Hathaway Winner's Choice 18-in Bristle Dartboard
Shipping & Delivery
Overview
The Winner's Choice is a standalone 18-in sisal bristle dartboard with three specifications that directly reduce bounce-outs: rounded wires at segment boundaries, a staple-free bullseye construction, and self-healing sisal fibers. Rounded wires present a smaller deflection surface than the sharp-edge wires on cheaper boards — darts that graze the wire on a rounded-wire board tend to slide into the segment rather than deflect outward. Board dimensions are 18 in H x 18 in W x 1.5 in D at 9.5 lb.
The moveable metal number ring allows rotation to distribute wear across all scoring segments. Ships small parcel in a single 10 lb carton. Assembly approximately 20 minutes. Includes 6 steel-tip darts and mounting hardware. 180-day limited warranty. Rated for ages 10 and up.
Construction
The metal wire grid (spider) that divides scoring segments uses rounded cross-section wire rather than flat or sharp-edge wire. A dart tip that contacts rounded wire has a higher probability of deflecting into the adjacent segment than bouncing straight back off — reducing out-of-board bounce-outs during play.
The bullseye area is constructed without staples at the center — the most common source of bounce-outs on standard boards where metal staple heads protrude above the fiber surface. Removing the staple hardware from the bullseye eliminates this deflection point entirely.
Sisal fibers compress around the dart shaft on impact and return to position on removal, leaving no visible holes. A 9.5 lb board mass keeps it stable against a wall anchor during hard throws without requiring heavy-duty mounting hardware.
The outer number ring detaches and rotates to a new position, moving fresh fiber sections into the 20 and bullseye areas that take the most darts. A single rotation extends board life by 30–40% compared to boards with fixed number rings by distributing wear across the full circumference.
The playable target area within the outer wire boundary is 13.375 in — the regulation size for tournament play. The full board diameter of 18 in includes the outer bullseye ring and mounting surround.
Standard wall mounting hardware is in the box. The board hangs on a single screw or anchor at the regulation 5 ft 8 in bullseye height from the floor.
Buyer's Guide
Three construction details separate better bristle boards from cheaper ones: wire type, bullseye construction, and sisal density. Rounded wires reduce bounce-outs by changing the deflection angle on near-miss throws. Staple-free bullseye construction removes the metal protrusions at center that redirect darts away from the target. Dense sisal packing determines how many throws the board will absorb before the fiber surface wears down and begins shedding — lower-density boards show visible fiber separation within 6–12 months of regular use.
A standalone board like the Winner's Choice is the right choice when you already have a cabinet or prefer to wall-mount without a cabinet surround. If you need the full cabinet, dart storage, and scoreboard in one purchase, the Drifter (BG1046), Winchester (BG1044), Centerpoint (BG1041CH), or Farmington (BG50395) are the complete set options. The Winner's Choice at $69.99 is the highest-specification standalone board in Hathaway's lineup — relevant if you are upgrading the board inside an existing cabinet.
Specifications
General
Dimensions & Weight
Construction
Includes
Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What reduces bounce-outs on this board?
Two features: rounded wire segments (vs. sharp-edge wire) and a staple-free bullseye. Both reduce the metal surfaces that deflect dart tips away from the scoring area.
Does this include a cabinet?
No — standalone board only. Mounting hardware is included to hang directly on a wall.
How do I extend the life of the board?
Rotate the number ring periodically to move fresh fiber sections into the high-wear areas (20 segment and bullseye). This is the single most effective way to extend board life.
What darts are included?
6 steel-tip darts. Do not use soft-tip darts on a sisal bristle board.
Can this board be used in an existing cabinet?
Yes — at 18 in diameter it fits any standard regulation dartboard cabinet opening.
What is the warranty term?
180-day limited warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials under normal residential use.