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Main Boards => The Shooters FORM Board => Topic started by: Roy from Pa on December 08, 2008, 03:25:00 PM

Title: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 08, 2008, 03:25:00 PM
I have always used 5 to 5 1/2 inch high back shield cut feathers on all my wooden arrows, I know they work great for broadheads. But what do you guys shoot for 3-D or practice? I have been thinking about going down to 3 inch feathers for 3-D shoots. I was thinking the shorter feathers would put less drag on my arrows and flatten out the trajectory. Your thoughts?
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: madness522 on December 08, 2008, 04:16:00 PM
That would work but why shoot a different arrow for 3D and practice that you aren't going to hunt with?  The only difference in my practice and 3D shoots are the points.  I like to practice with as close to the same set up as I hunt with.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Bradd on December 09, 2008, 11:26:00 AM
I don't hunt but I ask a lot of target-type questions.  

The norm (from Rod Jenkins and others) seems to be a faster arrow, flatter trajectory is best for 3D because if means less distance error corrections and calculations.

The distances, up here in Canada, are short (usually no more than about 30 yards), so this year, I am going to try out a 2-3" parabolic for outdoors.  I will use 5" parabolic and a heavier arrow for indoors.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: SHOOTO8S on December 09, 2008, 12:09:00 PM
Roy...you right less fletching will result in less drag and a little flatter trajectory....however small fletching is best suited for light shafts, heavier wood shafts require more fletch, due to being heavier and more resistant to fletching guidance.

In the end, how well your arrows are tuned and the quality of your form and release dictates how small a fletch will get the job done.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Frank V on December 09, 2008, 04:33:00 PM
I shoot the same arrow for 3-D as I do for hunting except for the point. Frank
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 10, 2008, 01:10:00 PM
Ok thanks guys.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: foamkiller on January 22, 2009, 11:51:00 AM
Last year I shot Bohning 1.75" shield cut X-vanes. The shot pretty good out of my set up.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Mark Hedges on January 22, 2009, 12:15:00 PM
I use 4" para on carbon arrows for 3d.

Mark
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: seany916 on January 23, 2009, 06:19:00 AM
I've been shooting with 4" feathers, but then switched to 3".

They seem to fly just as well. But then, I shoot a pretty light arrow. 1816 @28.5" with 110 grains up front for an arrow less than 400gr.

Will be fletching some up with the exact same specs in 3" & 4" next week to see how they fly/distance in back to back shooting.

I'll post the results of my subjective evaluation when I'm done.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Don Batten on January 25, 2009, 08:47:00 AM
I shoot 4" for hunting and 3d. I will point out that some trad shoots require a min 4" fletch. Don
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: Chris Wilson on January 31, 2009, 07:04:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by batman:
I shoot 4" for hunting and 3d. I will point out that some trad shoots require a min 4" fletch. Don
I use 4" for both hunting and 3D as well.  I'd like to use smaller for 3D, but IBO rules require at least 4" feathers in the Trad class.
Title: Re: Feather size for 3-D shooting?
Post by: JRY309 on February 05, 2009, 06:48:00 PM
I used the same feathers 5" and 5.5" and bows I hunted with.I know they used to require at least 4" vanes or feathers in the compound hunter class.