The Best Dartboard Lights For Your Soft Tip Dartboard
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It's common knowledge in the steel tip world of darts that dartboard lights illuminate your dartboard and remove all shadows so you can see the segments easier. But did you know you can use dartboard lights on soft tip dartboards as well?
We've compiled a list of the best dartboard lights for your soft tip dartboard wrapped up into three bundles: Best Value, Ultimate Setup, and Budget Friendly. Read along with this article to learn more about soft tip dartboard lights to upgrade your soft tip game.
Soft Tip Dartboard Lights Video Review
In this video review, Jen Mounts discusses 4 potential options that can suit your soft tip dartboard lighting needs: One80 Illumina, Target Corona Vision, Target Arc, and the GLD Shadow Buster. Let's go over each dartboard light one by one, including how each light is mounted with your board:
The Best Value
One80 Illumina Lighting System
$106 value — One80 Illumina Lighting System ($100) + Mounting Kit ($6)
4000K LED lighting provides a natural daylight effect
Screws directly into the wall for secure mounting
For the best value and robust installation, the One80 Illumina dartboard lighting system offers excellent LED lighting that illuminates the entire soft tip dartboard in a classic horizontal light bar. Compared to the One80 Lite dartboard light, which magnetically attaches to the metal rim of steel tip dartboards, the One80 Illumina is perfect for any soft tip dartboard of any size because of its simple, straightforward installation.
How to Mount the One80 Illumina
What makes the One80 Illumina mounting process so secure is the fact that it is screwed into the wall instead of the dartboard. Soft tip players have two options for mounting the One80 Illumina dartboard light:
1. Follow the included mounting instructions
If your soft tip dartboard doesn't require mounting it in the center, you can easily use it with the One80 Illumina dartboard light. Simply install the One80 Illumina onto the wall as per the instructions and screw your dartboard, like the Gran Board, in 3 places around the edges of the back. The vertical back bar should not interfere with your dartboard.
However, if your soft tip dartboard mounts in the center — like the U-shaped bracket by Gran Darts — then the vertical back bar will get in the way of properly mounting your board. You'll need to follow Option 2 to properly mount the One80 Illumina dartboard light with your board.
2. Use the One80 Illumina Mounting Kit
If the vertical back bar of the One80 Illumina dartboard light prevents you from mounting your soft tip dartboard, ditch the vertical back bar and purchase the One80 Illumina Mounting Kit for a simplified installation process. Included in the kit are additional nuts and screws, plus a flat rectangular bracket that mounts directly above your dartboard on the wall along with the light.
The One80 Illumina Mounting Kit also includes a slip of paper that provides an exact guide for the proper dartboard light height above your soft tip board. Easy and convenient, so we highly recommend this option.
The Ultimate Setup
Target Corona Vision Lighting System
$139.90 value — Target Corona Vision Lighting System ($114.95) + Conversion Kit ($24.95)
Full 360 degree LED lighting with zero shadows
Magnetic attachments with the conversion kit provide easy installation
If you want to upgrade your dartboard lights for an easy plug-and-play experience, we recommend the Ultimate Setup with the Target Corona Vision lighting system plus Conversion Kit. Unlike the other dartboard lights on our list, the Corona Vision offers a full 360 degree ring light with 125 individual LED lights and a super white, slightly blue color that eliminates all shadows on the board. Replacement parts are also sold separately if you need a new LED light strip or a power replacement.
One drawback of the Corona Vision dartboard light is the stability — knock your board or the ring light too hard and it could fall off the magnets. Additionally, the high cost may tilt the heads of some soft tippers, but you're paying for the functionality and user-friendly installation. But if you're on a budget, don't fret! The One80 Illumina is a great cheaper option, or you can continue reading for two budget friendly lights that will make your wallet beam with joy.
How to Mount the Target Corona Vision
The best part about the Target Corona Vision dartboard light is that there's practically zero installation thanks to the magnetic attachments. Push in the four prongs that come in the Conversion Kit to your soft tip dartboard in between the 9 & 12, 18 & 4, 15 & 2, and the 16 & 7. Attach the magnetic legs of the Corona Vision to the four prongs and you're set! For a visual how-to, check out our Youtube tutorial on how to mount the Target Corona Vision dartboard light onto your soft tip dartboard.
Due to the size of soft tip dartboards compared to steel tip boards, only the Gran Darts Gran Boards (1, 2, 3, 3s, and Dash) and Dartslive 100S & 200S are compatible with the Corona Vision.
The Budget Friendly
Say you're on a budget and don't care about having the best dartboard light out there. You just want a dartboard light that works. We have two budget friendly options that will save you some money and illuminate your dartboard just as well.
1. Target Arc Dartboard Light
$76.99 value for the Target Arc Dartboard Light
24 individual bright white LED lighting
Clips directly to the top of your dartboard — no screwing required
The Target Arc Dartboard Light is an alternate version of the Arc Cabinet Light that clips directly to the top of your soft tip dartboard, right above the 20 section. If you have a cabinet that works with your soft tip dartboard, you can use the Arc Cabinet Light by screwing it onto the top, but the Arc Dartboard Light is specifically intended for use without a cabinet.
How to Mount the Target Arc Dartboard Light
To install the Target Arc Dartboard Light, adjust the clamp to the size of your soft tip dartboard thickness, slot it onto the top of your board, and tighten the device with the knob. The minimum board thickness compatible with the Arc Dartboard Light is 1.37 inches or 3.5 centimeters. Some soft tip boards that may work with the Arc Cabinet Light are the Gran Darts Gran Board 3s, VDarts H4, and the Target Nexus.
Because the Arc Dartboard Light is not screwed down into anything, there is a risk of the light falling if you bump the board too hard. You can prevent this by taping down the dartboard light with some tape. Otherwise, the Arc Dartboard Light generally sits okay on your board if you're not too rough.
2. GLD Shadow Buster Dartboard Light
$25.99 value for the GLD Shadow Buster Dartboard Light
Powered by 4 AA batteries or an optional AC adapter
Three adjustable light pods with super bright LEDs
DIY enthusiasts will fall in love with our final budget friendly dartboard light, the GLD Shadow Buster Dartboard Illuminator. Originally a cabinet dartboard light, the GLD Shadow Buster offers three adjustable light pods for a fully optimized lighting experience and flips back when not in use. Power your GLD Shadow Buster with 4 AA batteries (not included) or use an AC adapter for an alternative power source suited to your needs.
How to Mount the Target Arc Dartboard Light
We recommend going to your local hardware store to buy a thin wooden shelf that you can mount to the wall and screw the GLD Shadow Buster on top. The shelf acts as a makeshift cabinet top, plus you can display extra darts on the floating shelf for an extra wow factor!
Use a fancy dart stand like the Winmau Blade 6 Dart Dock to show off your favorite darts. See all available dart stands and dart holders purchase options below.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Four perfect dartboard lights for soft tip dartboard lighting systems that will leave any soft tipper happier than ever no matter what your needs are. Whether you go for the best value, our ultimate light, or the budget friendly options, we hope that your dartboard shines brighter and your scores grow higher with your new lights.
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