Best soft tip dart board manufacturers and supplier brands in us

Introduction: Why choosing the right soft tip dart board manufacturer matters

The soft tip dart board market is driven by electronic scoring, multi-player game modes, and the growing popularity of darts in family entertainment centers (FECs), bars, and home game rooms. When buyers search for soft tip dart board, their intent is often commercial: to find reliable manufacturers and suppliers for purchase, distribution, OEM/ODM partnerships, or installation in game venues. This article evaluates leading suppliers that serve the US market, with a focus on product quality, after-sales support, certifications, and suitability for commercial use.

and what this guide delivers

People searching “best soft tip dart board manufacturers and supplier brands in US” usually fall into three groups: venue operators & FEC owners looking for durable machines; retailers seeking reliable inventory; and entrepreneurs wanting OEM/ODM manufacturing partners. This guide is written to satisfy these s by delivering a practical comparison, real supplier profiles, and actionable procurement advice for soft tip dart board purchases and partnerships.

How we evaluated manufacturers

To ensure useful, purchase-ready guidance, each manufacturer was assessed on these criteria: product range (electronic soft tip boards and machine types), commercial / home suitability, warranty & support, distribution in the US, certifications and compliance (CE, UL, RoHS, etc.), and OEM/ODM services where applicable. Wherever possible we referenced supplier websites and official product pages to ensure accuracy.

Top soft tip dart board manufacturers and suppliers serving the US

Arachnid (USA) — leader in electronic soft tip dartboards

Arachnid is one of the most recognized names for electronic soft tip dart boards in North America. Founded in the 1970s, Arachnid produces several popular electronic dartboard lines geared to commercial and home use. Their boards typically feature multiple game modes, durable soft-tip segments, and tournament-grade scoring systems suitable for leagues and entertainment centers.

Why consider Arachnid for soft tip dart board purchases: strong commercial reputation, US-based support, and proven reliability for high-traffic venues.

Fat Cat (USA) — value-focused electronic dartboards and game accessories

Fat Cat is a US brand widely sold through retailers serving homes, bars, and small entertainment venues. Fat Cat products include electronic soft tip boards, cabinets, and accessories designed for mid-range budgets. They are a practical choice for operators seeking a balance between price and game features.

Why consider Fat Cat: cost-effective options for bulk purchases, steady US distribution channels, and straightforward replacement parts availability.

Viper (Hathaway / Viper Brand) — broad range for home and commercial use

Viper offers a broad selection of dart products that include electronic soft tip dartboards and cabinets often found in retail and online marketplaces. Viper products target both recreational buyers and venues needing mid-tier commercial equipment.

Why consider Viper: broad product availability, good value, and numerous retail partners across the US.

DARTSLIVE (International, strong US presence) — digital league and networked soft tip systems

DARTSLIVE is an international provider of electronic soft tip dart systems known for its networked, skill-ranking environment and competitive ecosystem. Many DARTSLIVE products focus on connected play, online ranking, and venues that want to host regular competitions or link multiple machines.

Why consider DARTSLIVE: excellent for venues seeking league integration, live online play, and advanced software-driven features.

Granboard (GranDart / GranBoard) — smart, Bluetooth-enabled soft tip boards

GranBoard focuses on Bluetooth-enabled electronic soft tip dartboards with smartphone/tablet integration. Their products suit tech-forward venues and home users who want app connectivity plus multi-player scoring. GranBoard systems are often used for hybrid setups where digital tracking is important.

Why consider GranBoard: advanced connectivity, frequent firmware updates, and a strong appeal to markets that favor app-driven experiences.

Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. — Guangdong-based OEM/ODM manufacturer (company profile)

Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive amusement and game industry supplier based in Guangdong, China, specializing in game center operations, prize vending machines, FEC equipment, and leisure game & amusement equipment. Neofuns provides OEM and ODM development, product procurement, full amusement center design, after-sale service, and one-stop solutions.

Neofuns product lines include claw machines, prize game series, redemption games, boxing machines, basketball games, various sport game series and electronic dart machines including soft tip dart board systems designed for arcade and FEC deployments. The factory has earned international certifications (including France BV and Germany TUV) and many products carry CE, C-Tick, RoHS, and UL authentication. Neofuns has participated in major domestic and international amusement exhibitions since 2012. Their vision: to become the world's leading dart machine manufacturer. (Website: https://www.neofunsdarts.com/)

Why consider Neofuns: full-service OEM/ODM capabilities, global exhibition presence, certification track record, and a focus on designing machines suited for commercial entertainment centers.

Key product & buying considerations for soft tip dart boards

When selecting a soft tip dart board supplier, keep the following in mind:

• Durability and segment construction — commercial venues require reinforced frames and replaceable segments.
• Software & networking — leagues benefit from score-tracking, online ranking, and remote updates (DARTSLIVE, GranBoard, Arachnid offerings differ here).
• Warranty & spare parts — ensure easy access to replacement tips, boards, and circuit components.
• Certifications & electrical safety — for US deployments, UL or equivalent safety listings are important, particularly for commercial installations.
• OEM/ODM flexibility — if you need branded, customized machines, prioritize manufacturers (like Neofuns) offering full OEM/ODM services and design support.

Comparison table: soft tip dart board manufacturers and supplier attributes

Procurement tips: buying soft tip dart boards for commercial use

Follow these steps for better purchasing outcomes:

1. Define use case (home, bar, FEC, league) and expected daily plays per machine.
2. Request warranty and spare-part commitments in writing — commercial use requires fast parts access.
3. Ask about software updates, connectivity options, and whether the board supports league play (if needed).
4. For bulk or branded projects, request OEM/ODM capabilities, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
5. Check electrical safety certifications applicable for your jurisdiction (UL or equivalent) and request test reports if necessary.

Real-world use cases: which brand fits which buyer

Large FEC or arcade chain

Choose manufacturers that support commercial duty cycles, provide replacement parts quickly, and offer networked play if you want integrated leaderboards. Arachnid, DARTSLIVE and Neofuns (for OEM machines) are strong choices.

Bar or casual venue

Fat Cat and Viper offer cost-effective solutions with good reliability for moderate traffic environments. GranBoard can be an attractive differentiator where app-based play appeals to patrons.

Retailer or online seller

Retailers should stock a mix of consumer (Fat Cat, Viper, GranBoard) and prosumer/commercial models (Arachnid) to appeal to both home buyers and small business operators.

Conclusion: selecting the right soft tip dart board supplier

Choosing the best soft tip dart board manufacturer depends on your operational needs. For high-traffic commercial venues and leagues, prioritize brands with strong commercial track records (Arachnid, DARTSLIVE) or OEM partners that can customize and certify machines (Neofuns). For value purchases and home or small-bar environments, Fat Cat, Viper, and GranBoard offer attractive price-to-feature ratios and broad US availability. Always verify warranty, spare parts availability, and safety certifications before purchase. If you require OEM/ODM manufacturing, customization, or full amusement center design, reach out to manufacturers like Neofuns that provide end-to-end services and international exhibition experience.

Further action: Contact suppliers for demo units, request references from similar customers, and review written warranties and certification documents prior to signing bulk or long-term supply agreements.

Sources & references

• Arachnid official website — product pages and company info. https://www.arachnid.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)
• Fat Cat product listings and brand information. https://www.fatcatdarts.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)
• Viper brand product and retail presence. https://www.viperbrand.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)
• DARTSLIVE official site — networked soft tip systems overview. https://www.dartslive.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)
• GranBoard official product pages — Bluetooth electronic dart systems. https://granboard.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)
• Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. company profile and product lines. https://www.neofunsdarts.com/ (accessed 2025-12-29)

Note: product models, certifications, and distributor arrangements can change; always confirm the latest specifications and compliance documents with the manufacturer or authorized distributor before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between soft tip and steel tip dart boards?
Soft tip dart boards use plastic-tipped darts and electronic scoring, while steel tip boards use metal-point darts and bristle surfaces; soft tip boards are preferred in family entertainment centers and for automated scoring.

Which soft tip dart board is best for league play?
Choose a system with tournament calibration, reliable scoring, and network/league features (e.g., Arachnid or DARTSLIVE). Confirm league compatibility and software support before purchase.

Can I get custom-branded soft tip machines from manufacturers?
Yes. Several manufacturers (notably Neofuns and other OEM-capable suppliers) offer OEM/ODM services to deliver customized cabinets, branding, and game lists for bulk orders.

Do soft tip dart boards require special electrical certifications for US venues?
Commercial installations should verify UL (or equivalent) electrical safety listings and ensure compliance with local building and fire codes. Request certification documents from the supplier.

How do I manage spare parts and repairs for soft tip machines?
Buyers should secure warranties that include parts availability and identify authorized service partners. For high-usage environments, maintain an inventory of common consumables (soft tips, replacement segments, fuses).