Question on feather length

[BRITTMAN]

I have been experimenting with three 4in feathers and saw no diffrence from three 5 or 5.5 in feathers , even with broadheads Im still getting the same flight with the inch shorter feathers . I have only been shooting traditional abot 3 years and just assumed I needed the longer feathers because I shot off the shelf as opposed to shooting off a elevated rest when I shot compound and used 3in feathers . My question is why do traditional shooters shoot the longer feathers if the shorter ones will give the same results ? To me it seems like you would have a little less feather contact on the shelf with the shorter feathers and a little less affect on the arrow spine all which would aid in shooting more accurate  . I apreciate your advice in advance .

Mike

[Onestringer]

Hey, I have seen the same results as you.  I shot 5" feathers, well because that what I always shot.  I bought a 4" chopper fletched some up and my arrows fly just fine with 3-4" feathers.  A bonus is I can now get two fletches from one full length feather.  Oh for the shape I use a Trad Parabolic.

Scott

[madness522]

Hey Mike I don't think it makes that much difference with field points when you arrows are properly spined.  Where it really counts is with a broad head.  You will have to shoot broadheads to really see the affect of the shorter feathers.

[eagle24]

I switched to 4" feathers about 3 years ago.  Mine are LW Helical and fly great with broadheads.  They are a little faster than a 5 or 5-1/2" and quieter IMO.

[swampbuck]

I switched to 4 4" so I can do an arrow with 2 feathers instead of 3

The extra guidance is for those times we have a less than perfect release with BH's(wings) up front.Naaaa it's not really needed......most of the time maybe even all the time ......but????

      shoot what YOU have confidence in