Darts World’s very own AJ Urmston-Toft was handed the task of putting the new WINMAU Lunaris range through its paces. Here’s what he had to say:
From the moment I first laid eyes on the Lunaris, I knew Winmau had produced something rather extraordinary. Here inside the AIM180 bunker, where we spend an unhealthy amount of time scrutinising tungsten with the sort of obsessive intensity normally reserved for astrophysicists and conspiracy theorists, it immediately became apparent that this particular offering possesses a fascinating individuality.
- Product: Darts (Steel Tip /Switch Point)
- Model: Lunaris
- Brand: Winmau
- Material – Tungsten (90%)
- Variation: 22g
- Price: c£85
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Visually, the dart is utterly resplendent. The natural tungsten finish, punctuated by vibrant sapphire accents, creates an aesthetic that is simultaneously contemporary and understated. Against the backdrop of the dartboard, those blue highlights positively radiate, providing a subtle yet invaluable focal point which instantly catches the eye. What truly captivated me, however, was not just the barrel itself, or even its super looks.
Grip, Texture or Tread?
Ordinarily, when discussing darts, we talk about grip. In truth, grip is perhaps an inadequate description here. Texture would be a far more appropriate expression.
The surface possesses a wonderfully intricate arrangement which immediately reminded me of the tread pattern found on high-performance car tyres. There is a deliberate sophistication to it, offering reassurance and consistency without ever feeling intrusive.
The profile is equally impressive. I have long been an admirer of tapered noses and the Lunaris delivers beautifully in that department. The elegant transition towards the front of the barrel creates a wonderfully fluid sensation during release.
OPEN THE BOX
The addition of Winmau’s ingenious SwitchPoint technology provides yet another layer of practicality. The interchangeable points are exceptionally straightforward to replace, making maintenance refreshingly uncomplicated. The package contains everything you need to set up the darts and utilize their quick-change point including ‘Switch Spanner’ which also doubles as a darts sharpener and even handy bottle opener
Complementing the barrel is the Fusion flight system, another example of Winmau’s relentless pursuit of refinement. The entire configuration exudes cohesion, as though every individual component has been meticulously orchestrated to function in perfect harmony.
- 3 x Lunaris Barrels: Premium 90% tungsten barrels featuring an electric blue finish and geometric diamond-milled grip.
- 3 x Pre-Installed Switch Points: Fitted with T2N26 26mm Silver Grooved Switch Points.
- 3 x Extra Switch Points: An additional set of T1N26 26mm Silver Smooth Switch Points housed inside a dedicated Switch Point Protector.
- 3 x Fusion Shafts & Flights: Fitted with Winmau’s integrated Fusion clear short shafts and standard number 2 shaped flights.
- Switch Up Your Darts
Now moving onto the genuine innovation here – the Switch Point system itself. This is where things become exceptionally clever. The darts come fitted with the black wave point as standard, which already looks sensational, but if you fancy changing things up, swapping over to the silver point is astonishingly straightforward.
Using the tool supplied with the darts, you simply unscrew the point with minimal effort. No faffing about, no mechanical engineering degree required. The silver point screws effortlessly into place before tightening securely and cleanly. And honestly, the simplicity of the system is part of its brilliance. It is efficient, elegant and refreshingly user friendly. Within seconds, you have effectively transformed the entire aesthetic and feel of the dart to suit your personal preference.
How The Darts Fly
Of course, aesthetics and engineering mean very little if the dart itself fails in flight. Fortunately, the Lunaris proved every bit as impressive on the oche as it did in the hand. From the very first throw, there was an immediate sense of confidence and predictability. The barrel released effortlessly, the tapered front section performed magnificently, and the complete arrangement delivered a wonderfully balanced trajectory.
Quite simply, the Winmau Lunaris is an object of genuine elegance. Combining visual exuberance with technical ingenuity, it is a dart that manages to feel both luxurious and purposeful.
The £85 price point is not extreme for such a premium product indeed it is far lower than many similarly complex model from other brands. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, that is no small achievement.
Available from WINMAU and select specialist retailers including our friends at Pinnacle Darts
Images: Winmau
