posted
At the ranges I shoot (30 and under for targets and 20 and under for hunting) I can't tell the difference between the same arrows and broadheads with 4" vs. 5".
I've been shooting 4" for about 3 years. I'm going to hunt with 5" this season because I had thought to go to a larger broadhead (VPA 175 grain). I'm not going to use the 3-blade broadhead (sticking with 2-blade single bevel Helix) but I'll still use the 5" feathers.
My arrow is shorter than average (27" BOP) for my 26" draw. I'm also very particular about tuning so I'm sure I could get by with 3" feathers if I wanted to.
However, I'm thinking the 5" might save my shot in the off-chance I tick a sleeve or something at the shot?
-------------------- If the mind wanders, so too will the arrow.
Member of various archery organizations. Posts: 3857 | From: Kentucky | Registered: Jan 2004
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I'm with Dan. If a little is good a whole lot must be better. I just did four arrows up as an experiment, two with 3 fletch, 4 and 5" feathers and 2 with 4 fletch 4 and 5" feathers. I'm liking the arrow flight of the 4-5" feathers the best. Chronograph can't tell the difference between them speed wise and neither can I. Plus it's much easier to see all that feather on the rear! Wind drift seems about the same as it's been really windy since I started testing.
Posts: 1188 | From: Lexington, Kentucky | Registered: Aug 2007
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I shoot 2 inch razors! Less feather is less noise, more speed. when your arrows fly straight without feathers you really don't need big feathers to off set your broad head. Yes your release is more critical but nothing wrong with a clean release!
-------------------- Make a life, not a living Posts: 1915 | From: Rugged SE Minnesota | Registered: May 2005
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On my 30.5" 5575s, I just switched from four 4" to three 4" and took an inch off my crest wraps (now 6"). Bare shaft 5575 with 6" wraps and 175 grain field points fly as well or better than the same shaft with a 7" wrap and 200 gr.
But when fletched, the three 4" flies WAY better than the four 4" especially at longer distances. I just ordered cock feathers and fletching tape from KK today.
-------------------- Pat McGann
Bob Lee Exotic Stickbow, 51# Bob Lee Signature T/D recurve, 55# Howatt Palomar recurve (69"), 40#
"If you leave archery for one day, it will leave you for 10 days." --Turkish proverb Posts: 820 | From: Twisp, WA | Registered: Oct 2006
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Bob Lee Exotic Stickbow, 51# Bob Lee Signature T/D recurve, 55# Howatt Palomar recurve (69"), 40#
"If you leave archery for one day, it will leave you for 10 days." --Turkish proverb Posts: 820 | From: Twisp, WA | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Brad, that's a good point. I know my 35 year old eyes don't call a shot as good as when they were 18. Between that and a healthy debate with the gal at the pro-shop, I switched to pink True Flights before the 3D season kicked off here in MT. Those on a 4 fletch are like watching a tracer go away from you. Come to think of it, the last of my 3 fletch were all yellow shield cuts (I'd use the bump on the nock to tell which one was the cock feather.)
I always thought I saw some "junk" on arrows that had a different color cock feather. Maybe I worry too much?
Also, from what I gather here in the Flathead Schafer was a fan of 4 fletch arrows. Which is probably why 4 fletch is so popular here in the Flathead with Tradguys.
Posts: 398 | From: Flathead County, Montana | Registered: Nov 2004
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The Only Difference in Flight I have noticed is 4" are just a teeny bit Quieter. Not really so's you'd notice really, I just happened to be at the Right place at the Right time maybe. Because I dont hear it every shot. Arent 2" all the Rage with the 'Wheelie Boys' now? All I know is, They fit my granddaughters arrows really good too!
-------------------- Proud Member of Christian Bowhunters of America "Life doesn't get Simpler; it gets Shorter and Turns in Smaller Circles." Dean Torges "Faith is to Prayer what the Feather is to the Arrow" Thomas Morrow Posts: 5181 | From: Crawfordsville, Indiana | Registered: Aug 2004
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When I shoot my longbows , Ilike to draw the arrow so that there is contact on my bow finger. I found that if I am not taking the time to clean up the lead feather edge a right wing will cut my finger shooting a right hand bow and a left wing will do the same with a left wing fletch. However, with four fletch that goes the other way the left wing cuts on the right hand bow and not on the left hand bows.
Posts: 2559 | From: Iowa | Registered: Oct 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Bisch: I fletch all my carbons with right helical and they fit just fine.
Bisch
I seem to get my best arrow flight with 3 5" feathers with a right helical - though with MFX shaft, the helical can't be too radical and stay on the shaft.
As mentioned above, you can probably find a book or article that'll support any theory you like, but the articles that say you don't get enough helical on a small diameter carbon arrow to matter make logical sense. On the other hand, what you can get looks nicer, so I do it anyway.
-------------------- Don't meddle in the affairs of dragons; people are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 990 | From: Narberth, PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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4 inch feathers are noticeably faster. I use them on carbon shafts but I stick with five inch for wood.
Posts: 2331 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jun 2003
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Buckeye... which tuning method do the tribal hunters use?
For everybody else... it's my opinion that no advantage overrides the stability of an arrow with 4x4" or 3x5" fletching regardless of how well the arrow is tuned. Stability is everything in a hunting arrow.
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Because I dont hear it every shot.![[goldtooth]](graemlins/xxdsmile.gif)
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