The TARGET Hydro Steel Tip Darts are crafted for accuracy, balance, and style. Built with 90% tungsten and Swiss Point technology, they deliver a sleek, modern setup that feels professional. As a rear-gripper, I tested the 01 version in 23 grams.
First Impressions – The Hydro Series Aesthetic
Opening the Hydro Steel Tip Darts box feels exciting. The packaging is sleek, modern, and proudly displays the Hydro branding with striking blue and green water graphics. Right away, the set feels premium.
What’s Inside the Box
Inside the box, everything is neatly arranged and presented in a professional, organized manner. The first thing I noticed were the three 90% tungsten barrels, each gleaming silver and perfectly machined. They felt solid and well-balanced right out of the package.
Alongside the barrels, there were three silver 30mm Swiss Points, which promised secure and reliable board contact. I immediately appreciated how the points looked sturdy and ready for precise throws.
The set also includes three Pro Grip Tag shafts, molded for durability and designed to hold the flights tightly. Speaking of flights, the Pro Ultra No.6 flights are included, featuring bold Hydro graphics in blue and green. They not only look visually striking, but their shape ensures smooth, stable flight for consistent accuracy.
In addition, the package comes with a Swiss Point tool, which allows you to swap points in seconds, and even a one-month DartCounter app subscription. This extra feature was a pleasant surprise, giving me the tools to track my practice and monitor improvement right away. Overall, the set feels like a complete package ready for immediate play, offering everything a player needs—from premium barrels and tips to durable shafts, quality flights, and digital performance tracking. Opening it gave me a sense of excitement, knowing I could start practicing with a professional-grade setup immediately.
The Three Barrel Shapes – Choosing the Right Fit
The Hydro Steel Tip Darts range offers three shapes, giving players options based on grip and throwing style.
Barrel 01 – Front-Weighted Accuracy
Barrel 01 is the focus of this review. It has a straight profile with a subtle taper towards the nose. This shape creates a front-weighted balance, built for accuracy and a smooth release.
Barrel 02 – Torpedo Power and Grip
Barrel 02 has a torpedo shape, wider at the front, and forward-loaded. It is best for players with a forward grip, adding momentum and power.
Barrel 03 – Streamlined Control
Barrel 03 offers a straight design with deeper cuts. It provides extra grip security and encourages rhythm during play.
Barrel 01 – Precision Through Front Weighting
The 23g version I tested measures 50mm in length and 6.55mm in diameter. Its slim build allowed close grouping on the board. The nose tapers gently, creating a seamless path to the Swiss Point.
| Weight: | Barrel Length: | Barrel Width: |
| 22 g | 50.00 mm | 6.45 mm |
| 23 g | 50.00 mm | 6.55 mm |
| 24 g | 50.00 mm | 6.65 mm |
The radial grooves are finely milled and evenly spaced. They feel smooth, not overly sharp. This design gave me grip security without discomfort.
The front-weighted balance became clear on the first few throws. The dart naturally guided toward a smooth release. As a rear-gripper, I expected it to feel unbalanced. Instead, I found surprising stability.
Throwing Experience – A Rear-Gripper’s Perspective
Practice Sessions
When I first practiced with the TARGET Hydro Barrel 01, 23g, the darts felt smooth and balanced in my hand. The slim barrel allowed a comfortable rear grip, and the grooves gave just enough texture for control.
During warm-up throws, I focused on grouping trebles. The front-weighted design guided the dart along a straight path, and each release felt clean. I could sense the dart cutting through the air, landing exactly where I aimed.
Even when I increased my pace, the barrel stayed stable. Adjusting my finger placement was easy, letting me experiment with grip without losing accuracy. By the end of the session, I felt a real connection with the barrel. It delivered confidence and consistency throughout.
As someone who grips at the back, I was unsure how front-weighted darts would fly. To my surprise, Barrel 01 stabilized mid-flight instead of dipping. That gave me confidence on scoring and finishing throws.
Setup & Components – Beyond the Barrel
Swiss Point System
The Target Hydro 01 in 23g uses the Swiss Point system, which is one of the most clever features I have tested. It allows you to change dart points quickly and securely with a small tool. The design locks the points tightly, so they never come loose while throwing. For me, that peace of mind felt important because I do not like distractions when focusing on my game.
I first tried the standard fitted points and they felt solid, smooth, and reliable. Later, I swapped to grip points using the Swiss Point tool. The change was fast and easy, and once the points were locked in, they felt just as secure as the originals. Nothing wobbled, and that gave me confidence with every throw.
What I really like about Swiss Point is the flexibility. I can change lengths and styles without needing a whole new set of darts. It also saves money, because instead of buying another set, I just replace or adjust the points. For someone who practices often, that means less wear and better performance over time. It also keeps the darts feeling fresh, and I enjoy that sense of control over my setup.
Pro Grip TAG Shafts
The short Pro Grip shafts balanced the barrel well. They held the flights tightly, and I never had an issue mid-game.
Pro Ultra No.6 Flights
The Hydro darts come fitted with Pro Ultra No.6 flights, and I quickly noticed how well they balanced the throw. No.6 flights are slightly smaller than the standard No.2 flights. This smaller size helps the dart travel faster through the air with less drag. For me, that meant a straighter, more direct path to the board.
The Pro Ultra flights also feel strong and durable. They lock tightly into the Pro Grip shafts, and during my testing they did not pop out often. I liked the bold Hydro design too — the blue and green graphic has a clean, modern look that matches the barrel’s silver finish. It makes the darts stand out, which adds a little emotional lift when throwing.
Why does the No.6 matter? For players who throw with more speed, like me, the smaller surface gives the right balance between stability and control. They keep the dart from “floating” in the air, yet still provide enough lift to maintain accuracy. With the Hydro 01’s front-weighted design, the No.6 flights made the release smooth and the grouping tighter. I could feel the dart cutting through the air more cleanly, and that felt rewarding every time I hit my target.
Technical Specifications – Barrel 01, 23g
Full Specs
- Barrel Length: 50mm
- Barrel Diameter: 6.55mm
- Weight Options: 22g / 23g / 24g
- Barrel Material: 90% Tungsten
- Point Type: Swiss Point, 30mm silver
Shaft: Pro Grip, short length - Flight: Pro Ultra No.6
Value for Money – Premium Yet Accessible
These darts are premium but worth it. The inclusion of Swiss Point, Pro Grip shafts, and bold flights adds extra value. Compared to similar tungsten darts, the Hydro 01 offers more for the price. I felt I was getting a pro-level setup straight from the box.
Who Should Play Barrel 01?
This dart suits players seeking accuracy and control. Beginners will find it forgiving, while advanced players will appreciate its precision. As a rear-gripper, I can confirm it works well even for those who usually avoid front-weighted darts. The only players who may not love it are those who demand aggressive scallops or extra-deep cuts.
Final Verdict – Why the Hydro 01 Stands Out
After testing the TARGET Hydro Steel Tip Darts Barrel 01 in 23g, I came away impressed. The darts gave me stability, accuracy, and confidence. The slim design grouped tightly, while the Swiss Point system made them practical and adaptable.
As a rear-gripper, I expected Barrel 01 to feel awkward. Instead, it gave me a smoother, more reliable release. That emotional surprise turned my doubts into trust.
Compared with the other Hydro barrels, Barrel 01 felt the most versatile. It blends accuracy, sleek design, and professional features. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a dart that performs and lasts.
For me, the Hydro 01 was more than a test—it was a joy to throw.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Target Hydro 01 darts good for beginners?
Yes, they work well for beginners. The front-weighted barrel gives control and helps improve accuracy.
What makes the Hydro 01 different from Hydro 02 and 03?
Hydro 01 is front-weighted and straight. Hydro 02 has a torpedo shape for forward grip. Hydro 03 is more uniform and designed for balanced control.
Why does the Swiss Point system matter?
It lets you change points quickly with the tool. The points lock tightly, so they never loosen while throwing.
Do the 23g darts feel heavy?
No, the 23g weight feels balanced. It provides a stable throw without being too heavy or slow.
Can rear-grippers use the Hydro 01 darts?
Yes. I grip near the back and still found them comfortable. The straight profile works for different grip styles.
Are the Pro Ultra No.6 flights durable?
Yes. They hold shape well, fit tightly in the shaft, and reduce drag for a smooth flight.
Is 90% tungsten really better?
Yes. The high tungsten content keeps the barrel slim while maintaining weight, making tight grouping easier.
Do the darts come with everything needed to play?
Yes. Each set includes three barrels, points, shafts, flights, a Swiss Point tool, and even a DartCounter trial.
Can I use other shafts and flights with these darts?
Yes. The barrels accept standard 2BA threads, so you can mix and match accessories.
How do the Hydro darts feel compared to other Target darts?
They feel modern, sleek, and very controlled. The Hydro 01 in 23g gave me confidence and accuracy with every throw.
