Arrow Flight

[snowplow]

Hi guys, I tried out my CX Herritage 90's last night fletched for the first time. They fly like a dart at 15 yards with no fletchings but now with fletchings not quite so good. I tried 2 arrows last night one fletched traditionally with 4" 4x90 and another with 4" 60x120 both in a helical. To be honest I couldn't tell the difference between the two, however, they both seemed to shoot to the left a few inches and seemed to not fly so sweet. Being a former compound guy, I would say it seemed that the fletching was making contact with the bow and kicking it out a bit to the left (right hand shooter). Is this normal when shooting with no shelf/cutout? Or as the arrow bends around the riser is it supposed to clear the fletchings completely?

Hats off to you guys, now that I am taking this seriously, it is soooo difficult.    

[dragonheart]

You have a clearance issue.  It is the quill of the feather that will give you trouble shooting off the shelf. You are shooting a small diameter arrow shaft and trying to shoot 4 fletch and this is a recipe for clearance problems off the shelf.  3 fletch, offset fletch, 4 or 5 inch.  If you have to shoot helical might try 4" RW Right helical with top feather at 12 o'clock position.  

tp://www.arrowskp.com/Kelly_s_Tips.html#setup-tuning

[snowplow]

Thanks dragonheart. What specifically about the helical is the problem? Also I figured I would be better off if anything with a small diameter shaft off the shelf. Why does small dia shaft and 4 fletch not work well together?

I just read a bunch of stuff when fletching these about nock position in relation to the feathers and pretty much everyone said 'I see no difference'. So I definintely didn't expect this issue.

[Cmane07]

I don't have any insight toward your problem but I will agree that yes people have no idea how complicated trad archery can be! Ha it is 100% worth it though.  Good luck!

[snag]

How is the shelf cut on your bow? Not quite to center, to center or past center?

[snowplow]

This is an old no name long bow. It pulls 52# @ 28" / 66" long I believe. I think it is yew. There is no shelf cut out, just a very small add on style leather shelf. But the bow itself is uncut. I turned the 4x90 feathered arrow just clock wise of a + so I think only one feather was contacting the bow @ 4 o clock. It does not seem like it should be having flight issues?!

[snowplow]

I have a really wore out set of leather fingers. They are getting a big ridge in them. Is it possible it is that?

I have a new set sitting here. Any tips for breaking them in quick? I was thinking of getting them soaking wet and shooting. (Why? no idea just seemed like a good idea lol)

[Bud B.]

If your arrows flew like darts unfletched, adding fletch will stiffen the arrow. If the arrow is stiffer, then likely the fletch is not clearing the bow/shelf. Add 20-25gr to your point weight and see what happens. It might bring the dynamic spine back into the bell curve of tune. Don't forget brace height adjustment as well.

As for the new glove, just shoot it. It'll settle in sooner than you think.

[jackdaw]

I am with BudB ... the extra point weight will definitely increase archers paradox. it will soften the dynamic spine, hence giving you more riser clearance...

[snowplow]

Thanks guys, I added about 3-4 twists to the string and now it works and feels better than ever!