If you've spent any time at a pub or a local league, you've definitely seen someone throwing harrows steel tip darts. They've been around for decades, and there's a solid reason why they remain a staple in the darting world. It's not just about the name; it's about that specific feeling you get when a well-balanced barrel leaves your hand and thuds satisfyingly into the treble twenty.
Choosing a set of darts is a surprisingly personal journey. It's a bit like picking out a pair of shoes—it doesn't matter how expensive they are if they don't fit your style. Harrows has managed to bridge the gap between "entry-level" and "professional grade" better than almost anyone else in the industry. Whether you're just tired of using the greasy house darts at the bar or you're looking to shave a few points off your average, Harrows has a set that'll probably do the trick.
Why Harrows Sticks Around
The darting market is crowded these days. You've got a dozen different brands fighting for your attention with flashy lights and space-age marketing. But Harrows, based out of Hoddesdon in England, keeps things grounded. They've been making darts since the 70s, and they've stayed relevant by actually listening to what players want.
One thing you'll notice about harrows steel tip darts is the sheer variety. They don't just stick to one shape or grip pattern. They experiment with different tungsten percentages, coatings, and millings. This matters because every player grips the dart differently. Some of us are "rear-grippers," holding the barrel right at the back near the shaft, while others choke up right to the front. Harrows designs barrels that cater to all those quirks.
The Tungsten Difference
If you're moving up from brass darts, the first thing you'll notice about most Harrows sets is the tungsten content. You'll see numbers like 80%, 90%, or even 97% stamped on the boxes. If you're wondering why that matters, it's all about density. Tungsten is much heavier than brass, which means you can have a much thinner dart that weighs the same as a chunky brass one.
Why does a thin dart matter? Well, think about the size of the treble twenty bed. If you're throwing three fat brass darts, there's literally no room for the third one if the first two are in the way. With harrows steel tip darts made of 90% tungsten, the barrels are slim enough to stack them right on top of each other. It's the difference between a "bounce out" and a maximum 180.
Finding the Right Grip for Your Hand
Grip is probably the most subjective part of any dart. Some people like a "shark grip" that feels like it's almost biting into your skin, while others prefer a smooth barrel. Harrows is famous for their "Supergrip" technology, which provides a consistent feel without being overly aggressive.
Take a look at a set like the Harrows Wolfram. They use a very high percentage of tungsten (97%), which makes them incredibly slim, but they also have a subtle, consistent ringed grip from front to back. Then you have something like the Harrows Noble, which features different grip zones. This is great if you need a "touchstone"—a specific spot on the dart that your fingers can find every single time without you having to look down.
Consistency is the secret sauce of darts. If your fingers are in a slightly different spot every time you throw, your darts are going to fly all over the place. Finding a Harrows barrel that matches your natural hand position can fix that "flailing" feeling almost instantly.
Iconic Models You Should Know
It's hard to talk about harrows steel tip darts without mentioning the classics. The Harrows Assassin is arguably one of the most popular darts ever made. It's been the "first real dart" for thousands of players. It's affordable, comes in a ton of weights, and the balance is just easy. It's a very forgiving dart if your throw isn't perfectly refined yet.
On the other end of the spectrum, you've got the more modern, high-tech stuff like the Harrows Fire or the Spina. These often come with "nitride" coatings—those cool blacks, golds, and iridescent colors you see. While the colors look great, they actually serve a purpose. The coating helps protect the tungsten from the oils on your skin and the "clinking" of darts hitting each other, which keeps the grip feeling fresh for a lot longer.
If you're a fan of professional players, you've probably seen Dave Chisnall (Chizzy) throwing his signature Harrows. His darts are a great example of a specialized grip—lots of vertical and horizontal millings that give him total control. If you have a very fast, aggressive throw, a player-endorsed dart like that might be worth a look.
Don't Forget the Shafts and Flights
The barrel is the heart of the dart, but the setup—the shafts and flights—is the "tail" that keeps it stable. Harrows is just as famous for their "Supergrip" shafts as they are for their darts. These shafts have a ring that locks the flight in place so it doesn't pop off every time you hit a high score. There's nothing more annoying than having to bend over and pick up your flights after every throw.
The beauty of harrows steel tip darts is that they're incredibly customizable. Most sets come with a standard medium shaft and a standard shape flight. This is the "baseline." If your darts are landing with the tail pointing too far down, you might want to try shorter shafts. If they're wobbling in the air, maybe try a different flight shape. Harrows makes it easy to swap these out without breaking the bank.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of the best things about investing in a decent set of tungsten harrows steel tip darts is that they'll last you for years. Unlike brass, which gets "slimy" and loses its grip as the metal wears down, tungsten is tough. You might need to change your points every once in a while if you play on a particularly hard board or if you drop them on concrete, but the barrels themselves are basically tanks.
A quick tip for keeping them in top shape: give them a scrub with a bit of warm water and a soft toothbrush every few weeks. This gets the skin oils and dust out of the fine grooves of the grip. You'll be surprised at how much "stickier" they feel after a quick cleaning.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you're still sitting on the fence about whether to spend the money on a set of harrows steel tip darts, think about it this way: darts is one of the few sports where you can actually own the exact same equipment as the world champions for under a hundred bucks. You can't say that about golf or Formula 1.
You don't need the most expensive set in the catalog to play well. Even a mid-range set of Harrows will give you a level of precision and consistency that cheaper darts just can't match. It's about building confidence. When you step up to the oche, you want to know that if the dart misses, it was because of your arm, not because the equipment is wonky.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Set
At the end of the day, harrows steel tip darts are a solid bet because the brand has skin in the game. They've been part of the darting community for a long time, and they don't produce "gimmicky" stuff. Whether you choose a classic like the Assassin or something futuristic like the Wolfram Infinity, you're getting a tool that's been engineered specifically for the sport.
Don't get too hung up on the "pro" names or the flashy colors at first. Focus on the weight—usually 23g or 24g is the sweet spot for most people—and find a grip that feels comfortable in your hand. Once you find that perfect pair of Harrows, the game becomes a whole lot more fun. You'll find yourself looking forward to that practice session in the garage or that Tuesday night league game just because you want to feel those barrels in your hand again. Happy throwing!