75/105 four fletch

[Huntschool]

Dad had a couple theories on the 60x120 spacing you described from Kelly's website.  One was that either way you put it on the string it is like shooting 3 fletch cock feather in, and that gives you quicker recovery from paradox due to the "parachute" type effect of hen feathers out.

I don't know for sure when he started using 60x120, but I have a picture on the wall of the big Ohio non-typical he killed in 1974 and the arrow he killed it with is on the wall under it, and its fletched 60x120.
R

Ryan Rothhaar:

Thanks so much for your post.  Your Dad was one of a kind. 

Just to be clear about the speed thing, Stu's calculator shows 3x5" feathers at 205.1 fps  and 4x3" at 205.9 on the arrows I am looking at for 3D only.  As to hunting BH's, which was not the intent of this thread, I personally shoot 135 gr two blade double bevel so I don't consider them big by any means compared what some folks are shooting today. I have always used 3x5" on hunting arrows, although, I now may give some kind of a four fletch a try.

Again, thanks for your post.

[Kelly]

It's all about fletching clearance with the shelf.

This is your standard 4-90 degree fletch. The hen feather at 4:30 will hit the shelf while going through paradox kicking the tail portion of your arrow upwards, thus making you raise your nock point to overcome this tail kick.

This is 60/120 four fletch done with your 3-120 degree three fletch. Notice there is no feather striking the shelf and the 3:00 feather acts just like cock feather in which when going thru paradox does not strike the side plate/sight window, effectively allowing one to shoot with the lowest possible nock point. Easily ones nock point should be 1/4" to 1/2" lower than 90 degree 4 fletch and even more with 75/105 four fletch.

75/105 four fletch was developed for shooting off an elevated rest.

[BearBandit]

Thanks for the visuals Kelly.   I like that you don't have to pay attention when knocking your arrow I think I'm going to give one of these a try.

[Wudstix]

Just picked up some 4 fletch and in the pic it looks like the nocks are on at different angles.  I'll see when they get here and I can do some experimenting.  The journey continues.
            

[Flingblade]

Great thread!  I've learned a lot reading through it just now.  I think I'll try some 4 fletch 60x120. I have an old JoJan multi fletcher so I think I can do it with the 3 fletch nock indexer.   Ryan Rothhaar- what length feather did your dad use for his 60x120?  Were they 4" or 5"? 

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Dad always used full length feathers that he burned. 5-5 1/2 inch high profile parabolic.  I have his old burner and the wire on it is set up to about 5 1/4.  He just eyeballed them, doubt he ever measured a feather, just set up the burner to what looked good and let er rip.

R

[tmattson]

I am going to start playing around with using corner tips of feathers touching my nose for a anchor spot, may have to try the four feather as an option.

[flntknp17]

FWIW, I have shot 4 fletch (both orientations) with 3" or 4" feathers for at least 20 years and don't see a reason to change.  I really like the fact that the arrow can be nocked either way so that I don't have to look at it ever....just grab it and nock it.  I have moved toward 3" feathers as the bows have become higher performance and more tunable and I think the next step is 4x90x2".  I'm sure it will be fine too.  I do like how 4 fletch with smaller lower profile feathers fly in a crosswind compared to higher profile 3 fletch.  Just my $0.02

Matt

[Bisch]

4-2” feathers is the best setup I have tried yet!!!!!

Bisch

[Huntschool]

4-2” feathers is the best setup I have tried yet!!!!!
Bisch

Bisch:

Is that with broad heads.....    If so, what kind and weight, if you dont mind sharing.

Thanks

[BigJim]

I understand the need for tinkering... I just don't have the time or desire. I like to concentrate on the target...animal and have yet to find that my fletching has an effect on my accuracy.
Some times i'm not accurate.. I get that, but I realize that it is me and not my fletching. I have never thought "if I had only been shooting **** fletching, I would have made that shot" I guess that is just me.

I get my set up as good as I can with a quick tune and then may make adjustments a little at a time over whatever time it takes. I try not to rush as with anything, the more data you add to an investment, the better you will be able to get a medium.
I know, everyone knows exactly what their draw length is and they shoot the same every time.. I must be the exception.
BigJim

[rainman]

Bisch, Jojan is still in business just went to their website.

[Huntschool]

Big Jim:

I agree completely....  However, now that I have all this retirement time I thought I would mess around with stuff I never tried before.  Just me and I understand and agree with your comment.

[Bisch]

Bisch, Jojan is still in business just went to their website.

Well, kiss my grits!!!! I read a while back that they went out of business. I love my multifletchers, so am glad to see this!!!!

Bisch

[Bisch]

4-2” feathers is the best setup I have tried yet!!!!!
Bisch

Bisch:

Is that with broad heads.....    If so, what kind and weight, if you dont mind sharing.

Thanks

Yes, with broadheads! I shoot German Kinetic standard (1 1/8” wide), GK XL (1.5” wide), and Carbon Express Piledriver (1.5” wide), all in 150gr weight.

Bisch

[Orion]

I've been converting to 4-fletch the past couple of years, mostly just to make more use out of full length feathers.  Was a time a person could get two 5-inch fletches out of a full length feather.  Not anymore.  Lucky to get two 4-inch fletches. That's what I've been using -- four, 4-inch.  Could probably get by with less feather length, but I just don't like the look of stubby feathers.  Instead, I chop or burn mine a little less high-- about 1/2 inch as opposed to 9/16 or higher, which is fairly standard on commercial fletching.

Regarding the supposed advantage of being able to nock the arrow either way.  No reason you can't do that with a three-fletch just as easily.  If you start with cock feather out, a lot of folks get even better arrow flight with cock feather in.  I did and still do it without any affect on accuracy.  I don't find my 4-fletch to be any more or less easy to tune or any more or less accurate than three fletch.  Fletching is pretty much just a personal preference.   

[creekwood]

  Fletching is pretty much just a personal preference.   

Ditto

[BearBandit]

Is four fletch going to work on a skinny arrow? Mine aren't micro but in between they are .204

[Bisch]

Is four fletch going to work on a skinny arrow? Mine aren't micro but in between they are .204

My Widowmakers are .165. It works just fine!!!!! FMJ’s are .204. I have a buddy who has 4-fletched them with 2” feathers, and it worked just fine also.

Bisch

[BearBandit]

Thanks Bisch, now I just have to figure out how to use my new fletcher hahaha