I just picked up a "like new" Bob Lee Falcon Pro 62" OAL.54# @ 28".I've been using aium. shafts with plastic vanes,I'd like to switch to carbon shafts with feather fletching( I'd like to keep using 125gr. field points and broadheads)So I've been looking at the "Trad. Only" shaft at 3 Rivers Archery.I'm having trouble deciding on the proper shaft for overall arrow weight for elk and maybe deer hunting.I'd be thankfull for any advice.Tim
or should I just buy a fletching jig ansd get rid of the plastic vanes on my alum. shafts?Than I need to figure out Left hand twit,right hand twist,straight,ththree vanes@120 deg. or four@90 deg.please advise
Buy a jig, tune everything, & you're good to go. 125gr heads are time tested. You'll get as many opinions about fletching as you care to read. BTW, personally do not like plastic vanes at all.
10 grains per pound plus are minus 2 pounds is a good standard. It can be hard to get carbons in that weight range without adding additional weight. Aluminum will get there easy. I prefer carbon with added insert weight. But if you get an arrow weight in that range and they fly straight and don't wobble you can hunt anything you want and keep your bow safe.
Plastic vanes are no good with trad gear, Because when you shoot the vanes don't fold down like feathers do so it affects your arrow flight comming off the shelf of your bow. As far as what size, kind or how many feathers to use I think it's mostly personal preference. Just don't use left and right wing together. Use one or the other. As for shafts just make sure that they are spined properly and have good overall shaft weight of roughly 485 grains or more so they will absorb the energy of your bow and won't harm it like a dry fire. This is just my oppinion.
One more small but important point: if you plan on using a single bevel broadhead the fletch and BH have to match. Right bevel BH and RW fletch.
Have fun and take lots of pics!
If you buy the Traditional Only shafts, get the softest spine (500). You will probably have to add a little more weight to the end though unless you let them a little longer. I prefer aluminum myself.
Or...you can take the vanes off and use feathers.
By the way, vanes will work just as well of traditional bows as they will compounds....they were here before compound bows 8^). You just have to set your nock so the vanes clear the riser. An elevated rest is almost necessary for shooting vanes.