Walk into any darts shop and you'll see barrels labelled 80%, 90%, 95%, 97% tungsten. The higher number usually comes with a higher price tag. But what does that percentage actually mean, and does a serious player really need to spend extra on 97% tungsten? This guide explains the material science without the jargon.
What Is Tungsten and Why Use It?
Tungsten (chemical symbol W) is one of the densest naturally occurring metals — about 2.5 times denser than steel and nearly 1.7 times denser than brass. That density is the entire point in dart manufacturing.
A heavier dart needs more material. More material means a bigger barrel — unless you use a denser material. Tungsten lets manufacturers pack 20–26g of mass into a barrel that's 6–7mm in diameter rather than the 9–12mm you'd need with brass. Higher tungsten content = denser alloy = slimmer barrel at the same weight.
The percentage refers to how much of the barrel's alloy is tungsten by weight. The remaining percentage is typically nickel, which improves machinability and gives the barrel structural integrity. A 90% tungsten barrel is 90% tungsten, ~10% nickel.
Brass Darts: Where Most Players Start
Brass darts contain no tungsten. They're the cheapest darts available — you'll find them at supermarkets and general sports shops for €10–20 for a set. Brass is less dense than tungsten alloys, so a 22g brass barrel is noticeably fatter: typically 9–12mm in diameter versus 6–7mm for a tungsten equivalent.
Brass darts are fine for casual play. The problem: their width makes tight groupings nearly impossible. You simply can't put three darts in the treble 20 with barrels that are 10mm wide each — there isn't room on the board.
For anyone playing more than occasionally, 80%+ tungsten is worth the upgrade.
80% Tungsten: Entry-Level Tungsten
80% tungsten is the most affordable alloy that still delivers meaningful density over brass. Barrels are noticeably slimmer — typically 7–8mm in diameter. Prices start around €20–40 for a decent set.
The trade-off versus higher percentages is minimal barrel slimness. At 80%, manufacturers often need to add more nickel to the alloy to make the barrel machinable, which reduces overall density. You get tungsten's benefits but at a modest level.
"Started on brass darts for about a year. Moved to 80% tungsten and immediately my groupings tightened — just because the barrels were narrower. Spent three more years on 80% before eventually trying 90%. The jump to 90% was less dramatic than brass to 80%."
90% Tungsten: The Sweet Spot
90% tungsten is the most popular choice at club level and among serious recreational players. Barrel diameter typically runs 6.3–7.5mm — noticeably slimmer than 80% sets. The price premium over 80% is real but reasonable: expect €35–80 for a quality set.
At 90%, the alloy is dense enough that manufacturers can achieve slender profiles without compromising structural integrity. Most of the darts from established brands (Winmau, Harrows, Target, Unicorn) have extensive 90% tungsten ranges. This is the grade where grip machining options expand significantly — finer knurling, sharper pixel cuts, and more precise scalloping are all more reliably executed at 90%+ than at 80%.
| Tungsten % | Density (g/cm³) | Typical Diameter | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass (0%) | ~8.5 | 9–12mm | €8–20 |
| 80% Tungsten | ~15.1 | 7–8.5mm | €20–45 |
| 90% Tungsten | ~17.0 | 6.3–7.5mm | €35–90 |
| 95% Tungsten | ~17.8 | 6.0–7.0mm | €60–130 |
| 97% Tungsten | ~18.2 | 5.5–6.5mm | €80–200+ |
95–97% Tungsten: Pro-Grade Slim
At 95%+ tungsten, barrel diameters routinely drop below 6.5mm. At 97%, sub-6mm barrels are possible at standard weights. This is the tier that professional players on the PDC circuit often use — not necessarily because the material is "better," but because the slimness enables the tightest possible groupings around the treble bed.
At 95–97%, the alloy is more brittle than at lower percentages. This makes precision machining more challenging and increases production costs, which explains the price jump. High-percentage tungsten barrels also require more careful handling — dropping them on a hard floor can chip fine grip features that a 90% barrel would survive intact.
"Had a set of 97% tungsten for about two years. Threw them in a carry case that fell off the back of my car. Inspected them afterward and one had a tiny chip in the knurling near the nose. The same fall with my old 90% darts would have been fine. Worth it for the slimness if you're careful, but they're not indestructible."
Does Higher Tungsten Actually Improve Your Game?
Directly? Not necessarily. The tungsten percentage doesn't change how the dart flies — only the barrel geometry does. What higher tungsten enables is a slimmer barrel at the same weight, which reduces deflections. Whether that improves your game depends on whether deflections are currently limiting you.
If you're missing the treble 20 bed entirely, slimmer darts won't help — that's a technique issue. If you're landing in the treble 20 but getting bounce-outs or deflections, then slimmer 95%+ tungsten could genuinely improve your scoring.
The practical advice from most experienced players: don't spend more than you need to. 90% tungsten is enough for the vast majority of players including league-level competitors. Save the 97% for when you're consistently hitting the top 20 segment and deflections are genuinely the issue.
Casual / beginner: 80% tungsten — adequate slimness, affordable. Regular club player: 90% tungsten — best balance of price, durability, and barrel options. Serious / competitive: 90–95% tungsten — no real need to go higher unless deflections are a persistent problem. Professional / obsessive: 95–97% tungsten — maximum slimness, handle with care.
Nickel Silver and Other Alloys
Some darts are marketed as "nickel silver" rather than brass. Nickel silver (also called German silver) is a copper-zinc-nickel alloy with no actual silver and no tungsten. It's slightly denser than brass but nowhere near tungsten. These are typically budget darts that look silver rather than the golden colour of brass. For serious play, look for explicitly stated tungsten percentages, not "nickel silver" labelling.
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