small feathers

[Paul Cousineau]

I have been debating trying some different fletching configurations in the near future. In the past I have used 3, 4" or 5" feathers. After seeing all the positive reports about 4 fletch and some of Dr. Ashby's stuff on little tiny feathers, I have had an itch to try some 2" gateway rayzors or some 3" feathers in a four fletch configuration. I don't really have much reason for the change, I just want to try something else for fun. Wondering if any of you guys are using smaller feathers and what you think of them.

[Gray Buffalo]

Yes I have. I put some 2" 4 fletch on some GT's 35/55 and they shot the same as 3 5". the trick is getting your bow tuned

[Brianlocal3]

I shoot 4- 3" on my 2016s, fly beautifully!!!!

[indianalongbowshooter]

used to shoot 4 2 in. Razors and they shot great.

[Paul Cousineau]

Do any of you guys notice flight issues in wet conditions or when your form isn't perfect?

[Snow Crow]

I have noticed a difference, primarily due to form/posture.  Use of broadheads, alignment of broadheads, arrow tune, all must be carefully managed and small feathers can work beautifully.  For me, 2" blazer/banana cuts in 4 fletch take a few more feet to fully straighten out vs 3" banana, which I attribute to how much helical can be cranked into 2" of quill vs 3 or 4.

HTH

[Paul Cousineau]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys. I run a pretty tight ship as far as tuning goes but weather and shooting from cover can throw thing off. I just got in some of the 2" rayzors and man do they seem tiny. I'll give them a shot and see how it goes in the back yard.

[LongbowArchitect]

I have been able to get my arrows to shoot well with short feathers but find that I much prefer 5" white feathers for visibility during flight and upon impact. It's good to know exactly where my arrow hits the elk so I can determine the time required before taking up the blood trail. Short feathers are not nearly as easily seen.

[Fastltz]

I did some chrono tests and shot tests a few years ago with 4x4 and 4x3 also 3x3. The 4 fleth deff corrected faster than the 3 fletch. The 3" and 4" seemed to fly about the same with longer shots going to the 4" also my big magnus ma1 liked the 4" better. As far as speed goes they were all with in 3fps...however I shot some 5x3 and they were considerably slower...

[Charlie Lamb]

Not sure I see a practical reason for going minimal on fletching. I like my arrow to stabilize quickly out of the bow and stay stable as it travels down range.
A well weighted arrow with sufficient fletch can encounter small interferences and still stay on course or at least more closely on course.

[wjk]

would anyone know what type, size, quantity, etc of flights are used by master bowmen in a york round, or what you would use if you could consistently hit a 122cm target face at 100yds?

[monterey]

I go with larger fletching for the same reasons mentioned by Charlie.  They do reduce velocity somewhat, but I value straight on impact over a few FPS.  However, one advantage of smaller fletching is less interference by crosswinds.

[Paul Cousineau]

Thanks for the replays guys. Charlie, I have to say I agree with your thoughts. I think it is safe to say that 3, 5" feathers offers adequate  stability to an arrow in flight. What i'm curious to know is if it is also overkill. I think smaller feathers offer some advantages when it comes to clearance, cross winds, noise, and even thought it may be completely negligible, arrow speed.