Basic fletching questions

[Oregon Bill]

OK, I'll admit right up front that I haven't a clue about the significance of right versus left wing fletching, nor about the merits of shield versus parabolic feather cuts. Is this stuff really important, or is it a matter of subtle concern only to the most attuned archers?

[Jerry Jeffer]

It only matters that all the fletch on one arrow are the same wing (L-R). The rest is subtle concern IMO.

[BigRonHuntAlot]

From what I have heard, most right handed shooters shoot Left Wing and Left handed shooters shoot Right Wing.  I havent noticed much of a difference in flight characteristics of the individual fletch. Like Jerry said, You need to have the same wing fletch on an arrow.

[ishiwannabe]

I have shot LW and RW equally well outta my LB(Im rh). I think they both work equally well, but RW will keep the screw in points from loosening up....I think. LOL.

[Larry247]

I shoot both right and left wing with good results..  

[Chris Surtees]

There was a post sometime ago where a guy had issues with fletching cutting his hand. The advice that was given to him was shoot left wing instead of right. After that he had no issues. It was the first time I had heard of it but there was more than one Trad Ganger who chimed in saying the samething. This is right along the lines of what Ron is saying about right handers shooting left wing and left handers shooting right wing. Personally I have always shot left wing.

As for fletching it is a personal choice. Parabolic is said to make the least noise and banana the most with shield being in the middle. If the noise issue is of concern to you this may guide but remember an is more the likely to hear the bow before the arrow. A lot of people just go and have special choppers made for them so they are shooting what they feel is the best for them.

You will find that it is all really personal perference and you just have to decide what you like best. Just be sure to use the same wing on each arrow as stated about.
 
Good Luck

[wtpops]

Adding to what CLS said shield has more surface area than parabolic  and will stabilize faster and banana has more than shield and will stabilize even faster. More surface area more noise. And on longer distances more surface area more drag.