Ryan Searle Dart Weight: Why the Heavy Metal Star Uses 32g Darts

How Heavy Are Ryan Searle's Darts?

Ryan Searle's darts weigh 32 grams each. This has been his standard weight for years, and he has occasionally experimented with even heavier setups — including a brief trial at 34g. The PDC allows darts up to 40g, so Searle is still comfortably under the limit, but he sits at the extreme end of the professional weight spectrum.

His signature darts, produced by Harrows, are available in 32g as the flagship pro weight. For recreational players who want the same barrel shape without the extreme weight, Harrows also produces them in 22g, 23g, 24g, 26g, and 30g steel-tip versions, plus 18g and 20g soft-tip variants. But the 32g version is the one that defines his game.

Why Does Ryan Searle Use Such Heavy Darts?

There is no single official reason Searle settled on 32g, but darts physics and interviews with the man himself offer several clues. Heavy darts behave differently in flight. They carry more momentum, which means they are less affected by a slightly erratic release. For a player with a naturally strong throw, the extra weight can feel more stable and predictable than a lighter dart that is more sensitive to subtle grip or wrist changes.

Searle has also mentioned that he likes the way heavy darts "sit in the board." A heavier dart penetrates deeper and holds its position more firmly, which can be satisfying and confidence-inspiring for a player who lands a lot of darts in the same treble bed. The deeper penetration also reduces the chance of bounce-outs — a dart that hits a wire and would normally fall out of a lighter setup might stick with the extra weight behind it.

Another factor is consistency. Searle's throw is not the fastest on tour, but it is deliberate and powerful. The 32g weight matches his natural tempo. Lighter darts might force him to adjust his throw speed or grip pressure to compensate, introducing variables that could disrupt his rhythm.

Ryan Searle's Harrows Signature Darts: Design and Features

Searle's signature darts are a collaboration with Harrows, one of darts' longest-standing manufacturers. The barrels are machined from 90% tungsten, which is the industry standard for professional-grade darts. The remaining 10% is a nickel-silver binder that gives the tungsten its workable properties.

The barrel shape is front-loaded — thicker at the front and tapering toward the rear. This shifts the centre of gravity forward, which can help with stability during the throw and produce a cleaner entry into the board. The grip pattern combines aggressive shark cuts near the front with standard ring cuts through the middle and rear, giving Searle tactile feedback at every stage of his grip.

The overall barrel profile is chunky by pro standards, which is unavoidable at 32g. Despite the size, users report that the darts fly surprisingly well once you adjust to the weight. Many recreational players who have tried Searle's setup note that the extra weight feels less tiring than expected, and the momentum helps the dart "drive itself" to the board.

How 32g Compares to the Rest of the Pro Circuit

Ryan Searle is unique in using 32g darts on the professional stage. No other top-64 PDC player consistently throws darts this heavy. The closest are players like Nathan Aspinall (25g) and Phil Taylor in his prime (26g), but even they are 6-10 grams lighter than Searle.

The lightest setups on tour belong to players like Rob Cross (22g), Michael Smith (22g), and Gary Anderson (22g). That is a 10-gram difference between the heaviest and lightest elite players — a 45% weight gap. In a sport where most professionals dial in their equipment to within half a gram of perfection, Searle's choice stands out as intentionally unconventional.

This weight gap is not just academic. It affects how Searle's darts fly, how they group, and how he finishes. His darts drop into the board at a slightly steeper angle than lighter darts due to their higher momentum fighting gravity less. This can help with grouping, because darts that enter at a steeper angle are less likely to deflect off each other in the board.

Should You Try Ryan Searle's 32g Darts?

Ryan Searle makes 32g work because his throw is built around them. That does not mean 32g is right for you. Dart weight is deeply personal, and what works for one player can destroy another's game. Here is what to consider:

• Throw strength: If you have a hard, fast throw, heavier darts can feel more controlled. If you throw softly, 32g might feel like throwing bricks.
• Grip style: Searle's front-loaded barrel works well for front-grippers. If you grip at the rear, a front-loaded 32g dart may feel unbalanced.
• Fatigue: 32g darts weigh almost 50% more than a typical 22g set. In a long match, that extra weight adds up. Searle is accustomed to it; a casual player might feel arm fatigue sooner.
• Board wear: Heavier darts penetrate deeper and can wear out your board's sisal fibres faster. If you practice heavily, expect to replace your board more often with 32g darts.

If you are curious about heavy darts, the best approach is to try before you commit. Borrow a friend's set or buy a second-hand set to test for a few practice sessions. You might discover that extra weight gives you the stability you have been missing — or you might confirm that the standard 22-24g range suits your game better.

Not sure what dart weight is right for you? Take the Dartsva Dart Weight Recommender — a free interactive tool that considers your throw style, grip, experience level, and common frustrations to suggest the ideal weight range for your game. It takes less than a minute and gives you a personalised recommendation you can take straight to your dart supplier.

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