The 3 Best Darts For Beginners Under $50 in 2025

Choosing your first set of darts is an exciting step, but it can also be overwhelming. With thousands of options, what separates a great starter dart from a waste of money? The good news is, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a professional-level feel.

We've selected three of the best tungsten dart sets available for under $50. Any one of these will give you a huge advantage over the cheap brass darts that come with most dartboards and will be a set you can learn and grow with.

Why Tungsten? A Quick Primer

Beginner darts are typically made of brass or tungsten. While brass is cheaper, it's a much lighter material, meaning the darts have to be very thick to achieve a standard weight. Tungsten is much denser, allowing for a slimmer, heavier dart. This slim profile is key—it allows your darts to group closer together in the board, which is essential for better scoring.

Understanding Tungsten Percentages

When you shop for tungsten darts, you'll see them listed with percentages, most commonly 80%, 90%, or 95%. This number represents the amount of tungsten in the barrel's alloy.

• 80% Tungsten: This is a great entry point for tungsten darts. The remaining 20% is usually a nickel-copper alloy, which is softer and cheaper. This makes the dart more affordable, but it may show wear more quickly. For a beginner, an 80% tungsten dart is a massive upgrade over brass.
• 90% Tungsten: This is the gold standard for both amateur and professional players. The higher tungsten content allows for an even slimmer and more durable barrel. It's the perfect middle ground, offering a professional feel and excellent durability without the premium price of a 95% dart.
• 95% Tungsten: These darts offer the slimmest possible profile for a given weight. However, the alloy is more brittle and susceptible to chipping if you have very tight groupings. They are also typically the most expensive.

All of our recommendations are tungsten darts because they offer the best performance and value for a new player looking to improve.

1. The Bargain Pro: Red Dragon Javelin

The Red Dragon Javelin is a legendary dart in the beginner community for one simple reason: it delivers professional quality at a rock-bottom price.

This dart features a classic, straight-barrel design with a high-grip profile running its entire length. This makes it incredibly easy to handle, as you get a consistent feel no matter where you hold the barrel. At often under $30, you simply cannot find a better value for a quality tungsten dart.

• Best for: The player who wants the best possible performance for the lowest possible price.
• Key Specs:
  • Weight Range: 20g - 26g
  • Grip Style: High-grip, ringed profile
  • Price Point: ~$30

2. The All-Rounder: Cuesoul Glory

The Cuesoul Glory is a perfect middle-ground for beginners who want a high-quality, durable dart with a clean and comfortable design. It's a true workhorse.

The barrel is a neutral, straight-barrel shape that suits a wide variety of grip styles. It doesn't have an overly aggressive grip, allowing your fingers to release smoothly and consistently. Coming with a full case and a wide range of accent colors, the Glory feels and looks like a much more expensive dart, making it an excellent first investment.

• Best for: The player who wants a reliable, no-fuss dart that they can use for years to come.
• Key Specs:
  • Weight Range: 22g - 26g
  • Grip Style: Balanced, medium-grip ringed profile
  • Price Point: ~$35

3. The Tinkerer's Choice: Target MOD Series (Hydro)

For the beginner who loves to tweak and optimize their gear, the Target MOD Series is a dream come true. While slightly more expensive, it's packed with technology usually reserved for high-end darts.

This series not only comes in a variety of weights but also offers three distinct barrel shapes to suit different grips. Its standout feature is Target's Swiss Point technology, which allows you to swap out the steel tips of your darts in seconds using a special tool. This means you can experiment with different point lengths and styles without having to buy a whole new set of darts. It's the ultimate choice for the analytical player.

• Best for: The beginner who loves to experiment and wants a dart that can evolve with their game.
• Key Specs:
  • Weight Range: 21g - 26g
  • Grip Style: Varies by barrel shape (from smooth to high-grip)
  • Price Point: ~$45-50

A Final Word on Weight

You'll notice all these darts come in a range of weights. If you have no idea what to choose, start with 22g or 23g. It's the most common weight range and provides a great balance of speed and control for new players.

Ultimately, the best dart is the one that feels right for you. But with any of these three sets, you're not just buying a great product—you're making a smart investment in your journey to becoming a better dart player.

Completing Your Setup: Flights, Shafts, and Points

A great set of barrels is the perfect foundation, but the other components of your dart are just as important for tuning your throw. The shafts and flights that come with a beginner set are a great starting point, but as you develop, you'll want to experiment.

• Flights: The shape and size of your flight have a huge impact on how the dart stabilizes in the air. Learn more in our Guide to Dart Flight Shapes.
• Shafts: The length and material of your shaft affect the dart's center of gravity and durability. We explain it all in our Dart Shafts Explained article.
• Points: Modern dart points can be swapped out to change the dart's balance and how it enters the board. Check out our Modern Dart Points Guide to see the options.