🏆 Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 vs 800: Which Electronic Dartboard Is Better?
Looking to upgrade your home dart setup or pick the perfect gift for a darts enthusiast? The Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 and Cricket Pro 800 are two of the most popular electronic dartboards on the market—and for good reason. Both offer tournament-style features, durable construction, and plenty of game options. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore every angle—features, durability, scoring system, performance, user experience, pricing, and more—so you can make the smartest buying decision possible.
✅ Why Compare the Arachnid Pro 650 and Pro 800?
These two dartboards are part of Arachnid’s professional series, built for competitive home players, game rooms, and serious dart lovers. While they share many similarities, some key differences could influence your decision depending on:
How often you play
Your space and setup
Budget
Preference for game types and display systems
This guide is designed to clear up any confusion by offering a detailed, head-to-head breakdown.
🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Feature | Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 | Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 |
---|---|---|
Target Area | 15.5” regulation size | 15.5” regulation size |
Games & Variations | 33 games / 303 options | 39 games / 179 options |
Segment Material | NylonTough™ segments | NylonTough™ segments |
Divider Design | Micro-Thin™ to reduce bounce-outs | Micro-Thin™ to reduce bounce-outs |
Display | Dual Tricolor LED (Cricket display) | Jumbo 4-player X/O LED scoring + Cricket |
Players Supported | Up to 8 players | Up to 8 players |
Voice Prompts | Yes (Computer voice prompts) | Yes (Clearer prompts) |
Dimensions (W x H) | 23″ x 31″ | 22.83″ x 30.31″ |
Weight | 5 kg | 5 kg |
Thickness | 6.75 inches | 2 inches |
Warranty | 90-day limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
User Rating | ⭐ 4.2 (1,600+ reviews) | ⭐ 4.3 (2,000+ reviews) |
Best Seller Rank | #80 in Dartboards | #33 in Dartboards |
🧱 Build Quality: Is There a Durability Difference?
Both dartboards use Arachnid’s NylonTough™ segment technology, which is known for lasting longer and delivering consistent dart response even after thousands of throws. The micro-thin segment dividers dramatically reduce bounce-outs—a huge plus if you’re aiming for high scores or competitive play.
Where the Pro 800 edges ahead is in its design profile: it’s only 2 inches thick compared to the Pro 650’s 6.75-inch depth, making it easier to mount in tight spaces and giving it a sleeker look.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins for slimmer design and equally solid durability.
🎯 Game Modes & Variety: Who Offers More Fun?
Cricket Pro 650:
33 games
303 variations
Classic Cricket, 301, 501, Count-Up, Cutthroat, and more
Good for players who love to customize scoring formats
Cricket Pro 800:
39 games
179 variations
Includes all games from the 650 plus additional Cricket-based games
More modern game interface and control navigation
While the 650 technically has more scoring variations, the Pro 800 adds newer game modes and simplifies the menu structure, making it faster and easier to switch games during group play.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins with broader game variety and smoother interface.
📺 Display & Scoring System: Tricolor LED vs Jumbo Display
Both dartboards support up to 8 players, but their scoring displays differ significantly.
Cricket Pro 650:
Dual Tricolor LED display (one for score, one for Cricket stats)
Cricket display shows segments hit for each player
Good readability, but may feel a bit crowded with many players
Cricket Pro 800:
Jumbo 4-player X/O LED display
Cricket scoring is bold, clear, and visible from a distance
Superior visibility during fast-paced or dim-light play
If you’re hosting regular games with friends or family, the Pro 800’s jumbo display is a clear advantage, allowing players to track scores and Cricket progress at a glance.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins with clearer, tournament-style scoring.
🔊 Voice Feedback & User Interface
Both models feature voice prompts that announce turns and scores, creating a more interactive experience. However, users report that the Pro 800 has a more polished audio system, with clearer voice quality and more accurate scoring announcements.
The user interface for switching games, viewing stats, and entering player names is also slightly faster and more intuitive on the Pro 800.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins for smoother interaction and voice clarity.
⚙️ Performance During Play
Players consistently praise both models for:
Reliable score tracking
Minimal bounce-outs
Durable segments that don’t wear down quickly
However, the Cricket Pro 800 performs better over time. Its thinner profile keeps it stable against the wall, and its scoring system is more responsive, particularly in group sessions.
Whether you’re playing solo, with a partner, or with a group of 8, both boards deliver—but the Pro 800 just feels more refined in real-world play.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins in performance, especially for serious players.
📦 What’s Included & Setup Experience
Both dartboards include:
The dartboard unit
Mounting hardware
Instruction manual
Neither comes with soft-tip darts, so you’ll need to buy those separately. Setup is fairly straightforward for both models, but Pro 800’s lighter, slimmer build makes it easier to install, especially on drywall or game room setups with limited space.
🛠 Pro Tip: Use a dartboard backing or cabinet for extra protection and aesthetics.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 wins for convenience and compact installation.
⭐ Customer Reviews & Community Feedback
Pro 650:
“Well-made and fun for family nights. The game variety is nice, and it feels sturdy.”
⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars – 1,600+ ratings
Pro 800:
“This dartboard feels like a professional setup. Clear display, responsive segments, and lots of game choices.”
⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars – 2,000+ ratings
Most reviewers favor the Cricket Pro 800 for its extra features, improved display, and modern feel. The Pro 650 still holds its own as a dependable, budget-friendly model.
💰 Pricing & Warranty
Cricket Pro 650: More affordable, typically around $140–$160
Cricket Pro 800: Slightly higher, around $180–$210
The Pro 800 also includes a 1-year limited warranty, compared to just 90 days for the 650, which may matter if you’re a frequent player or plan on long-term use.
🏅 Verdict: Pro 800 offers better value overall due to longer warranty and advanced features.
🔄 Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Arachnid Cricket Pro 650
Pros:
Lower price
Over 300 game options
Durable NylonTough segments
Good entry-level board
Cons:
Thicker and bulkier
Shorter warranty
Less advanced display
✅ Arachnid Cricket Pro 800
Pros:
More games (39 total)
Jumbo X/O LED scoring
Slim, sleek design
1-year warranty
More refined performance
Cons:
Slightly more expensive
Fewer scoring variations than 650
🧠 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
You Should Choose… | If You… |
---|---|
🟢 Cricket Pro 650 | Want a solid, feature-rich board at a lower price and don’t mind a thicker design |
🟢 Cricket Pro 800 | Want the best display, extra games, superior durability, and a sleeker, more premium experience |
Bottom Line: For most players, especially those looking for long-term satisfaction, the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 is worth the slightly higher investment. But if you’re on a budget and still want an excellent board, the Pro 650 won’t disappoint.
🛒 Ready to Buy?
✅ Check the latest price of the Arachnid Cricket Pro 650 on Amazon
✅ See deals on the Arachnid Cricket Pro 800 on Amazon