Anyone still shoot 60×120 4 fletch?

[buckeyebowhunter]

I had a bent aluminum 2018 that was laying on my work bench and decided to try some vanes on it just out of curiosity I fletched it 60×120 with 4" vanes. I couldn't believe how good the flight was and how quiet it was. It seriously has me considering knocking some of my feathers off and fletching my hunting arrows this year in that manner.

Anyone still fletch in this pattern?

[Flingblade]

yep, I've been shooting four feathers fletched in the 60X120 for several years now.  It is the recommended way to fletch in the manuals that came with my Black Widow bows.  I learned here on tradgang how to do it with my JoJan multi fletcher using the three fletch jig from Ryan Rothaar.  I think he said it was Rogers preferred way to fletch.  I get better arrow flight, a little quieter and like the fact that it doesn't matter how I put the nock on the string.  The only downside is that it uses one more feather per arrow; no big deal.

[Longtoke]

I like four fletch,  lately most my arrows have been 3 fletch though just because its a little faster.  I think next time I order feathers I am going to do 4 fletch with 3" parabolics.

If you can get those trad vanes to fly good they are nice and quite I have noticed.

[Benoli]

60x120 is all I’ve used for years. I started when taking some the boys from my son’s scout troop to 3D’s. As mentioned, no worries as to which way to nock the arrow. I’ve always used 4-4” feathers with Bitzennburger set for 3
fletch. I follow instructions that were posted on Arrows By Kelly years ago. Ironically I just finished fletching a dozen of 2016 I’ve had sitting around. Hope the attached pic comes out.

[buckeyebowhunter]

Would it be crazy to go 4 fletch with 5.5 inch shield cuts to go with my big snuffers?

I know Roger shot big feathers with 4 fletch and his snuffers.

[stevem]

Four fletch for 50 years or so and still going.

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Of course! 

I burn my feathers in a high back parabolic shape, they are a bit over 5 1/2 inches long, 4 60x120. Sure gives some forgiveness for big broadheads or for an imperfect release.

R

[buckeyebowhunter]

Was hoping you'd chime in Ryan!

 

[Dave Pagel]

I shoot 4-fletch most of the time.  I usually do 90 degree, but I do 60/120 occasionally.  I like the flight and see no difference in trajectory.

DP

[buckeyebowhunter]

I just can't believe how much spin the 4 fletch induces on my arrows. Especially with snuffers. I don't know how much it actually matters but it sure is awesome to see in flight.

[Ryan Rothhaar]

This Fall’s moose arrows. Easton XX75 2219’s with vinyl wrap and tan spray paint, 60 120 four fletch. Around 680 grains with a big Snuffer. Shooting them out of Dad’s old Black Widow, Graybark riser and Autumn oak limbs, 64@29 1/2.  I set the jig to get as much offset and helical as possible.  All that spin is a good thing. Same reason quarterbacks throw footballs with spin and why rifle barrels have twist. I don’t hunt under ideal enough conditions (or with small enough broadheads) to get away with 3 x 2 inch feathers on my arrows….

R

[buckeyebowhunter]

It's funny you say that,  I was just chatting with a fellow about how uncommon it is to see big feathers anymore. I've always been a fan of big 5.5" feathers and big BHs. I'll be the first to admit I don't have anywhere close to good enough form to tune out all the issues, so big feathers have always helped me. But never realized how much a difference the 4 fletch makes.

It seems the cool thing nowadays is to shoot small BHs and small feathers, they fly great, but the experience of lack of blood trails quickly made me revert to my old ways.

Ryan, those arrows look sweet and I love the Winona/Fratzke camo in the background. Thanks for sharing!

[Bowsey Wails]

I've used Kelly's four fletch for years. Yep. Bob Fratzke's Winona camo was the best ever made. I have a couple that have survived the decades.

[buckeyebowhunter]

Ryan, do you notice any noise from those tall banana like feathers? I've always shot shield cuts, but have been interested in Banana cut, but I've heard they can be loud. Dunno if it's true 

[JR Chambers]

My bitz jig does not have a 60/120 setting. I am sure I am missing something.

[JR Chambers]

I think I figured it out. Thanks.

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Put your mind to it, Doc 😆.  You either fletch like you’re gonna put on 6 and leave out the cock feathers or fletch 2 hens on a 3 fletch setting, take the arrow out, rotate it 180 degrees, and fletch 2 more hens.


Yeah those big feathers make a bit of noise. But if the animal is spooky he already reacted to your bow noise before he heard the feathers. The bow is always louder than an arrow. Only guys I ever met that claim they have “silent” bows also have ears that don’t work well. You can only do so much to quiet a bow.

R

[JR Chambers]

My buddy says the arrow sound is the last sound they hear. LOL

[buckeyebowhunter]

5.5 inch banana 4 fletch, I like the way they fly in 3 fletch also.