Vains and arrow makeing...

[doubletime]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if I can shoot plastic vains off the shelf? Or at all for that matter? On a second note what is the best most cost effective way of getting into fletching my own arrows? Its $2 an arrow at my lokal shop. There must be a better way. Please advise. Thanks Doubletime

[ishiwannabe]

Where in Ny are ya? Fletching your own is rather easy, and start up costs arent that bad. I paid 30$ for a fletcher, you can use duco cement, crazy glue gel, or fletching glue. I dont know if vanes will work off the shelf, I will let someone else answer that one. Feathers can be expensive, but if you shop around you can find deals on those too. Hope this helps...

[vermonster13]

A rest works better. You can pick-up a Bear all weather rest for $3 at Dick's to try with your set-up.

[AkDan]

according to some, yes you can shoot vanes, though I've never been able to get them to fly.  

Try and find Bill Matlocks tuning guide and it goes over the process to get vanes to shoot very well.    

Buy a bpe pro for almost half the price of a bitzenburger and fletch your own.

Depending on shaft type and if wood arrows, what kind of paints/sealers used, you'll need compatable glue.   Pretty simple really and relaxing for if nothing else.

[dakota tim]

What David said-you really need a rest.  My son tried to shoot vanes off the shelf.  It kept ripping the shelf & plate material off.  He had very inconsistent arrow flight.  Why don't you use feathers?

[Hot Hap]

I've read that the people who shoot the vanes off the shelf, use a very high nock point. 3/4 to 1" high. Hap

[John 4]

I use Bio Delta Rain vanes bought from 3 rivers.
I've tried ordinary vanes in the past but they didn't work even when I raised my nocking point to the limit for any sort of resonable arrow flight.
The rain vanes I'm shooting with the exact same set up as feathers and they fly and group side by side with the feathered arrows.
For hunting,the rain vane is all I will be packin' from now on.
Can't talk highly enough of them.

[Rico]

Do yourself a favor and start out with 5inch helical fletch feathers before experimenting with vanes. I shot them years ago. You will need an elevated rest. I know some have done it but you will need an elevated rest especially with an older style bow.
   If your going to get a fletcher save some money and buy the bitzenberger I know they cost more but you'll have it for life. I'd recommend the helical left handed clamp. Good Luck
Are you anywhere near Fulton,NY

[doubletime]

THe only reason I asked is because I wanted to try out some AL arrow that I have for my compound and they are vains. Is there specific fletchers for diffrent feathers? One for strait, one for helical one for 5" one for 4" or is there one that does it all?

[Rico]

Try those al and I think you'll have your answer quick.More then likely they will not fly well. Yes there are straight and helical clamps the left helical needs to be used with left wing feathers,If you do go with vanes it doesn't matter  and the one clamp will do any length vane or feather. Good Luck

[vermonster13]

What are the spines on the aluminums? Unless you were shooting a light weight bow, odds are they will be to heavy spined for your recurve/longbow.

[doubletime]

spines are 2018, I think they might be like you said over spined but I might play with the head weight and who knows...

So does it mater if I use left helical or right? Does it make any sence to use strait? What is the benifit to them?

[Rico]

I've always used Left handed for right hand shooting and I really don't think it matters but the left wing were readily available and I had the clamp so it sounded good. I think thats what most shoot.
  If your going to use straight I would off set them but I much prefer left 5.5" with all the helical I can get for broadheads so thats what I shoot all year with judos,blunts and field tips.