Winmau was founded in 1945 (the company often references its post-war origins beginning in 1945–1946) by Harry Kicks, a former British Army Sergeant Major. Using his demobilization funds after World War II, Kicks began producing traditional elm dartboards in London’s East End.

The name “Winmau” was created by combining the first three letters of his wife Winifred Maud’s name. The unusual spelling became one of the most memorable brand names in darts and is officially pronounced “Win-more.” [2]

Early Development

During the 1950s and 1960s, Winmau transitioned from manufacturing traditional elm dartboards to producing bristle (sisal) dartboards, which offered greater durability and self-healing properties.

In 1973, Winmau became the official dartboard supplier for the British Darts Organisation (BDO), significantly increasing its international profile. [3]

Acquisition

In 2002, Winmau was acquired by fellow darts manufacturer Nodor, creating one of the largest darts equipment groups in the world. Despite the acquisition, both Winmau and Nodor have continued to operate as separate brands under the same ownership. [4]

Winmau is headquartered in Bridgend, South Wales, United Kingdom.

The company states that it manufactures its premium products using dedicated production facilities and exports to more than 70 countries worldwide, supplying millions of players ranging from beginners to professionals. [5]

Winmau manufactures a comprehensive range of darts equipment, including:

• Premium sisal bristle dartboards

• Steel-tip darts

• Soft-tip darts

• Tungsten barrels

• Dart flights

• Shafts (stems)

• Surrounds

• Cabinets

• Mats

• Cases

• Sharpeners

• Accessories

• Electronic dartboards

The company is particularly known for combining engineering, precision machining, and innovative materials in its products. [6]

Winmau’s most famous product line is the Blade dartboard series.

Introduced in 1997, the Blade series revolutionized dartboard design by introducing thinner wiring systems that significantly reduced bounce-outs. [7]

Major generations include:

• Blade

• Blade II

• Blade III

• Blade IV

• Blade 5

• Blade 6

• Blade 6 Dual Core

• Blade 6 Triple Core

• Blade X

The Blade series is considered one of the highest-performing professional dartboards in the sport and is widely used in major competitions. [7]

Winmau is recognized for pioneering several technologies, including:

• Ultra-thin wiring systems

• Density-controlled sisal construction

• Carbon-reinforced dartboard cores

• Precision CNC-machined tungsten barrels

• Dynamic flight systems

• High-performance grip patterns

• Professional-grade balance engineering

These innovations have helped establish many modern standards in darts equipment. [8]

Winmau sponsors numerous professional darts players and has partnered with some of the sport’s biggest names over the years, including:

• Michael van Gerwen

• Simon Whitlock

• Joe Cullen

• Steve Beaton

• Dennis Priestley

• Scott Waites

• Scott Mitchell

• Trina Gulliver

The brand has continued expanding its player roster and ambassador program in recent years. [9]

Winmau has long supported professional darts through sponsorships and equipment supply. It has been associated with major tournaments such as:

• Winmau World Masters

• BDO World Championship (historically)

• Various World Darts Federation events

• Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events as an official equipment provider

The company also supplies equipment to numerous national darts federations worldwide. [10]

Among darts players, Winmau is widely respected for:

• High-quality construction

• Durable premium dartboards

• Precision tungsten darts

• Consistent manufacturing standards

• Professional tournament equipment

Its Blade series is frequently ranked among the best bristle dartboards available and is commonly recommended for both serious amateurs and professionals. [11]

According to the company, Winmau products are distributed in more than 70 countries, with strong market presence across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North America. The brand serves recreational players, clubs, leagues, and professional tournaments worldwide. [12]

With a history spanning over 75 years, Winmau has become one of the most influential names in darts. Its innovations—particularly the Blade dartboard—have shaped modern equipment design and contributed significantly to the growth and professionalization of the sport. Today, Winmau remains one of the world’s most recognized and trusted darts brands. [13]

1. Winmau

2. About Winmau

3. WINMAU Celebrates 70th Anniversary! – Winmau

4. T E C H N O L O G Y D R I V I N G C H A M P I O N S

5. Fallon Sherrock lands new role after making darts history – and will launch own range to celebrate

6. Major TV darts tournament undergoes radical rebrand with whole extra day of action as new format is revealed

7. Simon Hall, Winmau’s global head of marketing, gives us the lowdown on the brand – Sports Insight

8. Winmau Celebrates 65 years as a Brand Leader

9. À propos de Winmau

10. Acerca de Winmau

11. Winmau – Media Portal – Welcome

12. Über Winmau

13. Winmau – Media Portal – Welcome