Winmau Blade 5 Review
The angle of the Blade has been reduced from 90 degrees to 60 degrees, while the ultimate tensile strength of the dynamic sectorial wires has been increased by 20%, ensuring that dart tips glide easily past the wires and into the score bed. Featuring carbon diffusion technology for an ultra-hard surface, Blade 5 offers enhanced performance and durability.
It also features the Rota-Lock triple locking system for secure attachment and easy rotation.
My Winmau Blade 5 test: analysis & comparison
CompetitionMy analysis
My review of the Winmau Blade 5
The Blade 5 is the fifth generation of a series that pretty much invented the "blade" spider concept in darts. Its main selling point is accessibility: it's one of the best entry points into blade dartboards, without a tight budget or a major technical compromise.
I won't lie to you: it's not the most accomplished board in the Winmau catalogue. It's a previous-generation model, now replaced by the Blade 6, which clearly does better on paper. But for a first serious purchase, or to equip a club without blowing the budget, the Blade 5 ticks all the essential boxes.
My test of the Winmau Blade 5 on the oche
On the oche, the difference with a classic round spider is noticeable quite quickly. The 10 sides of the blade spider reduce the bounce-out surface, so fewer darts hitting the floor for nothing. It's not magic, you still get bounce-outs on the wires, but noticeably fewer than with a classic entry-level board.
The double (9.5mm) and triple (8mm) segments stay within standard widths, neither particularly generous nor tight competition-style. The result is a forgiving board that suits both a player discovering steel-tip darts and a confirmed player who wants to practise without excessive frustration.
Durability of the Winmau Blade 5
Over time, the Blade 5 holds up decently, nothing more. The sisal handles regular sessions well, and the staple-free construction limits unpleasant bounce-out surprises linked to staple wear over time. That said, durability stays "solid for the range" rather than exceptional: the Blade 6, with its more refined finish, will hold up better over time if you play very intensively.
For regular but not high-frequency daily use, the Blade 5 easily does the job for several seasons.
Setup and mounting the board
The Rota-Lock fixing makes life easier: no need to dismantle the whole board to recenter or replace the spider, a simple twist does the job. This is a real plus day-to-day, especially if you play often and the spider ends up shifting with use.
Standard 18-inch / 4.7kg format with regulation dimensions: it mounts like any classic steel-tip board, with no particular requirements for the mount or space.
Price and value for money
This is clearly the Blade 5's strong point. Generally around €40-45 depending on the retailer, you get a competition-type board with regulation dimensions and a genuine blade spider, something that was still reserved for pricier ranges a few years ago. The value for money is excellent, hard to find better at this price point for a blade board.
If you compare it with the Blade 6, the price difference is justified by superior finish and durability, but the gap in everyday playing enjoyment stays modest.
Verdict: should you buy the Winmau Blade 5?
Yes, without hesitation, if you're looking for a first serious blade board or a good budget/performance compromise. It's solid across the board (durability, bounce reduction, finish), without excelling anywhere, but it clearly outperforms classic entry-level boards for a contained price.
If your budget allows it and you want the best of Winmau's blade technology, go for the Blade 6. But to get started or for club use, the Blade 5 remains a safe bet.
Criteria breakdown
Durability
The Blade 5 holds up well over several seasons of regular use. The staple-free construction limits the classic weak points linked to staple wear, but durability stays good for the range rather than reaching Blade 6 levels.
Bounce-out
The 10-sided blade spider noticeably reduces the bounce-out surface compared to classic round models. You can feel the difference from the first sessions, without quite matching the finest spiders in Winmau's higher-end range.
Finish
The finish is clean and free of visible flaws in use, without rivalling the more refined details of the Blade series' premium models. Well-made work, no surprises.
Visual clarity
The numbers and spider wire stay legible in good playing conditions. Standard visual comfort, sufficient for regular use without being a particular selling point.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for money (generally around €40-45 depending on the retailer)
- 10-sided blade spider that noticeably reduces bounce-outs
- Standard, forgiving double/triple segments suited to all levels
- Practical Rota-Lock fixing to recentre/replace the spider
- Competition-type board with regulation dimensions, one of the best entry points into blade dartboards
Cons
- Durability and finish are solid but not exceptional, clearly outdone by the Blade 6
- Spider is less fine than on premium blade models, slightly more bounce-outs than the top of the category
Frequently asked questions about the Winmau Blade 5
Its main strengths are the 10-sided blade spider that reduces bounce-outs, the practical Rota-Lock fixing for everyday use, and above all its excellent value for money: a competition-type board with regulation dimensions, generally around €40-45 depending on the retailer, making it one of the best entry points into blade dartboards on the market.
The Blade 6 is technically superior: a thinner spider, staple-free construction right up to the bull, and better long-term durability. The Blade 5 stays solid on these same points but doesn't push them as far, while being noticeably more affordable.
Yes, absolutely. Its double (9.5mm) and triple (8mm) segments stay within standard, forgiving widths suited to all levels. It's actually one of the best choices for discovering blade boards without feeling penalised by an overly demanding board.
It mounts like a standard steel-tip board in the 18-inch format. Its Rota-Lock fixing lets you recentre or replace the spider easily, without full disassembly, which simplifies maintenance over time.
It's generally found around €40 to €45 depending on the retailer, making it one of the most accessible competition-type blade boards with regulation dimensions on the market, with excellent value for money for a first serious purchase.
Player reviews Winmau Blade 5
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