Hey westbrook..
Sorry I didn't catch this sooner.
Just happened to be doing a search on these this morn and re-read this thread.
I've owned only 200 full length bearpaws at this point.
On average the Bearpaw have had maybe 1/2" more usable feather than trueflights.
I haven't had any notable issues with truflight or bearpaw for ragged feathers.
Out of a hundred there will be a few that are a little rough toward the front..but not so many I got upset about at all.
I'd say both brands are about equal in this regard....but it sounds like you have had worse luck than me.
In all honesty, I'm planning to stop chopping after I go through what I have.
Seems no one makes a feather you can get 2 4.5" fletch out of anymore....and I don't like using the skinny based tail ends anyhow.
used to be able to chop 2 outta each feather and save about 40% over pre cuts.
Now you can get bearpaw 100ct 5" shields for $35.
100 full length costs $38.
4" are only $28/100ct.
Not going to 4" but the savings are there.
so I can save $3..(big deal).. but I don't need to spend time cutting to length, tapering the base front, chopping...THAT is a pretty big savings of TIME.