The tips of darts are most accurately called points. On steel-tip darts, the point is the metal part that enters a bristle dartboard. On soft-tip darts, the point is usually a plastic soft tip made for electronic boards. Casual players often say “tip”, but “point” is the better equipment term when buying replacements or diagnosing bounce-outs.
Last reviewed: 23 August 2026. This guide explains common darts terminology for players buying, maintaining or comparing darts. Always match the point type to the board and barrel system you actually use.
Quick answer
The pointed end of a dart is called the point. A complete dart is usually described as four main parts: point, barrel, shaft or stem, and flight. Escalade Sports describes the point as the part that penetrates the board, with steel-tip points for bristle boards and soft-tip points for electronic boards.
If you search only for “dart tips”, you may find soft-tip accessories, replacement steel points, conversion points or point tools mixed together. If you know the proper term, you buy the right part faster.
Point, tip or dart point?
In everyday conversation, “tip” is understandable. If you say your dart tip is bent, other players will know what you mean. In product listings, repair guides and setup discussions, “point” is more precise. It tells the retailer or player you mean the front insert, not the flight, shaft, barrel grip or another accessory.
The exact phrase depends on the dart type. Steel-tip players usually say steel point, dart point, replacement point or repointing. Soft-tip players usually say soft tip or plastic point. Players using a quick-change system might say Swiss Point, Switch Point or screw-in point.
The four main parts of a dart
| Part | What it does | Common buying terms |
|---|---|---|
| Point | Enters the dartboard. | Steel point, soft tip, replacement point, Swiss Point. |
| Barrel | Main metal body held by the player. | Tungsten barrel, brass barrel, straight barrel, torpedo barrel. |
| Shaft / stem | Connects barrel to flight. | Short stem, medium stem, integrated shaft-flight system. |
| Flight | Stabilises the dart in the air. | Standard flight, No. 6 flight, kite flight, pear flight. |
Steel-tip points
Steel-tip darts use metal points designed for bristle dartboards. They are the standard choice for traditional steel-tip 501, pub darts and most professional steel-tip play. Steel points can be plain, black-coated, grooved, ringed, storm-style, nano-grip or aggressively textured.
A good steel point should enter the board cleanly, hold securely and come out without tearing the sisal. More grip is not always better. Aggressive points can reduce bounce-outs for some players, but they may also make dart removal harder and increase board wear.
Soft-tip points
Soft-tip darts use plastic points for electronic boards. Dart Base describes soft-tip as dart points made from plastic rather than steel, and Escalade Sports also separates soft-tip points from steel-tip points by board type. Soft tips are consumable: they bend, blunt, snap and need replacing more often than steel points.
Many soft-tip tips use 2BA threading, but you should still check your barrel and board requirements before buying. A soft-tip player should carry spares in the case because one broken point can stop a session if there is no replacement.
Do not mix board types
Steel points are for bristle boards. Soft tips are for electronic soft-tip boards. Using steel-tip darts on an electronic board can damage the board unless that board is specifically designed for conversion use. Using soft tips on a bristle board is usually ineffective and can damage the tip.
This is the main buying mistake beginners make. The board decides the point category before style, colour or grip pattern matters.
Fixed points versus replaceable points
Many steel-tip darts use pressed-in steel points. They can often be replaced, but the job normally requires a repointing tool. Forcing a point with pliers, a vice or improvised pressure can damage the barrel or leave the point seated incorrectly.
Other systems are designed for easier changes. Target describes Swiss Points as interchangeable dart points that let players switch length, colour or design using the Swiss Point tool. Dartshopper’s screw-in point guide explains that screw-in systems are designed for barrels with internal threading and should not be treated as standard points.
Swiss Points, Switch Points and other systems
Swiss Point is Target’s well-known interchangeable point system. Winmau sells point products including soft-tip points and Switch Point accessories, while Dartshopper covers screw-in systems such as Swiss, Quick and Switch points. The key buying issue is compatibility.
A screw-in point is not universal. It needs the right barrel system. If your barrel is not designed for that system, do not assume the point will fit. Check brand, thread, barrel type and tool requirement before ordering.
Conversion points
Conversion points are steel points intended for some soft-tip barrels, allowing a player to use a soft-tip-style barrel on a bristle board. They are useful for players who like the feel of a soft-tip barrel but also play steel-tip darts.
They are not a universal licence to use any dart on any board. You still need correct thread fit, suitable barrel weight and the right board. If in doubt, check the barrel listing or ask before buying.
Point length and board entry
Point length changes how much metal enters the board and how the dart sits around other darts. Longer points can help grouping because the barrel sits slightly farther from the board. Shorter points can feel more direct and compact. Neither is automatically best.
Players who group tightly may prefer longer or shaped points because they create more room around the treble bed. Beginners usually do not need to obsess over point length immediately. A normal clean point is enough while throw mechanics are developing.
Grip points: helpful or harmful?
Grip points have grooves, rings, rough coatings or shaped sections. They can help the point hold in the board, and some players use them as a finger reference if they grip close to the front of the barrel. They can also increase board wear if they are very aggressive.
If you are getting bounce-outs from a good board with clean technique, a lightly grippy point may help. If your board is old, dry or damaged, changing points may mask the real problem. Inspect both dart and board before deciding.
When should you replace dart points?
- Bent points: they can enter badly, deflect or damage the board.
- Blunt points: they may bounce out more often.
- Loose points: they create unpredictable flight and should be fixed before play.
- Rusted points: they can mark hands, damage boards and become harder to maintain.
- Broken soft tips: replace immediately and remove any stuck tip safely from the board.
- Repeated bounce-outs: inspect point, board, throw angle and board condition together.
Should dart points be sharp?
Dart points should be sharp enough to enter the board cleanly, but not needle-sharp. A point that is too blunt can bounce out. A point that is too sharp can slice sisal and accelerate board wear. Many players prefer a clean, lightly scuffed point rather than a polished needle.
If you maintain points, use proper care and small adjustments. Do not grind aggressively or create burrs that tear the board.
Maintenance checklist
| Check | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Point straightness | Bent points affect entry and grouping. | Replace or repoint. |
| Point surface | Too smooth may slip; too rough may tear. | Lightly scuff or replace. |
| Soft-tip thread | Damaged threads loosen during play. | Replace the tip. |
| Board condition | A worn board causes fall-outs regardless of point. | Rotate or replace the board. |
| Tool compatibility | Wrong tools damage barrels. | Use the correct point tool. |
Bounce-out diagnosis
A bounce-out is not always a point problem. It can come from a wire hit, a tired board, a poor board angle, a blunt point, a dart entering at a bad angle or a throw that is landing too flat. If you replace points without diagnosing the cause, you can spend money and still have the same problem.
Start with the board. Rotate it if one section is badly worn. Then inspect the point. If it is polished smooth, bent or damaged, service it. If the point looks fine, check your entry angle and whether the dart is hitting the wire more than the sisal. Only after those checks should you move to a grippier point.
Point tools and safety
Standard steel points are usually pressure-fitted into the barrel. Removing them cleanly requires a proper repointing tool that holds the barrel and point in line. Improvised force can mark the barrel, bend the new point or leave the point seated at a poor angle.
System points have their own rules. Swiss Points use the Target tool and matching Swiss Point barrel system. Screw-in systems need compatible threaded barrels. Soft tips normally screw in by hand, but even then you should avoid overtightening because plastic threads can strip.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Buying points for the wrong board: steel and soft-tip setups are not interchangeable by default.
- Choosing the most aggressive point first: more grip can mean more board wear and harder removal.
- Changing points to fix technique: a poor release or bad entry angle may still cause fall-outs.
- Ignoring compatibility: Swiss, Switch, Quick and standard points have different fitting requirements.
- Over-sharpening: needle-like points can cut sisal rather than hold cleanly.
Buying advice
If you are new to steel-tip darts, buy a complete dart set first and learn your throw before changing points. If the board is causing fall-outs, compare dartboards before blaming the points. For spares, tools, flights and stems, browse darts accessories. If you want a full equipment comparison, start with broader darts and filter by type.
Related guides
For connected setup advice, read what weight darts pros use, whether heavier darts are easier to throw, how fast you should throw, where beginners should aim and how to fix small holes from darts.
Sources used
- Escalade Sports dart components guide defining point, barrel, shaft and flight.
- Target Darts explanation of Swiss Points and interchangeable point system.
- Dartshopper guide to dart points, lengths and point replacement.
- Dartshopper explanation of screw-in point systems and compatibility.
- Winmau points collection including steel and soft-tip point products.
- Dart Base explanation of soft-tip darts using plastic points.
Bottom line
Dart tips are called points. Steel-tip darts use metal points for bristle boards, while soft-tip darts use plastic points for electronic boards. Once you know that terminology, buying the right replacement becomes much easier: match the point to your board, barrel system, tool requirement and level of grip you actually need.
Visual guide: how to apply this at the board
FAQ
Are dart tips called points?
Yes. “Point” is the more precise equipment term, especially for steel-tip darts.
Can you replace steel dart points?
Often yes, but standard pressed-in points usually need a repointing tool. Screw-in systems need their own compatible tool and barrel type.
Are soft-tip dart points plastic?
Yes. Soft-tip darts use plastic points designed for electronic boards.
Do sharper points stop bounce-outs?
Sometimes, but extreme sharpness can damage a bristle board. Clean entry, board condition and sensible point grip matter more.
