No one likes a flat tire, and the industry has worked tirelessly (zing!) to develop more straightforward and efficient ways to fix punctures. Stan’s (one of the OGs in tubeless sealant technology) has updated their unique DART system, this time working alongside Daysaver to help store and keep the updated tool lasting longer and performing consistently.
What is the Stan’s Incredible DART?
The DART is a plug-style tubeless flat tool that uses a unique blow-dart-style insert to fill cuts in the tire carcass. The flexible nature and flower-style design of the DART plug allow it to fit nicely into large and small tire cuts and cover more space.
What’s New?
The Stan’s Incredible DART builds on the base design launched some years ago. There was never a great storage solution for the DART; you mostly had to store it in your jersey pocket, but it wasn’t a burden – it was just easy to forget (or lose, in my case).
The updated Incredible DART design focuses on elegant storage and ease of use. Stan’s partnered with the engineers at Daysaver in Switzerland to create this sleek, updated design that will be much harder to forget.
How Does the Stan’s Incredible DART Install?
The Incredible DART can be installed inside a handlebar (with Stan’s Incredible Handlebar Mount, sold separately) or stored in a pocket or backpack like the OG DART.
Stan’s supplies three different grommets with the Incredible DART handlebar kit, and they should fit most flat bars. To install the Stan’s Incredible DART on your bars, all you need to do is install the grommet on the tool (opposite the side of the Stan’s logo) and slide the tool onto the bar end clip.
Next, tighten the 3mm fitting while the quick release is engaged and secure the fit. To use the tool, flip the quick release, and the tool will slide out when you pull the tab. Then, you’re ready to fix a flat. Also – the new Stan’s DART works with any of Daysaver’s modular Incredible tool ecosystems.
How Do You Use the Stan’s Incredible DART?
If you’re familiar with tire plugs or bacon strip-style repairs, the Stan’s Incredible DART works nearly the same. You take the tool out of your bar end (or your pocket) and twist the tool while holding the silver alloy piece.
Twisting will pop the spring-loaded DART installation bit and DART plug from their hidden home in the tool. Mind how quickly you turn the preloaded tool—I’ve had the DART plug fling off into the installation tool.
Then locate your flat, and push the Stan’s Incredible DART plug into the puncture. The installation tool has a bottom-out feature that only allows the plug to be installed at a certain depth.
After you successfully install the DART plug, spin the wheel and flood the puncture site with the tubeless sealant in your tires (Stan’s or not). After this, you should be ready to inflate and roll.
If you unfortunately get another flat (we’ve all been there), the new Incredible DART holds three DART plugs. So you should be good to get home or at least go to a corner store.
First Impressions: Stan’s Incredible DART
I’m a fan of the current Stan’s DART, it’s easy to use and fits in my flat kit. My only complaint is that it takes up more space than the bacon strips or slim Dyna Plug tool. It seems that the updated Stan’s Incredible DART has solved most of those problems.
The installation installation is easy enough, and the tool is well-designed. I like how resilient the design is. The alloy outer looks like it will last the long haul, and the tool doesn’t rattle in your bars, thanks to the various-sized grommets in the hardware kit.
A No-Go For Most Road
I was bummed to see that it wouldn’t work in any of my drop bar bikes. There is a minimal chance it could work with gravel bars that are very flared, but that’s wishful thinking. As I imagine, this is a flat bar-only install tool. BUT its slimmer and cylindrical design is better for packing and storing quickly.
The updated tool design is a nice improvement and upgrade from the current model. The spring-loaded piece is a bit novel, and it’s not just for show; it works, and that’s all that matters. Just don’t spring your DART plug into the woods.
Premium Price for Premium Tools
The cost is significantly higher than that of the original model. The Stan’s DART tool (OG) is $25.00, with refills being $20.00. The new Stan’s Incredible DART is $72.00, and an extra $35.00 if you want the hardware kit. That means getting the whole kit (hardware for the bar installation) will cost $107.00.
Why the price increase? The OG DART is crafted out of plastic and is slightly less refined. The new Stan’s Incredible DART feels like a tool that you can get more use out of, one that will last a long time — primarily because of its alloy construction.
Is it worth the extra cost? I would say yes – especially if you’re a Stan’s DART fan. The tool fits seamlessly into the bars of most flat-bar bikes (it fits all of mine, but I don’t want to say it fits them all). Plus, the tool design is cool, and I like cool, neat tools, especially practical ones.
What about the weight? The original Stan’s DART weighs 15g with two DART plugs in the chamber. The Stan’s Incredible DART weighs slightly more, at 37g with the hardware piece and 29g as just the tool.
Stan’s Incredible DART
- Include 3 DART heads
- Precision engineered in Switzerland
- Compatible with Daysaver’s modular Incredible tool ecosystem
- Incredible DART Handlebar Mount sold separately
- 6061-T6 alloy body
- Color: Silver with laser-etched logos
- Made in Taiwan
- Compostable packaging
- Weight:
- Price: $72.00 (tool only) $35.00 (Hardware Mount)
