Wrong tip type: Some boards need **steel tips** (bristle) or **specific soft-tip profiles** (e.g., Arachnid vs. Viper vs. Gran Board). Fix: Check board manual; buy compatible tips.
Dirty tips: Dust, oil, chalk buildup. Fix: Wipe with alcohol wipe or soapy water; dry thoroughly.
Loose tips: Vibration unscrews them mid-throw. Fix: Finger-tighten before each session; drop of blue Loctite 242 if chronic.
2. Board Issues
Worn segments: High-traffic zones (20, 19, bull) compress; holes widen. Fix: Rotate board weekly (if removable number ring); replace board if >2 yrs heavy use.
Wrong board for tips: Bristle board + soft tips = no stick. Electronic board + steel tips = damage. Fix: Match board type to tip type.
Dirty surface: Dust, hand oils, chalk. Fix: Vacuum gently (brush attachment); wipe with barely-damp microfiber; dry 1 hr.
Mounting instability: Board moves on impact. Fix: Screw into studs; use heavy-duty bracket; add rubber washers.
3. Throwing Technique
Angle too steep: Dart hits at >45° → bounces. Fix: Aim slightly downward (10–20°); follow through straight.
Insufficient force: Soft tips need kinetic energy to penetrate. Fix: Smooth acceleration; don't "push"—throw.
Early release / loose grip: Dart wobbles. Fix: 3-finger grip (thumb + index + middle); release at eye level; practice follow-through to target.
Inconsistent stance: Move feet each throw. Fix: Mark oche (toe line); same stance every time.
4. Environmental Factors
Humidity >60%: Board swells; tips don't penetrate. Fix: Dehumidifier; store board in dry place.
Cold temps (<60°F / 15°C): Plastic tips harden; board contracts. Fix: Warm room; warm darts in hand.
Lighting glare: Can't see target clearly. Fix: Diffuse LED at 45°; no direct shine on board.
5. Systematic Troubleshooting Protocol
Inspect tips → replace if worn/dirty.
Clean board surface.
Verify board-tip compatibility.
Throw 10 darts at **large single segment (e.g., 1)** from 7'9.25" — if 0/10 stick, it's equipment. If 8+/10 stick, it's technique on specific targets.
If equipment: test same darts on friend's board / same board with friend's darts.
If technique: record slow-mo video (phone 240fps); compare to pro form.
When to Contact Manufacturer
Board under warranty (Arachnid, Viper, Gran Board, Winmau typically 1–3 yrs).
Defective segments (electronics fail, not wear).
Tip compatibility unclear—email support with board model + tip photos.
90% of sticking issues = **worn tips or dirty board**. Start there.
