We all know the disappointment of a long anticipated sequel. Thankfully Red Dragon’s second birthday launch was certainly more Godfather II than Jaws 3D!
Part II of Red Dragon’s 50th anniversary celebrates 4 more milestone models which are both high on innovation and popularity amongst the firm’s fans. They also added two more names to the list with very special edition darts and shirt sets .
- Product: Selected Classic Darts
- Brand: Red Dragon
- Variation: 4 Modern Milestone Models
- Material: Tungsten
- Price: £25 -80
BIRTHDAY BUNDLE – The Remix
There are 6 more models under the different monikers in what might be thought of this time as the Belated Red Dragon Birthday Box!
For personalisation and finding the perfect weight / model for you you can’t beat the hands on retail experience. Our friends at Pinnacle Darts will be please to help!
Element 6: Two fantastic examples of one of the best innovations in barrel making over the past 20 years. Both models are the natural tungsten with the diamond fusion grip that this range pioneered.
The 24g is one of the parallel styles that were first offered c2010. A hybrid between a Bristow shaped barrel but with a ring grip pattern closer to that of earlier Bob Anderson’s. The diamond adds a security that you cannot match. A functional dart in the extreme.
But if you want to move to what was the cutting edge and is still ‘Grade A’ try the 25g model.
Like RD’s own Fusion or Cyclone models they have a large – totally smooth – front/nose section with a smaller grip section toward the stem. With the ‘Element 6’ added, the grip zone allows a delicate hold on a more destructive dart. Be patient and you’ll be rewarded.
Grizzly: These were a ground breaking model offered in a couple of differing grip formats. The mix of knurling grip zones and fine ring grip areas also offered a variety of styles with a similar feel.
The tapered 25g is another dart for those who like a methodical no nonsense approach with minimal complications to get in the way. I was much more taken by revisiting the 24g that had knurled sections to a barrel shape reminiscent of Klaasen or Tony David. The dart feels more comfortable than many from that era and you’ll see how Grizzly were so influential.
Hexoset: These are another of those models that gathered a mythology about them over the years, a little like the Shockwave of the first 50th release. The non-tubular shape and more solid geometric lines seem to have led to a real sea change in dart design that computer aided design and advanced CDC techniques have since accelerated.
The reissue of these was met with genuine delight by many collectors and players who regretted not getting to try them or moving onto something else. Collectors again seem delighted.
Golden Virgins: This shape seems to be making a real return to prominence. If you are looking to try more bulbous darts, but feel you may need weight or some length of barrel then these are a tremendous place to start.
Despite the terrible name you should take these seriously. Take your time and play about with set-ups and grip positions. I thoroughly enjoyed my favourite dart coating as well as trying the different grip point obviously offered by the wide ring cuts nearer the point or the almost shark grip nearer the stem
Again the four re issues stir the memory both for nostalgia and excellence. A remarkable thing is that the Element 6 models are available for a similar cost to their list price in 2010/11!
FAB FIVE COLLECTED
The ‘Fab Five’ of Red Dragon’s current playing line up have had themed special edition sets released in celebration. We looked at the first three available, Luke Humphries, Gian Van Veen and Jonny Clayton, in the previous issue.Next to drop was always going to impress:
Peter Wright: Oddly, due to his normal flamboyance, the Snakebite editions are more subtle and designed to appeal to a wide range than you might have expected. The shirt is majority black but with the colourful snakeskin embellishments on the shoulders and sleeves.
The darts are a black and gold version of Peter’s hugely successful World champions edition darts first seen for his 2020 title triumph. Having reviewed previous sets I can safely say these are my favourite. The coating softens the grip a little. They look superb if you are collecting and are less distracting if you are playing!
Again, 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!
Gerwyn Price: Released on the same day as publication of this magazine issue it will be intriguing to see which model and in what direction Red Dragon go with the special Iceman options.
Gezzy’s branding is simple and sharp so his shirt and extras are very strong, so it is likely that they’ll be finishing with a bang! Keep your eye out on our social and at reddragondarts.com for more 50th anniversary bonuses.
Happy Birthday, one again and Congratulations to all concerned!
—–ENDS—–
Images: Red Dragon
