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!
Game Room Thoughts 