The Man Behind the Darts

Lee Huxtable, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of darts, has been crafting precision darts for some of the sport's biggest stars. From his base in Bridgend, Wales, Huxtable has designed darts for world champions like Gerwyn "The Iceman" Price, Luke Humphries, and Michael Van Gerwen.

Crafting Champions

Huxtable's journey in dart design began over 25 years ago, and since then, he has become a pivotal figure in the sport. His darts have been instrumental in helping players like Luke Humphries achieve the pinnacle of success. "The Luke Humphries dart is a long shaft, front-weighted short barrel which creates a certain amount of drag and lands at a perfect angle for him in the board to help his scoring," Huxtable explained.

Innovation and Precision

One of Huxtable's most notable achievements was designing a diamond-coated dart for Peter Wright, which took 18 months to produce. This dart played a crucial role in Wright's world title victory. "Sometimes it might take years working with a player, other times you get a eureka moment and that can advance a player's game hugely," Huxtable said.

Global Impact

Huxtable's influence extends beyond the UK. He travels to Kenya, where Nodor, the company he works for, mass-produces darts and dartboards. The sisal plant, naturally grown in Kenya, is the best material for bristle boards, which has significantly lowered operating costs.

The Future of Darts

With the rise of young talents like Luke Littler, darts is experiencing a new golden age. Huxtable believes the future is bright for the sport. "By the time they're in their early 20s the standard is going to be even higher and with the viewing figures and the prize money going up, it'll become even more popular with youngsters," he said.

Conclusion

Lee Huxtable's dedication to the art of dart design has not only shaped the careers of numerous champions but has also elevated the sport to new heights. His innovative designs and commitment to excellence continue to inspire the next generation of darts players.