Four Feathered Fletching?

[Dozer]

Do those of you that fletch 4 instead of 3 really believe its better or is it just a personal thing? Also do you position the nock so the feathers will form a + or an x on the string?

[BigRonHuntAlot]

I like it for two reasons.
1 it seems more quiet in flight and

2 it is user freindly when putting on the string as there is no cock feather to orient.

[MRD]

I think it's quieter, and the arrows seem to fly a little better (for me).  Ron is right about the no cock feather.  It is easier.

My feathers form more of an X, with the lower right hand feather going through the groove between the shelf rest and side plate.  I use 4 4" shields.

Try it, you'll like it!  The only downside is the extra $ and time to glue on the fourth feather.  But the benefits make it worth it.

Mark

[Jeremy]

I chop my own feathers, so 4x4" is actually cheaper than 3x5"!  
I use the 60-120 configuration outlined on the Foxfire archery site.

[ka]

I experimented on several designs an found for the "curves" i use 3 5" feathers ,and for the Longbows 4 5" feathers ( I don't question why, just know from severals arrows experience that is what works for me!!

[Slasher]

I use 4-3in feathers @90 degrees.. Why it's easier to see in flight.. It does well!!! Best is yes, I don't even look at an arrow as I grab it... It just goes on... but I use carbons w/EFOC Works well for me...

[Desperado]

I went to 4 4" parabolic after some advice from tradgang and it is so-long 5" feathers.The 4 4" x is wonderful for all the reasons listed above. Cotton

[waknstak IL]

Would like to try some. Do you guys fletch them straight or helical when doing 4?

[BigRonHuntAlot]

Left helical with a Bitz for me.

[Paul D. Heppner]

I have settled on 4 5inch parabolic at 90 degrees. Seems to be the sweet spot for me with my big old Magnus I. I started using it a long time ago and has never failed me. Very visible in flight and quiet.

Hey Cottonwood, how is it? I am getting my stick dialed in, or is it my minds eye. The Striker never ceases to amaze me. It's going to work this year. It has been too long without using it. Goat steaks for dinner tonight, you are invited anytime my friend.

[Gordy]

For some reason I just keep going to 4 fletch.  Have tried the different configurations and have settled on the 4 x 90.  4 X 4 1/2"  works really well for my setup... BUT I reorient my nocks a bit after glue up to get the lower right feather traveling right in the corner of the shelf/riser.

[Jack Denbow]

My first bow killed deer was 40 years ago with a 4 fletched arrow and I have mostly used them since then. I currently use 4X4@90 helical.

[Dozer]

Well I cut four 5inch parabolics down to four inches and fletched up an arrow. I think I might be sticking with the four feathered fletch. The arrow seems to recover a little quicker if I have a bad release.

[Stickbow98]

You also get better penetration on those really close shots (the best kind   :D )  with 4-fletch as well, since the arrow stabilizes quicker coming off from the bow. A real plus few even realize!      

>>--Ron--<>

[DRR324]

I switched to 4x4" this year.  I fletch them right twist with my bitz.  I use the X pattern myself.  I just like the look of them better and flight is really good.
Dave

[Autumnarcher]

4 4" at 90` first reason is  I can get 2 fletches out of 1 full length turkey feather, so there is less waste. They provide an extra inch of feather surface area which stabilizes the arrow faster, they are quieter, and  my most important reason, they look cool.

And we don't allow shootin no ugly arrows around this house full of archers LOL!

[RL]

I use 4 4" at 60-120. I use velcro on my shelf and I would have to replace it every 3 weeks it would get so worn with 3-fletch. With the 4-fletch I might replace it every couple of months. Also, they are mush easier to load in the bow quiver with good clearance.