If you've been looking for a new setup, the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 is probably sitting right at the top of your list. It's hard to ignore a board that's been built with this much input from the professional circuit, especially when you consider how much the tech has moved on in the last few years. I've spent a fair bit of time throwing at different boards, and honestly, the jump from a standard club board to something like this is pretty noticeable the second you pull it out of the box.
The first thing you realize when you get your hands on it is that Unicorn wasn't just trying to make "another dartboard." They were trying to solve the little annoyances that drive regular players crazy. Whether you're a pub league veteran or someone who just likes to have a few throws after work to de-stress, the way the board looks and feels under the lights makes a massive difference to how much you enjoy the game.
The Look and the "Ultra" Sisal
The first thing that hits you about the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 is how clean it looks. Most boards have those visible "biscuits" or joins in the sisal that can look a bit messy, but this one uses what they call Ultra Sisal. It's basically a higher grade of bristle that's been processed to be as seamless as possible. When you're standing at the oche, having a surface that is uniform and bright really helps with your focus. There's nothing worse than a dark patch or a weird lump in the treble 20 when you're trying to find your rhythm.
Beyond just looking pretty, the sisal is designed to heal. If you haven't heard that term before, it's basically how the fibers move back into place once you pull your dart out. Cheaper boards leave gaping holes that eventually turn into "dead" spots where your darts just fall out. With the Ultra 2, the compression is tight enough that the holes close up pretty effectively. It feels dense, which gives you that satisfying, deep "thud" rather than a hollow "clack" when the dart lands.
Dealing with the Wire: The Ultra Spider
We've all been there—you throw the perfect dart, it's heading straight for the double, and then tink—it hits the wire and ends up on the floor. It's the most frustrating part of darts. To combat this, the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 features the Ultra Spider. It's essentially a radial wiring system that is incredibly thin.
Unicorn claims it's about 33% less embedded than previous versions, which basically means there's less metal for your point to hit. The wire is also angled to help nudge the dart into the bed rather than bouncing it back at your face. I've noticed that even on those "close calls" where I'm sure I've hit the wire, the dart usually manages to find a way into the sisal. It's a huge confidence booster because you stop worrying about the bounce-out and start focusing entirely on the target.
The Number Ring Revolution
One of the most debated features of the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 is the new Ultra Vis number ring. For years, dartboards had these bent wire numbers that were, let's be honest, a bit clunky. They could get hit, they could bend, and sometimes they were just hard to see.
The new number ring is made of a high-visibility plastic with bold, molded numbers. It's much cleaner and modern-looking. Some traditionalists might miss the old wire numbers, but from a practical standpoint, this is a win. The numbers are incredibly easy to read, even if your lighting setup isn't perfect. Plus, because they're flat against the board, they don't catch the light in a way that creates weird shadows.
Rotating the Board is Easier Than Ever
If you want your board to last, you've got to rotate it. If you're just hammering the 20s all day, that segment is going to die fast. Most people dread rotating their board because it involves fiddling with the number ring and making sure everything is lined up again.
With the unicorn eclipse ultra 2, the way the number ring sits makes it a breeze to pop off and move. Because the numbers are so clear, you don't find yourself squinting to make sure the "20" is perfectly centered over the top segment. It encourages you to take better care of the board, which means you'll get a lot more life out of your investment.
Installation and the Uni-Lock System
Nobody wants to spend two hours trying to get a dartboard level, only for it to wobble every time a dart hits it. The unicorn eclipse ultra 2 comes with the Uni-Lock leveling system. It's basically these little feet on the back of the board that you can screw in or out to make sure the board sits perfectly flat against the wall, even if your wall is slightly uneven (which most are).
It's a simple solution, but it works wonders. There's nothing more annoying than a board that rattles or shifts when you're pulling your darts out. Once you've dialed in the Uni-Lock, the board feels like part of the wall. It's solid, quiet, and doesn't budge. If you're living in a flat or a house with thin walls, that extra stability also helps dampen the sound, so you're less likely to annoy the neighbors during a late-night practice session.
Who is This Board Actually For?
It's easy to say "everyone should buy the best," but the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 is definitely a premium bit of kit. If you only play once every six months when your mates come over, you might not feel the need for all this tech. However, if you're playing a few times a week, the difference in quality is something you'll appreciate every single time you throw.
For serious players, it's a no-brainer. Having the same spec as the pros use gives you that mental edge. You know that if a dart doesn't stick, it was probably your throw rather than the board. It removes the variables. For beginners, it might seem like overkill, but it actually helps you learn faster because you aren't fighting against a poor-quality surface or constant bounce-outs.
How Does it Compare to Others?
The market for high-end dartboards is pretty competitive right now. You've got other big brands putting out some great stuff, but Unicorn has really doubled down on the "Ultra" branding for a reason. They've focused on the visual clarity and the thinness of the spider more than almost anyone else.
While some boards might feel a bit softer, the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 leans toward a firmer, more professional feel. It requires a bit of a confident throw, but the rewards are there. The colors are incredibly vibrant—the reds and greens really pop against the deep black of the sisal. It just looks like a professional arena in your spare room or garage.
Maintaining Your Board for the Long Haul
To get the most out of your unicorn eclipse ultra 2, you need to treat it right. Aside from the rotation I mentioned earlier, keeping the board away from moisture is key. Don't spray it with water (an old myth that actually ruins modern boards) and try to keep it out of direct sunlight if you can.
Also, check your dart points. If your points have burrs or are hooked, they will tear the sisal out when you pull them. A quick rub with some sandpaper to keep your points smooth will make your board last significantly longer. When you've got a board this nice, you want to make sure it stays in top condition for as long as possible.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
At the end of the day, the unicorn eclipse ultra 2 is a statement piece for any darts fan. It's not just a target; it's a finely tuned piece of equipment. From the way the sisal is processed to the high-vis number ring, every detail has been looked at to see how it can improve the game.
Is it the cheapest board on the market? No, definitely not. But in darts, you usually get exactly what you pay for. If you want a board that minimizes frustration, looks fantastic under LED lights, and offers the same experience as the pros on TV, then it's hard to find a reason not to go for this one. It's a solid, reliable, and high-performing board that makes every game feel a little bit more special. Whether you're chasing that elusive 180 or just trying to hit the board consistently, having the right gear makes the journey a lot more fun.