I’ve tried a lot of darts over the years. Budget brass sets, mid-range tungsten, expensive signature models. Yet somehow, I always end up back with the Target Bolide 02. There’s something about this dart that just works for me, and after extensive use, I think I understand why.
First Impressions
The Bolide 02 arrives with everything you need to start throwing. The set includes three 90% tungsten barrels, Target’s Pro Grip shafts in yellow, matching Bolide-branded No.6 flights, and 26mm silver smooth Swiss Points. A Swiss Point tool is also included, which you’ll appreciate if you want to experiment with different point lengths or styles.
The packaging is typical Target quality, and the darts themselves feel substantial the moment you pick them up. At 53mm barrel length and 6.4mm diameter, they sit in a comfortable middle ground that suits a variety of grips.
The Grip
This is where the Bolide 02 really stands out. The barrel features precise radial grooved cuts combined with a hand-sandblasted coating that creates a distinctive matte texture. When these darts are new, the grip is almost aggressive, bordering on sharp. Some players might find this too much initially.
Here’s the thing though: after a few weeks of regular use, that initial sharpness mellows into something perfect. The texture settles down but retains excellent grip. You get that secure, confident hold without the dart clinging to your fingers on release. It’s genuinely one of the best grip textures I’ve experienced on a production dart.
Whether you grip near the front, middle, or rear of the barrel, the consistent radial pattern provides purchase wherever your fingers land. This versatility makes it a solid choice if you’re still refining your technique or if your grip varies slightly from throw to throw.
Build Quality and Weight Accuracy
One thing that impressed me about the Bolide 02 is the weight consistency. All three darts in my set came in bang on the weight they should be. This might sound like it should be standard, but you’d be surprised how often budget and mid-range darts vary by a fraction of a gram between barrels.
Consistent weight means consistent throws. When all three darts behave identically, you can focus on your technique rather than compensating for equipment differences.
The 90% tungsten construction delivers a slim profile that allows for tight grouping. If you’re landing darts close together in the treble 20, the narrow barrels give incoming darts the best chance of finding space.
Swiss Point System
Target’s Swiss Point technology is a genuine advantage. The patented locking system lets you swap point lengths, styles, and colours in seconds using the included tool. This isn’t a gimmick. Being able to experiment with different point configurations without buying new darts is genuinely useful.
Prefer longer points for a forward balance? Swap them in. Want to try a textured point for better board entry? Easy. It also makes travel simpler since you can remove the sharp points entirely for safety.
Weight Options
The Bolide 02 is available in 21g, 23g, and 25g. While this covers the most popular weight range, players who prefer heavier darts (26g+) or lighter options (sub-20g) will need to look elsewhere. For most throwers, though, this range will include a suitable weight.
If you’re unsure, 23g is a sensible starting point that works for a wide variety of throwing styles.
Why I Keep Coming Back
I’ve genuinely lost count of how many darts I’ve tried. Some were more expensive, some had flashier designs, some came with big names attached. Yet the Bolide 02 remains my go-to.
Part of it is the grip. Once that initial sharpness wears down, the texture is exactly what I want. Part of it is the reliability. These darts do exactly what I expect, every single time. There’s no adjustment period when I pick them up after using something else. They just feel right.
That consistency matters more than most players realise. When you’re not thinking about your equipment, you can focus entirely on your throw.
Who Should Buy These?
The Target Bolide 02 suits:
- Players who value a secure, textured grip
- Anyone interested in experimenting with Swiss Points
- Intermediate to advanced throwers who know what they want
- Players looking for reliable, well-built darts without premium pricing
If you prefer a smooth or lightly textured barrel, the aggressive grip pattern might not suit you. Similarly, if you need weights outside the 21-25g range, you’ll need to look at other options.
The Verdict
The Target Bolide 02 earns its place as my everyday dart. The sandblasted radial grip is outstanding once broken in, the build quality is excellent, and the Swiss Point system adds genuine versatility. At around £50-55, you’re getting a lot of dart for the money.
After all the darts I’ve tried, this is the one I keep coming back to. That says more than any specification list ever could.