Helical or Straight?

[dano140]

The question of 3 fletch vs 4 fletch brought a couple of related questions to mind for me.

Do you prefer Helical or straight fletching?

I have just begun making my own arrows, and used right helical because that is the jig I borrowed.

I like the look of helical, and I have read that it is supposed to stabilize the arrow in flight better. What is your experience?

also, how do you get a stronger helical?

Thanks!
Dan

[Pat B]

I usually shoot a slightly offset straight fletch with big feathers(5 1/2" high profile). Practically all I shoot anymore are self bows and I like the recovery I get from this set up.       Pat

[Rico]

I use a bitzenberger jig that you can adjust to fit the shaft the larger diameter shaft the more/stronger helical

[Bowferd]

I have 2 Bitz fletchers and have still not figured out how to use them effectively. It seems whether or not you purchase them new or used, the training manual leaves a bit to be desired. Best selling jig in America, and instuctions might just as well be explained in Latin or possibly in Spanish for that might be easier to find a translator! Personally, I'm thinking Arizona or JoJan and hope the insructions are sent in Irish!!!!!!

[Jacko]

I used 4 x 4 " parabolic diecuts fletched straight for years and got top results . Only switched to 3 fletch and helical cut with a feather chopper because I got a Bitzenburger for the right price and diecuts would not stabilize 3 fletch out of my self bows .
 
Not sure I could seperate the performance from 3 or 4 fletch provided you used a higher cut on the 3 fletch to even up the surface area . regards Jacko

[zirnsak]

We just started to make our own arrows as well this year. Santa brought my brother a nice right helical fletching jig. We use four inch, four fletch with a right helical. I truelly think that it is a matter of exposed surface area as the area flies. The helical def stabalizes faster. Want to have some real fun, I started to splice feathers to really make a custom look to my arrows.

[Chris Wilson]

My hunting arrows are fletched helical for use with broadheads.  My 3D arrows are just fletched straight.

[Kingstaken]

Depends on how many feathers. I use a helical for 3 fletch and slight offset for 4 fletch.

[dano140]

Thanks for the information!

I like the idea of 4 fletch so I don't have to pay attention to feather direction when nocking the arrow.

[Kingstaken]

Just a reminder if shooting woods, to make sure the arrow grain is facing the correct way.