RAYMOND van Barneveld’s trophy cabinet needs no introduction, but the first piece of totemic darts silverware is the one everyone remembers. January 1998. The Lakeside. A Dutchman, a Welshman and a final that went all the way.
To mark 25 years since that breakthrough, Target teamed up with Barney himself on the BARNEY25, a special-edition set built to celebrate the arrival of the sport’s first Dutch world champion.
It’s a collector’s piece by design, but how does it earn its place at the oche as well as on the shelf?
Originally reviewed in late 2023, AJ headed down to the AIM180 bunker to see how they stacked up and to refresh his review for a DartsWorld Legacy item!
- Product: Raymond van Barneveld, BARNEY25 Special Edition
- Brand: Target Darts
- Material: 95% tungsten
- Weights: 21g, 23g, 25g
- RRP: £89.95 (currently £52.95 from Target Darts)
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First impressions
Target have never been shy about pushing the envelope, and the BARNEY25 is no exception. The presentation is a step above the norm, and the special-edition touches run through the whole package rather than stopping at the barrels.
Those varying grip levels are visible the moment you open the box, and it’s a set that looks every bit the commemorative piece it’s meant to be.
As well as the stunning stock setup that accompanies the barrels, also in the barrels is a limited edition BARNEY25 Swiss Point Key.
Stock setup: 26mm Swiss GRD Points, BARNEY25 Pro Grip EVO Stems (Short), BARNEY25 Pro Ultra No.2 Flights.
A closer look
The barrels are 95% tungsten, and rather than a single pattern running end to end the barrel moves through different grip levels. A knurl-style texture towards the front gives way to a more aggressive ring grip at the rear.
Target describe the finish as a blend of precision-cut radial grooves and CNC-milled cuts, and up close machining is very well executed. The 26mm Swiss GRD Points, which Target say add extra grip from point to barrel, are matched by shafts and flights made especially for this edition.
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All three weights share the same 47mm length, with diameter growing from 6.6mm on the 21g to 7.2mm on the 25g, so there’s a version to suit most grips.
How the Darts feel to throw
AJ finds the balance to be the first box ticked. The darts sit nicely in the hand and feel well put together, which is what you’d hope for from a set carrying this much ceremony.
The change in grip and texture along the barrel also gives room to find their own preferred grip point. Elsewhere, the Pro Grip EVO Stems add an extra bit of ring grip that goes beyond the barrel.
Verdict
The BARNEY25 is a handsome, carefully engineered tribute. It has a distinctive grip design, a well-balanced feel, and special-edition flights, shafts and key that make it feel like a proper anniversary package rather than an afterthought.
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For collectors, it’s an easy recommendation, claims AJ and the AIM180 team. And at its current reduced price it’s a more comfortable buy than the original tag suggests.
Available in steel tip and soft tip from Target Darts and approved retailers.
Words: James Streetfield
Tested by AIM180, with thanks to AJ Urmston-Toft and DartsWorld
