Aphelion, named after the point of orbit furthest away from the sun, is a serious dart from a niche company with a devotion to design. The rapidly developing Welsh firm has a select range of which this is one of the standouts.
- Product: Darts (Steel Tip)
- Brand: Quantum
- Model: Aphelion
- Variation: 25g
- Material: 90% Tungsten
- RRP: £32.99+
General:
This mid scalloped 50.9mm long dart is slim, at 6.9mm, for a 25g dart and has a very distinctive look about it. The smooth elliptical nose cone is a proven winner, whereas the dimpled scallop is unusual in placement and style.
They are a beautifully designed but simple to use dart. The scallop area looks intriguing and practical with the grip choice, and natural finish, signaling a no-nonsense bit of kit.
The grip is noticeable, impressive and well placed. Shark grip sections above and below the scallop are used to produce a dart that looks and feels grippier than most similarly shaped barrels. These sections mean that the grip is pronounced and excellent for those who like to really feel the interaction between fingers and barrels. A number of different skill level players took part and enjoyed trialing it.
The traditional steel point is black and stands out from the board wires well. It’s a solid choice, for a solid weapon.
Open the Box:
As with all Quantum darts, the pack comes with one set of (Aphelion) barrels (25g) in a point protector, together with a set of (black) nylon stems and Quantum logo (multicoloured) standard flights. The set up can be easily replicated via Quantum or almost any darts store.
Tester Quotes:
“…I can just rest my finger in the scallop. It feels like I can put my fingers where they fall naturally…” County Player
” …the grip is brilliant and the balance is Perfect ” Elite PLAYER
” these are just so much better than I thought. They can be thrown in at least three different hold styles including in a ‘Tayloresque’ manner…” Coach .
N.B. Testers found improved performance with larger surface area flights and more tapered stems.
Debbie Downers:
Only minor, personal taste, issues were noted. Any scalloped dart can take a little getting used to, so give your Aphelion a little time. One tester was less happy with the taper toward the stem and one loved the shape and design but could not adapt to razor/shark grip.
Durability:
We suspect Aphelion are going to prove ultra-durable. After more than 60 legs from a variety of players, including tour players and a major finalist, they look almost untouched. There is no coating to wear and no vulnerable zone for damage. These may be passed down through families!
Value:
Just over £30 for a precision design, and highly engineered, dart is exceptional value. All AIM: testers acknowledged that they would part with such a sum.
Marks:
Aphelion scored well in almost every area. Indeed, a 9 and a 10/10 were awarded by totally different style testers. Not every player will be fond of a scalloped dart with an aggressive grip. Aphelion did better than almost all in its class. The average mark came in at a very solid 8.5/10.
SnapShot:
A very well-liked dart, popular with most testers and throw styles. Durable, original and very high quality. A superb example of how smaller, more responsive, companies can make a big impression with darts players. Surely Aphelion is worth its day in the sun.
Review first published in Darts World Magazine (571) 2020. Order the latest issue, here.
