Ever wondered how those weird hammerhead darts actually work? The ones with the funky triangular flights that make the darts look like little spaceships zooming toward the board? Turns out there’s some clever science behind their design.
Those triangular flights aren’t just for looks, they serve an important purpose. They make the darts much more aerodynamic and accurate. The broad, angled flights help stabilize the dart in flight, preventing it from tumbling end over end like a poorly thrown football.
This results in a straighter, truer path to your target. The shape also creates drag, slowing the dart’s speed and giving you more control and precision. So while they may look a bit strange, hammerhead darts can give you a real advantage on the oche.
Read on to learn more about the physics behind these triangular-tipped darts and how you can up your game with a set of your own.
What Are Hammerhead Darts?
Hammerhead darts, also known as flathead or bullet darts, are specialized darts designed for electronic dartboards.
Unlike traditional steel-tipped darts used on bristle boards, hammerheads have a wide, flat nylon tip. This gives them a larger surface area so they can activate the pressure-sensitive sensors on electronic boards.
The broad head means hammerheads don’t penetrate the board but simply push into the holes or slots and register your score.
This makes them ideal for electronic boards where steel tips could damage the wiring or tilt sensors. Hammerheads come in both soft and hard tip versions, with hard tips providing more audible feedback when they hit the board.
When it comes to weight and grip, hammerhead darts typically follow the same sizing as regular darts. So you can choose between lighter darts around 16-18g up to heavier 24-28g darts depending on your throwing style and preference.
The shaft and flight are also very similar, made of aluminum or nylon and available in a range of lengths and shapes.
Overall, if you want to play darts on an electronic board, hammerhead darts are really the only way to go. Their flat nylon tips are designed specifically for activating the scoring sensors without causing any damage. With options for different weights, grips and flights, you can easily find a set of hammerheads suited to your needs.
The Unique Design of Hammerhead Darts
The unique shape and design of hammerhead darts is what gives them their name and makes them fly so well.
The Hammerhead Tip
The hammerhead tip has three flat, triangular fins that extend out from the shaft of the dart. This wide tip provides more surface area and wind resistance, allowing the dart to glide effortlessly through the air.
The hammerhead shape also creates lift, giving the dart an arched trajectory that results in a soft, looping flight path. This makes hammerhead darts easier to throw accurately since they practically float to the target.
Weighted Barrels
Unlike regular darts that have a uniform thickness, hammerheads have weighted barrels that are thicker in the front and tapered in the back. The heavier front causes the dart to pull forward, stabilizing its flight and driving it tip-first into the board. The tapered end also reduces drag, allowing the dart to penetrate the sisal fibers more deeply.
Flexible Shafts
Most hammerheads have flexible nylon shafts rather than rigid metal ones. The nylon acts like a shock absorber, absorbing impact and preventing the dart from bouncing out of the board.
The flexibility also makes the darts less likely to damage the board or break tips on impact. For the best performance, look for darts with shafts that are stiff enough to aim accurately but flexible enough to stick.
With their smart shape, balanced design, and flexible components, it’s easy to see why hammerhead darts fly straighter and stick better than standard darts. Once you try them, you’ll never go back!
How do hammerhead darts work
Hammerhead darts get their name from their distinctive hammer-shaped flight system. Unlike traditional dart flights which are flat and rectangular, hammerhead flights feature a square base that tapers up into an oval-shaped head. This unique design produces several effects:
Increased drag and stability.
The hammerhead shape increases the drag of the dart in flight, slowing its speed and making it more stable and accurate. The wide, oval head prevents the dart from tumbling end over end, keeping its point facing forward. This added stability is especially helpful for beginners still developing consistent throwing techniques.
Reduced deflections.
The minimal surface area of the narrow connection between the flight and shaft gives little opportunity for the airflow to impact the dart’s path. The streamlined shape helps the dart slip through the air with minimal resistance or deflection. This results in a truer trajectory and flight path.
Easier grouping.
The stability and drag produced by the hammerhead design make it easier to throw tight dart groups. The darts land closer together to the target, demonstrating a high degree of precision and consistency. Tight grouping is a key measure of a player’s advancing skill and accuracy.
The unique shape and effects of hammerhead dart flights provide benefits for players of all skill levels. Their drag-inducing design makes the darts easier to throw accurately while their minimal profile helps the darts fly true. Whether just starting out or competing at a high level, hammerhead darts can help improve your game.
How the Hammerhead Shape Affects Flight
The unique hammerhead shape of these darts affects their flight in some key ways.
Aerodynamics
The wide, flat hammerhead provides a large surface area that helps the dart glide through the air. The shape is aerodynamic, allowing it to sail smoothly without tumbling end over end.
The hammerhead acts like an airplane wing, producing lift and drag forces that keep the dart stabilized during flight. This results in a long, straight trajectory towards your target.
The hammerhead shape also causes the dart to naturally cant slightly upwards upon release. This upward tilt, combined with the dart’s momentum, helps generate an upward force that makes the dart rise up and arc toward the board.
The curved path the dart takes helps ensure it lands at the proper angle to stick into the board. Without this upward force, the dart would travel in a straight line and hit the board at too shallow an angle.
Reduced Drag
Compared to a standard cylindrical dart shape, the hammerhead design has a lower drag coefficient. The streamlined shape parts the air more efficiently, resulting in less drag that would otherwise slow down and destabilize the dart.
The minimized drag, together with the natural canting effect, is what gives hammerhead darts their characteristic looping flight path to the board.
The unique aerodynamics and reduced drag of the hammerhead shape are what give these darts their distinctive arched trajectory and unparalleled accuracy. With some practice, you’ll be hitting the bullseye in no time!
Proper Throwing Technique for Hammerheads
To get the most out of your hammerhead darts, it’s important to develop a consistent and accurate throwing technique. The key is to throw in a smooth motion while keeping your upper body steady.
Release and Follow Through
When releasing the dart, open your fingers and follow through with your arm extended.
- Keep your wrist straight and don’t flick your wrist.
- Release the dart off to the side of your index finger, not off the end.
- Follow through towards the target.
- Keep your upper arm stationary near your side; only move from the elbow.
- After releasing, keep your arm extended for a brief moment to allow the dart to leave your hand cleanly.
- Don’t drop your arm or pull it back quickly after releasing.
- Follow through in the direction of the target.
- Keep your elbow up and don’t drop your shoulder.
- Practice the same release and follow through on each throw.
A proper release and follow-through is key to accuracy and consistency. Focus on a smooth motion, steady upper body, and extended arm with wrist straight. Release off to the side of your finger and follow through after releasing. With regular practice, muscle memory will develop to achieve a consistent, accurate release and follow-through.
Stance and Grip
Stand sideways to the board with one foot in front of the other, holding the dart between your thumb and first two fingers.
- Keep your upper arm stationary and pull back and extend from the elbow.
- Hold the dart near the end for more control.
- Relax your grip; don’t choke or squeeze the dart.
- Stand with your side facing the board and keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Distribute your weight evenly between both feet.
- Stay still after releasing; don’t rock or sway.
A proper stance and grip, combined with a consistent release and follow-through, are the fundamentals of accurate and precise hammerhead dart throwing. Keep practicing and your skills are sure to improve!
Top Hammerhead Dart Models on the Market
When it comes to hammerhead darts, you have several top models to choose from. Here are some of the best on the market today:
Winmau Michael
Winmau Michael darts offer durability and precision. The tungsten barrels provide maximum density so more of the dart’s weight is concentrated in the barrel. This results in tighter groupings and more accurate throws. The Swiss point tips are highly durable and grip the board well.
Unicorn Core
The Core series from Unicorn provides a range of weights to suit any throwing style. The 90% tungsten barrels are machine-cut and polished to maximize aerodynamics. Unicorn’s signature diamond-cut grip pattern ensures consistent hand placement for tight precision. The smooth, minimalist design lets the quality and craftsmanship shine through.
Harrows Genesis
For players on a budget, the Harrows Genesis series delivers premium quality at an affordable price. The 85% tungsten barrels still provide density and a slim profile. Harrows Supergrip shafts and No.2 shape flights create a balanced dart that sails straight and true. The sleek black PVD coating resists scratches and wear, maintaining its stylish appearance even after frequent use.
Red Dragon Javelin
Red Dragon’s Javelin model offers 85% tungsten barrels in a tapered, torpedo shape for maximum speed and penetration.
With so many excellent hammerhead darts to choose from, you’re sure to find a model suited to your skill level and budget. The key is looking for barrels with a high tungsten content, a shape and grip style you find comfortable and durable components built to last.
FAQ
Have some questions about how hammerhead darts work? Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
Conclusion
So there you have it, the basics of how hammerhead darts work. With their aerodynamic shape and weighted ends, hammerhead darts fly fast and true to hit your target every time.
The science behind them is pretty clever, using physics and engineering to create a balanced projectile that cuts through the air. Hammerhead darts might look unusual, but their design has been honed over decades to maximize performance.
Next time you see a game of darts in action at your local pub, you’ll have a new appreciation for how these simple yet effective missiles work their magic. Now get out there and start throwing some darts – you’ve got the knowledge, now put it into practice!
