Why Is My Dartboard Bulging? If you’re an avid darts player, you may have encountered a puzzling issue: a bulging dartboard. You’ve probably noticed the surface of your once smooth and pristine dartboard becoming uneven and bulging, affecting your game and leaving you wondering why this is happening.
The degradation of the sisal fibers, or bristles, that comprise the dartboard face is the most frequent reason for a dartboard to swell or bulge.
In this informative guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind a swelling dartboard and provide you with practical solutions to address this common problem.
Main Reasons For Dartboard Bulging:
Let’s Discuss some reasons for dartboard bulging:
Heat:
One of the primary causes of dartboard swelling is heat. Constant exposure to high temperatures can cause the material of the dartboard to expand, causing warping and bulging.
If a dartboard is exposed to extreme heat—such as direct sunshine or proximity to heating sources—its surface fibres may degrade. This could eventually cause the dartboard to become deformed and lose its structural integrity.
Moreover, extreme heat may cause the adhesive holding the bristle fibres to break down. The gaps between the fibres increase the likelihood of the dartboard bulging.
To prevent swelling or bulging from heat, the dartboard needs to be kept in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
Moisture:
Another component of dartboard bulging is moisture. Moisture can significantly affect a dartboard’s structure and strength, causing it to overload and swell. When a dartboard absorbs moisture, it expands or bulges, and when it dries out, it contracts.
This constant cycle of swelling and shrinking is what leads to bulges. Moisture can enter the dartboard in a number of ways, such as through contact with water or high humidity environments.
It’s important to keep in mind that dartboards are typically made of silk fibres, which are incredibly absorbent materials.
As a result, they are more vulnerable to problems caused by moisture. To avoid moisture-induced dartboard swelling, dartboards must be stored dry, kept out of high-humidity areas, and protected from water and other moisture sources.
Excessive Use:
Excessive use is one of the major causes of dartboard bulging. A dartboard may bulge after repeated heavy use due to the continuous pressure of the darts striking the surface.
This is particularly true if the darts are thrown inconsistently and with too much force, striking the dartboard. The dartboard may get dented or bulge in some places as a result of the repeated strain pushing the fibers outward.
The kind and length of the dartboard itself may also have an impact on how likely it is to swell. Dartboards that are not meant to survive frequent use or that are constructed of inferior materials could be more likely to bulge.
Thus, to ensure a longer lifespan and improved playing pleasure, frequent maintenance and the periodic rotation of the dartboard can help prevent or delay the formation of bulging.
How to Stop Your Dartboard From Bulging?
Not only can a bloated dartboard spoil your game, but it can also cause discomfort and keep you from having fun. Luckily, there are practical solutions available to stop and resolve this problem.
First of all, turn your dartboard regularly to equally move surface wear. This will stop some areas from squeezing and bulging.
Second, make sure you are using high-quality darts with softer tips because the silk fibers may become loose and bulge due to the force of stronger tips.
Furthermore, try not to throw your darts with too much force, as this might compress the fibers and result in bulges.
Finally, to protect your wall from any potential bulges and to absorb any erroneous throws, think about purchasing a dartboard border or backboard.
You may prolong the life of your dartboard and improve your playing experience by following these simple guidelines to keep the surface smooth and ideal.
Which Dartboard Should I Replace My Bulging Board With?
When changing out a bulging dartboard, it’s critical to get a high-quality model that provides stability and optimal play.
There is one trustworthy option, the Winmau Blade 5 dartboard. Because of its thinner wire structure, closer grouping and fewer bounce-outs are possible.
Additionally, the board’s carbon diffusion technology increases its overall strength and durability. Another popular choice is the Unicorn Eclipse HD2 dartboard, which has gained recognition for its exceptional quality and longevity.
Because of its staple-free construction, bounce-outs are decreased and the target area is expanded. Another product to consider is the Unicorn Eclipse Pro, which has a staple-free design and premium sisal fibres that withstand wear and tear.
In the end, personal preference and financial limitations should guide the decision. It is imperative to make an investment in a reputable brand that offers durability, fewer bounce-outs, and an improved gaming experience if you want to ensure many joyful dart battles for years to come.
FAQS:
Q1: How does moisture or humidity affect the dartboard?
A dartboard’s fibers stretch and swell as it absorbs wet or is subjected to high humidity levels because they absorb the water. This may have an impact on the board’s integrity and form.
Q2: What are some common sources of moisture or humidity that can cause dartboard swelling?
Many sources of moisture or humidity, such as wet basements, bathrooms, being close to water sources, or keeping the board in a humid atmosphere, can result in dartboard swelling.
Q3: Can dartboard swelling affect gameplay?
Indeed, Yes, the size of the dartboard can affect the game. The enlarged fibers may produce an uneven surface on which darts may deflect or adhere less firmly, reducing their accuracy and consistency.
Q4: Can a swollen dartboard be repaired?
Sadly, it’s challenging to fix a swelling dartboard. The damage is usually permanent after the fibers have inflated and enlarged. If the swelling makes gameplay much more difficult, it might be required to replace the dartboard.
Q5: How long does it take for a dartboard to swell?
The amount of moisture or humidity exposure can affect how long it takes for a dartboard to swell. Generally speaking, visible swelling might result from ongoing exposure over an extended length of time.
Summary:
In summary, It’s essential to take a bulging dartboard seriously as it can significantly impact the accuracy of your throws and the overall enjoyment of the game.
To prevent and address this issue, it’s crucial to understand the root causes of bulging such as moisture, dampness, heat, humidity, and excessive use.
Regularly inspect your dartboard, keep it in a controlled environment, and use high-quality darts to maintain its condition for longer periods.
Remember, a well-maintained dartboard enhances your dart-playing experience and ensures fair and accurate results.
