Fletch shape?

[Stone Knife]

What would be considered the best and most efficient shaped and length Fletch for hunting?

[Bowspirit]

This one may just open up a can of worms...too many types, and too many tasks a hunter could want to accomplish...

[Killdeer]

As many opinions out there as there are navels. Do a search, this has cropped up a couple hundred times.

Killdeer~is it too late for popcorn?  

[Fletcher]

I've shot a bunch of different configs and I can't say that there is much difference between any of them.  Five inch 3-fletch or 4-5 inch 4-fletch works well for most all wood arrow broadhead hunting arrows.  Standard and low height parabolic or bananas are probably the quietest.  Those old maxi fletch bananas could be pretty loud, as are a raptor or P&Y cut.  The tall or pointy fletch vibrate in flight.  I shoot a lot of shield just for the look.  Mussatto calls it the "Hiss of Death".    

[baretraks]

I like the "traditional" cut. I dont know wether they fly as well or not... but they sound like a "SKILSAW" goin downrange to the target!!!

I always cut the little sharp tips off right before hunting season to quiet em down, I just like to see everybodys heads turn when I shoot one at a 3-D shoot!!

[BodarkOkie]

As long as they are all from the "same wing" and fastened to only one end of the arrow.  They usually fly pretty well.  Don't put them on backwards, though...they will act a little strange and make a funny sound.

Really, whatever "trips your trigger."  Leave the "efficient" part out of it.  

JMHO  

[LEOPARD]

The best for me - 4 x 4" low profile Bananas or Parabolics....  

[Scott J. Williams]

Never cared for the four inch feathers.  I am an oldtimer and my arrows have feathers that I burn into shape.  They are 5 3/4 inch long, med/high profile, in shield, parabolic, and banana cut.

I love the look of a large feather in a quiver, just makes me think of compound bows, with overdraws when I seen a seven inch cap, with what passes for feathers now-a-days.

I guess I am a bit of a romantic when it comes to traditional bowhunting, and feathers.  I know I don't need all that feather on my arrows. Heck they bare shaft out to thirty yards.  

I know I could get a  faster, and  quieter arrow by going lower profile and changing shapes.

I am just in love with the look, that I copied from a set of old Ben Pearson and Fred Bear arrows I purchased in the 60's.  They had those 5 1/2 high profile feathers, with that 11 1/4 inch cap, just beautiful....I guess if Tred can do it the Barta way,  I can do it my way.  You should do it your way too......

[TRAP]

3-5 5/8" shield (burned) Natural barred wild turkey feathers for all the reasons Scott just mentioned and no other real reason.  I like feathers and bright arrows.  

Trap
   

[hawgslayer]

[katman]

The shortest length and lowest profile that will consistently stabilize your broadhead is the best. Experimenting will let you know what works best for you.

I am experimenting with the fletch JC talked about 4 fletch 4"x.5" bananas, as well as the Adcock 2.5"x.5" in four fletch and both are stabilizing the wide magnus very nicely. Others have also commented on how quiet they are, thats the reason for me switching from the 3-5" shields I used for years.

[NDTerminator]

I don't find much difference between 4"-5" feathers, but to my ear, shield cut are much more noisy in flight than parabolics.  Stand off to the side and & downrange, have some shoot an arrow by, and you can hear the difference.  

I've never tested it but I suspect the parabolics might hold velocity better over distance s they seem to have a bit less drag.

I've seen now that someone is making a 2" feather called a "Razr" or something like that, for use with broadheads.  Probably works just as well as a Blazer vane.

I don't shoot feathers much anymore though.  Vanes are far more quiet, far less expensive, more durable, waterproof, and easier to work with...