4 best lighting systems for dartboards
Of all the equipment I've accumulated over the course of my darts career— flights , stems , dart cases , and more dartboards than I'd care to admit—no single accessory has enhanced my game and enjoyment as much as a proper lighting system . For years, I played in a dim corner of my basement, battling the ominous shadows cast by a single overhead light. Every dart thrown was a leap into the unknown, as the target was partially obscured by its own shadow.
Then I invested in special dartboard lighting , and it was as if the heavens had opened. The board became a flawless, shadow-free canvas. Suddenly, I could see the wire-thin strip of the triple 20 with perfect clarity. My accuracy improved, my confidence soared, and my frustration over missed doubles decreased. It's not an accessory; it's essential. If you're still playing in the dark, let me introduce you to the four best systems I've used so far.
The gold standard: Target Corona Vision
If you've ever seen a professional darts system on social media or in a trendy pub, you're probably familiar with the Corona Vision . It's become the benchmark for good reason. When I first unboxed my system, I was immediately impressed by its ingenious design: It's a lightweight 360-degree ring of LEDs that attaches with magnetic feet to the steel bandage of a standard bristle dartboard .
Why I love it : Installation is a dream. It takes less than a minute to unfold the feet, place them on the disc, and watch the magnets click satisfactorily into place. The result is a perfect, shadow-free "cathedral of light" that evenly illuminates the entire surface of the disc. Because it attaches to the disc itself rather than the wall or a surround, it's compatible with virtually any configuration, whether you have a cabinet, a simple surround, or just a disc on the wall. The light is crisp, natural white, allowing the colors of the segments to pop without glare. It's as close to a professional plug-and-play solution as you can get.
Note : This is one of the more expensive options, but in my opinion you are paying for proven performance and unparalleled comfort.
The elegant architect: one80 Illumina
While Corona is all about functional brilliance, one80 Illumina focuses on integrated elegance. This system takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than a ring that surrounds the board, it's a sleek, minimalist aluminum bar that mounts to the wall above your setup. A precisely angled light bar then projects a perfect beam of light across the entire surface of the board.
Why I love it : The look is simply stunning. For a permanent home feature, nothing looks cleaner. Once installed, it feels more like an architectural feature of the room than an add-on. The light quality is phenomenal, providing bright illumination from above, completely eliminating shadows. Because it's wall-mounted, it's incredibly sturdy and stable—there's no risk of it being knocked over or jolted. It's a beautifully designed unit that feels premium from the moment you touch it.
Please note : Installation is more complex. Since it's a permanent fixture, you'll need a drill and a spirit level. This also means it's not portable and won't work if your board is in a conventional cabinet. It's designed for players who have their own permanent dartboard.
The clever challenger: Mission Torus 270
The Mission Torus 270 is a fantastic and slightly more affordable alternative to the larger brands. As the name suggests, it offers 270 degrees of light from a lightweight C-shaped frame that attaches directly to your dartboard surround.
Why I love it: The first thing I noticed was how incredibly lightweight it is. The polymer construction makes it easy to handle and install. The clip-on system is simple and secure, fitting perfectly onto most standard surrounds. The unique 270-degree design is a clever move: Because the top section remains open, it completely eliminates the chance of your own head casting a shadow when you lean over to pick up your darts. The light is bright and even, providing the shadow-free experience every player desires. It's a brilliant workhorse that offers exceptional value.
Note : While the light coverage is excellent, it's not the full 360-degree illumination of the Corona. The top part of the screen is slightly less illuminated, but honestly, I never found this distracting during gameplay.
The powerhouse: Winmau Plasma
From one of the most renowned names in darts comes this lighting system, built as robustly as a tank. The Winmau Plasma is a sturdy metal ring that appears incredibly durable. It's a no-frills device designed for serious players and high-traffic environments.
Why I love it : The brightness. The plasma is extremely bright, emitting 1200 lumens, illuminating every single segment, wire, and fiber of the board with intense clarity. The construction is second to none; it feels like it could withstand a direct hit from a wayward tungsten barrel without flinching. It mounts directly to the wall, providing a secure and vibration-free fit, perfect for a dedicated darts room or club environment. When using the plasma, I feel like I'm playing under professional tournament conditions.
Note : Like the Illumina, this model requires drilling and a more permanent installation. Its industrial aesthetic is more functional than decorative, but this is more than compensated for by its performance and durability.
Ultimately, choosing the right lighting depends on your interior design and priorities. If you want the ultimate in usability and mobility, Target Corona Vision is the right choice for you. If you're looking for a durable, stylish solution, one80 Illumina is unmatched. For the best value, Mission Torus 270 is the winner. And if you demand professional brightness and longevity, Winmau Plasma won't disappoint.
No matter which lamp you choose, I promise you this: the moment you flip the switch and see your board in perfect, shadowless glory, you'll wonder how you ever played without one.