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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: lucznik on December 07, 2009, 11:15:00 PM
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Aside from aesthetics, is there any reason to use large feathers?
For example, I am shooting a 53# R/D longbow with 125 - 160 gr. broadheads. Can I expect good flight from wood and/or cane arrows fletched with 4" feathers or will I need to go to 5" (or even 5 1/2") feathers?
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Armand... the size of the feather really depends on the quality of your set up's tune. The better it's tuned the smaller the fletch you can use and still have a stable/good flying arrow.
Large fletch will overcome inconsistency of spine to a degree but you'll never realize the real accuracy and penetration ability of your arrows unless they are perfectly tuned to your bow or adjustments are made to the bow to accomplish that tune.
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I usually us 5 or 5 1/2" shield cut feathers on cedar arrows. I don't know if it's a NEED thing. They just seem to look right on woodies. Your arrows will also be somewhat more forgiving and stable. There may be some loss of speed, but I've never really noticed the difference.
I use 5" feathers on my carbons with those big old Zwickey Deltas up front. Again, 4" feathers would probably do the trick, but I like to make sure I stabilize the arrow with those wide broadheads up front, especially if there is any wind.
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Smaller feathers are fine for target shooting, but when I'm in the woods I want more feather to make up for flaws in form, etc. that can happen under hunting conditions. It goes without saying that your need to be perfectly matched when shooting broadheads, but the extra feather is cheap insurance for those times when the shot is not made perfectly. I also radius the shelf on my hunting bows for the same reason.
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I use 4 fletch 4" feathers for the simple reason if you have to nock a arrow quick in a hunting situation you don't have to take your eyes off the intendent target just nock the arrow, it works either way. plus 4 four inch feathers give you another inch of surface area over 3 five inch feathers.
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Go big or don't go.I like 5.5 shield cuts they look cool.