Red Dragon Amberjack 14 Review – Four Decades of Tungsten Done Right

Some darts come and go. The Amberjack line has been around for over four decades, which tells you everything you need to know about whether it works. Red Dragon’s Amberjack 14 takes that proven pedigree and wraps it in their signature black and orange styling — a dart that has quietly earned a loyal following among players who care more about what lands in the treble bed than what’s printed on the box.

The Amberjack 14 sits at the affordable end of the 90% tungsten market without cutting corners on build quality. Whether you’re after a reliable match set or a quality practice dart you can trust, this is one of the strongest value propositions in darts right now.

Design and Build

The Amberjack 14 barrels are crafted from 90% tungsten with a specialist profile that sets them apart from more conventional barrel shapes. The design features a tapered front — sometimes described as a “stiletto” profile — that narrows toward the point and carries the weight through the centre of the barrel. This centre-weighted distribution promotes a stable, predictable flight path that rewards a consistent throwing technique.

Three weights are available, all sharing the same 50.8mm barrel length:

Every set is match-weighed to within 0.1 gram — the kind of precision that matters when you’re chasing tight groupings at the treble bed. Customers consistently describe these as feeling solid, well-balanced, and confidence-inspiring from the first throw.

The Grip

Red Dragon rates the Amberjack 14 grip at 4 out of 5 for intensity — firmly on the grippier side of the spectrum. The barrel features a full-length dual groove system that covers the entire surface, giving you consistent grip reference points regardless of where you hold the dart.

The groove pattern combines two distinct styles working together. Toward the front, tighter precision-cut ring grooves provide a clean, detailed grip for front grippers. These transition into wider, deeper U-shaped grooves through the middle and rear sections, offering more substantial purchase for players who hold further back. Two orange accent rings break up the groove zones, serving as both visual markers and tactile reference points.

Community feedback on the grip is largely positive. Players with a firm, deliberate throw tend to love the Amberjack 14, describing it as secure without being clingy. The full-length grip zone means you can experiment with different hold positions without running out of texture. That said, players with a very light, loose grip may find the grooves don’t provide quite enough bite for their style — though this is the minority view.

The Amberjack Range

The “14” designation sits within Red Dragon’s broader Amberjack family, which spans several models at different price points. Understanding where it fits helps you pick the right set.

The standard Amberjack range (including the 14) represents Red Dragon’s value-focused line. These darts prioritise quality tungsten construction and proven barrel designs at accessible prices. Across the range you’ll find different grip styles and barrel profiles — the 14 specifically features the dual groove, centre-weighted design covered in this review.

The Amberjack Pro range steps things up with upgraded barrel designs, premium coatings, and refined grip patterns. If you’ve tried the standard Amberjacks and want something with a more polished finish or different grip options, the Pro line is the natural next step — though you’ll pay more for the privilege.

All Amberjacks share that distinctive black and orange colour scheme that has become something of a trademark for the line. It’s a dart that looks the part at the oche without trying too hard.

What’s in the Box

Every Amberjack 14 set includes:

• Three 90% tungsten Amberjack 14 barrels (match-weighed to 0.1g)
• Three Hardcore standard flights (100 micron, black and orange)
• Three VRX polycarbonate shafts (orange)
• Trifold wallet

The Hardcore flights are made from 100-micron material — thicker than the flimsy flights bundled with most budget darts. They hold their shape well and match the black and orange styling of the barrels. The VRX shafts are a step up from basic nylon stems, offering improved stability and a secure flight-locking mechanism.

The trifold wallet is functional rather than fancy, but it does the job of keeping your darts protected between sessions. All told, it’s a complete package that you can throw straight out of the box without needing to buy anything extra.

What Customers Are Saying

The Amberjack 14 is consistently rated highly by customers, reflecting genuine satisfaction rather than novelty excitement.

Recurring themes in customer feedback include praise for the balance and weight distribution, with several reviewers noting that the darts feel “weighted perfectly.” The grip attracts positive comments too, with customers describing it as smooth and comfortable in the hand. Multiple buyers have described the Amberjack 14 as throwing like darts costing significantly more — high praise for a set at this end of the market.

The most common criticism — and it comes up rarely — is that the black paint on the barrel can show wear after extended heavy use. This is cosmetic rather than functional, and it’s a common trait across painted tungsten darts at any price point. A few players have also noted that the centre-weighted profile doesn’t suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a pronounced front-heavy throw.

Who Are These Darts For?

The Red Dragon Amberjack 14 makes most sense for:

• Players upgrading from brass or lower-percentage tungsten who want quality without the premium price tag
• Mid-grip and full-barrel grippers who’ll benefit from the full-length dual groove pattern
• Practice players looking for a quality set they can throw daily without worrying about wear
• Anyone who values proven reliability over flashy features — this dart has earned its reputation over four decades

They’re less suited to:

• Players who need a very light grip (1-2/5 intensity) for a smooth, passive release
• Throwers who want weights outside the 23-27g range
• Anyone after a front-weighted torpedo profile rather than centre-weighted balance

The Verdict

The Red Dragon Amberjack 14 is a masterclass in doing the fundamentals well. A centre-weighted stiletto profile, full-length dual groove grip, and quality accessories — all at one of the most competitive prices you’ll find for 90% tungsten.

The limited weight range (23g, 25g, and 27g only) is a minor frustration, and the black paint won’t last forever under heavy use. But these are small quibbles against a dart that consistently delivers. The strong customer ratings aren’t an anomaly — they’re the result of a barrel design that has been refined over four decades and still holds its own.

Forty years in production. Still one of the best value sets you can buy. That’s not marketing — that’s earned.

This review is a compilation of customer feedback gathered from multiple online sources including manufacturer specs, specialist retailers, forums, and darts community reviews. We have not personally tested this product. Individual experiences may vary.