Harrows Boxer

I’ve recently been throwing the Harrows Boxer 23 g parallel from their 50th Anniversary “Classics Remastered” series, and it’s quickly become one of my favourites. I was drawn to it because I prefer a front-weighted dart with a medium grip that’s straight or slightly fuller at the back. The Boxer ticks those boxes perfectly, combining classic design with modern refinements.

Right out of the box, the darts feel reassuringly solid. They’re crafted from 90% tungsten, which offers the density and slim profile that I love in a parallel dart. At 23 g, the weight hits that sweet spot between control and punch. The barrel diameter is around 6.3 mm, with a length of about 51 mm, making it easy to find a comfortable grip without the feeling of being too chunky or too thin.

Visually, they’re stunning. The gold titanium nitride coating not only looks great under any lighting but also adds a layer of protection against wear and tear. Even though coatings can wear with regular play, I find that it adds character over time without compromising performance. The sleek gold accents against the tungsten create a refined aesthetic, which gives them a premium feel and sets them apart from plainer designs.

The parallel barrel design is exactly what I need. It stays consistent along its length, so I’m not fighting with changes in diameter or abrupt tapers. That straight profile encourages a clean, direct flight path, something that’s essential for me. I find that it works especially well with my front-weighted grip, as it allows me to keep the dart angled slightly downwards in flight, giving a more stable, predictable trajectory.

Grip-wise, the Boxer has a medium level of texture, which is just about perfect for longer practice sessions or extended matches. The knurling at the front is nicely defined without being harsh, and it transitions smoothly to precision-cut rings as you move back along the barrel. This grip pattern feels reliable in the fingers—enough to lock in the dart for a secure throw but not so aggressive that it starts to chafe or feel abrasive.

What I particularly like is that there’s a subtle fullness toward the rear of the barrel. It’s not as pronounced as a bomb-style barrel, but it does give me a little extra to rest my ring finger against, helping me maintain consistency in my throw. That slight bulge at the back provides a nice counterbalance for the front-weighted feel, so I never feel like the dart is tipping too far forward or back in the hand.

In flight, these darts are exceptional. The balance is clear immediately—they land in the board with a satisfying thunk and group well. Because of the parallel barrel and front-weighted balance, I don’t have to adjust my throw or my grip to get consistent results. The Boxer just seems to find the segment with minimal fuss. Whether I’m playing a quick leg or practicing over an hour, the darts perform consistently without feeling tiring in the hand.

One of the standout features is how forgiving they feel. Even if my release isn’t perfect, the dart seems to self-correct just enough to avoid massive drop-offs or wild angle variations. That level of stability is invaluable for me, as it builds confidence in the dart and in my throw.

Included in the package are Midi Supergrip Carbon Shafts and robust 100-micron Anniversary flights. This setup complements the barrel perfectly, offering a balanced and reliable combination right out of the box. The medium-length shafts give me a natural alignment for my front grip, and the thick flights stand up to repeated use without losing shape.

Durability has also been impressive. I’ve played dozens of games with these already, and apart from some slight fading of the gold coating on the most-used grip zones, they’re holding up well. The knurling and rings remain sharp and defined, which is exactly what I’d expect from a quality set like this.

Comparing these to bomb-style barrels that I’ve tried in the past, I can confidently say that the parallel Boxer gives me the best of both worlds: the stability of a straight barrel and just enough fullness at the back for a secure, confident hold. Bomb barrels can sometimes feel a bit too chunky for my liking, especially if I’m gripping front or mid-barrel. The Boxer avoids that, delivering a comfortable feel that doesn’t force me to change my natural grip.

While the length of the barrel (51 mm) is slightly longer than some shorter, stubbier designs, it doesn’t feel unwieldy. In fact, it provides a sense of stability and control that I really appreciate. There’s enough space for my fingers to spread out comfortably, which helps me relax my hand and avoid tension when I’m playing longer sessions.

Overall, the Harrows Boxer 23 g parallel darts have slotted seamlessly into my regular practice and match routine. They provide an ideal balance of weight, grip, and profile for my front-weighted, straight-barrel preferences. I’ve found my accuracy improving as I’ve settled into using them more consistently—the flight path is clean and direct, and I’m seeing tighter groupings than I did with some of my older, more heavily tapered barrels.

The Boxer’s medium grip is perfect for me. I don’t like an overly aggressive grip because it can start to feel harsh over time, especially if I’m playing in hot conditions or my hands are a bit more sensitive after a long session. These darts strike that sweet spot of providing enough texture to stay locked in, without feeling like I’m going to tear up my fingertips.

In terms of drawbacks, there aren’t many. If you prefer a very rear-weighted dart or one with an aggressive bomb shape, you might find the parallel Boxer too neutral. And while the gold finish is striking, it will show wear eventually. But honestly, that’s part of the character of these darts—it’s a sign of how much they’ve been used and how they’ve grown to fit my hand even better over time.

To sum it up: for someone like me who loves front-weighted, straight-to-slightly fuller barrels with a comfortable medium grip, the Harrows Boxer 23 g parallel is a near-perfect match. It’s a true classic remastered for today’s game, with the performance and feel that make it a standout choice for anyone who wants a dart that just works—game after game, throw after throw.