Phil “The Power” Taylor is arguably one of the greatest professional darts players of all time. He has dominated the world of darts for over two decades with his precision, accuracy, and consistency. During his illustrious career, Phil Taylor won an astonishing 216 professional tournaments, including 16 World Championship titles. However, some people may wonder what darts Phil “The Power” Taylor uses that made him so successful.
Well, the answer to that question is simple: Phil Taylor uses Target Phil Taylor Power 9Five Gen 6 darts. These darts were specially designed in collaboration with Phil Taylor and Target Darts to provide superior balance, performance, and accuracy. Made from 95% tungsten, the Target Phil Taylor Power 9Five Gen 6 darts are designed to be sleek and aerodynamic, which minimizes drag and maximizes the chances of hitting the target.
These darts are not only functional but also visually appealing. They feature a striking blue titanium nitride coating with Target’s signature pixel grip technology that offers a consistent grip and release. The darts also come with a power shaft and power flights that give them extra stability. In short, Phil Taylor’s choice of darts is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Phil Taylor’s Dart Career
Phil Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time. He began his professional career in 1988 and quickly made a name for himself, winning the first of his 16 World Championship titles in 1990. Taylor dominated the sport for over two decades and is considered a legend in the darts world.
- Taylor has won a total of 216 professional tournaments, including 85 major championships
- He has earned over £7 million in prize money during his career
- Taylor has hit over 11,000 career 180s, which is the maximum score possible in one turn of three darts
Despite his numerous achievements, Taylor’s dart career wasn’t without its ups and downs. He struggled with dartitis, a psychological condition that affects a player’s ability to release the dart smoothly, in the early 2000s. However, he managed to overcome the condition and continued to dominate the sport.
Taylor retired from professional darts in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match. He continues to be involved in the sport as a commentator and ambassador, and his influence can still be felt in the many players he has inspired and mentored.
| World Championship Titles: | 16 |
|---|---|
| World Matchplay Titles: | 16 |
| World Grand Prix Titles: | 11 |
| Premier League Titles: | 6 |
Phil Taylor’s dart career is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His record-breaking achievements have inspired countless players and fans alike and will continue to do so for years to come.
How to choose the right darts
Choosing the right set of darts can make a significant difference in your game. There are various factors to consider before picking the best darts that suit your playing style. Here are some tips on how to choose the right darts:
- Weight: The weight of the dart is an essential factor. The most common dart weight is 22 grams, but darts range from 12-50 grams. Choose a weight that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand. You can try different weights before making a final decision.
- Material: Darts come in different materials such as brass, tungsten, and nickel-silver. Brass darts are the least expensive, but they wear out faster than tungsten or nickel-silver. Tungsten is the most popular material for darts because of its durability and strength. Nickel-silver darts are also good quality but less popular than tungsten.
- Shape and Size: Darts come in various shapes and sizes, and it’s crucial to find one that fits your grip. The three common dart shapes are straight, torpedo, and scallop. Straight darts are the most common and suitable for beginners. Torpedo darts taper in the middle and are more balanced, while scallop darts offer a better grip and control.
It’s also essential to consider the price range, brand, and level of play when selecting darts. Investing in a high-quality set of darts can improve your game and increase your chances of winning.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the essential features to consider:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | Choose a weight that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand. |
| Material | Brass, tungsten, nickel-silver. Tungsten is the most popular for its durability and strength. |
| Shape and Size | Straight, torpedo, and scallop. Straight is the most common and suitable for beginners. |
By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose the right darts that cater to your gaming requirements. A well-suited set of darts can enhance your skills and improve your overall experience as a player.
The Anatomy of a Dart
When it comes to darts, many factors affect the outcome of a game, such as technique, grip, and throwing speed. However, the most critical factor is the quality of the dart. A well-designed dart can make all the difference between hitting the bullseye and narrowly missing it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the anatomy of a dart, focusing on the various parts that make up a dart and their importance.
Dart Components
- Point
- Barrel
- Shaft
- Flight
The point of a dart is the tip that punctures the board. The barrel is the main body of the dart and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The shaft connects the barrel to the flight, which is the wing-shaped part of the dart that provides stability during flight.
Dart Barrel
The barrel is the most crucial part of the dart. It’s important to choose a barrel that feels comfortable in your hand, allowing for a firm grip and smooth release. The barrel also determines the weight of the dart, which affects the trajectory of the throw. Some barrels are smooth, while others have a knurled or textured surface to enhance grip.
Phil Taylor, known as “The Power,” uses a unique dart barrel that he helped design. The barrel is made from tungsten with a 95% concentration, providing greater density and a slimmer profile compared to other darts. Taylor also prefers a straight barrel with a smooth surface, allowing for a consistent grip and release.
Dart Flight
The flight is the wing-shaped part of the dart that helps stabilize its trajectory. Flights come in various shapes, including standard, slim, and kite-shaped. Slim flights reduce drag and increase speed, while standard flights provide greater stability. Kite-shaped flights offer a balance between the two. Taylor is known for using slim flights, giving him greater control over the dart’s path and allowing it to fly faster through the air.
Conclusion
Every element of a dart plays a crucial role in its overall performance. From the point to the flight, each part contributes to accuracy, stability, and speed. By understanding the anatomy of a dart, you can choose the right dart for your needs, allowing you to improve your game and hit the target with greater precision.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Point | Punctures the board |
| Barrel | Main body of the dart |
| Shaft | Connects barrel to flight |
| Flight | Wing-shaped part that stabilizes flight |
Now that you know more about the anatomy of a dart, it’s time to improve your game. Experiment with different barrel shapes and weights, flights, and grips until you find the perfect combination that works for you.
Advantages of Tungsten Darts
Tungsten darts are becoming increasingly popular among darts enthusiasts, especially among professional players like Phil “The Power” Taylor, who uses the 95% tungsten darts. There are several advantages to using tungsten darts, including:
- Denser Material: Tungsten, as a material, is denser than other metals like brass or nickel-silver. This density means that tungsten darts can be made smaller and slimmer than their counterparts without sacrificing weight. This results in darts with a smaller profile, allowing for tighter grouping on the board.
- Consistent Flight: Due to their weight and profile, tungsten darts have a more consistent flight path, reducing the chance of “wobbling” or “fishtailing” in the air. This consistency gives players greater control over their shots, allowing for more accurate positioning of the darts on the board.
- Durability: Tungsten darts are extremely durable and can withstand prolonged use without showing signs of wear and tear. This durability means that players can rely on their tungsten darts for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Tungsten Dart Composition
As mentioned, professional players like Phil Taylor use tungsten darts with a 95% tungsten composition. Tungsten dart composition varies from brand to brand, with some having as little as 70% tungsten and others as high as 97.5%. Below is a table comparing the tungsten concentration of some popular dart brands:
| Brand | Tungsten Concentration |
|---|---|
| Target | 95% |
| Winmau | 90% |
| Harrows | 90% |
| Unicorn | 97.5% |
It’s important to note that while tungsten darts can offer advantages and improved performance, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. Players should experiment with various types of darts to find the best fit for their individual needs.
Different Dart Grip Styles
Phil “The Power” Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, with a record 16 World Championship wins. A key part of his success has been his consistent and effective use of different dart grip styles. Here are some of the main grip styles used by Phil and other top darts players:
- Standard Grip: The standard grip involves holding the dart between the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with the other two fingers curled behind the barrel for support. This is the most common grip style used by most recreational and professional players, and is also favoured by Phil Taylor.
- Front Grip: The front grip involves holding the dart at the very front of the barrel, usually with the index finger and thumb, and using the other fingers for support. This style is often used by players who want to maintain a high level of control over the dart’s trajectory, and may be better suited to lighter darts.
- Back Grip: The back grip involves holding the dart at the very back of the barrel, often with the middle finger and thumb. This technique allows for a greater degree of power and speed, although it may be harder to maintain accuracy with this grip style.
Players may also use a hybrid grip that combines elements of these different styles, depending on their personal preferences and playing style.
When choosing a grip style, it is important to consider factors such as dart weight, player comfort, and individual playing style. Phil Taylor has experimented with a range of different darts over the years, including various weights and barrel shapes, before settling on his preferred choice – a 22-gram dart with a straight barrel design.
| Grip Style | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Good for accuracy and control; widely used by most players | May require stronger grip strength |
| Front | Offers greater control and precision over dart trajectory | May require more practice to master |
| Back | Allows for greater power and speed in throwing | May be harder to maintain accuracy and control |
Ultimately, the best grip style is one that feels comfortable and allows the player to achieve their desired level of accuracy and consistency. Whether you prefer a standard grip, a front grip, or a back grip, the most important thing is to practice consistently and develop your own unique playing style that suits you best.
The Importance of Dart Flights
When it comes to playing darts, the type of dart flights you use can greatly affect your performance. Phil “The Power” Taylor, one of the greatest darts players of all time, carefully selects his dart flights to suit his playing style and give him the edge he needs to win.
Flights are the small, feather-like pieces that attach to the back of the dart and help to stabilize its flight. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and choosing the right ones for you can make all the difference in your game.
- Size: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing dart flights is their size. Larger surface area results in slower darts, while smaller surface area results in faster darts. Phil Taylor prefers larger flights, as they help to compensate for his powerful throw.
- Shape: Dart flights come in a variety of shapes, including standard, kite, and teardrop. Each shape affects the way the dart moves through the air. Phil Taylor typically uses a kite shape, as it provides a good balance of stability and speed.
- Material: Dart flights can be made from a range of materials, including plastic, nylon, and even metal. The material you choose can affect the durability of your flights and how they react to changes in temperature and humidity. Phil Taylor generally uses plastic flights, as they are lightweight and easy to replace.
In addition to these factors, it’s also important to consider the design and graphics on your dart flights. Phil Taylor often uses custom-designed flights featuring his logo and signature, which not only look great but also help to intimidate his opponents.
| Size | Shape | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Large | Kite | Plastic |
| Phil Taylor’s preferred dart flight specifications | ||
Overall, the importance of dart flights should not be underestimated. Taking the time to carefully choose the right size, shape, and material for your playing style can give you the edge you need to win, just like it has for Phil Taylor throughout his illustrious career.
Storing and Maintaining Your Darts
To ensure that your darts stay in great condition and last for a long time, it is essential to store them properly and maintain them regularly. Here, we will discuss the various steps you can take to achieve that.
Storing Your Darts
- Store your darts in a cool, dry place to protect them from humidity and avoid rusting.
- Keep your darts out of reach of children and pets.
- Use a dart case or holder to keep your darts organized and protected.
Maintaining Your Darts
Maintaining your darts is crucial to keep them in pristine condition. Here are few tips on how to maintain your darts:
- Clean your darts after every use, wiping them down with a dry cloth to remove any moisture or grime.
- Periodically check the tightness of the shafts and flights, tightening them if they become loose.
- Replace the flights and shafts when they show signs of wear and tear to ensure that your darts fly correctly.
Dart Maintenace Kit
Investing in a dart maintenance kit can save you a lot of money in the long run and keep your darts in great shape. These kits include items such as replacement o-rings, spare flights, and shafts, and a dart sharpener.
| What’s included in a Dart Maintenance Kit: |
|---|
| Replacement o-rings |
| Spare Flights and shafts |
| Dart sharpener |
In conclusion, taking care of your darts is essential to ensure they stay in top condition and last for a long time. By following the tips mentioned above and investing in a dart maintenance kit, you can keep your darts ready for the next game.
What Darts Does Phil “The Power” Taylor Use?
1. What type of darts does Phil Taylor use?
Phil Taylor used to use custom-made darts made by the manufacturer Target. However, he has since moved on to use his own brand of darts called “Power 9Five” darts which are aerodynamically designed to minimize air resistance and increase accuracy.
2. What are the dimensions of Phil Taylor’s dart?
The Power 9Five darts weigh 26 grams and have a length of 50mm, with a maximum barrel width of 7.7mm.
3. Is Phil Taylor’s dart suitable for beginners?
While Phil Taylor’s Power 9Five darts are designed specifically for his own playing style, they can work just as well for beginners or intermediate players who prefer heavier darts.
4. Does Phil Taylor’s dart come with any extras?
Yes, each set of Phil Taylor’s Power 9Five darts comes with a set of his own signature flights and shafts.
5. What is the cost of Phil Taylor’s dart?
The average cost of a set of Phil Taylor’s Power 9Five darts is around $100, depending on the retailer.
6. How long does a set of Phil Taylor’s dart last?
On average, a set of Power 9Five darts can last several years with proper care and maintenance.
7. Can Phil Taylor’s dart be used in tournaments?
Yes, Phil Taylor’s Power 9Five darts can be used in tournaments and competitions, as long as they meet the regulation weight and length requirements.
Closing:
Thank you for reading our article about what darts Phil “The Power” Taylor uses. We hope this information was helpful to you and gave you a better understanding of the equipment of a professional dart player. Stay tuned for more exciting content and don’t forget to visit us again soon!