Feather lengths

[poison arrow]

My father recently moved in with me and I gave him a bow for his birthday today. We got to talking shop and he said he wanted nothing to do with full length feathers or the sizes I have on hand. Tall short ones about 2" are what he shot way back. So I went about looking for some short fletching with some difficulty. Before I started cutting down my feathers I wanted to talk to a knowledgable person about what exactly is the difference in fletching lenghths. It must have more to do with than just drag. So I called 3 Rivers Archery only to find the brains on questions had left early. I figured whats one answer when I could have a few more? I searched the forum with no results. It would be very helpfull to me and the arrows I need to make for Pop if knowledgable members could give me a breakdown on fletching lenghths. Thanks

[bearsfeet]

I would say that it depends on the arrow setup.
When I was shooting aluminum I shot 4 4" paroblic now with carbon I am shooting 4 3" paroblic feathers. I find that four fletch and the shorter feather is quiter then 5.5" or 5" 3 feathers. It also cuts through cross wind better also. I have never shot 2" but I'm sure it would work just fine with a high FOC carbon. My set up is about 22% FOC and I have no problem using 3". Hope this helped a little.
The guys at 3 rivers really know there stuff I would call back when you get a chance.

[Grey Taylor]

If the arrows are well matched to the bow then they'll need less steering from the feathers and small ones will work fine. He'll be able to out distance you in a clout shoot.
But if he'll be using broadheads then I would suggest larger feathers to overcome the head's tendancy to wind plane.  

Guy