fletching far forward

[Fishnhunt]

Guys,

Are there any downsides/upsides to having my flethcing so far forward? Please see the pic.  I am using the Axis ST arrows. I had em fletched like this so I could cut down the back end during tuning but I never cut them.

Thanks
   

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

I try and fletch my arrows as far back as I can still leaving room for my fingers. I believe that the feathers will provide the best flight when set back further.

[Old York]

Never had fletches that far forward but...you could always use fletch tape [without the glue spots fore & aft] to "temporarily" install the fletches, and a hair dryer on low to help remove the fletches when trimming the shaft.

[Jeff Strubberg]

The farther frward you move your fletching, the less resistance that fletching will provide to things happening on the other end of the arrow, i.e. windplaning from a broadhead.

If they are flying good for you, great.  Just keep in mind if you run into inconsistency that you are giving up somethign by having those fletches farther forward than necessary.

[JRY309]

I put mine as far back and still allow finger clearence.

[reddogge]

The farther back the more steerage you will get.

[McDave]

Everyone who uses Rick Welch's method of shooting, which includes nose against the back of the cock feather as an anchor, places the feathers about as far forward as shown in your illustration.  Mine, for example, are 1 7/8" from the valley of the nock to the back of the feather.

I suppose you could argue that placing the feathers forward has an adverse effect on the ability of the fletches to control the arrow, and if you moved them far enough forward, that would no doubt be the case.  But an inch or so further forward than normal doesn't seem to have any practical effect on arrow flight, and those of us who have adopted the nose anchor and other components of Rick's method certainly appreciate the increased accuracy that results.

[Fishnhunt]

You guys have provided some great information.  Thank you!