A dart backboard is a crucial piece of equipment for protecting yourself and those around you from harm. I've included all you need to know about choosing the best dart backboard for you, as well as my suggestions for the best dart backboards, in this guide.
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Review of the Best Dart Backboards
1. Dart-Stop Professional Dart Board Backboard – Editor’s Choice
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One of my favorite protection options starts this list. 29 inches and 36 inches are available for the Dart-Stop Professional Dart Board Backboard. Both sizes fit dartboards.
The former does a good job, but the latter—being much larger than most backboards—can give you the extra covering you need for peace of mind when playing.
A 3/4-inch engineered wood backer is included. This and its outer fabric cushioning provide you with one full inch of protection, the thickest backboard available.
The Dart-Stop Professional The backboard never gets scars, holes, or damage, which I love.
Dart-Stop Backboards are functional. Additionally, its appearance matches its performance.
Its elegant octagonal design can improve any game room. Black, burgundy, and tan are available.
This backboard is more expensive than others, but it's worth it.
PROS
- The vast surface area provides ample coverage in all directions.
- Black, burgundy, or tan are the three sophisticated colors available.
- No-holes prevent visible signs of backboard damage.
- Any dartboard will fit it.
CONS
- The price is higher than competitors'.
- The dartboard's sizes and colors are hard to hide.
2. Viper Championship Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard Set—Best Luxury Set
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The Viper Championship Backboard Set is bold, opulent, and sophisticated. Its mahogany finish gives your gaming area a classy look.
High-quality black felt prevents bounce-outs. Even better, it includes a dry-erase scoreboard and four complete sets of darts.
The 29′′ by 29′′ board can be screwed to the wall. Its 1-inch backing provides complete wall protection. Similar to the Dart-Stop Backboard, this doesn't show holes or tears.
Any regulation-sized dartboard, whether electronic or bristle, can be supported by this backboard. It includes all mounting hardware.
The Viper Championship Backboard is affordable. This exquisite piece only comes in mahogany, but most players don't mind.
PROS
- The Viper championship backboard is beautiful.
- Its performance and design make it affordable.
- Its 1-inch-thick backing offers wall protection.
- A dry-erase scoreboard and storage rack are included.
CONS
- Players have a little color option.
- Darts can't be stored properly.
3. Viper Defender Backboard and Steel Tip Dartboard Bundle: Bang for Your Buck
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This set could round out your home darts setup.This kit includes a backboard and six starter darts.
This bundle doesn't include a dartboard, although users say it does. Given its features, it's still inexpensive.
More on the Viper Defender. It protects your wall from darts like most Viper products do with a foam wall defender.
It prevents wall damage, like all Viper backboards. Plus, it doesn't damage your darts.
This sleek and robust backboard bundle may be what you're looking for thanks to its modern, no-nonsense design. Players like the darts.
PROS
- This backboard and darts combo is good.
- Certain players like its clean, modern, minimalist design.
- This product is cheap for budget-conscious players.
- Users love the darts it comes with.
CONS
- Some dartboards' padding is loose.
- It doesn't cover your wall enough to protect it.
4. Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard—Best Mid-Range Backboard
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The Viper Championship Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard Set has many benefits, but what if you only want the backboard without the extras?
If you want a straightforward and economical Viper alternative, this may be your best option.
Its 1′′ thickness covers 29′′ by 29′′. These specs are very standard for backboards today, as you might have guessed. Its mahogany finish distinguishes it.
With the help of the two screws included, you can quickly place this backboard on your wall. It is durable and well-designed. Any standard bristle or electronic dartboard will work with this.
It comes with mounting hardware, making installation easier. This is a cheap dart board.
PROS
- The Viper Wood Framed Backboard provides durable wall protection.
- It's mahogany-finished and lovely.
- Considering its appearance and performance, it is affordable.
- To reduce signs of wear and tear, it has a wooden backing with a velvety fabric finish.
CONS
- Even though it is thick and durable, its 29′′ x 29′′ coverage is merely standard.
- Similar to the Viper Championship Backboard, this alternative offers limited color options for players.
5. Dart World Wall Protector: The Best Customizable and Reversible Option
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The Dart World Wall Protector is a simple wall protector that is elegant. Its 28′′ x 28′′ dimension may be smaller than other options, but it protects your wall from errant darts.
This backboard requires no special installation or mounting thanks to its 1-inch high-density foam. It's a simple 4-piece jigsaw that you can put on your dartboard.
Overall, this provides enough protection for your wall from darts.
This backboard can be put together as needed. Reversing it extends its life. The Dart World Wall Protector fits any standard-sized bristle dart board but is not suggested for electronic ones.
PROS
- It's a fun, easy jigsaw puzzle.
- It covers wall damage.
- To provide you with artistic freedom, the image on the puzzle pieces can be customized.
- The wall protector can be reversed to extend its life.
CONS
- It fits most standard-sized bristle dartboards; however, some users say it doesn't.
- 28′′ x 28′′ coverage is less than other options.
6. Viper Defender III Extended Length Surround Wall Protector—Best Coverage
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Another Viper backboard, the Defender III, is my next pick. The moniker evokes security, but does this backboard live up to its reputation?
Its mere size may persuade you. This dartboard is 45′′ by 32′′. The Viper Defender is the most comprehensive backboard available.
The size of this backboard may aid beginners. This dartboard backboard is great for beginners who are still learning to throw straight and aren't yet confident in their aim.
High-density V-foam in a velvet finish complements its size. This reduces the signs of wear from your missed throws.
Most standard dartboards from 17.75 inches to 18 inches can be supported by this. The installation is simple and easy: just attach it to your dartboard at the six interlocking points.
PROS
- 45′′ by 32′′ of coverage and protection.
- It mounts without tools or hardware.
- High-density V-foam provides additional protection.
- The dartboard fits snugly.
CONS
- You might need to replace the foam every couple of years because it doesn't last long.
- Darts can still puncture it and dent the wall, say users.
7. Cork Dart Board Backer: The Best Cork Backboard
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For those who prefer to play darts outside, this lightweight and sustainable material may be ideal. The Cork Dart Board Backer is the best portable dart board because it is easy to install and move.
This backboard's main source material (cork) can withstand weather and darts.
Cork is a renewable material. This implies it can repair any holes and tears a backboard may have.
This cork dartboard is 36x24x0.5 inches, protecting walls and adjacent areas. Darts may stick to it readily without harming the tip.
Is the Jelinek cork backboard worth it? Its straightforward design and capable functionality make it such.
PROS
- This backboard is inexpensive.
- At 26 to 24 inches, it provides excellent coverage and protection.
- It's composed of sustainable cork material.
- Cork can withstand darts.
CONS
- This corkboard is useful, but you get what you pay for.
- No design or extras
8. Viper EVA V-Foam Surround Wall Protector—Best Lightweight Option
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This useful barrier is designed to be a wall protector to protect your wall and the surrounding environment. The Viper EVA-V Foam is made of V-foam, which is resistant to wear and tear and protects for a long time.
It has a hanging bracket, so just attach it to your dartboard and hang it.
The backboard is 28′′ by 28′′ in size. Both a bristle dartboard and an electronic dartboard can be used with this option.
This backboard is simple in design yet may protect walls. This is partly due to the high-density V-foam that absorbs strikes, keeping walls clean and dart tips safe.
PROS
- Both a bristle dartboard and an electronic dartboard are supported by this option.
- It can be hung squarely or in a diamond shape.
- Durable EVA V-Foam gives just enough protection without harming darts.
- The brackets on the backboard make hanging it simple.
CONS
- You can reinforce the adhesive if it fails.
- It is thinner than other market options at 0.5′′.
9. Viper by GLD Products Dartboard Surround Wall Protector: Most Affordable
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The Viper by GLD Products is a basic and economical backboard. This may not be the most suitable solution for novices and casual players due to its 5-inch radius of protection.
This is best employed by intermediate to advanced players due to its limited coverage.
Any standard-sized bristle dartboard will fit this (best at 17.75′′). A full inch of thick foam backing is provided, and it is separated into three zones.
The first zone slows the dart. A dart can stick to an absorption zone. The shield zone protects your wall from darts.
This installs easily without tools. Overall, this is a solid option for expert and intermediate players—functional and affordable.
PROS
- The design is simple and elegant.
- This is easy to put on the wall.
- For intermediate and experienced players on a budget, this is a cheap option.
- The velvet finish reduces surface signs.
- The backboard is totally reversible.
CONS
- This is not the best option for novices because it only offers a 5-inch radius of protection.
- This fits standard dartboards only
Buying a Dart Backboard: Things to Think About
You'll miss some darts, whether you're a pro or a beginner.
Your dartboard wall doesn't have to display your misses. Using dart backboards, protect it.
How do you pick the best backboard? I'll describe the key specs to look for when buying your first (or future) backboard in this section.
Materials
The material is the most important factor in buying a dart board. The material determines durability and performance.
Wood, cork, foam, and felt are popular. A quality backboard, like the Dart-Stop Professional Backboard, combines multiple materials for durability and performance.
A backboard constructed of cork material is best for distance.
Compatibility
Dartboards work better with some backboards than others. Most are designed to accommodate both standard bristle boards and electric ones.
Both the Viper backboards and the Dart World wall protector are compatible with both dart board styles.
Check your dartboard and backboard specs before buying.
Sizes
Backboard size is determined by throw accuracy. A little backboard may work if you're accurate.
If you're just starting off, I recommend larger backboards to protect your wall. The Viper Defender III Extended's size provides protection.
Shape
This depends on your tastes. Backboards are now available in a variety of shapes.
- Octagon
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
Square and rectangular shapes cover more area, but not sideways. The best backboard for coverage is an octagon or round shape.
Price
When buying a backboard, you want the most bang for your buck. To acquire the greatest value from your dartboard, evaluate its contents, material, brand, or a mix of these.
Steel-tip darts make the Viper Defender Backboard Bundle a fantastic value. It's from a company known for quality and durability.
FAQ
What Backboard Size Is Best for Darts?
Choose a size that covers your wall—the bigger, the better. Choose backings with at least 4′′ or 5′′ of protection.
How to Install a Dart Backboard
The material of your backboard determines installation. To give them solidity, wood backings are screwed to the wall. Foam backings, on the other hand, typically come with adhesives or brackets that you can easily attach to the wall.
Do the backboard and surround of a dartboard look the same?
Surrounds have a hole in the middle that you can use to fit your dartboard inside, although these two styles often serve the same function. However, backboards are behind your dartboard.
Conclusions
Backboards today are plentiful. They might be round or square, constructed of wood, cork, foam, or felt, and packaged in varying sizes.
Dart-Stop Professional The backboard is both attractive and functional, in my opinion. It has a lot of coverage and a durable finish. I've had no issues even after months of heavy use.
This information should help you choose a dart board.