"They suspect it’s due to cold, it has to come from somewhere" – Vincent van der Voort disagrees with fierce criticism from players on Winmau Blade X

The debate over Winmau’s new BladeX dartboard continues to grip the darts world. After German star Martin Schindler could no longer hide his frustration following the World Cup of Darts and dumped a BladeX board, packaging included, into a trash container, criticism flared up again. The footage spread quickly on social media and became the latest chapter in a debate that has raged for months among both pros and amateurs.

More and more players are speaking out about the problems they experience with the new board. The main complaint is the number of so-called bounce-outs: darts that hit the board but then rebound out of the sisal. Such moments stand out even more during televised tournaments, making the criticism increasingly visible to the wider public.

Two-time world champion Gary Anderson also recently voiced strong criticism of the BladeX board to DartsNews during a presser. The Scot even went as far as to call it “the worst ever.” While not everyone shares that view, it is clear that dissatisfaction exists among a significant section of the playing group.

Former professional Vincent van der Voort, who also works for Winmau, acknowledges that the concerns within the darts community must be taken seriously. He responded extensively to the ongoing criticism on the podcast Darts Draait Door. “There are definitely concerns and this will be resolved,” Van der Voort stated on the Darts Draait Door podcast. With that, he confirmed the manufacturer is aware of the complaints coming from various corners of the sport.

According to the Dutchman, it cannot be the case that players are regularly confronted with darts falling out of the board without a clear reason. “They’re really good boards, but too many darts are falling out. As Winmau you have to take it seriously.”

That goes straight to the heart of the debate. Many players acknowledge that the BladeX is innovative in several areas and also durable, but feel a dartboard ultimately must be reliable during matches.

Winmau is now investigating exactly where the problems originate. According to Van der Voort, various factors are being examined, including the impact of temperature. “Everything is tested at Winmau. They suspect it’s due to cold. It has to come from somewhere.”

Although no definitive cause has been identified yet, the manufacturer appears determined to analyse the issue thoroughly. Van der Voort believes that is essential, as the brand’s reputation is at stake.

Winmau has long been regarded as one of the leading producers of dartboards. That’s precisely why players have high expectations of a new flagship model like the BladeX.

Van der Voort stresses he does not fully endorse Anderson’s harsh words. He believes the board also has clear strengths. “I don’t agree with him, but if so many players are focused on it, you have to listen and take it seriously.”

The former UK Open finalist points to the board’s durability, an area where the BladeX scores well. “It’s the best board in terms of how long it lasts, but that doesn’t mean anything, because you might as well hang up a wooden plank, that lasts even longer.”

With that remark, Van der Voort makes clear that longevity is only one part of the assessment. For elite players, what ultimately counts is how a board performs in matches at the highest level.

That something needs to be done is beyond doubt for Van der Voort. Especially given the price of around 150 euros that consumers have to pay for a BladeX board, many believe there should be no structural issues. “That can’t happen. That must not happen. Then there’s something wrong with the board.”

The Dutchman therefore expects Winmau will not sit on its hands. “The board at the PDC has to be good, top quality. There will be changes. The problem is of course being taken seriously.”

With those words, Van der Voort appears to send a clear message to both players and fans. The criticism is not being brushed aside within Winmau and solutions are being worked on. Whether that will be enough to dispel doubts around the BladeX board will become clear in the coming months. One thing is certain: the debate around the new board is far from over.