"Got to prove that we are that good to throw that board": Jonny Clayton ready for challenge of new Winmau Blade X

The smile is familiar, the down-to-earth attitude just the same. When Jonny Clayton talks about equipment, he does it the way he throws: honest, without frills, and with visible enthusiasm. During the recent launch of the new Winmau Blade X, the Welshman was one of the faces of the rollout—and that’s no coincidence. Clayton has been among the world’s elite for years and knows better than anyone how important a dartboard is at the highest level.

“After the launch that I was lucky enough to be a part of we're gonna be testing this board now in every tournament,” Clayton explains. That immediately underscores the importance of the introduction: the Blade X isn’t a practice board for the garage, but a board that must prove itself under maximum pressure, on the biggest stages.

What’s his first impression? It’s strongly positive. “From what I’ve thrown on the Blade X so far, I think it’s a fantastic dartboard.” Clayton especially highlights the board’s look. He says the design stands out right away. "I think it's a fantastic dartboard. I think it's bright."

That clarity may seem like a detail, but for a pro it can make a world of difference. At major TV tournaments, lighting, color contrast, and visibility play a crucial role. A board that is visually sharp helps players focus on their target—especially in long matches where concentration makes the difference between winning and losing.

Interestingly, Clayton also feels the wiring—the metal wires that separate the beds—looks thinner than on previous models. "The segments are bright, you know, and the wires on the segments that they seem a little bit smaller. I don't know if that's because the colour of the segments are brighter. I don't know."

That last point is interesting. In darts, there’s been a years-long search for ways to minimize the number of bounce-outs—darts that spring back out of the board. Thinner wiring or an improved angle of the wires can yield that extra percentage. For a player like Clayton, known for his scoring power and rhythm, that can be crucial. A single deflection can be the difference between a 180 and a missed opportunity.

Even so, Clayton remains realistic. He doesn’t shift responsibility onto the equipment. On the contrary. "The board is perfect," he says firmly. So, you know, it's us now that's got to prove that we are that good to throw that board."

That statement typifies the former major winner. Rather than seeing equipment as an excuse or decisive factor, he sets the bar for himself and his peers. At the top level, it ultimately comes down to execution. A perfect board demands perfect throws.