What Darts Do Professional Players Use? 20 PDC Setups with Points, Shafts and Flights
What darts do professional players use in the PDC? The answer does not stop at the barrel. Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and the rest may start with a retail player dart, then change the points, shafts, flights or fit an integrated K-Flex system.
This guide covers the darts used by 20 professional players and the parts that shape the full match setup. It separates the signature dart you can buy from the points, shafts, flights and integrated systems used to fine-tune it.
What darts do the pros use, and which parts do they change?
Players change parts for feel, entry angle and space around the treble. They also test equipment during the season. One photo or an old product list does not always tell the full story.
I identify the closest verified retail model. When there is no clear source, we do not present it as an exact copy of the current match setup.
Contents
- 1. Luke Littler – Target G1 with long points and K-Flex
- 2. Luke Humphries – Red Dragon TX1 and extra-long shafts
- 3. Gian van Veen – slim barrel and long points
- 4. Michael van Gerwen – Winmau MvG Exact
- 5. Jonny Clayton – Red Dragon Original 2.0
- 6. James Wade – Unicorn Premier
- 7. Josh Rock – Target Gen 1 Swiss Point
- 8. Gerwyn Price – compact Red Dragon setup
- 9. Stephen Bunting – Target 95K with K-Flex
- 10. Danny Noppert – Winmau Onyx
- 11. Gary Anderson – Unicorn Phase 6
- 12. Chris Dobey – Target Hollywood Action
- 13. Ryan Searle – Harrows Series 3 at 32 grams
- 14. Nathan Aspinall – Target 95K Swiss Point
- 15. Joe Cullen – Winmau player barrel
- 16. Rob Cross – Target 95K with Swiss Point and K-Flex
- 17. Dirk van Duijvenbode – Bull’s The Titan
- 18. Wessel Nijman – Mission 95%
- 19. Peter Wright – Red Dragon Snakebite 3
- 20. Dimitri Van den Bergh – Target 95K
- What to change first in your darts setup
- FAQ
- Related DartWorldHub guides
- Official sources
A quick word between players:
Honestly, I only want you to buy when the setup makes sense for your throw.
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1. Luke Littler – Target G1 Swiss Point as a hybrid setup
Setup idea: The Target G1 Swiss Point is the base. The stage setup changes at both ends: extra-long SLK points at the front and an integrated K-Flex system at the rear. The boxed dart is good, but it is not the full setup you see on stage.
The truth at the oche: The boxed G1 is not the whole stage setup. Long SLK points change the front feel. K-Flex flies differently from the supplied shaft-and-flight combination. You only find out whether that suits you at the board.
2. Luke Humphries – Red Dragon TX1 with extra-long shafts
Setup idea: Humphries shows that the biggest change does not always come from the point. His unusually long shafts alter the flight far more than many players expect.
If the exact Red Dragon Luke Humphries TX1 steel-tip darts is not available, Ruthless Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – Dragon – 24g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Luke Humphries Joust XL shafts is not available, Viper Carbon Fibre Dart Shafts – Red / Tweenie is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Luke Humphries Graffiti flights is not available, Designa DSX100 Dart Flights – Slim – Red is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Most players look at points first. Humphries shows how much shaft length can change a dart. It may calm an unsettled flight. If your throw is already smooth, too much length can make the dart lazy.
3. Gian van Veen – retail barrel with long points
Setup idea: Van Veen represents the modern long-point style: a slim barrel, very long points and a setup built for tight grouping. His match setup uses a customised barrel and is not sold as one complete retail set.
If the exact Alternative: Red Dragon Gian van Veen Axis SE is not available, Ruthless Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – Dragon – 24g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Specialist points, long version is not available, Unicorn Spare Soft Tip Points – Softips – Pack 200 – Black & Red is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Nitrotech shafts is not available, Viper Carbon Fibre Dart Shafts – Red / Tweenie is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Van Veen’s real setup is heavily customised. You cannot buy it as an exact off-the-shelf set. What you can copy is the basic idea: slim barrel, very long points and a stable rear.
4. Michael van Gerwen – Winmau setup with a firm front grip
Setup idea: MvG wants a direct dart with firm feedback at the front. The setup is built to repeat the same release rather than invite constant changes.
If the exact Winmau Michael van Gerwen MvG Exact is not available, Shot Michael Smith Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – Series 2 – 25g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Winmau MvG Prism Delta flights is not available, Def Leppard Dart Flights – Official Licensed – 100 Micron – No2 – Std – F3 – Prism is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Winmau Michael van Gerwen shafts is not available, Shot Koi Carbon Dart Shafts – with Springs – Red – Michael Smith – Short is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: With MvG, the front of the dart has to feel reliable. A small change at the point or grip can matter more than a new flight design. If the grip sits in the wrong place, the name on the box will not fix it.
5. Jonny Clayton – Red Dragon setup with a stable rear
Setup idea: Clayton’s setup is stable and closely matched to his smooth throw. It is the opposite of a heavy, aggressive power setup.
If the exact Red Dragon Jonny Clayton Original 2.0 is not available, Shot Zen Darts – Steel Tip – 80% Tungsten – Jutsu 2.0 – 25g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Alternative: Red Dragon Jonny Clayton PL Special Edition is not available, Ruthless Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – Dragon – 24g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Nitrotech shafts is not available, Viper Carbon Fibre Dart Shafts – Red / Tweenie is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Jonny Clayton Ferret Hardcore flights is not available, Designa DSX100 Dart Flights – Slim – Red is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Clayton shows that a setup does not need to feel aggressive. It has to follow your rhythm. If you throw harder than he does, copying his rear setup may make the dart feel too slow.
6. James Wade – Unicorn setup built around consistency
Setup idea: Wade does not rebuild his darts every month. His setup looks simple because repeatability matters more to him than constant experiments.
If the exact Unicorn Ultrafly James Wade flights is not available, Unicorn Ultrafly Dart Flights – 100 – Plus Std – Caledonian is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Wade proves that a settled setup can be more useful than endless changes. If you swap parts every week, you never learn what really works.
7. Josh Rock – Target Gen 1 with Storm Nano and K-Flex
Setup idea: Rock uses a modern Target setup: a straight barrel, carefully chosen points and a stable integrated system at the rear.
The truth at the oche: Rock uses tuned points at the front and an integrated rear. That means less fiddling and an easier setup to repeat. Check compatibility before mixing old fixed points with Swiss Point barrels.
8. Gerwyn Price – Red Dragon power setup with aluminium shafts
Setup idea: Price throws hard and wants a rear that feels solid rather than soft. The aluminium shafts are an important part of that direct feedback.
If the exact Red Dragon Gerwyn Price Iceman aluminium shafts is not available, Designa Multiline Aluminium Shafts – Regrooved – Red – Tweenie is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Alternative: Red Dragon Gerwyn Price Nitrotech shafts is not available, Viper Carbon Fibre Dart Shafts – Red / Tweenie is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Gerwyn Price Hardcore Iceman flights is not available, Designa DSX100 Dart Flights – Slim – Red is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Aluminium feels very different from nylon. It suits Price, but it may feel harsh in your hand. Test it if the idea interests you, but do not treat it as an automatic upgrade.
9. Stephen Bunting – Target setup with Diamond Pro points
Setup idea: Bunting’s setup is about a clean release and controlled flight. The point and integrated rear add bite and stability without turning the dart into a heavy power setup.
If the exact Target Diamond Pro Swiss Points is not available, Target Swiss Points – Chrono – Gold / 40mm is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Target K-Flex No.6 – black, Medium (33mm), set of 3 is not available, Target K-Flex Dart Flights – Moulded Flight & Shaft – Standard No6 – Black / Medium is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Bunting is a good reminder that control can matter more than aggression. A slim, lighter dart leaves room in the treble, but it also exposes a poor release quickly.
10. Danny Noppert – Winmau setup with kite flights
Setup idea: Noppert uses a coordinated Winmau setup. The flight shape matters here because a kite flight changes drag and the way the dart settles.
If the exact Winmau Danny Noppert Onyx 90% steel-tip darts is not available, Datadart Arcis Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – 26g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Winmau Danny Noppert Specialist player flights is not available, Datadart Dart Flights – Player Flights – No2 – Std – Marvin Koch is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Winmau Prism Force shafts is not available, Viper Spinster Dart Shafts – Silver – Spare Tops is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Kite is not just a visual choice. The shape changes air resistance and can settle one dart while making another twitchy. Change one part at a time.
11. Gary Anderson – Unicorn Phase 6 with Volute points
Setup idea: Anderson uses a simple, functional setup for a smooth throw. Long Volute points and the matching flights matter more than decoration.
The truth at the oche: The long points suit Anderson’s flatter entry and tight grouping. It is functional tuning, not decoration. It makes most sense if your throw is similarly smooth.
12. Chris Dobey – Target Hollywood Action with K-Flex
Setup idea: Dobey shows that a pro setup does not have to look complicated. A suitable barrel, a stable rear and sensible point choice can be enough.
If the exact Target Chris Dobey Pro Ultra flights is not available, Bull’s DragonFlights Dart Flights – Ultra Strong – Standard – Purple is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: A classic setup is enough when the balance is right and nothing fights your release. Do not change the points, rear and barrel on the same night or you will learn nothing.
13. Ryan Searle – Harrows 32g Heavy Metal setup
Setup idea: Searle is the extreme example on this page. A 32g dart is not a middle ground. The Quick Point system lets you change the point without repointing the barrel.
If the exact Harrows Heavy Metal Quick Points is not available, Harrows Quick Dart Points – Screw In – Silver / 40mm is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: A 32g dart can feel stable, but it may be harder to accelerate and adjust precisely. If you do not already know that you like heavy darts, start around 22–24g rather than copying Searle blindly.
14. Nathan Aspinall – Target Gen 1 SP with Storm LNC
Setup idea: Aspinall is a good example of fine tuning. The big change is not a completely different barrel but a deliberate point and rear setup.
If the exact Target Swiss Point Storm LNC is not available, Target Swiss Points – Storm Surge – Gold / 35mm is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Aspinall shows how one point change can alter the whole feel. You do not need to buy every part at once. Change the point first, use it for several practice sessions, then decide whether the rear components also need adjustment.
15. Joe Cullen – Winmau Rockstar setup
Setup idea: Cullen’s setup starts with a straightforward signature barrel. Point length and the rear components then fine-tune the setup.
If the exact Winmau Joe Cullen Ignition 23g is not available, Mission Joe Croft Darts – Steel Tip – 95% Tungsten – Silver & Purple Electro – 23g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Alternative: Winmau Joe Cullen Special Edition is not available, Mission Christmas Cracker – Limited Edition Steel Tip Darts & Accessories is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Winmau Prism Alpha Joe Cullen flights is not available, Mission Solo Dart Flights – 100 Micron – Std – No2 – Joe Croft is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Cullen’s setup shows how point length and rear components can alter the feel of a signature barrel. It is not as extreme as Searle, but it still needs to match your release.
16. Rob Cross – Target 95K with Swiss Point and K-Flex
Setup idea: Cross wants repeatability. The modern 95K setup uses a straight barrel, Swiss Point and an integrated rear rather than a complicated mix of parts.
The truth at the oche: Cross does not complicate the setup. The point, barrel and rear all serve repeatability. Check the K-Flex length and point length rather than assuming every 95K set feels the same.
17. Dirk van Duijvenbode – Bull’s front-weighted power setup
Setup idea: Dirk’s setup is long, direct and built for a forceful throw. Weight and entry angle matter before you copy the accessories.
If the exact Bull’s B-Grip nylon shafts is not available, Bull’s NL Nylon Dart Shafts – The Original – Extra Long – White is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: This is a power setup. It makes sense for Dirk, but can be too much for a gentle throw. Look at weight, length and entry angle before buying.
18. Wessel Nijman – modern Mission setup with long points
Setup idea: Nijman uses a slim setup with plenty of point showing in front, built for tight grouping. The barrel is only the start; flights, shafts and points complete it.
If the exact Alternative: Target Dream Maker G1 is not available, Target Josh Rock Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – G1 – 25g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Nijman’s setup combines a slim barrel with a longer exposed point and a precise entry angle. It is worth testing if you like tight grouping, but it still has to leave your hand cleanly.
19. Peter Wright – a Snakebite setup built around experimentation
Setup idea: Wright is the clearest proof that a pro setup is not set in stone. He tests, changes and discards parts more often than anyone else on this page.
If the exact Red Dragon Peter Wright Snakebite 3 is not available, Ruthless Darts – Steel Tip – 90% Tungsten – Dragon – 24g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Red Dragon Peter Wright Snakebite flights is not available, Designa DSX100 Dart Flights – Slim – Red is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Alternative: Peter Wright flight and Nitrotech stem set is not available, Unicorn X Flight System – X-Flight Wing – Wing Only – Clear is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Wright’s changing setups show the value of testing one adjustment at a time. It does not mean every experiment helps. When you buy a Snakebite set, you buy a base, not his current stage configuration.
20. Dimitri Van den Bergh – Target 95K and Dream Maker setup
Setup idea: Dimitri’s Target setup is modern and controlled rather than extreme. The 95K is the current base, with older and cheaper Dream Maker options clearly separated.
If the exact Target Dimitri Van den Bergh 95K Swiss Point is not available, Bull’s Xanti van den Bergh Darts – Steel Tip Darts – 90% Tungsten – 22g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Target Dimitri Van den Bergh K-Flex is not available, Target K-Flex Dart Flights – Standard No.2 – Raymond van Barneveld – Medium is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
If the exact Alternative: Target Dream Maker 80% is not available, Target Nathan Aspinall Darts – Steel Tip – 80% Tungsten – 24g is a sensible Darts Corner alternative for the same purpose.
The truth at the oche: Dimitri’s setup is not a sledgehammer or a weekly experiment. It is modern, controlled and easy to understand. That can be a useful guide if your throw is similarly measured.
What to change first in your darts setup
Start with one part. If the dart slips or enters badly, look at the points. If it wobbles, try another shaft length or flight shape.
- Points: change board grip, entry angle and barrel-to-board spacing.
- Shafts: change total length and stability.
- Flights: change drag and how quickly the dart settles.
- Weight: do not jump five grams unless you know what you are trying to fix.
Frequently asked questions about professional player darts
What darts do professional players use?
Most professionals use a signature or custom steel-tip dart built around their preferred barrel shape, grip and weight. Many then change the points, shafts, flights or integrated rear system to suit their throw.
Do professional players use the same darts sold in shops?
Not always. The retail dart may use the same barrel, while the player changes the points and rear setup. Some professionals also use custom work that is not sold as one complete set.
What weight darts do professional players use?
There is no single professional weight. The players on this page use darts from roughly 21g to 32g. Your best weight depends on your release, pace and grip rather than the name on the box.
What should I change first in my darts setup?
Change one part at a time. Start with the points if you want a different board grip or entry angle. Then test shaft length or flight shape if the dart still feels unstable.
Does K-Flex always fly better?
No. It is durable and convenient, but it changes the weight, length and flex at the rear. It may suit your release or it may not.
Why are some buttons missing?
Because no clear direct product page was found. We do not turn search pages or guessed URLs into buy buttons.
Official darts sources
Official organisations and tours for players, rankings, events and results.
- Professional tour Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) → Official professional events, players, schedules, results and tickets.
- World federation World Darts Federation (WDF) → International events, rankings and member organisations.
- Scotland Scottish Darts Association → Scottish darts news, national events and tournament information.
- Wales Welsh Darts Organisation → Welsh national darts, tournaments and official event information.
- Ireland Irish National Darts Organisation (INDO) → Irish rankings, teams, events and national competition information.
- United States American Darts Organization (ADO) → US tournaments, rankings and national darts organisation information.
- North America Championship Darts Corporation (CDC) → North American professional steel-tip tours, schedules and standings.
- EnglandEngland Darts →National competitions, teams and organised darts in England.