Special edition darts are often the gems of manufacturer launches. Attention is focused on developing the darts over time and the most recent generation of an effective design. The 2023 Red Dragon launch and Jamie Lewis’s latest iteration proved no exception, AIM’s snapshot review offers a fine introduction:
- Product: Steel Tip Darts
- Brand: Red Dragon
- Materials: 90% Tungsten
- Dimensions: 50.8mm x 6.9mm
- Weight: 23g RRP: £42.90
The Welsh brand has invested a great deal of innovative player-generated know-how (and no little style) into darts that are technically excellent and the product of genuine collaboration over years.
General:
The latest edition of the World Semi finalists popular model has been released to complement the popular Razor Edge range. This variation provides a tailored grip and feel for those who like to go straight for the target. A highly-styled 90% tungsten dart with multi-grip zones.
Open the Box:
The three, 90% tungsten barrels come tucked into a point protector and with a color-coordinated setup of Nitro-Tech stems (short x 3) and Hardcore standard-shaped flights (3). Black steel points are supplied and fitted.
Testing feedback:
The difference in these darts from previous editions is easily noticeable. The pitch in the grip seems different and the feel is less aggressive whilst still working very well with a whip action and or a light hold. The revamp gives them a feeling of precision and directness while retaining the feeling that they will never move in the action of throwing.
The ‘Razor’ grip sections give an aggressive 4/5 level grip which every who is light in the hold will get plenty out of them. The simple, slim, barrel design still does its no-fuss job but the pencil-style noise cone can change the angle of entry for some.
Set-Up & Durability:
Jamie’s recent dart ranges are always highly durable and with such a distinct grip it is unlikely that you will wear these out. The coating seems resilient in comparison with some. The supplied setups suit direct throwers very well indeed. Some players may prefer a less stiff flight and stem combo. The grip being tilted away from the point means they are not as taxing on flights as we imagined.
Snapshot:
Fireball’s newest darts certainly seemed to do him some good during 2022. The dart is a perfect example of the small margins making big differences theory. All the tech and styling of signature darts but not the premium price tag. They can be used by a variety of throwers although we expect that they will be most popular with a dart-by-dart (Peter Wright style) player, who holds the barrel very lightly indeed. At a little over £40 they are superb value for money.
Marks: 8.5/10
Aggressive grip and onyx coatings are polarising features on a dart. Thus averaging out at 8.5/10 over functionality, looks, performance, and value is very impressive indeed. Yet again there’s an ‘evolution gem’ within a Red Dragon launch. Look out for others….
—–ENDS—–
Originally published in Darst World Magazine (Issue 582)
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