The Best Dartboard Lighting Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Good lighting is the difference between a casual game of darts and a professional-level experience. It eliminates shadows, reduces eye strain, and allows you to see every segment of the board with perfect clarity. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a dartboard light and review some of the top systems on the market.

What to Look for in a Dartboard Light

• Brightness (Lumens): How much light does the system produce?
• Shadow Reduction: Does it offer 360-degree, shadowless illumination?
• Durability: Can it withstand a stray dart?
• Ease of Installation: How quickly can you set it up?
• Power Source: Does it use batteries or a mains adapter?
• Aesthetics: Does it look good in your setup?

Top Dartboard Lighting Systems: A Tale of Two Styles

There are two main philosophies when it comes to modern dartboard lighting: full, 360-degree rings and focused overhead lights.

Full Lighting Rings are designed for one primary purpose: to provide completely shadowless illumination, which is essential for the accuracy of computer vision scoring systems. The trade-off is that their intense brightness can feel different from typical league lighting and may affect depth perception for some players. They also tend to cast a large, distinct shadow on the wall around the board.

Overhead Lights offer a balanced approach. They provide far better shadow reduction than a simple ceiling spotlight but are less intense than a full ring. This creates a more traditional playing atmosphere while still dramatically improving visibility.

Full Lighting Rings: For Perfect, Shadowless Vision

1. The Computer Vision Standard: Target Darts Corona Vision

The Corona Vision is the go-to lighting system for players invested in the modern, tech-driven side of darts. It's specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with Target's Omni automatic scoring system and the DartCounter online platform. The ring provides a bright, consistent light across the entire board, ensuring the computer vision camera never misses a throw. It's a high-quality, professional-grade system for the serious, data-driven player.

• Best for: Players using or planning to use a computer vision scoring system.
• Key Features:
  • 360-degree shadowless illumination.
  • Designed for the Target Omni & DartCounter platforms.
  • Magnetic feet for easy attachment to any steel-tip board.

2. The Youth-Friendly Ring: Mission Darts Torus 270

Mission took the concept of the full lighting ring and made a clever design tweak with the Torus 270. By opening up the bottom of the ring, they solved a common issue for shorter or younger players. This 270-degree design provides ample shadowless light for computer vision systems while ensuring players don't have to alter their throw or reach around a physical barrier to hit the lower numbers. It's a thoughtful design that makes the game more accessible without sacrificing performance.

• Best for: Families, junior players, or anyone who finds a full ring obtrusive.
• Key Features:
  • Unique 270-degree design for unobstructed access to the lower board.
  • Bright, consistent lighting suitable for auto-scoring.
  • Lightweight and easy to install.

Overhead Lighting Systems: A Balanced Approach

3. The Portable Pro Light: Winmau Polaris 120

The Winmau Polaris offers superb, 120-degree overhead lighting that eliminates most shadows without the overwhelming intensity of a full ring. It provides a more traditional playing experience that closely mimics what you'd find in a league or pub, but with far better visibility. Its standout feature is the magnetic clamp, which allows it to be attached and removed from the top of a dartboard surround in seconds. This makes it incredibly easy to pack up and take with you, ensuring you always have pro-level lighting.

• Best for: The league player who wants consistent, high-quality lighting at home and on the road.
• Key Features:
  • 120-degree beam for wide, even coverage.
  • Magnetic clamp for quick and easy installation.
  • Warm white light for a comfortable, traditional feel.

4. The Ultimate Travel Companion: Mission Darts TOR100 Torus 100

For the player who is always on the move, the Mission Torus 100 is the ultimate portable lighting solution. This clever overhead system is designed to fold down into a compact size, making it easy to slip into a bag and take to league night or a friend's house. It brings a professional feel to any location, ensuring you're never stuck playing in a poorly lit environment again. It's a must-have for the serious traveling player.

• Best for: The player who frequently plays in different locations and needs a portable solution.
• Key Features:
  • Unique folding design for maximum portability.
  • Provides bright, focused overhead light.
  • Easy to set up on any board.

5. The Durable Workhorse: ONE80 Illumina

The ONE80 Illumina is built to last. This sturdy overhead lighting system features a durable front-facing bar specifically designed to absorb the impact of stray darts, making it a great choice for game rooms or practice areas that see a lot of use. It's a versatile system that can be mounted in several different ways to accommodate your specific space and setup. If you're looking for a robust, long-lasting lighting solution that can take a punch, the Illumina is a top contender.

• Best for: High-traffic setups where durability is a primary concern.
• Key Features:
  • Strong, shock-absorbent front bar.
  • Flexible mounting options.
  • Includes a spirit level for perfect installation.

A Simple Alternative: Track Lighting

If a dedicated dartboard lighting system feels like overkill, a fantastic and cost-effective alternative is a simple track lighting kit. A product like the BoostArea 4-Light Track Lighting Kit is easy to install on the ceiling above your dartboard setup. It allows you to focus multiple lights directly onto the board from different angles, which dramatically reduces shadows compared to a single overhead bulb. It's a flexible, clean-looking solution that provides excellent lighting without being physically attached to your dartboard or surround.

Conclusion: Find the Light That's Right for You

Investing in a quality lighting system is one of the best upgrades you can make to your dart setup. Whether you choose a shadowless Full Lighting Ring for a tech-focused setup or a balanced Overhead Lighting System for a more traditional feel, the improved visibility will immediately impact your game.

And as you upgrade your setup with better lighting, you might also consider the next step in darting technology: automatic scoring systems. Good lighting is the foundation that makes those systems work their best.