German darts star Gabriel Clemens has launched a scathing attack on the new generation of PDC dartboards, labeling them "an absolute disaster." The criticism comes after the PDC, together with equipment partner Winmau, introduced the Winmau Blade 360 for floor events and the Winmau Blade X for televised tournaments at the start of the 2026 season. In the latest episode of the Darts auf die 1 podcast, Clemens spoke candidly to co-host Marcel Althaus, highlighting widespread issues with bounce-outs and a hard surface, particularly on the Blade X board.
Clemens pointed to the high number of bounce-outs as a major concern, referencing the UK Open 2026 where Jimmy van Schie missed a 130 finish because his dart sprang out of the bull. "You still got the odd bouncer now and then. Overall, I thought: A lot of bouncers this weekend," Clemens said. He added, "Jimmy van Schie could sing you a song about that. I was just walking into the hall when he came storming out." Other pros are also struggling, with Clemens noting Dave Chisnall's difficulties: "Chizzy is also a huge fan, by the way. I saw that match—every dart of his just drooped."
Despite the board issues, Clemens confirmed his strong form at the UK Open, where he reached the fifth round with a spectacular 145 checkout to win against Richard Veenstra. However, his run ended with a 2-10 defeat to James Wade. Reflecting on that match, Clemens admitted, "At some point I just got annoyed, I have to say. With myself, with the stage, with pretty much everything. I was unhappy with the overall situation. The stage was wobbling... it wasn't nice anymore—everything on that thing was shaking."
Beyond the boards, Clemens criticized the conditions at Butlins Minehead, specifically the side area with boards 3 to 8. "In fact, stages 3 to 8 are now in a different hall—and judging by the smell, that's usually where ponies walk around," he joked. He also described problematic lighting: "Some overhead lighting wouldn't have hurt. I found it really very dark, and every player I spoke to also thought it was very dark."
