For the initial season, of the AIM constructors championship, teams, companies and players have had a few of each type of event before the initial table. Thus with almost a third of the season gone, 15 PDC Pro/Euro Tour Events complete, and the season’s first TV major complete here is a first look at the table:
Current League Table (May 5th 2016).
£=Points (PDC Ranking Qtr final onwards)
1 – XQ Max – 207.75
2- Red Dragon – 116
3 – Unicorn – 110.25
4 – Target – 105.75
5 – Winmau – 53.25
6 – Monster – 23.25
7 – Bulls – 17
8 – Harrows – 12.25
How points are scored: https://dartsworld50.com/2016/01/05/darts-a-constructors-championship/
XQ Max Lead the Pack.
The small be very well-formed Dutch company are flying in 2016. With the almost unstoppable MVG leading the way. Only failing to score once as a group and Benito VDP providing some of the strongest opposition to MVG mean that XQ are proving that quality over quantity can be a very successful strategy. Wins in all ranking formats and VVV chipping in on quieter weekends has meant huge exposure for the recently formed successor to Masterdarts. In addition the habit of their players all having individual/XQ set means they lead the way in the accessories area as well. Adding Andy Hamilton to the stable should prove worth a watch. Andy can produce superb stuff when he feels believed in, will it happen again here?
Red Dragon Excelling!
Although RD could be described as Winmau’s little brother, it still must be remembered that compared to some of the other names they are relatively small, budget and marketing are restricted and retail presence is purely online. Thus to be above both Target and Unicorn as well as big brother Winmau is a remarkable effort. The combination of a select group of quality players who have been with them a while, Wright & Thornton being the best examples, together with a policy of giving players an opportunity to come through is working very well. Gerwen Price, Daryl Gurney, Andy Gilding and have come through the system. It appears that RD’s second front is coming through!
What’s Up with Target & Winmau
With the League being based purely on PDC ranking events all is not lost for two of the biggest names in darts. Yet in the case of Target it appears to be a poor return on a huge investment. Innovative darts and complimentary accessories, together with some of the greatest players, should be a sure recipe for dominance or at minimum competing at the very top. 4th position in both Dart & Accessories tables is simply not good enough. All style and no substance? Unbalanced team? The majors should assist them in climbing the table, but rankings do not last forever.
The situation looks even worse for Winmau, perhaps the oldest and most respected name in darts, are simply having a poor spell. Some of their established stars have endured tough times. There are some signs of recovery, Whitlock & Webster are beginning to return to some sort of form and may well haul Winmau further up the table. It should also be remembered that Winmau are more closely associated with the BDO, where they have the reigning world champion and have recently signed up the superb Jeff Smith. Can they really afford to stand still in regard to the PDC arena? The impression of a stable of former champions and ageing stars in harder to shake off.
Best of The Rest?
Both Monster and Bulls have made decent starts to the season thanks to their stars. Monster are heavily dependant on Jelle Klaasen (As are L style in the Accessories table). Bulls are quietly producing an excellent stable of, mainly European, players. Mensur is obvioulsy the main source of points but others such as Max Hopp & Dave Pallet are chipping in and have strong futures ahead. A special mention to Elven Darts. As an independent handmade producer, of bespoke darts, it is superb to see them register. The return of Harrows to the frontline, of the PDC, is to be warmly welcomed. A name of real pedigree with a small stable of quality players covering all darting areas. Their policy of selecting small numbers and backing them well may pay off with young Josh Payne.
Finally V180 deserve great credit, not only do they make the chart, they would feature a great deal higher if introducing great players gained points! With Chizzy, Bunting, Norris and more being given chances in the recent past.
Set Up / Accessories
Its bad news for those trying to make an impact with accessory systems. So far only Jelle Klaasen making a real impact whilst using L Style flight and stem set ups. Cosmo seem to be slipping backwards with their players struggling and non of the top section adopting their products.
It would be interesting to see whether this is due to players sponsors not allowing the combination or genuine preference for other types. Some manufacturers are missing a trick by not providing branded accessories or producing ones to their players needs. Unicorn still seem to ensure that almost every sponsored player uses either personalised unicorn products or their branded items, target similarly. Red Dragon & others may be missing out a little here.
As the second section of the season continues with more European Tour events, and Pro Tour weekends, coming together with The World Matchplay amongst others. Will XQ continue their excellent season. Can Red Dragon stay ahead of their rivals and will Target & Winmau get back in the race?
