When the original Darts World team accepted a new dart companies advert in the mid 1970’s I doubt that even the most optimistic of them would have believed that five decades later the two companies would be hitting the bullseye only a couple of years apart.
Impressively the fanfare for Red Dragon’s 50th anniversary has celebrated some milestone models and fan friendly designs as well as focusing on a few of their storied names with very player focused special editions.
- Product: Selected Classic Darts
- Brand: Red Dragon
- Variation: 4 Milestone Models
- Material: Tungsten
- Price: £25-40
THE BIRTHDAY BUNDLE (1)
There are 6 models under the 4 different listed titles in what might be thought of as the Red Dragon Birthday Box!
Chunky Stumpy: Two fantastic pieces of nostalgia but that are also reminders of how fashions and technologies evolve. Both of the models are the natural tungsten with yellow highlights and each suits players who like to drop the dart in after a natural loop to the board.
The knurled grip model (7) certainly does not look dated and clearly influenced the darts Ross Montgomery has used for his late career bloom. I would encourage those in their later years or those suffering any kind of strain injury to give them a try.
Penetrators: These area ground breaking deceptively simple looking darts in a couple of differing grip formats. They feel slim and precise, rather than the bomb styles of some others from the era. Scott Waites demonstrated these barrels true potential winning majors in both codes and Lakeside World titles.
If you like a light hold and don’t need a high grip then select the curvier model (4) – calm down at the back – if you need a little more feel in the finger try the other (1).
Shockwave: My first visit to Red Dragon coincided with a special project discreetly happening in workshops. They were colouring some darts in a very unusual style for Peter Wright. This technique worked and when combined with a kind of bump or bubble barrel produced a very popular bit of kit.
The reissue of these was met with genuine delight by many who regretted not getting to try them or moving onto something else. Collectors also seemed delighted.
Torpedo: This shape was neglected for far too long. After early success, with the under-appreciated Leighton Rees, the torpedo shape seemed to have been overtaken by parallel or bomb styles thanks to Bristow and Lowe et al. Luke Humphries proved that the stability they offer is a great baseline to build from.
The re-issued Torpedo (2) is an unusual mix of ring cut grip and knurling. Take your time and play about with your set up. You might surprise yourself, I did!
THE SPECIAL ONES
The ‘Fab Five’ of Red Dragon’s current playing line up have had themed special edition sets released in celebration. Currently only three are available.
Luke Humphries: The onyx coating on Luke’s weapons of choice definitely adds something to them and not merely cosmetically. Black is a slimming colour in all ways and psychologically these feel less of a blunt instrument than some models. The black and gold themed box set is impressive from flights and stems through to the signature plaque as a touch for those who like to collect.
Perhaps the biggest winner is the shirt! A simple blue and white tour style shirt with an almost 80s tennis pattern which is far less Jackson Pollock than Cool Hand’s usual attire.
Gian Van Veen: Shhh, be very quiet about these. They are the hidden gem in these launch series. Black onyx coated version of GVV’s element/diamond fusion grip tour model (main image) with lovely additional accessories and a superbly understated special edition shirt as well!
The only problem here will be if you buy them to collect or display you will be tempted to use them, it’s that simple. You can even get a discount of the new European Champion’s sartorial selection if you are quick about it!
Jonny Clayton: Released last week and perfect for at least two types of darts folk. Those who like Johnny’s ‘Hiraeth’ release, but don’t like the stone-like feel or perhaps prefer more solid colouring. If so, these will be for you.
Jonny’s branding crosses over easily so his accessories are very strong, The 50-year flights and the black and gold stems look very smart but not over the top. Again the shirt is a more subtle version of Clayton familiar Red and celtic / dragon designs.
Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright – What will Snakebite specials be like! – still to come.
Keep your eye out on our social and at reddragondarts.com for more 50th anniversary bonuses.
Happy Birthday and Congratulations!
—–ENDS—–
Original Article: Darts World Magazine (591)
