Canaveral ED520 Review
My Canaveral ED520 test: analysis & comparison
IntermediateMy analysis
My take on the Canaveral ED520
The ED520 is the board that made me understand what "mid-range" really means at Canaveral. Having tested the ED310 and ED110, the jump is clear: 4 LCD screens instead of one, screens shared across the different modes (301, 501, Cricket...), and 30 games that cover a wide range of needs. It's not a revolution, but it's a board that delivers for regular use at home or with friends.
What I appreciate most is that multi-display setup: no more navigating menus to track number closures in Cricket, everything is displayed simultaneously alongside the score. For Cricket fans, this is clearly an argument that justifies stepping up from an entry-level model.
Testing the Canaveral ED520 at the oche
In actual play, the ED520 does the job without any missteps. The 30 games cover both classic 301/501 and more playful variants to switch formats between rounds. Up to 8 players can register, which is comfortable for a game night with friends without constantly resetting the match.
The 4 LCD screens really change the experience in Cricket: you can see at a glance who closed what, without waiting for the cyclic display found on entry-level models. Sound effects accompany every throw, but there's no voice announcing scores, worth keeping in mind if you're looking for a more "arcade" feel.
Durability of the Canaveral ED520
This is the point where I'm most measured. Durability scores 6/10: nothing alarming under reasonable use, but it's not the board's strongest suit either. The sensors and scoring mechanism hold up well under regular use, provided you play with suitable soft-tip darts and avoid forcing the segment junction areas.
If you play very intensively (several hours a day, shared use like a bar or club), I'd recommend keeping an eye on the condition of the board's holes over time rather than going in blind with the ED520.
Setup and first use
Nothing complicated here: the board mounts to the wall the usual way, and the optional mains power adapter is a real plus, it saves you from changing batteries regularly if you play often. Without the adapter, it runs on batteries, which is still handy if you want to move it around.
A small detail I appreciate: the built-in dart storage doors. No leaving darts lying around or losing them between games, a real plus for a board meant for the living room or a family game room.
Price and value for money
Generally between €55 and €70 (around €54.99 on sale, up to €70 in store), the ED520 sits in an accessible price range for what it offers: 4 screens, 30 games, comfortable Cricket tracking, and power options. The value for money is good if you're looking for a step up from entry-level without jumping straight to a high-end connected model like the ED900.
Verdict: should you buy the Canaveral ED520?
Yes, if you're looking for a versatile electronic dartboard for regular play with family or friends, especially if Cricket is your go-to game mode. The multi-display setup really makes a difference day to day.
On the other hand, if connectivity (stat tracking, mobile app, online challenges) matters to you, the ED520 isn't built for that: it has virtually no connectivity. In that case, it's better to look at a higher-end model.
Criteria breakdown
Durability
Rated 6/10, the ED520's durability is solid for regular home use, though it's not the board's strongest point. The sensors and scoring mechanism hold up well with suitable soft-tip darts, but very intensive or shared use warrants keeping an eye on wear over time.
Built-in games
A score of 8/10 thanks to 30 available games and 4 LCD screens shared across the modes, showing Cricket closures simultaneously without menu navigation. A real asset for fans of this game mode.
Connectivity
A very low score of 1/10: the ED520 has virtually no connectivity, no Bluetooth or companion app. Worth knowing before buying if you're after connected stat tracking.
Ease of use
7/10: the classic wall mount, optional mains power, and 8 player slots make it easy to pick up and play, whether for an impromptu game or an organized night with friends.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4 LCD screens shared across modes, with simultaneous Cricket tracking
- 30 available games for varied play
- Up to 8 players can register at once
- Optional mains power adapter is handy for frequent use
- Built-in dart storage doors
Cons
- Virtually no connectivity, no Bluetooth or companion app
- Durability could be better under very intensive or shared use
Frequently asked questions about the Canaveral ED520
No, the interface language cannot be changed: these Canaveral boards run in English only, with no option to switch to French. It is a point buyers regularly raise. In practice, the on-screen display relies mostly on numbers and pictograms (scores, current player), so it stays readable even without English; only the game names and a few menus are in English. The printed manual, however, is provided in French.
The ED520 has 4 LCD screens, shared across the different game modes (301, 501, Cricket...). In Cricket mode, they continuously and simultaneously display each player's number-closing status, without needing to navigate menus or wait for a cyclic display. This makes tracking the game much smoother for this game mode.
The ED520 steps up with 4 LCD screens instead of one, 30 games in total, an optional mains power adapter, and built-in dart storage doors. It's a board designed for more regular use than the entry-level models.
The ED900 is a connected model (Bluetooth, app), while the ED520 has virtually no connectivity. The ED520 focuses on the local gameplay experience (Cricket, multiplayer) rather than online stat tracking.
Both: mains power is offered as an option, which saves you from changing batteries regularly if you play often. Without the power adapter, the board runs normally on batteries.
For regular players who enjoy games with family or friends, especially those who love Cricket thanks to its multi-display setup. It's not suited for players looking for advanced connectivity (online stats, mobile app).
Expect to pay generally between €55 and €70 (around €54.99 on sale, up to €70 in store), a price consistent with its mid-range positioning and features (4 screens, 30 games, optional mains power).
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