Phil Taylor Dart Weight

How Heavy Were Phil Taylor's Darts?

Phil Taylor is most associated with 26g darts through the peak of his career, and he experimented within the heavier end of the spectrum over the years. That is around 3.5g heavier than the modern tour average and noticeably heavier than today's top players like Luke Humphries (22g) and Luke Littler (23g).

Taylor's signature ranges — produced during his career with Unicorn and later with Target under the Power branding — were built to his specification. The heavier barrel was a deliberate choice that suited his powerful, deliberate throw.

Why Did Phil Taylor Use 26g Darts?

Taylor threw with tremendous power and control. A 26g dart carries more momentum, which means it is less disturbed by tiny release inconsistencies and sits firmly in the board. For a thrower as strong and grooved as Taylor, that extra stability was an asset rather than a burden.

Heavier darts also drop into the board at a slightly steeper angle, which can help with grouping because darts are less likely to deflect off each other. Combined with Taylor's relentless practice regime, the 26g setup helped produce the tightest, most repeatable throw the sport had ever seen.

Phil Taylor vs the Modern Tour

The modern game has trended lighter. Where Taylor threw 26g, today's elite mostly sit between 21g and 24g: Humphries at 22g, Littler at 23g, Michael van Gerwen at 21.5g. Only heavyweights like Nathan Aspinall (26g) and the extreme outlier Ryan Searle (32g) match or exceed Taylor's weight.

There is no single reason for the shift toward lighter darts, but it shows how personal weight is. Taylor proved that a heavier setup, thrown by the right player, can dominate. The number that matters is the one that matches your throw.

Should You Try Phil Taylor's 26g Darts?

26g is heavier than most players need, but it can be a revelation for the right thrower. Consider these points before copying The Power:

• You have a strong, deliberate throw: 26g rewards power and control like Taylor's. If your throw is soft or quick, this weight will likely feel like too much.
• You want maximum stability: The extra mass smooths out release errors and reduces bounce-outs, which some players find confidence-inspiring.
• Watch for fatigue: 26g adds up over a long session. If your arm tires, your throw changes — build up gradually rather than switching cold.
• Test before you commit: Try a 26g set for several practice sessions and compare your grouping and scoring against your current darts.