inside for your darts and supplies. We will start from left to right:
First off on the far left (as the wallet lies open) is a spot to hold 3 dart shafts. I have arranged 3 different lengths for the picture – from left to right medium, short and extra short. So we can see that a variety of dart shaft sizes will fit in the holders. Below that is a small pocket that will hold a set of 3 dart flights. You could probably fit a second set in if you want – there was plenty of room. Next is a zippered compartment that runs lengthwise down the wallet. This compartment could hold many sets (maybe 4 to 6?) of dart flights. Behind this zippered compartment is a open flat compartment where you could store cash, schedule, cards or an out chart.
The middle section of this dart wallet features the area where you will store your darts. In our picture I have inserted a fully assembled set of darts and snapped close the case. As you can see the dart flights are slightly crushed, but I think it would be alright to store your darts assembled.
The far right section of this dart wallet features a single zippered compartment. Contrary to the picture on the packaging, this compartment will not hold any dart flights – it isn’t wide enough. You could however put a variety of dart shafts in there. The compartment runs the length of the dart wallet.
So there you have it. The only yellow dart case that we carry!
Pros:
– Compact size makes it easy to travel around a dart tournament with it and still has space for accessories
– Handy belt clip keeps your hands free when you aren’t playing
– Will hold a fully assembled set of darts
– Quite roomy considering its small size – will hold a wide variety of dart supplies and accessories
Cons:
– Only available in yellow – hence the name “Buzz Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts”!
– It’s a soft case so there is a possibility of crushing the dart flights on a fully assembled set of darts
– Open at either end so there is the possibility of loosing supplies
The $19 price tag is a bit steep, but this dart wallet holds a large amount of supplies so you might not need another dart case. The yellow colour is definitely a plus if you are constantly loosing your case amoung the black ones on the table! Tell me – do you prefer to blend in with black or stand out with yellow?
A Dart Flight Comparison
There are many different shapes of dart flights available on the market today. The standard shape dart flights are what is most often recommended for steel tip dart players. They optimize the trajectory of the steel tip dart when it’s in flight. That being said, all standard shape dart flights are not created equal. Lets take a look at a generic standard dart flight:
As you can see, the flight measures about 4 1/2 cm x 4 cm. This is the size of most if not all generic standard dart flights. Now, lets look at some of the brand name standard shape dart flights:
Marathon Dart Flight by Harrows Darts
As you can see, only the Ruthless dart flight is the same size as the generic standard dart flight above. All other brands including Dart World, Target Darts, Harrows Darts and Unicorn Darts are slightly thinner and all have a slightly different shape with regards to how rounded the top corners are. You can see it very well when they are lined up together like that!
As a point of reference, here are the next most popular dart flight shapes including pear or teardrop, kite, slim or coal cracker plus the Sigma dart flights by Unicorn Darts both the Pro and Super Pro, DXM dart flights by Unicorn Darts.
I’ve tried to line up the bottom point of the flight on each picture so you can see the differences in the height as well as the wings area. As you can see, the Sigma Super Pro dart flight by Unicorn Darts is the smallest in both height and width.
Other shapes include the Heart Shape by Harrows Darts, V Wing Shape by Harrows Darts, Combat Shape by Harrows Darts, Fantail Shape by Harrows Darts plus the Vortex Shape by Harrows Darts.
As you can see, there are many different dart flight shapes. All will change the trajectory of the dart being thrown. Depending on your throw, you may find one shape will work better than another. For beginner darters, I usually recommend sticking with the standard shape dart flights rather than the specialty shapes available (Heart, Combat, V Wing, etc). Beginner darters will usually see better results at first if they stick to the basics.
I always tell my customers you should stick with what works. If it’s no longer working and you still like the darts themselves and the weight, consider changing the flight. Even a change from a generic standard dart flight to a Marathon dart flight by Harrows or a Maestro dart flight by Unicorn darts could make the difference you are looking for. At the very least it’s worth the try for the $2 – $2.25. Unicorn Darts also offers a Selector Kit which offers 5 different shaped dart flights including the standard. Since it’s only $8, this is an inexpensive way to be able to try out all the different shapes and see what works best for you.
Do you stick with the standard shape when throwing steel tip darts or do you venture into different shapes? Have you noticed a difference with either the Marathon dart flights by Harrows, Maestro dart flights by Unicorn Darts or Vision dart flights by Target Darts? I welcome your comments below!
Product Review: Nano Darts Wallet by Harrows Darts
The Nano Darts Wallet by Harrows Darts is new to our dart cases and wallets line up for fall of 2012. I was interested to see this wallet when it came out because although it was small and compact, it offered space for extra dart flights and shafts. Measuring a mere 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 inches it is indeed compact. This would be perfect for the darter who plays in tournaments often so they would be able to keep their darts and supplies handy without a bulky case.
Nano Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts
Once I had added in a set of flights and shafts it was still fairly compact. I will say that although the shafts fit nicely into the bottom pocket on the back, the dart flights that I slid into the top pocket on the back slid all the way into the pocket and were difficult to get back out. That pocket is fairly deep.
Nano Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts – back pockets shown
When I attached it to our “dart model” by the carabina clip, I noticed that it hung off the belt loop at a 45 degree angle. I don’t know if this would bother anyone but you can see from the picture how it hangs down.
Nano Dart Wallet by Harrows Darts
The $14 Canadian price tag is a bit steep for what you are getting size wise, but I would say it is a fair price for the quality of the product. The back pockets are convenient but I would say that most darters would find this wallet not big enough for their needs on a regular league night (unless you are a minimalist darter).
Pros:
– Compact size makes it easy to travel around a dart tournament with it and still has space for accessories
– Handy belt clip keeps your hands free when you aren’t playing
– Quality leather-like material means it should stand the test of time
Cons:
– Small size won’t suit players who habitually carry lots of extra flights, shafts and accessories
– Only available in the black (white is available but the Canadian distributor doesn’t carry it)
– Price is a bit steep considering the size
– Top back accessory pocket is a bit deep which means it may be difficult to get the accessories back out
In conclusion I would say that the Nano Wallet by Harrows Darts is perfect for tournaments where perhaps you have more accessories in a larger case left in the car. It will keep your darts handy for moving from board to board when playing and yet you won’t have a bulky case to lug around. For your average league player who carries a wide assortment of spare parts, this wallet will prove small.
Do you carry a big dart case with all of your supplies or are you a minimalist who has a dart wallet that fits in the palm of your hand?
Product Review: Carrera Dart Set by Target Darts
The Carrera Dart Set by Target Darts was new to the Canadian product line up in the fall of 2012. The barrel grip is much different than any others we have seen, so I was eager to check them out. Target Darts refers to the knurl as Pixel Grip Technology. The small holes engraved around the barrel create a unique grip – consistent all the way around as well as providing somewhat of a reverse grip. The knurl is surprisingly grippy considering how smooth they appear.
The darts come with a set of Laro dart shafts and a set of Vision dart flights with the Carrera logo on them. The flights are pre-punched and come complete with a silver ring to keep the flights tight to the shafts. At this time in Canada (January 2013) we only carry the replacement shafts – the flights aren’t available as of yet.
These darts are retailing at $125 Canadian per set and are flying off the shelves. Once people try them, they usually buy them. The Carrera 3 dart set by Target Darts is available in either 21, 23 or 25 gram weights. It offers a more tapered barrel design.
The Carrera 4 dart set by Target Darts is available in either 22 or 24 gram weights. The barrel is more uniform in diameter than the Carrera 3.
Pros:
- Fantastic barrel design
- Comes with expensive Laro shafts (retail $19 Canadian) which are pre-punched and includes a set of slot lock rings
- New Vision Dart Flights with Carrera darts logo
- Matched weight guarantee within 0.05 grams
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a case, which for $125 is a bit of a disappointment
- Highest weight available is 25 grams which is the tapered shaft – I have had a few customers who wish the Carrera 4 (uniform barrel diameter) came in a 26 gram weight
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Carrera Dart by Target Darts. Target Darts in general makes a quality product which most of my customers have been pleased with. If you have a chance to come to the showroom and try these darts, I think you will be pleased! If you already own these darts, I would be interested in hearing any feedback on them!
Beware The Good Deal: Too Good To Be True?
Blackhawk Pool Table by Olhausen Billiards
With many people shopping for pool tables on sites such as Kijiji or Craigslist or discount websites in the US, we are receiving more and more calls for moving pool tables or servicing them in some way. It is certainly buyer beware when it comes to purchasing a pool table either new or used on one of these types of sites.
I received a phone call today from a customer who was looking to purchase slate. He had bought a pool table from the US at a steep discount, but the price did not include the slate. After traveling all the way to the US and picking up the table (which was brand new in the box), he now had to find slate for it. Unfortunately the brand of table he purchased went out of business a few years back. Each manufacturer will have different holes in the slate to line up with the rail bolts on their pool table. As well, the slate will probably cost him about $1500 if we can find something where the holes line up properly.
He also mentioned that he received an instruction booklet and a DVD explaining how to put together his table. Since he didn’t think he had the skills to be able to do that properly, he asked what that cost would be. For the 9 ft table he purchased, it would be $275 to put it together properly, providing that all the pieces of the table were in the room where it was to be installed (in other words, if we have to go and pick up the slate and bring it in so we can install the table, the price will be more).
He was extremely concerned about the costs involved. He had purchased the table (without slate) for $150 (US). He then drove a truck down to the US and picked it up (price of gas and/or truck rental costs). Buying new slate will cost him about $1500 and the installation will be $275 (or more if we need to bring the slate in for him). He didn’t mention accessories ($400 for the Olhausen Deluxe Accessory Package included in all our new table sales) or cloth ($250 for Accu-Guard Stain Resistant). But when you add it all together, he’s looking at $2575 for his “bargain” table.
For that price, he could almost have purchased a brand new Olhausen Billiards Pool Table! Our prices include local delivery and installation, choice of cloth colour and a Deluxe Olhausen Accessory Package. Plus they are made in the USA (Portland, TN) and come with the best warranty in the industry – which would still be valid considering Olhausen Billiards is still in business and the company that made his table is not! He would not have to drive hours down to the US to pick up his table (which was an import anyway) and waste valuable time and money.
If you decide to buy a table from a discount site or out of a want ad, do your due diligence. Make sure the manufacturer is still in business, make sure all the pieces come with the table and make sure you are actually getting a good deal. Sometimes when you factor in all the costs in buying a used table, you end up spending just as much as if you had purchased new. When you purchase new, you get to pick the cloth colour and wood finish and there are no worries or hassles.
So – has anyone ever bought a pool table either new or used from a website like Kijiji or Craigslist? What was that experience like for you?
Case by Case: Pool Cue Cases Decoded
Once you have decided that you need your own pool cue to take to the pool hall, you will also need to invest in a quality pool cue case. The right kind of cue case will protect your investment and will make it easier to carry your new cue to your next match! Here is a brief outline of what to look for when shopping for a cue case.
Hinged or Box Cue Cases: Many pool players come in to my showroom looking for a hinged cue case.
Interior view of a hinged cue case
Often this is because they remember seeing one back in the day or maybe because their father or grandfather had one. Much has changed when it comes to cue cases and today a hinged case may not be the way to go. Often you can only carry one cue at a time and there is no place to store accessories such as a glove or tip tools. It does feature a handle, but you will have to carry it in your hand as compared to over your shoulder. It is a nice looking case and the latches make it look more like a briefcase.
Soft Cue Cases: There are many different styles of soft cases available, both with adjustable shoulder strap and without. Often these cases aren’t as sturdy as either the hinged cue cases or hard cases. More often they feature only one accessory pocket for your supplies. They also won’t protect your cue very well if you drop it or drop something on it.
Black Vinyl Cue Case with 5 Pockets by Cuetec
Cuetec does make a good case with storage for up to 2 butts and 4 shafts and multiple pockets but it is still a soft case and won’t protect your cues if something hard is dropped on the case or if someone steps on it!
Hard Cue Cases: By far our most popular cue case is the hard cue case.
Black Hard 2 Butt, 2 Shafts Cue Case
They come in a variety of configurations from 1 butt, 1 shaft up to 3 butts, 6 shafts as well as a wide assortment of colours. The most popular colour choice is black, but as a once was pool player who had a black cue case, I can tell you that most everyone will also have a black cue case. Unless you can dress yours up (with pins) to make it look different than all the rest or if you plan to make sure you always know where it is, you might want to consider a different colour. Also popular are the genuine leather cue cases with the cowboy studs on them, although I will say that if you go with one of those, you will be marked as a player for sure and better bring your game to back it up!
As a point of interest, many players come in and wonder why there is space for more shafts than butts in the case. Often a player will buy a cue (which comes with the butt and shaft together) but then might purchase a second specialized cue shaft for the cue (either playing or breaking cue). They will often keep the original shaft the cue came with as a back up in case the tip comes off the specialized shaft during match play. So in some players cases you might find a break cue (1 butt, 1 shaft), specialized break shaft (1 shaft), playing cue (1 butt, 1 shaft) specialized cue shaft (1 shaft) and perhaps a second playing cue or snooker cue (1 butt, 1 shaft) which also may have a specialized shaft (1 shaft). All told that would be 3 butts and 6 shafts! Heavy to carry around, but would mean that player is ready for anything!
What kind of case do you carry – hard, soft, box? How many cues do you normally take to the pool hall with you? I welcome your comments and thoughts!
Harrows vs Unicorn: A Dart Comparison
Here at Hot Shots we have carried both Unicorn Darts and Harrows Darts for as long as they have been available to us. Each brand has both World prestige and sponsors some of the most well recognized names in darts.
Eric Bristow and Maureen Flowers signing their sponsorship deal with Harrows Darts
Lets start with the Harrows Brand. They began in 1973 in a small darts shop located in Enfield, North London. Today Harrows Darts manufactures in four purpose built factories in Hoddesdon, England. In 1985 Harrows Darts decided to sponsor Eric Bristow (aka The Crafty Cockney) who is a 5 time World Champion and 5 time World Master as well as the “First Lady of Darts” Maureen Flowers in the largest player endorsement deal of the time. The deal was actually signed on national TV! Harrows Darts was also a founding member of what is now known as the P.D.C. (Professional Darts Corporation). Their production is still located 100% in England for all products.
Unicorn Darts began in 1937 and were the first company to sell darts in sets of 3. In 1949 Unicorn Darts was also the first company to sell darts classified by weight (as compared to buying darts out of a bin where all darts were thrown together and you could buy as many as single darts as you wanted). They have been industry innovators with such products as SlikStik and were the first company to officially sponsor a dart player. At present Unicorn Darts sponsors 5 World Champions as well as a variety of other professional dart players – 26 in total. Currently Unicorn Darts entire production has been moved to China.
Original prototype of Unicorn Darts “Silver Comet” dart set from 1937
So that is a brief overview of both companies. Since we sell both brands, I have heard feedback from our customers for years. The feedback that I get from most players is that although Unicorn Darts offers more selection, especially in the top end range (dollar value), the quality of the barrel itself isn’t as good as the Harrows Darts brand. The mixture of tungsten and steel that Unicorn uses for darts manufactured in China versus the tungsten and steel that is used to manufacture a dart in England feels different. I have heard Unicorn Darts described as more “brittle” feeling. I have also had more Unicorn Darts come back to us due to manufacturer defects such as one point shorter than the other 2 and barrels being not being threaded properly to receive shafts. That being said, Unicorn Darts will replace defective darts. It is frustrating for the customer though to have to go through the process of returning the darts. I have never had to replace a set of Harrows Darts due to manufacturers defect and have found that the quality of their products – for example the knurl on the barrel – will stand up better over time.
I will say that more often customers come in to our showroom asking for Unicorn Dart products. Unicorn Darts sponsors more professional darts players and has really innovative products. Their Sigma product line sold very well for us as well as any Phil Taylor dart set. When Ontario’s own John Part was sponsored by Unicorn Darts, we sold many of his sets as well! Unicorn Darts product line is also larger – they have more selection of sets of darts available for sale as well as flights, shafts and cases. They have really given thought to what dart players really want in a case and come up with designs such as pink patent leather for the girls!
Overall I would say that in our showroom, both lines sell well. I would also say that I have had less complaints about Harrows products than Unicorn products. I’m interested to know – do you play with Harrows or Unicorn brand darts? Leave your comments below!
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Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pool Table
Although we are in the business of selling new pool tables, occasionally we have customers who are interested in purchasing a used pool table. After many years of servicing all makes and models of pool tables as well as dismantling, moving and re-assembling used pool tables, I can easily say that when you think you are getting a good deal on a used pool table you probably aren’t. Here’s why:
- First of all, if you are buying a used pool table that has somehow ended up online or in the newspaper this means that the person selling the table doesn’t have any friends or family members who wanted it. This could be for one of two reasons – either the seller wants too much for it or it is not in very good condition. In either case, you have to wonder if this is a good buy for yourself. If the seller wants too much for it, could you purchase a similar table new and have it custom made to your specifications plus have new cloth and accessories included? Probably! If it is in rough condition, do you really want it anyway, even if it was really cheap? If you just finished renovating your game room and spent time and money to make it look amazing, do you really want to put a crummy looking table in? Probably not!
- Next is the table itself. We have dismantled many a table that had cracked, chipped, broken or mismatched slate pieces which the buyer and even the seller were unaware of before it came apart. This is important because you will probably have to replace the slate, which will include replacing all 3 pieces. If the table is already apart, it will be very difficult to verify all the hardware is still there in order to put it back together. Some pool table manufacturers have specialized hardware which is only available from the company that made the table. It won’t help if that company is no longer in business! Another thing to consider is that just by looking at a jumble of pieces, can you tell if everything is really there or what kind of condition its in? We have had situations over the years of missing rail pieces and once a missing leg piece!
- When you are buying a used pool table, you never know what might have happened to it before it comes to your house. If the homeowner was a smoker, the smell will get into the wood and the cloth and will continue to smell for months if not years. If the seller had pets, it is entirely possible that the funky smell emanating from the table is cat or dog pee (yes, we have seen that as well). Cloth can be replaced, but replacing a leg that is damaged will be much more difficult. Especially if the manufacturer has gone out of business.
- The hidden costs of purchasing a used pool table can sometimes make buying one more expensive than getting a new pool table. You will need to dismantle, move and re-install it at your house (read my article “Moving A Pool Table Yourself” to get more information on moving a pool table). If it needs new cloth, you will also need to purchase that and have it installed. If the table is not an Olhausen Billiards pool table, you may need to replace the rubber cushions as well. You may also need to purchase new pool cues, balls, triangle, rest, cue rack or light, depending on what the seller is including.
When you buy a new pool table, you get to choose exactly how it will look. You choose the table itself (traditional, modern, ornate, simple design) plus you choose the cloth and table finish to match your decor. It will come with brand new accessories and pool cues that aren’t warped plus Hot Shots includes the delivery and installation of you new Olhausen Billiards pool table. Easy and simple and depending on how much the used table you’re looking at, it could be close to the same price!
I’m not saying there aren’t some good deals to be had out there! Just be cautious when thinking about purchasing a used pool table and make sure you know all of your costs up front!
Game Room Thoughts 