Fletching

[Psprague]

What is the difference between the different size fletching?

[Psprague]

26 views and no replies.Is this a stupid question, or I'm just being impatient?

[sniper]

This is a huge topic.

Could you be a little more specific?

[Psprague]

Sorry I'm new to archery and didn't know that this was such a huge topic. What would the difference be between a 3 inch fletching an a four inch fletching?

[petew]

larger fletching is able to steer the arrow better. With broadheads it becomes important as the head gets larger.
Trad bows usualy use very large heads and 5" high profile feather fletches.

[russ]

Then there's feathers vs. vanes. I prefer feathers when I'm used fixed blades - it doesn't rain that much around here though in hunting season.

[Psprague]

Thanks for the info guys.The reason for the question is that I had to replace some of the fletching on my arrows after my sight came loose and a couple of arrows went over a target.

[russ]

Thanks for the info guys.The reason for the question is that I had to replace some of the fletching on my arrows after my sight came loose and a couple of arrows went over a target.

Blue loc-tite works quite well for that problem.

[Psprague]

Does the size of the feathers or vanes affect the speed of the arrow?

[petew]

Fletch size does affect the speed down range.
Feathers are lighter and faster than vanes and more forgiving to contact, vanes are more durable and less afected by rain.
Straight fletch has less drag, but also less spin. Helical will stabilize a shaft faster, and is better with broadheads.

Messed up vanes and feathers can be straightened out by steaming them over a kettle.

[Psprague]

I'll have to try stream some of my vanes.Thanks for the tip.When replacing vanes is there a certain way to place them on the arrow?So far bowzone has been very helpful to me improving my shooting.Thanks

[petew]

You need a fletching jig to replace them. It puts them in the right position for you and they are not to expensive to buy.
http://git-r-donearchery.com/ has an excelent jig for $30.00, It is not on his site yet but he will send you the information on them. They are almost identical to the Martin jig that sells here for $55.00.

[petew]

A note of caution... Broadheads without fletch can make a wild flight path. This can be very dangerous. Do not shoot broadheads with bare shafts. They can go up, down right or left at extreme angles and hit things not anywhere near where you are aiming.

Pete

[petew]

Even in a perfectly tuned bow, and perfect arrow , BH combination it is a dangerous thing to shoot unfletched broadhead arrows. Anything can send them helter skelter, a bit of tourque, rough release, wind gust , etc.

[russ]

I agree with Pete.

BTW, you keep mentioned IBEP. Last time I checked IBEP suggested a minimum fletch length of 4".

[Psprague]

Thanks for the info.:thumbsup: learn something everyday here.

[russ]

Broadheads compound hunting.... stable arrow flight... under wide variety of conditions... max 40 yards...(IBEP recommendations)... large fletches... 3" minimum... Assuming bow and arrow are well tuned

And just wth am I supposed to interpret from that statement?

You have IBEP & 3" minimum on the same line.

[russ]

AC,

Why not try using the ellipsis appropriately?