Being the last, of the major brands, to launch their new range is a tradition at Winmau. Their retail pedigree means that they synchronise the launch in order to provide their retail channels with maximum new products for the Christmas and January peaks.
This year sees the Welsh firm lead from the front with a selection of products from their lead player Michael Van Gerwen before moving on to their other marquee names:
Vantage:
This premium model is clearly inspired by MVGs general barrel design but given the premium touches they ensure a great first impression. They have also eliminated some of the less popular features of Michael’s standard dart.
Vantage feature sections of a ‘VA’ shaped grip and gold plated highlights. The black and green styling of the Adrenalin model is adopted again for this striking variation on the MVG theme.
Assault:
This looks a more traditional dart but with MVG grip locations and branding. The onyx coating is gain present but paired with non-coated bands and deep cut grooves to give an impression of a very aggressive grip.
The MVG green, black and silver styling with plenty of branding points ensures that, although a different style of dart, Assault will look part of the family.
New weights have been added to Adrenalin, Ambition, and Absolute models. All in all the MVG range goes from strength to strength.
Joe Cullen:
Joe has got to off to a nice start with Winmau and they look like a good match. His recent form is nicely timed for his signature dart launch and these are a definite forward development.
The front and rear sections are similar to his usual model but the gentle scallop in the mid section adds an element of exactitude not previously obvious. The Red and black colour scheme co-ordinates with much of Joe’s branding. Overall it’s a more subtle and less aggressive model. A sign of maturing confidence?
Mark Webster (Diamond):
These look like a nice development of Webby’s second signature dart. Two new sections of Winmau’s unique diamond fusion grip have been added. This may increase the range of players willing to give this classic-shaped dart a try. It’s striking looking and could suit any type of throw.
Merv King:
Even the most optimistic at Winmau would not have expected these to be launched at quite such a peak of interest in The King! Merv’s superb run to the final of the Players Championship Finals has given his profile a huge boost.
It is not shocking that the shape of this new edition is the classic Bamboo pattern that has proved so successful for its most famed user. However, the added grip within the curved sections looks a technical masterstroke. Taking an old tech dart and making it look both new and modern is a fine effort.
Ted Hankey:
A couple of years back Ted finally added some real grip to his signature-shaped dart. The black and red styling also helped introduce the dart to a wider audience. The latest edition celebrates 20 years since The Cou ta inaugural World Championship and the gold section seems appropriate. With a fine ring grip and black onyx coated front area a very striking edition is complete.
There are new and revamped models for Scott Mitchell, Jeff Smith, Willie O Conner and Steve Brown as well as another adaptation of the evergreen Steve Beaton design.
Non-Player Ranges:
The excellent Sicario range has been expanded and it is good to see the cluster grip given more opportunity. Fury, Electra and Zinati have been added to the catalogue and bring a dash of simplicity, colour and style respectively.
A select group of accessories brought the launch to a close. A funky pocket flight store and additions to the Pro-Line range of premium accessories in the form of a board surround and cabinet.
This is a very strong launch for Winmau. 2020 may have been a terrible year for many but the signing of MVG and then the return to form of King have bookended an excellent performance. They have moved from a legacy brand, that looked jaded and old, to the sharpest and most focused of the leading darts brands.
———ENDS———-
Check out Winmau.com for the full range.
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