Question regarding the wind and arrow flight...

[TxAg]

More fletching means more stabilization, but it can also mean more surface area to catch a heavy cross wind.

So what's the consensus...do you like more or less fletching?

I know a higher FOC helps in the wind, but I haven't done enough of my own experimenting with feathers.

[ChuckC]

I use less, not just for the wind, but for quiet as well.  I use a 4 fletch, 4" low profile banana fletch as well as a 4" shield.  They are quieter in flight, they are quieter in the quiver and are less likely to cause issues on the string.
Chuckc

[maineac]

Wind moves an arrow.  Less fletching less drift.  I use 4" shield feathers and well tuned (well in my opinion) arrows. I have decent Foc and don't find to much impact movement in winds up to 15, but still see a tail kick. I wouldn't hunt in any more.wind

[ChuckC]

Even with the smaller fletches, there is noticeable tail kick in a good cross wind, but I have seen my 5.5" feathers cause the arrow to fly side wise when the wind hits it.
ChuckC

[beendare]

I've seen a big difference in cross winds between std dia shafts with 5" fletch and my skinnier MFX shafts with 4" fletch

[Pete McMiller]

I'm trying 3" x 3 fletch this summer and so far the performance in the wind is much better than 5".  Less tail kick and so far I haven't found a negative.

[D. Key]

Try 4 x 4" on 90 Degrees.  Smaller profile than 3 x 5" or 5 1/2" but about the same surface area.  Much more quiet also than big feathers.

[bigbadjon]

I think height has more effect than length. I have been cutting mine so they are no wider than my broadhead and shooting 4 3in parabolics. set at 120x60. Shortening them also has the benefit of making them stiffer which will improve flight. I would think lower profile cuts would also fly vastly better off the shelf due to clearance.

Originally posted by maineac:
Wind moves an arrow.  Less fletching less drift.  I use 4" shield feathers and well tuned (well in my opinion) arrows. I have decent Foc and don't find to much impact movement in winds up to 15, but still see a tail kick. I wouldn't hunt in any more.wind

Ditto^^^^^ Except I use parabolic!

Bisch