Are 80% Tungsten Darts Good?

When comparing 80% and 90% tungsten darts, the key differences come down to density, barrel profile and machining.

An 80% tungsten barrel is slightly less dense, meaning it needs a marginally bigger (usually wider) profile to reach the same weight. This often gives players a more comfortable dart to hold (remember those handwriting pencils at school that were supposed to be easier to grip and hold?)

Also with 80% tungsten darts, they are often marketed as "more affordable", usually this isn't down to the cost of the material, but rather how the tungsten is machined. 80% tungsten darts are often made into more simple styles as the material isn't as hard wearing. With complex grips, this means the material would wear even faster, whereas a simple ring grip is smoother and wear and tear isn't as much of an issue. Although the effects of wear is minimal in difference.

In essence, 80% tungsten darts usually offer good value whilst maintaining a playable profile but with limited grip variation, while 90% tungsten darts offer slimmer profiles, a wider range of grip styles at a slightly higher expense.

5 Recommended 80% Tungsten Dart Sets for Serious Players

Harrows Control 80% Tungsten Darts

The “Control” series from Harrows offers 80% tungsten darts built with progression and control in mind, ideal for players sharpening their consistency. The barrels come in two main shapes (parallel and tapered) and several weight options (for steel-tip: 22 g, 23 g, 25 g for parallel; 21 g, 23 g, 24 g for tapered).

What defines this range is the prominent micro-ringed/grip cuts along the barrel, which give the thrower a secure hold and consistent finger placement. The darts come as a complete set (darts, shafts, flights) and are match-weighed to ± 0.05 g, a testament to Harrows’ attention to balance and precision.

Overall, the Control set is especially suited to those refining their technique: stable, predictable in flight, and offering reliable grip for repeatable throws.

Loxley Allez 80% Tungsten Darts

The “Allez” darts from Loxley represent a strong addition for players looking for 80% tungsten performance with a refined feel. The Allez darts give you a thicker, more comfortable to hold barrel with simple grip zones for easy throwing.

For players who prefer a dart that sits comfortably in hand and delivers a smooth release, Allez offers a good balance of a front weighted barrel shape whilst maintaining a familiar weight distribution when compared to perhaps a brass set of darts, making them perfect for those transitioning from brass to tungsten.

Loxley's range offers a wide variety of quirky barrels, but the simplicity of the Allez darts is something that even the purist dart player can admire.

Red Dragon Swingfire 80% Tungsten Darts

From Red Dragon, the “Swingfire” 80% tungsten darts stand out as a versatile option for a wide range of players, from novices to more experienced throwers. The Swingfire line offers multiple barrel designs (knurled, ringed, and mixed profiles), which gives flexibility depending on player grip preference.

Weight options typically include 21 g, 23 g, and 25 g, giving players the freedom to choose based on their throwing rhythm.

Swingfire darts are often praised as solid value-for-money, a frequent recommendation among community players for a reliable all-rounder at a reasonable price.

Target Sync 80% Tungsten Darts

The “Sync” series by Target Darts offers high-quality 80% tungsten darts aimed at players seeking competitive-level equipment without the premium cost of elite tungsten sets. The Sync darts are designed to deliver balance, consistency, and control, making them suitable for regular practice or match play.

Given Target’s reputation for precision and build-quality, Sync darts tend to offer a refined feel: smooth barrel finishes, consistent weight distribution, and reliable shaft/flight setups. For players upgrading from budget or entry-level darts, Sync offers a significant upgrade with extra machining details as well as the ever-popular Swiss Point compatibility.

Unicorn T80 80% Tungsten Darts

From Unicorn, the “T80” line represents a classic mid-range 80% tungsten offering, suitable for players stepping up from recreational sets into serious play. The T80 darts deliver slimmer barrel profiles than brass darts, offering the tighter grouping potential associated with tungsten.

Because of Unicorn’s long-standing pedigree in darts manufacturing, the T80 darts embody a balance of tradition and practicality — dependable casting, comfortable grip, and manageable barrel geometry. This makes them a good “bridge” set for players transitioning towards higher-performance tungsten darts.

While perhaps not as aggressive or finely tuned as premium tungsten sets, the T80 remains a solid and dependable choice for players focusing on consistency and gradual improvement.

Final Thoughts

Each of the five dart sets above offers a slightly different flavour of what 80% tungsten darts can deliver, from grip-heavy control to versatile barrel options to balanced mid-tier performance. The “best” choice ultimately depends on your current skill level, throwing style and what aspects of dart performance you’re prioritising (e.g., grip, barrel profile, consistency, price).

80% tungsten darts shouldn't be seen a steppingstone from brass before moving to a 90% barrel, pick what suits you! If there's an 80% tungsten dart that you like the look of, don't be put off; some of the best players in the world still use 80% tungsten darts!