I have been experimenting with three 4in feathers and saw no diffrence from three 5 or 5.5 in feathers , even with broadheads Im still getting the same flight with the inch shorter feathers . I have only been shooting traditional abot 3 years and just assumed I needed the longer feathers because I shot off the shelf as opposed to shooting off a elevated rest when I shot compound and used 3in feathers . My question is why do traditional shooters shoot the longer feathers if the shorter ones will give the same results ? To me it seems like you would have a little less feather contact on the shelf with the shorter feathers and a little less affect on the arrow spine all which would aid in shooting more accurate . I apreciate your advice in advance .
Mike
Hey, I have seen the same results as you. I shot 5" feathers, well because that what I always shot. I bought a 4" chopper fletched some up and my arrows fly just fine with 3-4" feathers. A bonus is I can now get two fletches from one full length feather. Oh for the shape I use a Trad Parabolic.
Scott
Hey Mike I don't think it makes that much difference with field points when you arrows are properly spined. Where it really counts is with a broad head. You will have to shoot broadheads to really see the affect of the shorter feathers.
I switched to 4" feathers about 3 years ago. Mine are LW Helical and fly great with broadheads. They are a little faster than a 5 or 5-1/2" and quieter IMO.
I switched to 4 4" so I can do an arrow with 2 feathers instead of 3
The extra guidance is for those times we have a less than perfect release with BH's(wings) up front.Naaaa it's not really needed......most of the time maybe even all the time ......but????
:biglaugh: shoot what YOU have confidence in