It is once again launch season, with manufacturers laying out additions to their product ranges in preparation and anticipation of the Christmas rush.
This time its Red Dragon Darts’ latest mini launch with three new player darts and increased accessory options being revealed to the darting public. Here two of our favourite analysis team members react to their first impressions:
Gemma Hayter
Quickly establishing herself as one of the top women in the game, Gemma Hayter has continually reached new heights within ADC and PDC events, and her new darts reflect the trust and confidence Red Dragon places in her. The darts remind me closely of the old Harrows Atlantis darts, with a very short (for a straight barrel dart, at least) and very thin barrel. The darts feature six sections of thinly cut ring grip, complete with a black and purple coating within the grooves.
These have a very nice feel to them and an old school no nonsense look as well. It will be iteresting to see whether the popularity of this barrel style may trump the traditional – male player led – reluctance to purchase the signature darts of female player (AIM180)
Editors note: Congratulations to Gemma. It’s lovely to see a Team DW player make such progress over such a short period of time.
Connor Scutt
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated set of the lot, Connor Scutt has had his debuting darts launched. Keeping a similar style to his second generation Mission darts, the darts have a defined scallop towards the rear as a point of contact, complete with absolutely no grip whatsoever. The front of the dart, a long gradual taper towards the point, features what Red Dragon refers to as a ‘crater grip’.
The ‘crater grip’ is of greatinterest to AIM180 – for a long time we have been advocating that the idea of grip on a barrel is a little misleading and try to look at it like a surface. The patterning on the lower section of these is very close to how we think. It feel strong enough to prevent slippage but more ergonomic with the fingers. Almost like a slick tyre on an F1 car. (AIM180)
Robert Owen
Perhaps the story of the PDC World Championship last year, Robert Owen has finally had his first darts with Red Dragon released. Slightly unusual for a modern dart, they feature knurling towards the front of the barrel, with a simple ring grip middle and towards the stem. The profile of the dart reminds me of the Red Dragon Wayne Warren darts, with a black PVD coating completing the look. These are a dart I am particularly looking forward to getting hands on with, having been a big fan of Owen since his run at the UK Open back in 2018.
Again these are an an old school / modern tech hybrid which appeal to us. The knurling area have made a return in recent years after dipping out of fashion for a while. Although we are not usually a fan of black arrows the front section of these acts as a highlight while the feel of the coating is very good indeed. (AIM180)
NITRO Flight
More styles and variations of the hugely popular mould version of the Red Dragon Nitro tech stem have also been added to the range.
These seem to be close to the ideal solution between the durable and impressive moulded systems of L Style or Cosmo and the conventional preferences of many. So far I feel they are better distributed with the weight. The flight end is thinner and lighter with good surface area and produces the more looping (parabellum like) arc that I prefer. (AIM180)
What are your thoughts of the Red Dragon launch? Which sets are you most looking forward to trying out? Let us know over on @Darts_World and @JoeReid180 on X (formerly known as Twitter)!
—–ENDS—–
Words: Joe Reid and AIM180
Images: Red Dragon
