Question for you 4 fletch shooters

[kanmatt]

I was thinking of trying out some 4", 4 fletch arrows.  Those of you that like this set up, do you still put a helical on them or just offset a little?

[lpcjon2]

I what the skinny on this as well!

[ishiwannabe]

I do mine with a regular helical clamp. I have done some with an offset and straight clamp, and I cant tell a difference.

I think the only limit to a helical would be skinny shafts, like Beeman mfx.

I use 4" parabolics.

[Bowspirit]

I use a helical clamp, but like Jamie, can't really tell the difference between 4 helical and 4 offset.

[kanmatt]

Thanks! Keeps me from having to buy a new clamp.

[Fritz]

I use a Bitz to fletch mine. I just adjust the helical so that the fletch lays well on the shaft.  I guess it's between a offset and a hard helical.

[Rufus]

I use the same clamps. Works fine for me.

[DannyBows]

Same as Fritz, as much helical as I can get out of my Bitz. 4" nanners and shields work great for me.

[Tom Leemans]

Offset works good as helical in my book.

[Bill Carlsen]

I am very old school and was taught to use helical and that is what I still use. I started to shoot 4 X 4" feathers about four seasons ago and have absolutely found any good reason to do anything differently. The more helical I can get the better.

[Tom]

Are people using 90 degree or 105x75 degree or does it make a difference since most shoot off the shelf.

[shadman]

I use helical,4 inch, shield cut. I generally use the 105 X 75 but really haven't noticed any difference when I tried 90 degrees.

[Fletcher]

I do all my 4 fletch in helical.  I don't worry about how much, I just adjust the jig so the feathers sit squarely on the shaft.  It will always be enuf twist.

90x90 has been working very well for me.  I've done the 105x75, but it seems to hit the shelf sometimes or I have to move my nocking point up.  90 deg four fletch has been around for MANY years and it can be seen in some of the '40's and 50's publications.  The 75x105 was started for the compounds to give better cable clearance.

[Ray_G]

Originally posted by Tom:
Are people using 90 degree or 105x75 degree or does it make a difference since most shoot off the shelf.

In the past, I have seen posts where both and even 60 x 120 were being used.  Use what works best for you and suits your visual pleasure.  I shoot 4" low profile bananas 75 x 105 offset with the 75 at 12 and 6 o'clock.  I get great flight even with broadheads.  My buddy and I were out shooting at rabbits in sage brush last Saturday and he commented on my arrow flight.  He shoots 3 5 or 5 1/2" helical shields.  Played HORSE with some foot tall sage brush as we roved.  I took it as a compliment but it all goes to tuning and what your bow / arrow set up likes.

[Ray_G]

Originally posted by Fletcher:
I've done the 105x75, but it seems to hit the shelf sometimes or I have to move my nocking point up.  90 deg four fletch has been around for MANY years and it can be seen in some of the '40's and 50's publications.  The 75x105 was started for the compounds to give better cable clearance.

Rick,

So does the 75 x 105 work well for me on my Hill style due to the narrow shelf and before center cut?  I get good clearance on this bow unlike some in the past when I tried 60 x 120.

Ray

[Pierre Lucas]

Just switched this year to 4 4" fletch from 3 5" fletch.  Using Jo Jan multi fletcher 90x90 with left helical.
   

You definitely need to bare shaft prior to using 4 fletch with a helical because most anything will fly like a dart.  Stablizes right out of the bow.  It works very well when you get a bad release and helps the arrow recover quicker.

God Bless,    Pierre

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Like Rick, I put enough helical on them so that the quill sits well on the shaft.

[Rob DiStefano]

it's all good, do what you want.  that's a neat thing about trad.

for me it's 4"x4, 75x105 or 90x90, slight offset, never ever want any helical.

[Whip]

I've seen you state that before Rob, about not wanting any helical, and it has me curious.  Have you seen problems with helical that make you feel that way or is it just a preference?  I've used 4 feather helical, and haven't been able to see problems, but I'm always looking to learn from someone else's experiences!

[Steve O]

My guess is that feathers have a natural helical even when they are put on straight and it enough to spin the arrow plenty.  Is that correct Rob?