Creating the perfect dart-throwing environment can be crucial, especially if you’re a beginner. However, using the best dart backboards, you can protect your walls from some serious damage caused by a flyaway dart or a bounce-out. As you probably already know, beginners are more susceptible to missing their mark, so having this type of failsafe in place will be important on your way up the ladder.

If you’re not sure what your options are in terms of backboard size, type, or style, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll not only find important information on how to pick the perfect backboard. You’ll also get a look at the top 10 models on the market that are crushing the competition. These are the backboards you want if you’re looking for a board that offers full protection and one that’s designed to last.

Below, you can check out my comparison chart, which includes each of the boards that landed on my list, how they are rated, and other important information that can help you make the right choice for your setup!

Dart Backboards Comparison Chart

Product	Shape	Coverage	Material	Our Rating
Viper Defender III Wall Protector Shop On Amazon!	Rectangular	8.2 ft	EVA foam
Viper Wood Dartboard Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Rectangular	29 x 29"	Wood/ Felt
Dart-Stop Professional Dart Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Octagonal	29 x 29"	Wood/ Fabric
Viper Dartboard Surround Wall Protector Shop On Amazon!	Square	28 x 28"	EVA foam
Cork Dart Board Backer Shop On Amazon!	Rectangular	36 x 24"	Cork
ProDarts Dart Surround Shop On Amazon!	Round	29 x 29"	EVA Foam
IgnatGames Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Rectangular	41 x 28"	EVA foam
DartWorld Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Square	22 x 22"	EVA foam
Linkvisions Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Round	22 x 22"	EVA foam
Hathaway Backboard Shop On Amazon!	Complex	25 x 27"	Wood/ Fabric

Viper Defender III Dartboard Wall Protector

Our Rating: (5/5)

Viper is one of the leading dartboard manufacturers in the industry. Their wide selection of accessories has a reputation for both style and durability. Their latest backboard, the Defender III earned top marks in a variety of areas, including durability, style, and versatility. In addition to that, it is also one of the cheaper wall protectors, especially considering its top-shelf quality!

This model will work for both 17.75 and 18-inch bristle boards. It offers a total of 8.2 square feet of protection. The surface of the backboard is covered in velvet, which is not only attractive but also helps to minimize signs of wear and tear. The board is easy to assemble and features a compression fit design that will not require any mounting hardware, bracing, or tools. Assembly takes a few minutes just to piece the different parts together. One thing I absolutely love about this protector is that it comes with an adjustment liner which helps you eliminate gaps if you’re dartboard is smaller than 18 inches.

The backboard is made out of a thick foam that’s tough and protective. Once assembled, you can slide your board right onto it and it will hug the sides of the board instantly. In terms of thickness, this model provides one-inch-thick protection all around the dartboard. This is almost enough to fully surround most dartboards out there. Thanks to its compression fit, it also provides additional stability to 18-inch dartboards.

Conclusion

The Viper Defender III Surround wall protector isn’t just sturdy, but it’s also easy to assemble and provides better than average wall protection, covering 8.2 feet of wall space. This model’s clean-looking design will also complement your existing setup while offering the type of coverage you need to protect both your walls and your darts. If you’re looking for something that checks all the boxes and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, this is it!

Viper Wood Framed Dartboard Backboard

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Coming in second on our list is another product from the Viper family. The Viper Wood Framed backboard is a square option for those looking for something premium and great-looking. Despite not being extremely expensive, this particular model brings you everything you’ll need out of a good backboard – it can take a hit, it looks great, and can accommodate even the biggest dartboards out there!

This backboard features a wood frame with a deep mahogany finish that’s aesthetically appealing and sure to fit in with your existing décor. The backboard itself is made out of MDF wood and comes with a surface that’s covered in black felt. Additionally, it measures at 29-inches in length, 29-inches wide, and is 1-inch thick. It will work with most styles of traditional bristle boards. This model also comes with all the mounting hardware you’ll need, so installation is fast and simple.

The board is designed to provide ultimate protection from bounce-outs and stray darts. Moreover, it is compatible with both electronic and traditional boards giving them a snug fit if they’re 18-inches in diameter. Lastly, the felt-covered surface is gentler on dart tips so you can protect your walls and your darts at the same time.

Conclusion

This Viper backboard is versatile, durable, and features a sophisticated yet professional design that many dart throwers want for their in-home dart setups. This backboard doesn’t just look good, but it also protects your walls from both steel-tipped and soft-tipped darts. The simple setup process is also a big selling point even despite the mediocre quality of the hardware. Overall, this board is a steal for the price and offers the level of protection you need to prevent broken darts and holes in your walls!

Dart-Stop Professional Dart Board Backboard

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Dart-Stop 29-inch Professional Dartboard backboard is one of the best models for this year thanks to its unique construction, premium build quality, and great looks. It is one of the few backboards lined with plush fabric that leaves no marks from the darts holes. Apart from that, the plush fabric also makes it look great and comes in three unique color options. However, one of the biggest downsides of this particular model is that it just is too expensive compared to the rest of my list. Still, if you’re not on a tight budget, this is perhaps the best money can buy right now.

This octagonal-shaped backboard features a soft no-holes fabric finish, to prevent signs of wear and tear. The frameless design offers a clean, muted look. The board also has a pre-installed mounting bracket, which is designed to keep the backboard firmly in place, so it won’t shake or move during use. This model is basically ready to mount straight out of the box. The mounting points are steel reinforced for added durability. In terms of compatibility, it can accommodate any dartboard size on it, as long as the dartboard has an attachment point. Some electronic and cabinet models don’t.

The backboard offers 29’ x 29’ of wall coverage and measures at ¾ inch thick, which is slightly lower than average. Additionally, it is made out of wood substrate with a thick fabric that covers the surface. The fabric will help prevent or reduce damage to stray dart tips. The board itself weighs in at just 9.5 pounds.

Conclusion

As I mentioned earlier, you can get this backboard in multiple colors – beige/tan, burgundy, and black. This type of choice combined with the build quality is part of the reason why this particular backboard is so expensive.

This wooden felt-covered octagonal backboard can provide superb wall coverage, protecting your walls and your darts from ongoing damage. The board itself is also reasonably priced, durable, and includes all the mounting hardware you need to easily and quickly set up your new backboard. Getting it will give your entire home darts set up a more professional look, with a simple design that meshes well with your existing décor.

Viper Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is another popular model by Viper that can be a great addition to any home or commercial setup. It comes as no surprise that the brand manages to put 3 separate backboards on this top 10 list. Their product range tries to cater to everybody’s needs both in terms of design and in terms of affordability. That being said, this is one of their cheaper wall protectors which is made out of EVA foam unlike most of the other more expensive options from the brand.

This particular model provides a protective barrier around a dartboard, preventing darts that miss their mark from hitting your walls. The board is compatible with both bristle and electronic boards and it can house any dartboard size. Materials-wise, it is made out of high-density foam. This type of material will not only help to keep your walls free from holes but will also protect the tips of your darts. On the front of the board, you’ll find a hanging bracket already attached. The bracket allows you to quickly mount your dartboard.

When it comes to dimensions, this model provides a total of 28’ x 28’ of wall protection, which is slightly lower than what we’re used to seeing from similarly-priced wall protectors. Still, it is more than good enough for an 18-inch bristle dartboard. There are no bigger size options, which is a downside in my eyes, as well as the fact that there are no color options either.

Conclusion

The thick EVA foam is a huge selling point since it will prevent both dart and wall damage. This type of foam offers just the right amount of give for gentle surface penetration. The level of the surface’s rigidity gently captures the dart to prevent it from bouncing out, and all that without damaging the dart’s tip. The board itself can be hung as a square or diamond shape. Lastly, it includes all the mounting hardware you need. All in all, if you’re after a decent-looking wall protector that won’t break the bank, put this on your shortlist!

Cork Dart Board Backer

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Jelinek Cork Group cork dartboard backer is one of the most affordable models on this list. Despite its cheap price, it remains a solid option all things considered. A few decades back, most wall protectors on the market were made out of cork. However, with new technologies, EVA foam and better-processed woods took over. Still, if you’re after something cheap and vintage-looking, you can never go wrong with a cork backboard!

This affordable backboard is made entirely out of 100% cork, which apart from everything else is also quite environmentally friendly. The board measures 36 x 24 x 0.5 inches. Unfortunately, the board doesn’t come with its own mounting hardware, so you’ll need to purchase that separately. The natural texture of the cork will minimize any signs of wear and tear. Its large surface area will protect your walls in the event of a bounce-out. The material also offers plenty of give, so it won’t damage the tips of your darts.

The design of the backboard allows you to use multiple boards together, so you can customize your coverage. While this model’s design is rather plain, compared to the other products in my top 10 list, it’s an affordable option and one that will allow you to combine the boards for ultimate wall protection. One thing that I don’t like about this model is that it doesn’t come in any color or size options. You only get the traditional cork-colored rectangular backboard.

Conclusion

This budget-friendly backboard may not offer the type of flashy design that some players are looking for, but if you want to customize your setup and add more backboards, then this model is a great choice. It also features the type of forgiving surface that will hug the dart, keeping it securely in place, without damaging the tips of your darts. The biggest drawback is that you’ll have to purchase your own mounting hardware, but for most buyers, this won’t be a deal-breaker.

ProDarts Dart Surround

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The ProDarts Dart Surround is one of the fewer circular wall protectors out there. Thanks to its trimmed-down design, it costs a bit less. Additionally, it can be placed in much smaller places on your wall, since it won’t need a large rectangular area for installation. However, that comes with a downside. If you’re a beginner and your darts consistently stray away from the dartboard, this might not be the ideal choice for you since it covers the least amount of square inches from all the models on this list. Still, if you want something minimalist just to help you be more confident with your outside shots, this is it.

The wall protector is made out of EVA foam which is a material that is gaining more and more popularity as of late. Not only does it last longer and isn’t prone to too much external damage but this foam also absorbs shock quite well. That shock-absorption translates well into darts piercing it. With a thickness of 1.2 inches, it won’t allow even the longest-tipped darts to penetrate it fully and reach your wall. Overall, the dimensions give it a 5-inch overhang on all sides of a traditional 18-inch dartboard, resulting in nearly 30 inches of wall area covered. Thanks to its foam structure, it has a compression fit for any 18-inch dartboard model out there.

Something that I count as a missed opportunity is the fact that they haven’t included multiple color options. Not that I don’t like the red that was particularly chosen here but I wished there were more colors I could choose from, especially black since red isn’t for everyone. A few size options wouldn’t have hurt too, either.

Conclusion

When it comes to circular dart wall protectors, there aren’t many to choose from. The ProDarts Dart Surround is one of the even fewer that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone. Still, there is a caveat. If you’re a beginner, you’d be better off spending a bit more money on a Viper model that will cover more wall area and will fit most setups better. This bright red EVA foam wall protector, however, is ideal for professional players looking for something to spice up their darts set up and protect their walls from an occasional bounce-out!

IgnatGames Dart Board Wall Protector

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you’ve ever played darts in a club or at a friend’s home, chances are that you’re well familiar with the brand called IgnatGames. In the darts world, they are among the best brands to produce dartboards, darts, and other accessories. Their wall protectors are quite good as they look great, perform as expected, and aren’t extremely expensive.

One of the main features of this backboard is that is it made out of EVA foam. This new material is really good at absorbing the impact from sharp steel-tipped darts while keeping your wall free of holes in it. Moreover, these foam-padded wall protectors are extremely easy to set up and move around due to their low weight. This specific model is made to fit standard 17.72-inch tournament size dartboards. Additionally, it can also fit 18-inch dartboards but with a bit tighter fit. That’s actually great since it will provide some additional stability to the board preventing it from moving about even on harder shots.

This particular wall protector is compatible with professional dartboards only. This means that it can only house WDF regulation-sized boards measuring either 17.75 inches or 18 inches. Additionally, there are no size or color options. However, you can get this particular dart surround in a round shape. The round wall protectors are only reserved for the professional players, though, at least in my opinion. The reason for that is that you are more likely to miss when starting to learn darts. That’s why most wall protectors have an extended part below the dartboard, which is where most stray darts will hit.

Conclusion

In summary, this dart backboard is one of the best for beginners for a few good reasons. Firstly, it covers most of the area beneath the dartboard. Secondly, it really absorbs the impact from steel-tipped darts well. Moreover, thanks to its foam architecture, it doesn’t damage the tips of your darts which is always a great feature to have around. With all that in mind, you should definitely put this wall protector on your shortlist, even if it is a bit on the expensive side!

Dart World Wall Protector

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Dart World Wall protector is a lightweight, foam backboard that is designed to fit most professional dartboards out there. One of the standout features of this particular model is the fact that it is super easy to use and set up initially. The whole thing consists of 4 individual parts that snap into place with one another. These connections are strong and won’t move around over time. If your dartboard is 17.75 or 18 inches it will fit snugly inside the ring of the protector. That will provide a fair amount of additional support.

The EVA foam used here is a bit less dense compared to models like the one from IgnatGames or Viper. Still, it does a good job at absorbing bounce-outs and protecting your walls. The wall protector works great for intermediate and professional players but doesn’t quite cut it for beginners. The reason for that is that beginners tend to get a lot of bounce-outs or miss the dartboard altogether. That means that they need the most protection possible for their walls, especially below the dartboard itself. However, this particular model doesn’t provide a ton of surface area to cover your wall significantly. That’s why I’ve ranked it so low on my list.

On top of all that, there are no color or size options, leaving you with this 22 by 22 inches square option only.

Conclusion

With a price tag that puts it in the Viper and IgnatGames territory, this particular wall protector doesn’t have a ton of things working in its favor. Sure, it is durable and very easy to set up but the EVA foam construction isn’t enough of a feature to justify this price tag. That being said, if you’re looking for a simple foam wall protector that you can take with you anywhere you go to train, this one is a decent alternative to the well-known brands out there.

Linkvisions EVA Dartboard Surround Wall Protector

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Linkvisions EVA dartboard wall surround is the second and last round model on this list. Like other round models out there, it is fairly cheap. However, unlike the bigger models from brands like Viper, this one is mostly geared towards intermediates and professionals. Better players tend to only get occasional bounce-outs that can result in a wall scratch near the dartboard. On the other hand, beginners can completely miss the dartboard. What that means is that players new to darts will need larger wall protection around the dartboard. This model definitely isn’t that. Despite all that, it still is a cheap and portable option.

Thanks to its EVA foam construction, this wall surround can spare the tips of steel-tipped darts while at the same time it will absorb their hit without letting them pass through. That’s all that a wall protector needs to do actually and this model does that job wonderfully. There are no size or color options here, although there is a DB & EVA surrounding option that comes with two sets of darts in it but is also a lot more expensive.

One very important thing to note here is that this wall surround only supports 17.75-inch dartboards which are the WDF official tournament size. It does not support any 18-inch dartboard or at the very least those are a very tight squeeze and might deform the backboard. This is one of its biggest downsides and is caused directly by the fact that the foam itself isn’t very soft here. Still, that hardness allows it to absorb hits better and to stay strong even after years of use.

Conclusion

All in all, the Linkvisions EVA dartboard wall protector is definitely geared towards more advanced darts players. It offers good amounts of protection against stray darts and is extremely easy to work with. If you’re looking for something minimalistic, cheap, and yet durable and flexible, you should at least consider this!

Hathaway Dart Backboard

Our Rating: (4/5)

The Hathaway dart backboard is one of the more fancy-looking models out there. Unfortunately, it is also one of the more expensive models and it doesn’t boost the best build quality out of all the models on this list. All that made me put it in the last position. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a great-looking model that offers something different from the rest of the plain-looking wall protectors. Still, if you’re after performance rather than visuals, you should skip this one and get yourself a Viper backboard.

This popular model from Hathaway will protect the walls that surround your dartboard. It will also protect stray darts and their tips thanks to its 1-inch thickness. The additional protection comes from the board’s thick foam surface that’s impact absorbing. The vivid red color of the board will make your dartboard setup really pop, while the wood backing improves the dartboard’s stability and durability. This board comes in at one inch thick, 25.5 inches wide, and 27.75-inches tall.

The setup is fairly straightforward, although you won’t be getting hardware to mount it. There are also no other size or color options which is a notable downside, especially at this price point.

Conclusion

This board will shield the walls in your home from stray darts. It’s made out of thick engineered wood, with a tough foam surface that will cushion the tips of your darts, to prevent damage. This model is also covered by a 180-day warranty, which will give most shoppers every incentive to buy this beautiful board and give it a shot.

Dart Backboards Buyer’s Guide

The goal of playing a round of darts is to hit the target. Ideally, you’ll hit the bull. But it doesn’t always work out that way. If you’re playing at home, then one of your top priorities will be to protect the areas surrounding the bullseye. You may have kids who are just learning to play, or friends and family that are new to the game.

As you know, when you first learn how to play darts, you end up with a lot of bounce-outs or you hit the wall more than anything else. There will be some shots that won’t land on the board and instead will land right next to it. Your walls will have several tiny holes surrounding your dartboard and your dart tips will be bent or badly damaged. Fortunately, there are steps you can take that will protect both your walls and your darts.

Dart and Wall Protection

In public spots, such as pubs and rec centers, you may have noticed that their setups are heavily protected, both the floors surrounding the dartboard and the walls as well. The dartboard itself is usually mounted on a backboard, which serves as a shield that covers up the wall behind it. When a player throws at the dartboard and misses, the dart will stick into the backboard instead of the wall. Using a backboard for your home setup will allow you to focus more on the game and keep your mind off you or another player damaging your walls.

No one wants to end up with hundreds of small holes or gouges in their wall.

Buying a dart backboard is the perfect solution if you want to protect both your setup and your darts. A hard wall can easily bend and seriously damage dart tips. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner or beginner using your board, then your wall is in for some serious damage.

While some players will recommend choosing a backboard based on your skill level, in reality, anyone shopping for a backboard wants a model that offers top-of-the-line protection. So, regardless of your skill level, go with the best, the toughest, and a backboard that you know will protect your walls, regardless of who’s throwing.

Now, let’s start this buyer’s guide off by discussing the pros and cons of using a backboard and why every dart setup should have one…

Benefits of Dart Backboards

There are quite a lot of benefits that will come with getting a new backboard for your wall. Some of the most important ones are:

Apart from all that, it is also worth mentioning that dart backboards can also have one drawback. They can ruin the interior of your game room, especially if you’re invested a lot in making your walls look good and match the furniture. The best thing you can do in these cases is getting a black backboard. Additionally, you can invest in a dartboard cabinet that can match the room’s furniture or the wall color!

Materials

When you’re shopping for a backboard, first consider the type of material the board is made out of, before you worry about other features. You should also keep in mind that the price of a backboard is heavily impacted by the type of material it’s made out of.

Additionally, material type can indicate just how much protection the board can provide and how durable it is.

The most common types of materials used for backboards include:

Wood

You’ll find that most types of backboards are made out of wood, however, they’re not quite as durable as some alternatives. Additionally, wood doesn’t hide damage as easily as other types of materials, so you may find that the backboard becomes somewhat of an eyesore over time.

Cork

Cork is a great, affordable choice. It’s easy to install, lightweight, and pretty durable. Because of its low price, you can always replace it once it becomes riddled with holes.

Fabric

Wall protectors that are made out of fabric are also pretty common. While they may not offer the same heavy-duty protection that wood or cork can, a backboard that’s made out of felt or another type of dense material will focus more on protecting your darts. In some cases, if you use a wood backboard, you’ll find that while your walls are still protected, the tips of the darts still get bent or break, which is why fabric backboards may be a better option for some setups.

Foam

If you have indoor space and you want a tough material that can provide top-of-the-line protection, foam backboards are a great choice and one that won’t hit your wallet too hard. These boards are easy to install, feature a lightweight design, and are affordable.

Other Features to Consider

When getting a new backboard, apart from the material from which the dartboard is made, you should also take a few other things into consideration. These are:

Size

Make sure you purchase a board that’s large enough to provide the level of protection you need, based on where you’ll hang a dartboard in the home. Be sure you measure your dartboard and the area surrounding it. You should also keep in mind that the model you purchase must be compatible with your dartboard. Some models will only work with certain types or sizes of dartboards. Read the backboard’s spec sheet to learn which sizes of dartboards it’s compatible with, in addition to how much coverage it can offer.

If your dartboard is eighteen inches in diameter, then you’ll want a backboard that provides a minimum of three square feet of coverage. This type of coverage should be more than sufficient for most dartboard setups.

You’ll want to choose a model that fits your dartboard and gives you enough protection around the edges.

Shape

Backboards are available in a variety of shapes, including:

Round backboards will typically fit around the edges of a dartboard, connecting like pieces of a puzzle. This shape offers less protection compared to the other shapes since it has a thinner surface. However, there are people that prefer this style, since it’s very aesthetically pleasing and tends to do a better job of naturally blending in with a room’s existing décor.

Rectangular and square styles usually offer more coverage. Some are also universal, so they’ll work with any shape or size of a dartboard. Both shapes are usually made out of one piece of material that you’ll hang the dartboard over.

Depending on your style preference, you may want to consider an octagonal or hexagonal-shaped backing. These shapes are more distinct, and many people prefer them over the traditional circle or square designs.

Mounting

Most models will come with their own mounting hardware and instructions. For the most part, installation is simple, easy, and requires only a few tools and about fifteen minutes of your time. These backboards usually come with a hanging bracket, however, if the board you buy doesn’t come with this type of mounting hardware, then you can install it using some screws.

Dartboard Compatibility

Keep in mind, some backboards won’t work well with both electronic and traditional dartboards. If the backboard is designed to work with an electronic board, it may not be compatible with your sisal board. Fortunately, many manufacturers will clearly list whether the backboard is designed for bristle dartboards or electronic boards. This information is definitely one of the first things you’ll want to look for before you buy.

Dart Type

If you normally throw soft-tipped darts, then you won’t need the kind of heavy-duty wall protection that you will with steel-tipped darts. Additionally, if you toss soft-tipped darts, they tend to easily stick in foam backboards but will bounce off of cork or wood boards. Pay attention to a backboard’s spec sheet. It should list whether it’s recommended for soft or steel-tipped darts or both.

Price

The price of the backboard will depend on several factors including size, material, and shape. Material is often the biggest factor. Felt or cork boards will be more affordable than wood backboards, while models made out of foam are often more affordable than cork.

You’ll find several models to choose from that are available at prices that range from just $35 up to $200. However, even the highest-priced model is still more affordable than costly wall repairs. You should choose a backboard that works with your budget, but, if you need heavy-duty protection, then it’s wise to save up for a higher-priced board, one you won’t have to replace often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best backing for a dartboard?

Some of the best materials for a dart backboard include wood, composite materials, foam, and cork. While each of these has its pros and cons, cork seems to be taking the lead in sales as of late alongside some foam models. The reason for each of those is that cork is easy to replace while the foam paddings hide damage really well and can self-heal better than most wood backboards.

How thick should your dart backboard be?

If you’ve set on making your own dart backboard or simply want to know what the ideal width for a model is, try to aim for something around one inch. Of course, some backboards are much thinner than that but there are also models that try to sit flush with the typical competition-grade dartboards which are exactly 1.5 inches thick.

Are cork backboards any good?

Cork backboards were heavily used before and then stopped due to the appearance of more modern materials. However, they’re making a huge comeback as of late. The reason for that is because cork is cheap, easy to install, lightweight, and most importantly – insanely easy to replace once you damage it. It is gentle to your steel-tipped darts and won’t damage their tips. At the same time, it will also keep your walls well-protected and one can argue it even looks decent on most interiors.

Can you make a dart backboard on your own?

Normally, anything that can stop a dart from piercing your wall can be considered a backboard. However, a good dart backboard should not only stop the dart but also prevent it from damaging its tip. With that in mind, you should try to make your backboard from a material that is soft enough to not damage your darts but also stiff enough to catch them before they pierce through. Most DIY backboards are made out of solid wood which is cheap and easily replaceable. It is also stylish depending on its type.

Final Thoughts

The best dart backboards will provide heavy-duty protection that will prevent steel-tipped darts from penetrating your walls. The board itself should be durable, thick, and should offer enough coverage to protect the immediate space surrounding the dartboard. All of the models I’ve included here, combined with the information in this buyer’s guide, should help you choose the perfect backboard for your home dart set up, one that’s tough enough to handle heavy-duty use, and a model that offers the coverage you need, especially if you’re a beginner.