Darts’ biggest board manufacturer hits out at critics after governing body’s “mixed signals” over new surface.
Winmau has launched a defiant defence of its newly unveiled Blade X dartboard following mounting criticism from within the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) boardroom—and has made a bold performance claim that has split the sport’s fanbase down the middle.
The British manufacturer, which has supplied the official match board for PDC events for decades, unveiled the Blade X last month as the successor to the industry-standard Blade 6. However, the rollout has been overshadowed by what Winmau describes as “unhelpful and contradictory” feedback from PDC officials over alleged inconsistencies in wire tension and staple-free durability.
In a sharp-tongued statement released on Monday, Winmau executive chairman Barry Hearn—in a rare conflict of interest given his dual role—was conspicuously absent from the signature, with managing director Ian Flack taking the lead. “We’ve heard the whispers from the PDC board,” Flack said. “Let us be clear: the Blade X is the most scientifically tested board we have ever produced. Any suggestion it does not meet tour standards is categorically false.”
The company then went further, claiming that independent lab results show the Blade X offers 23% faster recovery of sisal fibres than any previous board and reduces bounce-outs by nearly a third compared to the nearest competitor. “That is not marketing fluff,” Flack added. “That is measurable reality.”
Yet it is Winmau’s most audacious claim—that the Blade X “will become the global standard within 12 months, regardless of current resistance”—that has truly divided opinion. On social media, fans have argued fiercely over whether the company is overreaching or merely standing up to boardroom politics.
“Respect Winmau for not rolling over,” posted one user on X. “The PDC board has become too insular. Let the players decide.” Another countered: “If three board members have concerns, maybe listen? Arrogant statement from Winmau.”
Notably, several top players have publicly remained neutral, though former world champion John Part observed that “any new board takes getting used to. The bigger issue is the PDC and Winmau sniping at each other—that helps nobody.”
The tension comes at a delicate time, with the PDC reportedly exploring the possibility of opening future tenders to rival brands such as Unicorn or Bulls. Winmau’s aggressive stance suggests a power struggle behind the scenes, with the company determined to protect its decades-long monopoly.
Fans attending this week’s Players Championship events in Wigan will have the chance to test the Blade X in exhibition matches, with Winmau betting that grassroots endorsement will outweigh boardroom hesitation.
For now, the darting world remains split—some applauding Winmau’s swagger, others fearing a messy divorce between the sport’s most iconic board maker and its governing body. One thing is certain: the Blade X debate is far from over.
