Arrow spin question

[Paul_R]

Are arrows more stable when they spin? I see fletching jigs with straight clamps. Is there a use for straight fletched arrows?

[WESTBROOK]

Yep, spinning makes them stable. You can use straight clamps and set them with an offset left or right and it will put a spin on it, not as much as a strong helical, but enough to do the job.

Eric

I used to have a Jo Jan with straight clamps. The logic was that I could fletch both left and right wing offset with one fletching jig.  There is some difference in arrow flight in cross winds with straight offset versus helical, but it is very little.

[reddogge]

Both of the above guys gave spot on advice. I had a set of straight offset fletched arrows my friend did for me in the 60s. The feathers were 4.5" and a tad higher than normal but they fly great and stabilized broadheads just fine. No one I know fletches straight clamps without any offset.

[magnus]

I use a straight offset on my cane arrows. I like it a lot. I make one cane at a time so it's the straight clamp on my Bitz. If i do multiple shafts then they get helical as I only have one straight clamp. I can't tell a difference in flight.

[oldtimerbow]

Even fletched straight ,the feather has enough curvature it will still spin the arrow,just not as quickly.

[McDave]

There is some tradeoff, as with all things in life.  The more helical you put on an arrow, the more it will slow it down.  Same with size of the feathers.  So ideally, you would use the smallest feather size and the least helical you need to control the arrow.  With a broadhead, you need more control than with a field point, but the same general rule applies.