The Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dartboard has emerged as a standout choice for dart enthusiasts, blending professional-grade quality with user-friendly features. Renowned for its durability and superior design, this dartboard is a favorite among both casual players and competitive athletes. In this review, we delve into the specifics of what makes the Unicorn Eclipse Pro a top-tier choice in the world of darts.
Specs and Features
- Material: High-grade sisal fibers
- Wiring: Ultra-slim spider wiring for reduced bounce-outs
- Bullseye: Staple-free construction
- Diameter: 18 inches (Regulation size)
- Thickness: 1.5 inches
- Number Ring: Rotatable for even wear
- Included Accessories: Easy-to-install mounting kit
- Weight: Approximately 10.5 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
- CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION – Championship-quality bristle board endorsed and used by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)
- ULTRA-SLIM WIRE – Lasts longer, doesn’t rust or discolour and is 30% thinner than conventional round wire boards – increases the target area; especially in Doubles and Trebles. Designed to maximize…
- STAPLE-FREE – Completely staple-free construction and bullseye for enhanced target area
- PREMIUM SISAL – Self-healing sisal properties provide a resiliant and durable surface upon removal of darts
- HIGH-VISIBILITY NUMBER RING – Number Ring is fully adjustable; rotate regularly to even out areas of wear.
High-Quality Sisal Bristle Fibers
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is crafted with premium sisal fibers, known for their self-healing properties. This feature is crucial for maintaining the board’s integrity and appearance over time. The tightly packed bristles ensure that dart holes close quickly, preserving the playing surface’s smoothness and extending the board’s lifespan.
Staple-Free Bullseye
The staple-free bullseye is a significant design enhancement, greatly reducing the chances of bounce-outs. This feature is particularly beneficial for players aiming to improve their precision and scoring. The seamless surface in this high-traffic area ensures that well-thrown darts are rewarded, not penalized by hardware limitations.
Removable Number Ring
Incorporating a removable number ring, the Unicorn Eclipse Pro demonstrates thoughtful design for longevity. Rotating the board regularly allows for even wear, prolonging the board’s life and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This simple yet effective feature ensures the board remains in prime condition.
Regulation Size
Adhering to official tournament dimensions, the Unicorn Eclipse Pro is an excellent choice for both recreational play and serious practice. Its regulation size mirrors professional settings, making it an ideal board for players looking to refine their skills or prepare for competitive play.
Installation and Setup
Setting up the Unicorn Eclipse Pro requires basic tools and attention to detail. The process involves:
- Selecting the Right Location: Choose a spacious, well-lit area free from obstructions.
- Measuring the Height: The bullseye should be at 5 feet 8 inches off the ground.
- Marking the Throwing Line: The throwing line, or oche, should be 7 feet 9.25 inches from the face of the dartboard.
- Mounting the Dartboard: Use the included bracket to mount the board at the correct height. Ensure it’s level and secure.
- Final Adjustments: Double-check the bullseye height and throwing line distance. Rotate the number ring so that “20” is at the top.
Playability and User Experience
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro offers a superior playing experience. The ultra-slim wiring system significantly reduces bounce-outs, a common frustration with many dartboards. This feature, along with the staple-free bullseye, ensures that darts land and stick where they are thrown. The board’s sisal fibers provide a smooth surface, allowing darts to penetrate easily and securely. These features combine to offer a satisfying and consistent playing experience, whether for casual games or serious practice sessions.
Aesthetic and Design
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro boasts a sleek, modern design that enhances its surroundings. Its professional appearance makes it suitable for various settings, from home game rooms to pubs and clubs. The vibrant colors and clear segmentation are not just functional for play; they also add an attractive element to any space.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is a hallmark of the Unicorn Eclipse Pro. The high-quality sisal fibers and robust construction ensure that the board withstands frequent use. Regular rotation of the number ring and proper care, such as gentle cleaning and avoiding exposure to extreme conditions, will maintain the board’s condition over time.
Unicorn Eclipse Pro Vs Other Dartboards
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dartboard and the Winmau Blade Dartboards are both highly regarded in the darts community, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is celebrated for its high-grade sisal fibers and staple-free bullseye, which reduce bounce-outs and enhance durability, making it a great choice for both casual play and serious practice. Its sleek design and professional appearance also make it a visually appealing option. On the other hand, the Winmau Blade stands out with its advanced wiring system, the Dual Core technology, which further reduces bounce-outs and improves scoring potential, appealing particularly to competitive and professional players. The Blade 5 also features a rota-lock system for easy installation and adjustment. While both boards are regulation size and offer high-quality play, the Winmau Blade might edge out slightly in terms of technical advancements and appeal to the more serious or professional players, whereas the Unicorn Eclipse Pro offers a balance of quality, aesthetics, and value, making it ideal for a wide range of players.
- Professional bristle dartboard with exclusive British Darts Organization (BDO) endorsement
- Increased scoring area with 14% thinner wiring system than the previous generation Blade 4 for higher scoring potential
- Reduced bounce-outs and improved dart deflection with 30-degree reduction in razor wire angle
- Triple Wheel lock-and-level system easily secures the dartboard to virtually any surface
- Incredible durability with Carbon Diffusion technology in bullseye ring for stronger steel
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Feedback from users of the Unicorn Eclipse Pro is overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciate the board’s durability, professional feel, and reduced bounce-outs. The ease of installation and high-quality materials are frequently praised. Some users note that while the board is excellent for casual and amateur play, professional players might prefer a board with even more advanced features.
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro is priced competitively, offering a balance of quality and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for players at all levels who seek a high-quality darting experience without a significant financial outlay. The board’s durability and professional features provide great value for its price.
Likes:
- Quality of Material: Customers often appreciate the high-grade sisal fibers for their durability and self-healing properties.
- Staple-Free Bullseye: A staple-free design is usually favored for reducing bounce-outs and improving scoring accuracy.
- Slim Wiring: Thin wiring systems are often liked for minimizing dart deflections and further reducing bounce-outs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The professional look and sleek design of the dartboard might be praised for enhancing the ambiance of a game room or pub.
- Regulation Size: Enthusiasts and competitive players often prefer regulation-size dartboards for authentic practice and gameplay.
- Ease of Installation: Simple and straightforward setup processes are typically well-received by customers.
Dislikes:
- Dart Quality: If darts are included, their quality might not meet the expectations of more experienced players.
- Durability Concerns: Over time, some users might notice wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas of the board.
- Sisal Fiber Odor: New sisal boards can sometimes emit a noticeable smell, which might be a temporary concern for some users.
- Color Fading: Exposure to direct sunlight or certain environmental conditions might lead to color fading.
- Lack of Advanced Features: While sufficient for many players, some might desire more advanced features found in higher-end models.
Conclusion
The Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dartboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to engage in darts, whether for fun or serious competition. Its combination of affordability, quality, and player-friendly features make it a standout option. While it may
not have every advanced feature of the most expensive dartboards on the market, it strikes an impressive balance between cost and quality, making it a wise choice for a broad range of players. From beginners to seasoned players, the Unicorn Eclipse Pro offers a satisfying experience, ensuring that each game is enjoyable and challenging. Its robust construction, coupled with thoughtful design elements like the staple-free bullseye and ultra-slim wiring, make it a board that can withstand the test of time and play. Whether it’s for practice, leisure, or competitive play, the Unicorn Eclipse Pro Dartboard stands out as a top choice, offering exceptional value for its price.
- SAFEGUARD YOUR WALL – Protect your walls with the durable 1″ thick high-density EVA foam, offering 2.8 square feet of extra coverage against stray darts
- REVERSABLE DESIGN – Backside is jet black (no logos) so it can be easily flipped to extend the lifespan of your surround and maintain a clean appearance
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY – Easily fits all 18″ and 17.75″ sisal dartboards. Simply use the included adhesive band to accommodate smaller dartboards
- PROTECT YOUR DARTS – Safely catches and protects darts when board is mounted on hard surfaces like cement or brick, preventing damage or wear
- QUICK & EASY SETUP – Assemble effortlessly by snapping the segments together and mounting them around your dartboard — no need for additional holes in your wall; The lightweight EVA foam allows for…
- Self-Healing Sisal Fibers – Compressed sisal fibers heal over time, ensuring your dart board is always ready for more, perfect for steel tip darts
- Circular Spider Wire – Galvanized steel spider wire and staple-free bullseye helps to reduce bounce-outs and deflections
- Regulation Size – 17.75” diameter face so you’ll play on the same size dart board as the pros
- Rotating Number Ring – Detachable number ring allows you to rotate the board, letting the sisal fibers heal and extending the dartboard’s life
- Easy Setup – Includes easy-to-use mounting hardware, two sets of darts, a throw line, and throw line measuring tape so you’ll be playing in no time. Radial wire
- Dartboard backboard features a luxurious dark mahogany finish, complementing your home décor
- Constructed of MDF wood and is equipped with a durable black felt backing which protects your wall from miss throws
- Measures 29″ L x 29″ W x 1″ D and fits most traditional sisal fiber bristle dartboards
- Includes mounting hardware, making installation easy; Dartboard sold seprately
- High density coiled paper fibers construction and bright colors that will stand out
- Rounded wire spider allows darts to glide into the board, reducing bounce outs
- Double-faced board allows you to enjoy traditional dart games and all new baseball darts
- Pre-installed hanging bracket sets up quickly with minimal tools and setup
- Includes playing instructions for the most popular dart games: 301 and Cricket, in addition to new Baseball Darts, and two sets of starter darts
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