WORLD CUP winners don’t grow on trees. In darts, as in any sport, they highly rare and possess a combination of talent and toughness that sees them perform with distiction on many other occasions.
Darren Herewini claimed the WDF’s World Cup singles in 2019. Like all of us his momentum has since been arrested by Covid and related issues. The tide may however be turning for the New Zealand thrower as Winmau launched his signature barrel last week.
NEW ZEALAND star and World Cup singles winner Darren Herewini has designed his latest barrel with Winmau to suit his technically perfect and modern throw. The mesmeric Maori has captured many fans with his exciting and flamboyant style, many have been awaiting his signature darts with anticipation.
First Impressions:
Darren has gone for a dual-grip front weighted style that he feels helps him get the smoothest trajectory to the board. They look to be almost a hybrid of classic design barrels from the past. The darts feel long in the hand with a stronger grip at the rear which is reminiscent of Bob Anderson, the stem join has no blank similar to Wez Newton and is and soft control at the front with wide-spaced grooves, this area looks more a tribute to Rees or Lowe.
The bronze-coloured onyx coating is an underestimated finish that has proven successful at every level and in a variety of designs. The colour contrasts against both board and wires but does not glare or catch the eye in between darts.
Open the Box:
To complement the bronzed dart Winmau has selected short Prism stems and flights in black and black/grey. Mounted in the Winmau point protector and the usual retail packaging the overall impression is of high quality and intriguing item.
Dimensions:
The 24g edition are 50.8mm in length with a maximum width of 6.8mm. The barrel is 90% tungsten and coated in bronzed coloured onyx.
It will be interesting to see how Darren returns to competition after the lockdown and if he can resume his career with at least some momentum remaining. His new weapons and a chance to defend/regain his World Cup singles title and then perhaps seek more majors and even a PDC career.
Will he go on to emulate previous winners such as eric Bristow or Raymond Van Barneveld? Darren may instead reflect the efforts of his immediate predessessors Jim Williams and Jeff Smith who, although not reaching the starry heights, both reached World finals and are enjoying fine careers.
In the meantime, we shall have to satisfy ourselves with a full review of his new darts. Our testers are very impressed and can’t wait to give them a full workout.
——ENDS——
Extra writing: JR Lott
The Boardroom with Catdromeda Accounting Ltd
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