Regardless of how good of a darts player you are, you’re not going to hit the bullseye every time. In order to protect your floor, you will have to use a dart mat. Apart from protection, these mats also provide you with a handy throw line which is useful if you want to join some local tournaments. Picking the best dart mats, however, can be tricky. They all appear fairly similar at first. However, there are a lot of small features that add up and differentiate the good models from the bad ones.

That is exactly why I’ve decided to make this guide where we will go over some of the top models and discuss their pros and cons. On top of that, we will also dive deeper into the details regarding these mats and help you choose the right one for your home game room! Let’s start with a brief comparison chart between my picks for 2022…

Dart Mats Comparison Chart

Product	Material	Size	Colors	Our Rating
Target Darts Mat Shop On Amazon!	Felt	117 x 23"	Black
Viper Padded Dart Mat Shop On Amazon!	Vinyl	117 x 23"	Black
Winmau Outshot Dart Mat Shop On Amazon!	Rubber/PVC	115 x 23.5"	Black & White
Winmau Xtreme Dart Mat Shop On Amazon!	Rubber	118 x 23"	Black Yellow White
Shot! T Dart Mat Shop On Amazon!	Rubber	108 x 24"	Black
Bull's Carpet Mat 140 Shop On Amazon!	Polyester	110 x 31"	Black
Cuesoul Darts Mat Shop On Amazon!	Velvet/Latex	120 x 27"	Multiple
Myoyay Darts Mat Shop On Amazon!	Rubber	118 x 24"	Black
Morimoe Dart Mat Shop On Amazon!	Nylon	118 x 26"	Red
Shot! Darts Carpet Shop On Amazon!	Rubber	118 x 24"	Black & Red

Target Darts World Champion Darts Mat

Our Rating: (5/5)

If you’re looking for a mat that can give your home that total pro setup, then this model by Target Darts is it. With its durable design and lightweight construction, it is one of the best-selling models for this year. The manufacturer (Target Darts) claims that this is a mat meant to be used by the pros. Still, the main purpose of this model is to protect your floors and dart tips, preventing dart tip breakage. Additionally, the mat features a full-length oche system that includes several throw lines, each of which covers every dart-throwing format from all over the globe.

Dimensions-wise, this mat is relatively big, although it is on par with almost all of its competitors in this price range. It measures 117 inches in length and 23 in width which is more than good enough for most darts players. While it would’ve been great to get more size options, this is the only one that the mat comes in. Also, there are no color options which isn’t ideal. There are three throw lines, placed at 7’6″, 7’9 and 1/4″, and 8’0″.

The mat is made out of lightweight felt, which is both durable and odorless. The mat itself is very easy to roll up and store when you’re done throwing for the day. The back of the mat does not come with any type of underlay material that can prevent the mat from moving out of place when you’re throwing or walking over it. This means you may find yourself constantly having to readjust it.

Conclusion

Aside from the lack of an underlay, this mat scored well in a variety of areas including durability, style, and overall quality. You may find that the mat is constantly moving out of place, which can be a hassle when you’re in the middle of a game. However, you can also purchase your own underlay and place it under the mat to keep it firmly in place. That issue aside, this is a great-looking pro-quality mat that offers the type of floor and dart protection you need during the random bounce out!

Viper Padded Throw/Toe Line Dart Mat

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Viper is one of the best brands when it comes to darts products. Their dart mats are great all-rounders. However, their most notable disadvantage is that they come at a slightly higher price than their competition. This particular padded throw line dart mat is one that works with both steel and soft tip darts. Additionally, it comes at an increased thickness providing extra protection for your floor and padding for your darts.

This latest mat by Viper is made out of cushioned vinyl material that’s thin, so it doesn’t pose a tripping hazard in the home. The vinyl material is also durable and easy to clean. Dimensions-wise, the heavy-duty non-slip mat measures at 117-inches long and 24-inches wide. This is exactly on par with other expensive models from brands like Target and Winmau. On the bottom of the mat, there is a non-slip coating that prevents the mat from moving around. Some models in this price range lack that feature which really worsens their performance on slicker floors. This one, however, has no issues at staying still when you’re stepping on it.

The lightweight design allows you to easily roll it up and store it. That is especially handy if you don’t have a permanent dart-throwing setup in your home. The mat will work well for both steel and soft-tipped darts. The included toe line is regulation distance and clearly lists the lines for steel-tipped dart throwing and soft tip dart throwing, so the mat is a great choice for beginners.

Conclusion

This is a heavy-duty mat that will work well for most surface types. However, it is not quite as supportive as thicker mats that are made out of rubber. It is only ¼ of an inch thick, but it does do a great job of protecting floors and darts in the event of a bounce out. The clear oche line marks for both soft and steel-tipped darts are another great feature and one that not every dart mat offers. Unfortunately, the mat isn’t exactly the definition of cheap, so it might make your darts budget go a bit overboard. Still, if you’re looking for something that will last longer and is built well, this is it.

Winmau Outshot Dart Mat

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Winmau Outshot Dart Mat is a very special model from one of the most well-known brands in the Darts world. At this point, Winmau is practically a household name and their products speak for themselves. The level of quality and performance of most of their products is what has kept them at the top of the industry for so long. This dart mart is no exception to that tradition. If I have to point out one major flaw to it, that would be the price.

Despite being good, it still costs more than twice the price of some basic dart mats out there which is hard to justify. Nevertheless, there are plenty of good features to make up for that price tag.

Construction-wise, this dart mat is made out of rubber, with a soft feel that provides support for the dart thrower, the floors, and the darts themselves. The soft rubber material also features edging and underlay that’s made out of non-slip PVC composite, so the mat will not slide or move during use. This is something that I love to see on high-end models since it makes them feel and perform that much better on slicker floors. The included oche measurements are tournament legal, which is a huge plus for most buyers and serious dart players. Additionally, there is a printed checkout chart with every finish from 100 to 41 on it, further helping professional players.

Conclusion

The full-length mat measures at 115-inches long and 23.5-inches wide. It’s very versatile and can be used for both soft tips and steel darts. The mat itself is lightweight and can easily be rolled up and stored away when not in use. That’s another bonus for people that are slightly less stationary with their darts setup at home or away.

This mat is designed to protect your floors and darts from damage. Don’t let the soft feel of the mat fool you. The surface is surprisingly durable and supportive, so it’s a great choice for a casual home setup or some serious tournament play. While the mat itself may be on the pricey side, it’s definitely worth every penny considering the level of protection it provides. If you’re looking for something that will last you a good few years and will keep your floors and darts protected, this should definitely be on your shortlist!

Winmau Xtreme Dart Mat

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Coming in fourth on my list is another model from Winmau. The Winmau Xtreme Dart Mat is a top-shelf product that has everything you need. With its premium quality, superb design, and good dimensions, it is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and professional darts players. However, just as every other product from the brand, it does come at a slightly higher price. Still, if you’re after premium quality and long-term durability, this one is worth every penny!

This black, white, and yellow mat by Winmau is about as heavy-duty as you can get. It is made out of 100% rubber and is designed for both home and commercial use. The clean, bold design will allow the mat to fit right in with your other game room décor. Its thickness can make it a trip hazard if you set it up in a high-traffic area, so make sure you only use it for the game room where you’ve placed the dartboard.

The mat features clear oche lines for both soft and steel-tipped darts and measures at 118-inches long and 23-inches wide, making it an inch or two longer than your standard dart mat. That extra ground covered makes it really handy for beginners that tend to bounce out more than intermediate and advanced darts players. In terms of downsides, right out of the box, you’ll notice the mat has a strong chemical odor. This smell will dissipate in a matter of hours. You can get rid of the odor faster by leaving the mat outdoors for a few hours.

Conclusion

This heavy-duty, highly portable dart mat will remain firmly in place when you’re throwing or walking over the surface, is made out of thick, durable rubber, and comes equipped with the official tournament oche measurements. This mat will be a great addition to your family game room, man cave, or it’ll fit right in at your place of business. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the Winmau Xtreme dart mat is a model that won’t disappoint you even after years of continuous use!

Shot! Darts Professional T Dart Mat-Dart Points and Flooring Protector

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Shot! brand has been making splashes as of late mainly due to their original products that can easily go toe to toe with the big brands like Viper and Winmau. Their professional T-Darts mat is one of their most famous models. Obviously, the reason for that is because it features a unique design that you can’t easily find on the market. That t-shaped footprint makes it far more suitable for beginners that will get more bounce-outs on average. It also makes it more stable since the T-shape provides more lateral support. The mat also has a few other very cool features to make it truly one of the best options out there currently.

Build quality-wise, I cannot fault this particular model in any way. It is made superbly well and comes with one of the best-feeling rubbers. The rubber surface is one of the reasons this mat sticks well to the ground. The other is the fact that it weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs)! However, that might be considered a downside by some since it won’t be very easy to move around with you. Still, in terms of stability, it is second to none. The surface is also thicker in the center area where it is thought to get the most darts from bounce-outs or misses. At the far end, there are two throw lines – one for steel-tipped and one for soft-tipped darts.

Conclusion

Despite being heavy, it can still be rolled on relatively easily allowing for easy storage. The mat measures 9 ft 9″ by 2 ft and 4 ft 9″ by 2 ft on its short side. This makes it one of the bigger mats on this list and definitely the one that covers the most ground out of all other models.

This model by Shot! is easy to set up, roll up, and store. Its thicker design, combined with the larger coverage area, makes this model a great choice for commercial or home use. The big overall dimensions also make it a must-have for every beginner. The manufacturer claims it will work well for all floor types, thanks to its durable construction, which prevents it from easily sliding out of place during a fast-paced game. All in all, if you’re looking for something that covers a lot of ground and won’t move even if you push it from the sides, then this has to be the perfect fit for you!

Bull’s Carpet Mat 140

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Bull’s is yet another brand that is known for making quality products. Their Carpet Mat 140 is a leading darts mat that looks unique and performs decently well compared to similarly-priced competitors. It is lightweight, durable, and most importantly – not as expensive as some models that come from brands like Viper or Winmau. Additionally, the graphics on top of the mat make it quite interesting compared to the dull designs of other brands that are typically plain black with no contrasting colors.

Materials-wise, this mat is made out of polyester for the most part. Underneath, it is coated with a non-slip latex. This latex layer makes sure that the mat stays in its place and doesn’t move around even if you move all over it constantly. In terms of its size, it covers some serious ground. Although it isn’t as long as some other models on this list, it is wider which makes it better-suited for beginners that tend to get lateral bounce-outs more often.

One major issue I have with this particular mat is that it isn’t too thick. What that means is that you will be able to pierce it if your steel-tipped darts are too sharp or long. However, it is more than capable of handling soft-tipped darts.

Conclusion

The practicality of this particular mat isn’t bad. It can be easily rolled and stored away. In terms of its weight, it is quite lightweight, weighing only 5 pounds. That makes it more than suitable for you to take it with you if you want to practice at another place. And despite the fact that it doesn’t come in more than just one size, the mat comes in 4 colors, including green and red decals and color options which look amazing on any game room floor!

The Bull’s Carpet Mat 140 is a decent darts mat if you’re looking for something that will protect your floor from smaller steel-tipped darts or any soft-tipped darts. However, it will struggle with the tournament-grade darts and will, unfortunately, let them through. That can lead to damage both to y our darts and the floor. If that isn’t something that concerns you or your darts setup, then this is a great option at a good price!

Cuesoul Heavy Duty Darts Mat

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

While most mats on this list focus on performance alone and leave behind the visuals, the Cuesoul Heavy-duty Darts mat does exactly the opposite. It uses the same basic fundamentals that make a darts mat good but also adds a touch of its own to the formula. Without a doubt one of the best looking mats out there, this model is a true eye-catcher. However, when you have it all, you must also expect a bigger price tag which is exactly the case here. This mat is one of the more expensive models on this list but is also one of the best-looking, so you should figure out what’s important for your game room.

The mat measures 120 by 27 inches making it also one of the bigger mats here. It covers a lot of ground making it suitable for beginners, intermediates, and professional darts players. Thanks to the latex rubber dot underlay along the whole backside of the mat, it has superb anti-slip properties. That allows it to remain lightweight without needing the weight to keep it glued to the ground like some very heavy models from Winmau. And although the mat works for both steel-tipped and soft darts, there have been some reported issues with steel darts passing through.

Practicality-wise, it is very easy to use and roll away when you’re done playing. It is also very easy to maintain clean despite having a velvet top part. Apart from the graphics, on the top side, it has two throw lines – one for steel and one for soft darts. Speaking of graphics, the mat comes in 6 available color schemes which all look amazing. However, there are no size options.

Conclusion

The Cuesoul offers something not a lot of other brands focus on – visuals. Despite its mediocre performance, it is one of your best options if you want to “wow” your guests and have a true centerpiece in your game room. All that comes at a price, however, as this is one of the more expensive models on my list, which is why I’ve ranked it a bit further from the top 3.

Myoyay Heavy Duty Darts Mat

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Myoyay heavy-duty darts mat is a plain option that is meant for beginners and professionals alike. It is one of the simplest mats on this list but has definitely secured a place in my top 10 for 2022. However, if I have to point out one obvious drawback right from the get-go it is the price tag. See, while there aren’t a lot of other models that take that simplistic approach, this one is definitely a bit overpriced. Still, it has a lot to offer even if it doesn’t seem like that at first.

As the name suggests, this heavy-duty mat is made to last. The material of choice here is industrial rubber. There are a ton of advantages of using rubber for a dart mat. For starters, it isn’t as easy to pierce with steel-tipped darts. Moreover, it will keep the darts’ tip intact even after numerous bounce-outs. Lastly, it doesn’t need a non-slip underside as the rubber does that job perfectly on its own. I would’ve wanted it to be slightly thicker than 4mm but this thickness seems to do the job and it actually makes it easier for you to roll the mat and store it away.

On the top side, there are 4 oche markings for different regulations and types of darts. The 4 standard-measure dart-throwing lines sit at 7’6″, 7’9 1/4″, 8 ft, and 8’6″. Additionally, one major advantage of rubber darts mats that often goes unmentioned is that they are dead easy to clean and maintain. They also last longer, making them a good investment for your game room.

Conclusion

In summary, the Myoyay is one very simple yet very effective darts mat. It does everything it is supposed to do just without looking great on your game room’s floor. Still, if you’re willing to ignore the plain design or the slightly higher price tag, this one should definitely be at the top of your shortlist!

Morimoe Dart Mat with Throw Lines

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Morimoe dart mat is one of the classiest-looking models out there. It is also one of the few that actually comes in multiple color options, including this bright and amazing red and the plain black version. On top of that, it also has a printed dartboard on its further end making it a true eye-candy anywhere you put it. What’s even better is that the mat itself isn’t as expensive as you’d think, which definitely earns it a spot on my top 10 list.

The slightly cheaper price tag can be felt, though. And one of the places where you feel or rather see that is the size. It is the smallest mat on this list measuring 118 by 26 inches. Now, that isn’t exactly small per se but it is still smaller than the rest of the models on this list. If you’re just now starting to learn darts and have a lot of bounce-outs I’d suggest getting something wider like the T-Dart from Shot. Materials-wise, the manufacturer has nailed it.

On the top side, there is a soft and cushioned BPA-free nylon that is died with eco-friendly dyes. The bottom side of the mat has a TPR coating that helps with slippage. All that doesn’t result in too thick of a carpet, allowing it to easily roll so that you can store it away.

Conclusion

In terms of maintenance, the mat is extremely easy to clean and can be machine washed. However, it does tend to lose some of the pop in its red over the years. Still, you shouldn’t expect a drastic drop in the build quality as you keep using it. There are three printed oche lines at 7’6″, 7’9 1/4″, and 8 ft which is great if you’re training for both soft and steel-tipped darts.

The Morimoe dart mat is a stunningly gorgeous option that will instantly become the talking point of the conversation as soon as your guests walk into the game room. Despite its looks, it also performs fairly well and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for something visually appealing that won’t break the bank and will protect your floor, this is one of your best bets!

Shot! Darts Professional Carpet Dart Mat-Dart Points and Flooring Protector

Our Rating: (4/5)

Last and maybe least on this list is another product from Shot! which, unfortunately, isn’t as successful as their T-shaped mat. The Professional Carpet Dart Mat from the brand is relatively good for what it is, although in no way does it deserve to have “professional” in its name. The main reason for that is because the oche markings aren’t correct. And if you think that is a simple thing to bring down a whole product, imagine you training at a completely different distance from the one you will be throwing from on an official darts competition.

Still, for a beginner’s mat, this is more than good enough. It has a durable, high-quality, and thick rubber complete with a heavy-duty underlay that prevents the mat from moving or sliding during use. The thickness of the mat not only protects the tips of your darts and your floors from gouges, but it also feels very comfortable and supportive under the user’s feet. This can help combat fatigue and soreness that can occur during a competition or a long practice session. The mat is made out of a dense rubber that will protect your darts during a bounce out, so you’ll find that you don’t have to replace the tips of your darts quite as often.

The mat also clearly displays throw lines for both soft and steel tipped darts, which makes the mat more beginner friendly, even though these throw lines aren’t entirely accurate.

Conclusion

This sturdy, heavy-duty dart mat from Shot! features a pro look, a durable design, and provides the type of protection you need against bounce-outs. The thickness of the mat also makes it incredibly comfortable for the user, providing extra support during a throw. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the mat’s oche markings are off. The 7’ 91/4” mark is really slightly past 8’. The 8’ mark really measures in at 8’4”.

This can be a major deal-breaker for the buyer who is looking for a mat to use in their place of business, or anyone who wants a mat that has accurate oche markings. For other dart throwers, this won’t be a big deal. The thickness and overall quality of the mat itself more than makeup for this oversight, though!

Dart Mats Buyer’s Guide

If you’re new to darts and you want a safe place to practice your dart drills and perfect your throwing skills, a dart mat will be an important piece of gear to have and one that offers many benefits. However, finding the right mat can be a challenge, since there are many different types and styles to choose from.

While you’ll come across both mats that are made out of high-quality materials and low-quality products, there are some great mats currently on the market, so you should have no trouble finding the right one for your home if you know more about them the features to look for. But first, let’s learn a little more about the benefits these mats have to offer, and why they will be an integral part of your home dartboard setup.

Benefits of Dart Mats

Dart mats are a must-have for any home setup. They can provide a high level of protection that will give a flyaway dart a safe place to land, where it cannot damage your home or personal property.

Protect Your Floors

A mat can protect your floors from unsightly dart marks. You don’t want to destroy your beautiful hardwood floors with random gouges caused by a flyaway dart. A dart mat will be your first line of defense in the home, and an affordable, effective way to protect your property.

Protect Your Darts

Whenever a dart bounces out from the board, the tip of the dart can easily become bent if the dart finds its mark on the wall or the floor. When a dart lands on the mat, it will not bend or damage the tip, so you can save on the cost of replacement tips.

Toe Line

According to dart rules, you must stand a certain distance from the board when you’re throwing, the length of which depends on the types of darts you’re throwing. Fortunately, these mats come with a toe line or oche. The oche or throwing line will let a player know exactly where to stand when they throw, whether they’re throwing steel-tipped darts or soft-tipped darts.

While you can also just mark a toe line using a piece of tape, with a dart mat you’ll be able to move your entire setup to a new area in the home or yard, without worrying about drawing a new toe line.

Outdoor Setup

If you don’t have any space inside the home to set up your dartboard, then a mat that’s approved for outdoor use can give your backyard dart-throwing set more of a pro look. It will also protect the tips of your darts from the hard ground and will make it easier to find them.

Important Features To Look For

There are quite a lot of features that we need to discuss when it comes to choosing a good dart mat. Those are:

When you’re shopping online for a new mat, the first thing you’ll want to look at is the types of materials it’s made out of. This ensures the mat is durable and compatible with your setup.

Materials

Most mats are made out of some of the following materials:

• Foam

High-density foam that’s thick and supportive can be a great choice for a dart mat that you’ll use indoors. It can provide top-of-the-line floor protection, however, you’ll want to be careful about placing them in a high traffic area in the home, since their thickness can cause a tripping hazard.

• Vinyl

Vinyl is much thinner than high-density foam, which can make it a better choice if you’re limited on space in the home and have to set your darts up in a high-traffic area. Mats that are made out of vinyl are designed with foot traffic in mind, which is why you’ll often find this type of mat at public places. They’re also very easy to clean and can be rolled up and stored in a tight space.

• Rubber

A rubber dart mat is very thick, so it will do a great job of protecting your floors. Because of the thickness of the mat, it also won’t start to curl up at the edges, like other types of materials will. The thickness of the mat allows it to lay completely flat, so you also won’t have to worry about anyone tripping over it.

Compatibility

Most mats will come with a type of non-slip underlay, however, you will need to factor in the different types of surfaces that you’ll use the mat on, such as:

Most mats will perform better when they’re placed on a bare floor, while others can still do a good job when they’re placed on carpeted floors and rugs.

Most mat manufacturers claim that these mats can be used for all types of flooring, but in reality, some will work better than others on carpet or hard surfaces. In most cases, placing a mat over a hard surface will be your best bet.

If you have concrete floors, then I recommend going with a more durable type of mat, one that’s made out of rubber. This type of extra-thick protection will ensure the dart tips don’t get bent.

Finding a mat that works with carpet can be a challenge. Many mats will move around when placed over a carpeted surface. If you have to place a mat on the carpet, go with one that’s made out of vinyl or foam. If you still can’t get the mat to stay put, you can also try placing some double-sided tape on the back of the mat to try to keep it in place.

Non-Slip Backing

Most mats will come equipped with a type of non-slip backing. If you have carpet, then this type of backing won’t really do much to keep the mat in place. However, if you have hardwood, tile, or vinyl floors, then the non-slip backing can work to keep the mat securely in place as you throw.

Throw Line Accuracy

Aside from the fact that they can do an excellent job of protecting your floors, these mats can also help you create a pro-quality dart setup. In the game of darts, there are rules to follow, including distance requirements from the throw line to the board.

Before you buy a mat, you’ll want to check if the throw line on the mat is visible and correctly labeled.

Size

As I mentioned above, when you throw a dart, you’ll need to stand behind a line that’s a certain distance away from the dartboard. These mats will come in many size options that will accommodate the throw line so that you’re at the right distance away from the board. The size of these mats can range from eight up to ten feet in length. You’ll want to choose a mat that is wide enough to protect your floors.

A wider mat will obviously cover more surface area. If you have children or you or your friends are new to the game of darts, then the odds are that many darts will not meet their mark with every throw. This increases the chances of dart marks and thick gouges ruining your floors. A wider surface area is ideal in any type of setup, but it will be crucial for new players and children.

Design

You’ll come across pretty basic-looking mats, while others will have colorful graphic designs on the surface that can complement the existing décor in a room.

Dart Surrounder

If you want more protection than what a standard mat can offer, then look for one that also comes with a dart surrounder. A surrounder can be hung up behind your dartboard and will protect your walls and furniture from gouges.

Indoor and Outdoor Use

Some models are better suited for indoor use only since it can be difficult to clean dirt, leaves, and debris from the surface of the mat. Other models, such as mats that are made out of vinyl or rubber, can be used both indoors and outdoors since they’re easy to wipe down and clean.

Portability

Most of these mats are highly portable, so you can easily roll one up and toss it in your backseat if you want to take your dart with you to a friend’s house or on your camping trip. They’re also very easy to store since they can be rolled up into a compact package. Of course, some models that are very thick, such as rubber or foam mats, can be difficult to roll and will not be as compact as models that are made out of thinner materials such as vinyl.

Compact Design

Because of their compact design, you can store a mat away when it’s not being used. If you don’t have a dedicated space in the home for a permanent dartboard setup, then this will be a huge plus.

Price

Considering how much money using a dart mat can save you on expensive floor repairs, even the higher-priced models are worth every penny. On average, you’ll come across models that range from $27 up to $115. Because replacing your flooring can be pricey, I recommend going with a higher-priced dart mat. These mats are more durable, are thicker, and can do a better job of providing the protection your floors need.

If you want to learn how to throw darts with precision, click here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use as a dart mat alternative?

There aren’t a lot of alternatives to dart marts out there for a very good reason – most mats just aren’t made to resist the piercing of steel-tipped darts. However, some thicker yoga mats or hand-made rubber pads could potentially stop darts from reaching the floor beneath them. Even in the worst case, you can compensate for the lack of special material by simply adding thickness. If the mat is thicker than the length of the dart tip, you should be relatively safe.

How far should you stay from the dartboard?

Depending on the type of competition you’re training for the distance differs. For steel-tipped darts, you should stay 2.37 meters or 7 feet 9 and a quarter inches away. For soft-tipped darts, you should stay exactly 8 feet away (2.44 meters). That being said, either of those distances is marked on almost all dart mats out there.

Can you lean over the throw line in darts?

As long as your toe doesn’t touch or cross the line, you should be good to go. You can lean the top part of your body over the line but, as I said, your toe should stay behind at all times. Also, you cannot lunge as you’re throwing the darts. As long as these rules are met, everything else is allowed.

Final Thoughts

Most beginners are often more concerned with protecting their walls when they set up a dartboard. Unfortunately, the floor is often overlooked. A good dart mat will not only protect your floors but your darts as well. They offer many other benefits, such as the pre-measured toe line for both steel tip darts and soft tip darts. Additionally, because most of these mats can easily be rolled up, transporting one or storing one is a cinch.

The best dart mats will be thick, durable, will lie flat on the floor, and will provide the level of protection you need to prevent darts from ruining your floors. The best mat for your home setup will depend on the types of flooring you have in the home, whether you want to use the mat inside the home or in the yard, and where you plan on placing it. The mats that I’ve included here in my top six list each scored well in terms of durability, effectiveness, thickness, and overall quality, so, you should have no trouble finding the perfect mat for your home setup and one that’s tough enough to keep your floors in pristine condition.