Complete Guide to Choosing Quality Game Equipment for Pool and Darts

Whether you’re setting up a home games room or upgrading your local pub’s game equipment, choosing the right pool and darts gear makes all the difference. As someone who’s spent years installing game rooms and testing game equipment, I’ll share my hard-won insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and find gear that lasts. This guide covers everything from dartboard materials to cue craftsmanship – let’s dive in.

Choosing the Right Dartboard

Not all dartboards are created equal, and best quality. Here’s what to look for when you are browsing a dartboard for sale:

Material Matters

• Sisal fibre (best for steel tip): Self-healing, tournament-grade
• Paper/cork: Cheap but wears quickly
• Plastic: Only suitable for electronic boards

Real-Life Example

I installed a $50 sisal board at the Leichhardt RSL in 2023. Two years later, despite heavy use, it still looks new, while the $25 corkboard next to it needed replacing after 8 months.

Mounting and Placement Tips

Even the best dartboard will underperform if it’s not set up correctly. Mount the board at 1.73m from the floor to the centre of the bullseye, and keep the throw line at 2.37m away.

Install a lighting system directly above the board to reduce shadows and glare—LED ring lights are perfect for this.

Selecting Quality Darts

Good darts should feel like an extension of your arm. Consider:

Type Best For Price Range (AUD) Brass Beginners $15-$40 Tungsten Serious players $60-$300 Soft tip Electronic boards$25-$150

Pro Tip:

Always test grip thickness. I’ve seen many players struggle because their darts were either too thick or too thin for their hands.

Dart Maintenance

Regularly check dart points for burrs and smoothness—rough tips can damage your board. Also, rotate your flights and shafts to prevent premature wear.

If you’re practising weekly, consider having backup sets so you can change worn parts without affecting your throw.

Pool Cues: What Matters

When visiting your local cue shop, check these specs:

• Shaft material: Maple wood (best), fibreglass (durable but stiff)
• Weight: 19oz is standard, but 18-21oz options exist
• Tip diameter: 13mm (snooker) to 14mm (pool)

Case Study

A client bought a $300 cue online that warped within months because it wasn’t stored properly before shipping. Always inspect cues in person when possible.

Cue Maintenance Tips

Use a cue tip shaper and burnisher every few weeks to maintain control and spin. Avoid chalk build-up by wiping down your cue after games.

Also, investing in a cue case with humidity control is a small cost that protects a big investment.

Pool Table Essentials

• Slate vs MDF: 3-piece slate (tournament standard) won’t warp like MDF
• Cloth speed: Tournament-nap (faster) vs woolen (slower)
• Pocket size: 4.5″ for competition, 5″ for beginners

Must-Have Accessories

For Darts

• Quality surround (protects walls)
• Lighting system (reduces shadows)
• Flight punch (keeps flights secure)

For Pool

• Chalk holder (keeps tables clean)
• Cue rack (prevents warping)
• Bridge stick (for hard-to-reach shots)
• Bonus Add-Ons to Elevate the Experience
• Scoreboards: A wall-mounted scoreboard adds a pub-like experience at home.
• Cue extension rods: For those tight angles when a bridge stick isn’t enough.
• Dart mat with throw line: Protects floors and ensures consistent distance. 

Final Thoughts

Investing in quality game equipment pays off in longevity and better gameplay. Whether you’re after a dartboard for sale or visiting your local cue shop, use this guide to make informed choices. Setting up your dream games room doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Prioritise quality over quantity, and always test game equipment in person when you can. With the right setup, you’ll enjoy years of fun and competitive play.