🎯 Darts Review: Target Josh Rock G1 SP Steel Tip Darts 🎯
Ready to up your darts game? We've taken a deep dive into the Target Josh Rock G1 SP Darts, and here's what you need to know!
✨ First Impressions & Design:
These darts are a serious head-turner with their stunning blue and gold aesthetic. Crafted from 90% tungsten, they feature a straight barrel with a tapered nose. What makes them stand out is the unique precision milling and a dynamic celled grip pattern that runs the length of the barrel, providing a distinctive and aggressive feel. The set comes complete with gold Swiss Storm Nano points, which have nano rings for enhanced grip on the dartboard, and are part of Target's patented Swiss Point system, allowing for easy tip changes. The darts also include Pro Grip shafts and Josh Rock's signature Pro Ultra flights, so they're ready to throw right out of the box.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Players consistently highlight several key strengths:
* Quality & Feel: Reviewers praise the "fantastic" build quality and the excellent balance of the darts. The 90% tungsten gives them a premium feel in hand.
* Grip & Control: The aggressive celled grip is a major talking point. Intermediate players and professionals alike note that the grip provides a new level of confidence and control, leading to improved averages.
* Points & Performance: The longer nano-grip points are a big hit. They sit flush with the barrel and offer a secure hold on the board, minimizing bounce-outs and improving scoring.
* Aesthetics: The striking blue and gold design is frequently mentioned, with reviewers noting they are some of the best-looking darts on the market.
🤔 Things to Consider:
* Aggressive Grip: The celled grip is designed to be quite aggressive. While this is a huge plus for players seeking maximum control, those who prefer a smoother or less pronounced grip might find it takes some getting used to.
* Swiss Point Tool: While the Swiss Point system is a fantastic innovation, remember that you'll need the Swiss Point key tool (included) to change tips. It’s a dedicated system, so it's not compatible with standard screw-in points.
🏆 Our Verdict:
The Target Josh Rock G1 SP Darts are a superb choice for players who are serious about their game and want a professional-level dart. The innovative design, aggressive grip, and high-quality components make them a fantastic option for anyone looking for enhanced control and confidence at the oche. If you're a fan of a grippy barrel and the convenience of the Swiss Point system, these darts are definitely worth adding to your arsenal.
🎯 Darts Review: Kevin Doets G1 SP Darts 🎯
Looking for a no-nonsense, high-performance dart designed with a professional's touch? We've taken a deep dive into the Kevin Doets G1 SP darts, and here's what you need to know!
✨ First Impressions & Design:
Crafted for "Hawkeye," Kevin Doets, these darts from Target are all about precision and a classic feel. They feature a 90% tungsten straight barrel with a tapered nose, providing a clean, balanced throw. The grip is a highlight—a series of expertly engineered radial grooves that offer a consistent and reliable hold without being overly aggressive. The darts come fitted with Target's Swiss Fire Points, which combine precision milling with nanogrooves for a secure grip in the board. With Pro Grip shafts and Kevin Doets' signature flights, they're perfectly matched and ready to go straight out of the box.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
While detailed customer reviews are less common than for other popular darts, the feedback is consistently positive, with a focus on their reliable performance. Players highlight several key strengths:
- Quality & Feel: The 90% tungsten barrel and high-quality components are praised, with many feeling they get a premium dart for the price. The balanced, straight barrel is a big plus for players who prefer a classic shape.
- Grip & Control: The radial groove grip is well-received for its consistent and familiar feel. It provides excellent control without the aggressive "bite" of some other grips, making it a comfortable dart for extended practice sessions.
- Value for Money: Multiple sources point to these darts being "superb value for money," offering professional-level design and materials at a competitive price point.
- Swiss Point System: As with other Target player darts, the Swiss Point system is a popular feature, making it easy to swap out points and try different lengths and styles.
- 🤔 Things to Consider:
- Grip Preference: The radial groove grip is a classic for a reason, but if you're looking for a more innovative or aggressive grip style, this might not be your first choice.
- Player-Specific Design: While they are a great all-around dart, they are designed to Kevin Doets' specific preferences. Players who prefer a front-loaded or heavily tapered barrel may not find them as suitable.
- 🏆 Our Verdict: The Kevin Doets G1 SP darts are an excellent choice for players who value a classic, straight-barrel design with modern, professional-grade components. They offer a reliable radial grip and the convenience of the Swiss Point system, all at a fantastic price. If you’re looking for a high-quality, 90% tungsten dart that combines a traditional feel with cutting-edge technology, these are definitely worth considering.
🎯 Darts Review: Target Darts Hydro 01 - Steel Tip - 90% Tungsten 🎯
Looking for a sleek, high-quality straight barrel dart with a stunning aesthetic? We've taken a deep dive into the Target Darts Hydro 01, and here's what you need to know!
✨ First Impressions & Design:
The Hydro 01 is a visually striking dart, masterfully machined from 90% tungsten, offering a classic straight barrel profile that’s perfect for tight grouping. Its defining feature is the beautiful, vibrant blue PVD performance coating applied to the rear section, which not only looks fantastic but enhances the tactile feel of the grip. The barrel features Target's signature high-precision radial grooving, with a more intricate, fine pattern concentrated at the rear—the primary grip zone. They come complete with Target Pro Grip shafts and matching Pro.Ultra flights, offering a professional-level setup right out of the box.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
Customer reviews and general feedback on this line are excellent, highlighting the combination of style and performance. Players consistently highlight several key strengths:
Aesthetics & Finish: The contrasting natural tungsten front and the vibrant blue PVD coating at the rear make these darts visually "stunning" and distinct, standing out from typical silver darts.
Rear-Focused Grip: The aggressive, fine radial grip at the back of the barrel is a major hit, especially for rear-grippers, providing exceptional security and consistent release.
Quality & Feel: The 90% tungsten ensures a slim barrel for maximum scoring potential, and Target’s machining quality is universally praised, giving the dart a solid, premium feel.
Straight Barrel Versatility: The classic straight shape appeals to a wide range of players and throw styles, making them a very forgiving and versatile choice.
🤔 Things to Consider:
Grip Zonation: While the rear grip is excellent, players who grip heavily in the middle or front of the barrel may not benefit fully from the primary, aggressive grip zone.
Coating Wear: As with all PVD-coated darts, the beautiful blue finish, particularly in the most frequently handled area, may show signs of wear over time with extensive play.
Barrel Length: These darts typically feature a mid-range length (around 50mm). If you prefer a longer or shorter dart (like the 60mm Mike De Decker or 54.6mm Javelin), there may be an adjustment period.
🏆 Our Verdict:
The Target Darts Hydro 01 is an outstanding choice for any player seeking a high-quality, 90% tungsten straight barrel dart with a premium look. It delivers professional performance, especially for rear-grippers who value an aggressive, secure hold. Combining Target’s engineering excellence with a dazzling aesthetic, the Hydro 01 is a fantastic addition to any arsenal.
🎯 Dart Review: Target Darts Exo 03 Swiss Point 90% Steel Tip Darts 🎯
We've examined the Target Exo 03, a barrel designed to blend traditional straight styling with modern grip technology. These darts feature a streamlined profile and the convenience of the revolutionary Swiss Point system, making them a highly versatile option for serious players.
✨ First Impressions & Design:
The Exo 03 barrels are precision-machined from 90% Tungsten, providing a dense, narrow barrel (50.5mm long) ideal for maximizing space in the treble bed. They exhibit a classic straight barrel shape, but feature a distinct tapered nose which is engineered to aid in tighter grouping and aerodynamic efficiency. The design utilizes an elegant, natural tungsten finish integrated with simple radial grooves and a continuous ringed grip, creating a clean, center-weighted profile. Available in 21g and 23g weights, the set comes with short Pro Grip shafts, No.6 EXO Edition Pro Ultra flights, and the necessary Swiss Point tool.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
Players looking for a consistent, classic feel paired with modern convenience appreciate these darts:
Swiss Point Adaptability: The inclusion of Target’s patented Swiss Point technology is a major highlight, allowing users to quickly and easily change point styles, lengths, and colors with the included tool, enhancing adaptability.
Balanced Grip: The barrel features a moderate (level 3/5) grip intensity, predominantly focused around the middle section. This radial-grooved area provides ample security for mid-grippers, enabling a smooth and predictable release.
Flight Dynamics: The straight barrel combined with the tapered nose is praised for offering excellent stability and a clean aerodynamic flight path, especially when paired with aggressive point types like Firepoints.
Value: They are often regarded as a great entry point into the premium Swiss Point system, offering high-quality 90% tungsten without the top-tier price tag.
🤔 Things to Consider:
Grip Contrast: The grip is focused on the central radial grooves; the front and rear sections of the barrel are notably smoother. This may be a drawback for players who rely on a strong front or rear grip for control.
Stock Setup: The darts come equipped with 26mm points, which some players find too short. Many users report maximizing the dart's potential by upgrading to longer Swiss Point options (e.g., 30mm or 40mm).
Barrel Thickness: For their respective weights (especially the 23g model at 6.5mm wide), some users feel the barrels are slightly on the thicker side compared to ultra-slim competitors.
🏆 Our Verdict:
The Target Exo 03 is a fantastic choice for mid-grippers or those who appreciate a classic straight barrel with modern features. The core appeal lies in the combination of 90% tungsten quality, reliable center-weighted performance, and the convenience of the Swiss Point system. It offers a unique blend of stability and precision thanks to its tapered nose. While front and rear-grippers might need to adjust their hold, the Exo 03 barrels provide excellent accuracy and are highly recommended for players looking for a cost-effective route into point customization.
🎯 Dart Review: Target Redux 03 Swiss Point 90% Steel Tip Darts 🎯
We've examined the Target Redux 03, a barrel that takes a "back to basics" approach by reimagining classic profiles with modern, high-precision machining. The Redux 03 is a sleek, minimalist entry in the series, designed for players who appreciate a clean aesthetic and the innovative Swiss Point system.
✨ First Impressions & Design:
The Redux 03 barrels are crafted from high-density 90% Tungsten, offering a professional-grade feel and a slim profile for maximum scoring efficiency. They feature a straight, parallel barrel shape (length approx. 52mm) with a subtle taper at the nose to assist with tight grouping and reduce deflections. The design is elegantly understated, featuring a natural tungsten finish with precision-cut radial grooves and minimalist sandblasted sections for added texture. Equipped with Swiss Point Technology, the set includes Short Pro Grip shafts, Redux Edition Pro.Ultra flights, and the essential Swiss Point tool.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
Players who value a classic straight-barrel feel with a modern technical edge rate these darts highly:
Refined Grip Feedback: The barrel utilizes a mid-level radial grip (3/5) that is consistent along the main body. The addition of sandblasted "matte" zones provides a unique tactile contrast that aids in consistent finger placement without being overly aggressive.
Swiss Point Convenience: As with all modern Target releases, the ability to swap points in seconds is a major advantage, allowing players to experiment with different lengths and textures (like Storm or Diamond points) to suit their board.
Balanced Flight: The center-balanced, parallel profile is praised for its "honest" flight. It doesn't over-correct the throw, making it an excellent choice for players with a naturally straight and consistent release.
Clean Aesthetics: The "Redux" philosophy of stripped-back design is a hit with purists who prefer the look of natural tungsten over flashy PVD coatings.
🤔 Things to Consider:
Length Preference: At 52mm, the Redux 03 is a relatively long barrel. Players moving from shorter "torpedo" or "bullet" shaped darts may find they need to adjust their setup (shaft length) to prevent the dart from landing too flat.
Minimalist Grip: While the radial grooves and sandblasting offer reliable control, players who require a "level 5" aggressive grip (like shark or weave patterns) may find this barrel a bit too subtle.
Nose Profile: While tapered, the transition to the point is less aggressive than on some darts, meaning you'll get the best results by pairing these with tapered Swiss Points.
🏆 Our Verdict:
The Target Redux 03 is a sophisticated, "no-nonsense" professional dart. It successfully modernizes a classic straight-barrel template by adding subtle texture through sandblasting and the massive utility of the Swiss Point system. It is an ideal choice for the purist player who wants a high-quality 90% tungsten dart that focuses on balance and simplicity over gimmicks. If you want a dart that looks as sharp as it flies, the Redux 03 is a top-tier contender.
🎯 Dart Review: Target Nathan Aspinall x Echo Swiss Point 90% Steel Tip Darts 🎯
We’ve examined the Nathan Aspinall x Echo edition, a specialized collaboration that infuses "The Asp's" world-class barrel shape with the tactical, high-grip architecture of the Echo series. This barrel is engineered for players who demand a front-weighted balance paired with a complex, high-friction texture.
✨ First Impressions & Design:
The Aspinall x Echo barrels are manufactured from 90% Tungsten, providing the density required for its signature front-loaded profile. This weight distribution is designed to "pull" the dart through the air, encouraging a stable, tail-up entry into the board. Visually, the dart is a masterpiece of modern machining, featuring a Black PVD coating with precision-milled silver sections and signature "Asp" Red ring accents. The barrel length is approximately 50mm-52mm (depending on weight), and it comes equipped with Swiss Point Technology, allowing for point swaps in seconds. The stock setup includes Black Pro Grip shafts and Echo-themed Pro.Ultra flights.
👍 What Players Are Saying:
Players who favor a powerful, direct throw and a tactile, multi-zone grip rate these darts highly:
Technical Grip Profile: The barrel features a sophisticated mix of radial grooves and intricate CNC milling. This results in an aggressive, high-level grip (4.5/5) that offers exceptional control and security for front and middle-grippers.
Flight Stability: The front-loaded balance is praised for its "self-correcting" nature in flight, helping to stabilize the dart quickly after release and reducing "fish-tailing."
Swiss Point Versatility: The ability to instantly switch between standard, diamond, or fire-points allows players to customize their board grip and trajectory without needing a repointing tool.
Stunning Aesthetics: The contrast between the matte black coating and the bright silver milling makes this one of the most visually striking darts in the Target stable.
🤔 Things to Consider:
Aggressive Texture: The grip is very "busy." Players who prefer a smooth, simple ring grip or a very fast, frictionless release might find the CNC milling too intrusive or "sticky."
Coating Longevity: While PVD is durable, the high-intensity milling creates many sharp edges. Over time, tight grouping and "robin-hoods" will inevitably lead to silver "battle scars" on the black finish.
Weight Specifics: Because of the front-loaded nature, these darts can "feel" slightly heavier than their stated weight during the throw. Transitioning from a center-balanced dart may require a slight adjustment to your release timing.
🏆 Our Verdict:
The Target Nathan Aspinall x Echo is a high-performance, tactical evolution of a championship-winning shape. It is perfectly suited for players who want a front-weighted, high-grip dart that offers maximum feedback. The integration of Swiss Point technology makes it a future-proof investment for competitive play. If you enjoy the stability of a front-loaded barrel but found previous versions too smooth, the Echo edition provides the aggressive "bite" you’ve been looking for.