Laserdarts Interview

An Interview with Laserdarts: The Darts Above

Laser Darts products are among the best known darts in Japan today.
But few people here know much about your company history. Can you tell
us a little about your organizational history?

Q:1. The company was created as a division of Fansteel Corporation in the early 1970's. The parent company produced precise metal products for a variety of applications. One of the company executives (a dart player) saw the need and opportunity to create a high quality line of Steel point darts.

A:1. The dart division was spun-off in the 1980's and renamed "Laserdarts". We purchased the company in 1989. Being familiar with the various models, we continued production on all but 2 of the styles. In the 1990's we introduced Soft-Tip models and added several new models. We seldom add new designs unless they are truly an advance in the sport. The models we now offer cover virtually all barrel styles and popular weights. To change for the sake of change isn't part of our philosophy.

Q:2. With so many darts products on the market today it can be hard for new players to identify which products to purchase. Laser Darts products are some of the best known for quality and for your product guarantees. What other factors do you feel set your dart products apart?

A:2. Every Laserdart model is designed to improve the dart player's throwing ability. A dart may look startling but if it was created for sales, rather than to be accurate, then it's a bad choice for the player. We do not design darts for the sake of appearance alone (colors, specialized knurling, etc). Many Laserdart owners see dramatic improvements in their game. This is our goal.

Q:3. The growth and development of the sport world-wide is largely attributable to the participation of committed organizations and the support of darts manufacturers. What projects, events, activities or sponsorships are you involved with currently? Please tell us a little about your involvement in the international darts community. Are you involved in any projects in Japan or do you have any plans for the future here?

A:3. We have been supporters of all major dart organizations over the years. We also sponsor the Youth Trophy for the A.D.O. Additionally, we contribute to many tournaments through the U.S.A. Our participation in the International community is limited. The primary reason is that we have suppliers strongly involved in many of the activities. We offer support to them but do not feel it is proper to advertise our company at the same time.

Q:4. What sets Laser Darts steel tip lines apart? Are you currently developing any new lines that we can hope to see in Japan?

A:4. All Laserdarts (steel tip or Soft tip) are designed to improve throwing accuracy. This starts with the quality of the darts and extends to the shapes, balance, and grip options. We are not adding any new models for 2005.

Q:5. Your Widows series is one of the most respected darts models on the market, both in soft and steel tip play. What went into the creation of this line? What factors drove the development of the series? Where did the name originate?

A:5. Until the release of the Widow, dart players were offered standard designs created in England. Since the British players are a strong force in tournament play, this statement isn't meant as a criticism.

However, the Widow was a bit special. The entire dart was created to accommodate virtually every throwing style & grip. The people involved were dart players with engineering backgrounds.

First, tungsten content was set at 95% to give more weight to a thin/short barrel. The shape and drilling of the barrel created a slightly front-heavy dart for more accuracy. The tapered shape also allowed for tighter groupings. Grooves were included as reference grip points for all throwers. A Knurled option was added in the 1990's. Finally, 3 gas coatings were included to give even more grip and texture.

As to the name... I don't know who came up with the "Widow". But... It fit. A deadly name for a deadly dart.

Q:6. Most darters are familiar with the common tungsten percentages listed for most darts models. But few truly understand what goes into the manufacture of a quality tungsten dart. Can you walk us through your production process? Where does the tungsten originate? How and where are your darts manufactured? What tests and quality checks do you conduct to assure the best overall quality of your product lines?

A:6. We use several companies in the world to produce our barrels. They are based in both the United States and England. They obtain the tungsten from a variety of sources but most originates in Russia. The pure tungsten is mixed with other metals to allow the barrels to be milled. These metals are nickel/silver, brass or iron. Depending on the mixture, the barrels can range from 60% TO 97% tungsten. A specific gravity test is run to determine the exact percentage. The tungsten billets are then fed into an automated milling machine to produce the required barrel. Computer profiles are used to create various styles and weights.

At our facility, we inspect each barrel for cracks or barrel imperfections. They are they sent out to have the various gas coatings (Gold or Black) applied. Upon return, the coated barrels are again inspected, weigh matched, and made into sets.

Q:7. Both Widows and Eagles lines are available in Gold and Black coatings. How are the coatings produced?

A:7. The coatings are a 3 layer gas process. The coatings were designed for use on machine tools to add an abrasive surface and to extend the life of the tool. Only the middle layer varies (Gold or Black). The primary coatings are a titanium nitride or carbide base. Preparing the barrels and finishing the coating process takes several days.

Q:9. With products like the KCs and Heavy Metal lines you have introduced some very innovative models. Please tell us a little more about these models and some of your other more innovative products.

A:9 Since players have few options for a front-weighted dart, we designed both the KCs and the Heavy Metal models. For many players, a front-weighted dart is very accurate. The dart is pulled to the target and isn't influenced as much by air currents or flight wobble. The Heavy Metal model also includes a spinning flight option for tighter groupings.

Q:10. North America is starting to play a greater and greater role in the world of darts. The Las Vegas Desert Classic is just one example of that participation. Where do you see Horizon/Laser Darts in the greater participation by American organizations and manufacturers?

A:10. We intend to continue our support of national and regional dart activities. We have ongoing discussions about our participation with a number of organizations.

Q:11. Soft tip play has had strong communities world wide but has often suffered from a decline in interest over time. Over the past two years soft tips play has exploded here. Japan is now one of the largest and fastest growing soft tip markets world wide with strong participation by a wide age range and by both men and women. What advice would you offer to the soft tip community to help build and sustain the longevity of the sport?

A:11. rankly, you appear to be doing all the right things. The involvement of machine manufacturers and distributors provides a solid base for growth. Japan has shown that darts is not simply a "Fad" but a true competitive sport. As long as attention is paid to the beginning players the future will be bright. Being the best at a sport is admirable but your systems must continue to allow early players to compete against their peers.

Q:12. What role do you think manufacturers can play to sustain the continued growth of the sport?

A:12. Depending on their size, all manufacturers support the darting community. The amount of their involvement is determined by the costs incurred. Like others in this group, we try to focus on adding more players to the sport.

Q:13. If a small vendor or shop wishes to add Laser Darts to their offering, can you give us a little information about how they may do so. Following our previous reviews we have had inquires regarding wholesale conditions. Please let us know how best to refer any inquires we receive.