5 inch feathers

[10point]

Need advise regarding feather length. I'm shooting heritage 150s. what are the advantages to 4 inch compared to 5 inch feathers? are 5 inch more accurate?? Are offset feathers preferred over straight ??

[hunterjt]

I like right offset because i use broadheads for hunting.I think it make you get a better spin. just my two cents. I don't think you will notice much of a diff in 4-5 inch
Just my thoughts

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

I am not certain but I think that a 4 inch feather is less affected by wind and creates less drag which in turn creates a somewhat faster, quieter arrow.  A 5 inch feather however creates a more stable arrow.  I don't think either way it's enough of a difference to matter.  I think it's just a preference thing.  Again, I'm not certain on this.

As far as the offset, the helical fletch does create more spin on the arrow.  As far as left or right it doesn't matter, it's just a preference thing as well.  Realy the offset isn't needed, a lot of guys shoot straight fletch.  Just be sure that you're using the proper fletching jig.  I.E. right wing jig with right wing fletch and left wing jig with left wing fletch and don't mix offsets on the same arrow.

[BOWMARKS]

I would say 4" are quieter and I can cut two from a full length feather which realy sells me. I do not see any differance in flight,but then again I am half blind!!

[reddogge]

So were're all talking about the same terms there is:
Helical fletching -Fletched with a helical clamp and feather wraps around the arrow.

Straight fletch no offset- fletched with a straight clamp and feather runs exactly parallel with the shaft.  Usually you see cheap kids arrows done like this.

Straight fletch with offset-fletched with a straight clamp and feather is offset a certain degree from parallel.  I've used this before and it works fine.

[frankwright]

I started out using 5" feathers because everybody else seemed to and the thought at the time was they were necessary to stabilize a big broadhead.
Many years later   :eek:  I almost exclusively use 4" feathers, either LH or RH with as much helical as I can get on them.
I can use a carbon arrow with 250 grains of broadhead up front and it will fly and penetrate great.

[ripforce56]

I shoot Heritage 150s and have used both 4 and 5 inch depending on whats available at the right price!Both sizes shoot great with the 150s!  I also fletch RW and LW always helical!I like 5in parabolics on my hunting arrows but have shot banana cut and shield cuts all work great it is kind of a preferance thing! My son strictly shoots shield cuts he just likes them the best!

[Orion]

There were a few threads on here a few months ago examining the feather length question.  One of the main conclusions was that the more FOC you have, the less feather you need to guide it, within limits of course.  Four-inch was sufficient for most set-ups, and many got good arrow flight with three-inch.

I use 5-inch fletch on my woodies.  If I shot carbons with more weight up front, I would definitely try 4-inch fletch though.

[LimbLover]

I like a 5.5" for targets and a 5" in the woods. I use shields all the way. I just like the way they look.

The more noise my target arrows make the better - I like that whiiiiiishhhhhhhp sound. Sounds like my bow is shooting faster! lol I see the 5.5" better too.

I have never had a problem with shield cuts making noise and scaring game in the woods. Its all opportunity at that point.

Just remember that more feather = more noise and more affected by the wind. If you are keeping the shot below 20 yards it doesn't really matter.

I think the helical fletch is key. Keep them arras spinning! Straight fletching floats like a knuckle ball.