Left Wing or Right Wing?

[JordanStalker89]

I shoot right handed and recently acquired a right wing helical fletching jig from my gramps. I was taught that right handed shooters should shoot LW fletched shafts. I was wondering if this was indeed the case? can RW be shot off a right handed bow? or does it really even make much difference?

Also, Im new here and this is my first post, so please go easy on me. I am 23 and have been hunting with a recurve since I was 7, however,  I have never fletched my own arrows. So I would appreciate your opinions.

Also, Im always amazed at the amount of character bowhunters possess and display, and more specifically - Traditional Bowhunters. I find that traditional bowhunters have so much respect for one another, the environment, and the game they pursue. This site is a prime example of that quality. It is very encouraging to me as a bowhunter. Thank you tradgang for providing this awesome resource to bowhunters.

Thanks for your responses.

[Benjy]

We will always be easy on you! We don't tolerate all that other "stuff"

The only time that the right or left wing will matter is if you are shooting the arrow off of your hand like a selfbow.

Welcome to the Gang!

Benjy

[tradhunter]

Good to have you with us! Don't ever be afraid to ask an honnest question here. Also spend some time serching the how-to forrum, good stuff there.
    And as far as right or left...I shoot right feathers and right hand. On a curve or longbow it don't matter.

[Grey Taylor]

Remember that the arrow is held by the string and can't spin at all until it's off the string. Even then, high speed photography has shown that the arrow doesn't begin to spin until it's well out in front of the bow. The old addage about who should use what wing is debunked. However, some people do experience better feather clearance on their hands using a particular wing. Not everyone has this issue but it's something to think of. Personally, if I'm shooting off my hand I wrap the leading edge of the feather with silk and that takes care of any contact issues.

Guy

[chanumpa]

Im with Tradhunter.Dont think it matters.I did ask this question when I started out,as well.Welcome aboard.Pick a spot,hold the bow all the way to the target.

[oxnam]

They will both shoot fine.  Left wing will, however, tend to loosen tips unlike right wing.  I had a left wing flu flu completely unscrew a large snaro tip in flight.

[gringol]

Originally posted by oxnam:
They will both shoot fine.  Left wing will, however, tend to loosen tips unlike right wing.  I had a left wing flu flu completely unscrew a large snaro tip in flight.

Very true, but a little bit of lock-tight or bees wax will fix that.

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

Like oxnam says! Especially if you plan on using single bevel heads. Left hand helical with left bevel will stop screw in heads from doing what they are supposed to do....because they will unscrew.

[monsterbuck]

Originally posted by oxnam:
They will both shoot fine.  Left wing will, however, tend to loosen tips unlike right wing.  I had a left wing flu flu completely unscrew a large snaro tip in flight.

That's interesting. Welcome to the Gang.  God bless.

[Brianlocal3]

I just ordered a left wing clamp today. I was fletching with right wing but I have buried a feather or five into my index finger on the arrows I have done, but the left wing arrows I have bought have not done it. With that said  about 100% sure it was MY fault, but it's easy to blame equipment and that's what I'm going to do . Lol. Hopefully the left wing one won't hit me.

[traditional beagle]

Like said before. Don't make any difference unless using a single bevel. I acually prefer the right wings myself. I'm right handed.

[njloco]

I have both and shoot both, I don't think it makes any difference that I can notice. Just make sure that you always use the same kind on one arrow, in other words, don't mix them.

[BOWMARKS]

Originally posted by Brianlocal3:
I just ordered a left wing clamp today. I was fletching with right wing but I have buried a feather or five into my index finger on the arrows I have done, but the left wing arrows I have bought have not done it. With that said  about 100% sure it was MY fault, but it's easy to blame equipment and that's what I'm going to do . Lol. Hopefully the left wing one won't hit me.

When I shot right handed I also had the problem of the right wing feathers cutting my bow hand.

[lad]

I used to have a left wing fletcher and now I have a right hand fletcher. Have arrows fletched both ways and they all shoot the same.  From my long bows and recurves.

[59Alaskan]

I have eaten both right and left wings off a chicken with no issues...

oh, I mean to say it's been my experience that you are getting solid advice here so far.  The only thing I would add is that some shooting styles use the cock feather as an anchor locator (Rick Welch as an example).  If you use one of those styles then RW/LW does make a difference.

Welcome to Tradgang and thanks for posting!