This week we are going to look at something a little different.
Darts is a game/sport that has been played in basement games' rooms, and business lounges for decades.
"There is a speculation that the game originated among soldiers throwing short arrows at the bottom of the cask or at the bottom of trunks of trees. As the wood dried, cracks would develop, creating 'sections'," related an Internet website.
"The standard numbering plan with a 20 on top was created in 1896 by Lancashire carpenter Brian Gamlin. However, a great many other configurations have been used throughout the years and in different geographical locations."
For most of us darts is simply a fun game to pass an evening with friends, but at its highest level it is most certainly a competitive sport.
You may not need to spend hours a day in the gym to be the best at darts, but the skill required to group three darts in the 'triple-20' spot on a consistent basis is something not easily attained.
As for the darts themselves "initially the missiles were simply cut down arrows or crossbow bolts. The first purpose made darts were manufactured in one piece from wood; wrapped with a strip of lead for weight and fitted with flights made from split turkey feathers Metal barrels were patented in 1906 but wood continued to be used into the 1950s. The first metal barrels were made from brass which was relatively cheap and easy to work. The wooden shafts, which were now threaded to fit the tapped barrel, were either fletched as before or designed to take a paper flight. This type of dart continued to be used into the 1970s," detailed the website. "When the advantages of using plastic were realized, the shaft and flight became separate entities, although one piece moulded plastic shaft and flights were also available.
The barrels now come in a variety of weights and are constructed from brass, silver-nickel, or a tungsten alloy. Brass is cheap but light and therefore brass barrels tend to be very bulky, not good for tight groupings in the aforementioned 'triple-20'. Tungsten is far more dense than brass so a barrel of an equivalent weight can be smaller in diameter. Tungsten is very brittle however and so an alloy of between 80 and 95 per cent tungsten is used.
Which brings me to the more specific topic of today's review, an absolutely outstanding dart set for the more casual player.
The Summit series darts from Puma are an excellent example of the modern dart as designed for players ranging from beginner on up.
That is one aspect of darts which sets it apart from most other sports. A player can legitimately afford the same darts the best professionals in the world throws.
Now top darts, those made from 95 per cent tungsten will set you back up to a couple of hundred dollars, that is reasonable compared to say, a pair of professional grade hockey skates.
There are how however darts which are lower cost and are excellent to use.
The Summit, darts made of 80 per cent tungsten are one of those options.
The barrel has fine grip.
Yes, if you like a smooth barrel this model won't be for you.
But if you like some groves to enhance that grip to ensure consistent releases, then the Summit is ideal.
In this case the darts weight I throw weigh in at 24 grams Summit 300 Series, (length: 47.9 mm diametre: 7.9 mm) which are in my preferred range, at least for early play. I might actually opt for a few grams lighter later in the evening if I've been throwing a lot of games.
Summit darts are available in weights from 20-to-25 grams.
Early on though I like the 'feel' of a somewhat heavier dart. I believe I have greater accuracy with some weight carrying the throw.
The Summit has that well-balanced feel on release which enhances confidence and helps you get ever closer groupings on your three darts.
And of course when you have a Summit dart in your hand you have a dart from one of the premier dart makers in the business.
For over 40 years Puma Darts have been a leading developer, producer and marketer of darts, dartboards and darting equipment.
Puma Darts was founded in 1970 by John McCormick, his son Peter McCormick assumed the position of Managing Director of the New Zealand-based company upon John's death in 2003.
If you are looking for a good set of darts that have the balance of quality darts, with excellent grip, then the Summit is an excellent choice.
I will put in a plug here for two steel-tip darts leagues in the city too.
Saturday afternoon, action takes place at Gunner's Lounge in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday night the darts fly at the ANAVETs, starting at 7 p.m.
In both cases the leagues are for all skill levels, so no one needs to worry if they have troubles hitting the '20'. Players are encouraged to come out, participate, have fun and simple enjoy the fine sport of darts.
If anyone is interested in this game, or other board games feel free to contact [email protected]
