Dart Works

Dart throwing is one of Orange County’s fastest growing sports, according to Dart Works owner Stuart C. Malmgren. “There are at least two leagues active locally,” he said. “That’s about 70 teams. Sports bars are becoming increasingly popular, too, introducing even more people to the sport.”

Dart Works has all the equipment necessary for you to set up your own in-home throwing site, plus all the fancy accessories that are sure to impress competitors. “It’s like any other sport or hobby,” said Malmgren. “People enjoy buying all the little accessory items.”

Imagine walking into Muldoon’s or The Fox & Firkin sports bars in Newport Beach, armed with your own set of tungsten darts in a handmade wooden case. The set-up is just as impressive as walking into a pool hall carrying your own cue in a slick, leather case.

And almost as lucrative, too. Dart throwing is becoming similar to pool in the amount of money that can be won in barroom competitions. “There are people who make a living at it. It’s possible to win up to $30,000 a year in local and national competitions,” said Malmgren. “The top two international throwers have earned as much as $1 million a year in tournament winnings and endorsements.”

Even if you never make it to competition level, throwing darts can be a fun and relaxing hobby. “The sports bars are a great place to congregate after work or on weekends, not just to drink, but to meet up with friends, play darts and have a good time. They’re modeled after the British pubs,” said Malmgren.

Dart Works sells a selection of darts, including those made from less-expensive brass to the more expensive tungsten models, which cost about $35 to $100 for a set of three. Darts are sold in a variety of weights, and the choice is entirely individual. “It all depends on your personal preference and throwing style.

“There are no height or weight advantages in darts,” said Malmgren. “That’s why it’s one of the few sports where men and women can compete equally. One of the best local throwers is a woman.”

Unlike some sports, dart throwing doesn’t require a huge investment in equipment. Dart boards cost between $45 and $55. The boards are usually placed on a backboard, which sells for $37 to $56

One of the most common places to hang a dart board is in the garage, but Malmgren advises against it. “It’s often cold out there and you’ll get less use out of the board. The best place is a game room or a den, away from television or stereo equipment,” he said. Dart Works offers dart boards enclosed in attractive cabinets.

Players who’d rather not have steel-tip darts flying around their homes might want to try an electronic board. Pliable, plastic-tipped darts stick into spaces on the electronic board, which detects where the dart hits and keeps score automatically. Another bar game has gone high-tech.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Address: Northland Center, 2431 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana

Telephone: (714) 547-6000