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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Jerry Wald on January 22, 2010, 10:48:00 PM

Title: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 22, 2010, 10:48:00 PM
Well it was my first test with Gateways feathers tonight. I have always used trueflights.

Think I will be going back....So many of the feathers I got were not cut very well and either tooooo wide or tooo skinny.

Anyone experience this.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: BowHuntingFool on January 22, 2010, 10:51:00 PM
Yes, just tonight as well, I went from always using Gateway to True Flight and I won't be going back! I love the True Flight, the bases are pretty consistent compared to the gateway!
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Covey on January 22, 2010, 10:55:00 PM
I was getting ready to buy some feathers so this is nice to know. Jason
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: FerretWYO on January 22, 2010, 10:56:00 PM
I have personally had poor luck with Gateways as well. They are not well cut and do not hold up very well for me.

I think I will stick to Trueflight of wild turkey.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: BowHuntingFool on January 22, 2010, 11:01:00 PM
I haven't shot the TF's yet, are they pretty durable??? I'm hoping so....
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Fletcher on January 22, 2010, 11:06:00 PM
TrueFlights are my choice, too.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: thunder1 on January 22, 2010, 11:10:00 PM
I'm on the True Flight band wagon as well. Never had a reason to change.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: xtrema312 on January 22, 2010, 11:11:00 PM
I got some Gateways before I read up on them.  They are my first so hard to say, but the consistancy of the base was not as good as I think it could be.  I have AMG on the way.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Longbow Jake on January 22, 2010, 11:11:00 PM
Let me know how they work out Ive been lookin at AMG at 3rivers.Anybody else use them?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Avid Archer on January 22, 2010, 11:21:00 PM
AMG feathers are far better IMHO than Gateway, and almost as good as True Flight.

AA
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Paul WA on January 22, 2010, 11:21:00 PM
I dont see any difference...PR
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: JRY309 on January 22, 2010, 11:28:00 PM
I use them all and found them to work fine.But I don't like to mix them,I'll use all Tru-flight or all Gateway or all AMG.I use the feathers I have on hand when I plan to fletch some new arrows.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: BOWMARKS on January 22, 2010, 11:52:00 PM
Tru-Flight for a TRUEFLIGHT!!
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Gooserbat on January 23, 2010, 12:05:00 AM
I vote for Trueflight
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: m midd on January 23, 2010, 01:33:00 AM
True flight as well
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: mjdglobal on January 23, 2010, 02:09:00 AM
Me thinks Trueflight.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Shinken on January 23, 2010, 02:27:00 AM
TRUEFLIGHT for 30+ years!

Shoot straight, Shinken
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Grey Taylor on January 23, 2010, 02:38:00 AM
I only buy full length and chop all my feathers.
I find Gateway a little easier to get a good chop on. Once the feather is on the arrow I can't tell the difference in either flight or durability.
Those wanting to get rid of full length, right wing Gateway feathers can sell them to me, at a discounted price, of course   :D  

Guy
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jon Stewart on January 23, 2010, 05:58:00 AM
I use truflights also but I have been looking at trying feathers from Sagittarius Archery.  They have their own cut.  Anyone use these feathers?  They are a lot cheaper than truflight and gateway.  $22.00 a hundred.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: vtmtnman on January 23, 2010, 06:33:00 AM
The bases on Gateways tend to run thicker.I've used them all and like them all.Sometimes I do sand down the Gateways though.I buy full length.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Possum2 on January 23, 2010, 06:42:00 AM
Gateway really are a pain in the a.. going to Truflight!!!
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jim Curlee on January 23, 2010, 07:59:00 AM
Trueflight feathers, are by far the best feather out there. Been using Trueflight feathers for better than 25 years. Nobody grinds the quill like Trueflight. Ready to go right out of the box.
The base on Gateways, are too wide, and too thick. Hard to get the quill to lay flat, on the shaft.
Jim
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: wingnut on January 23, 2010, 08:02:00 AM
I made that switch a long time ago.  But am now looking at the AMGs.  Everything I can find puts them very close to TF but the price is very good.

Mike
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: LongBow'erman on January 23, 2010, 09:11:00 AM
I didn't care for the base on the Gateway feather either, Truflight is what I like and use now.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: chad graham on January 23, 2010, 09:20:00 AM
i bought some feathers from a local archery shop i did notice that the bases seemed off sounds like they may be gateway? i should ask them but it doesnt matter because i didnt like them.i will stick with trueflight.would like to hear more about amg?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: jcar315 on January 23, 2010, 09:23:00 AM
TruFlight is ALWAYS my choice too!

I helped a friend in his archery store making arrows and it is a noticable difference between the two.

Biggest difference was the consistency in the width of the bases.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Squint on January 23, 2010, 09:29:00 AM
30yrs,have tried them all,Trueflight by far,the best out there
             John
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on January 23, 2010, 09:42:00 AM
I used Gateway but Bjorn turn me on to Truflight and you can clearly see a difference between the two Truflight looks to be a better feather.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Kenneth on January 23, 2010, 10:46:00 AM
I'll echo what most are saying.  The first feathers I ever bought were Gateway and the bases were horrible.  I ordered some TrueFlights and haven't looked back.  I do like the looks of the AMG feathers though and might give them a try soon.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: George D. Stout on January 23, 2010, 10:49:00 AM
I've been using AMG feathers and they are very nice indeed.  That said, I saw an improvement in the Gateways in the early 90's.  Did they go south again?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jon Stewart on January 23, 2010, 10:57:00 AM
No-one has tried Sagittarius Archery feathers?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: davesonic444 on January 23, 2010, 11:06:00 AM
I won't buy Gateway.I've some really poor quality products from them.Weak thin feathers with poor grind.
True flight or AMG dress my arrows.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: cacciatore on January 23, 2010, 11:15:00 AM
True Flight here since long time or I grind my owns.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: J.Williams on January 23, 2010, 11:29:00 AM
Never tried Gateway,have always used True Flight and wild turkey feathers that I chop myself.From what I'm reading here I suppose I'll stick with what works.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: varmint101 on January 23, 2010, 11:49:00 AM
I've also had bad luck with Gateways.  The ones I got were not the quality of Trueflights.

After that, I've never used anything but TF.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Larry Yien on January 23, 2010, 12:44:00 PM
I've had good luck with Gateway feathers, and the last few batches have been more consistent and a thinner grind.  I wonder if that was due to the comments about the bases being too thick.

A long time ago I started with trueflights but switched to Gateway and never looked back.  Performance is first in my mind but as a secondary comment I like the camo colors in the Gateway line.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: donnyjack on January 23, 2010, 02:30:00 PM
Gateway has improved there base grind in the last few years and is doing a much better product today than 4 or 5 years ago IMO.  I have both gateway and trueflight.  I like TF's naturals color better than GW and I like their traditional cut better also. But GW's traditional has more surface area so you can go to a shorter feather and have about the same control.
Just don't mix them but IMO eather one will work well for you.

DJ
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Grey Taylor on January 23, 2010, 02:34:00 PM
Jon, I use Sagittarius' feathers and like them. But, then again, with the exception of two posters, I seem to be outvoted on Gateway feathers so my judgement may be suspect.
I will say that Sagittarius has the coolest red you'll ever see. It's a beautiful blood red that no one else has.  

Guy
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Earthdog on January 23, 2010, 02:53:00 PM
True flight for me too.
I do also shoot AMG from 3R but they seem a little lighter than trueflights.
I was told that Trueflight an Gateway both sourse their feathers from the same place,but I do find Trueflight to be finshed better and they hold up better in the rain if you buy the stronger colors like Red,bright yellow or orange.
I guess it must be in the way they are dyed or something,because they shouldn't really be any different if they do come from the same sourse.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Earthdog on January 23, 2010, 02:58:00 PM
I'd just like to point out that it's been 5-6 years since I shot Gateways and if peple say they have improved,then so be it.
I did like their natural barred feathers at the time.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: hayslope on January 23, 2010, 04:16:00 PM
Trueflight.  Great quality and colors.  I've also used them to grind turkey primaries for me.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 23, 2010, 04:25:00 PM
Well I just bought the GW because I had never had them before - I bought a couple of dozen I think - fl yellow and fl orange.


I was going to try to do the four fletch on my new safari's...the first set curled at the end to bad it pulled the fletching tape right off...so i had to pull them off and garbage them.

Then I sorted through the rest - I found 8 I wouldn't use - too thick and wide compared to the rest.

Anyway I will be sending the rest back and replacing the 5.5" i got for 5" trueflights.

I shot 3-5.5" before but I think it's a bit much for a four fletch arrow.

I may by a few of the AMG's just to try them too. I think 3 rivers only has shield cut though and I prefer parabolics.

Anyway I am not so impressed with the GW.

Jer Bear
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Joe Q. on January 23, 2010, 08:52:00 PM
I have had the same experience with gateways.  They cost half as much as tru-flite but when you end up throwing half of them away it's not really worth it is it?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Fletcher on January 23, 2010, 09:16:00 PM
George, a lot of things have gone south since the early 90's,

Does anyone know where the AMG and Sagitarius feathers are from/made/processed?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jwilliam on January 23, 2010, 09:32:00 PM
Trueflight!!!  :thumbsup:  


Bill
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: john fletch on January 23, 2010, 09:33:00 PM
I have been using Tru Flight for over 40 years.  Lately, the cost has been going up and they went to the 'Commercial' grade instead or premium which yields a greater number of shorter feathers.  This is tough to get a goo full length feather for a spira flu flu now.

I tried Gateway - poor color and not good quality control on the grind.

Then I tried AMG - they come from China.  The bsaes are thicker than TF and not even grind from front to back on many of them.

The thicker bases makes it nearly impossible to wind on as a flu flu - they break very often.

I guess I am back to TF and pining away for the good old days.

Have not heard of Sagitarius.  Would be willing to try, but must be sure that the quality is as good as Tru Flight, cost comaparable or better, colors bright and consistant and full length long enough to consider for flu flus.

Word has it that the Turkeys just aren't what they used to be.

What's a guy gonna do???
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Grey Taylor on January 23, 2010, 10:26:00 PM
I have asked Ruth at Sagittarius where they get their feathers from and she very politely avoids giving an answer.
Can't blame them for protecting their sources.

Guy
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: glass76 on January 23, 2010, 10:39:00 PM
Trueflights for me. Its all I've ever used.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Pepper on January 23, 2010, 11:09:00 PM
Tru Flight has my vote as well.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Shakes.602 on January 24, 2010, 06:20:00 AM
I Think in the Broad Collection of Fletchings I have, there is a Bit Of  EVERYTHING  in there!!  :readit:    :eek:  
 Got a Left Turkey Wing in the Freezer waiting on me too!!   :knothead:  ,  ANY  trouble with them coming Off, or even Loose!!  :archer:  
     Then Again, I am a Dyed-In-The-Wool  Saunders NPV Fletching Glue  Fan!!  :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 24, 2010, 06:43:00 AM
i've used GW, TF and AMG - the AMG's are a good bang for the buck but the TF quality i've been seeing is top shelf.

actually, right now i prefer feathers from this noble vendor, CG - they don't charge much and the quality is superb ...  :D     :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/archery/canada.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/archery/goose1.jpg)
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Steve Crowl on January 24, 2010, 07:32:00 AM
My vote is TF!Like the thin quill.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jon Stewart on January 24, 2010, 07:38:00 AM
I spoke with a rep from Sagitarius and she said that they  had their own cut which is slightly larger than other feathers.I thought for $22.00 a hundred I would give them a try.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: xtrema312 on January 24, 2010, 08:02:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Jerry Wald:


I may by a few of the AMG's just to try them too. I think 3 rivers only has shield cut though and I prefer parabolics.

Jer Bear
Joe Skip has parabolic AMG $30 shipped for 100.  He is a sponsor on here.  I just got a four color mix of 100.  

I just got Gateways from two different sources.  One is shield and one parabolic.  The width of the base is consistent, but the thickness is not.  I have some nice once and some three times thicker than those with everything in between.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: wojo124 on January 24, 2010, 11:41:00 AM
I switched from gateway to TF....much better.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Kris on January 24, 2010, 12:20:00 PM
Trueflight all the way, love the simulated turkey barred fletch, consistency and quill quality. I've been fletching with TF for 25 years.  Tried Gateway years ago and did not develop a liking for their product.  I am glad they are in business though, we need traditional vendors.  I support as many as I can!  Trueflight, a WISCONSIN company...whoo rah!

Kris
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Keefer on January 24, 2010, 01:15:00 PM
Trueflight..Always been good for me...
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: cbCrow on January 24, 2010, 01:22:00 PM
I have heard for years that TF are better than GW. I use both and have not seen hardly any difference in glue on or flight. I have no problem from either. I do prefer the GW parabolics though over TF. I guess it is a matter of preference.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: dino on January 24, 2010, 02:44:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Fletcher:
Does anyone know where the AMG and Sagitarius feathers are from/made/processed?
Yep I do.  AMGs are feathers from USDA turkey farms as TF and GW that are shipped to China, processed, colored and then shipped back to the US.

Rob,
I'm with ya, that is the donator of most of my feathers right now and they are fine too.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: frank bullitt on January 24, 2010, 02:48:00 PM
Used alot of GW magnums in the early 90's. Like George said, were good. Have used TF full lengths to burn and chop.

I like to spread the business around. I remember when right wings were in short supply and then they said lefts would be. Anyway, we need alot of suppliers or manufactures to keep archery strong, period!

If your having a quality issue, need to report such. These companies rely on us!

I also love to cut my own turkey and goose feathers, too!
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: jomama on January 24, 2010, 03:05:00 PM
TrueFlight, the only way to fly.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Gottabow on January 25, 2010, 12:16:00 AM
Is there a website for Sagatarious archery?
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 25, 2010, 02:34:00 AM
I got a sample of the AMG's coming from 3 rivers and if they are ok I will order a bulk order from Joe.

Joe can I get a mix of fl orange and flo yellow or chartruese in the 100 pack?

thanks

jer
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: ottertails on January 25, 2010, 03:36:00 AM
I use Trueflight 90% of the time. With the Gateways, without exception... I have to regrind the bases.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Tom on January 25, 2010, 05:42:00 AM
Trueflight only.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jon Stewart on January 25, 2010, 07:12:00 AM
Gottabow:


www.sagittarius.com (http://www.sagittarius.com)
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Paul Mattson on January 25, 2010, 07:26:00 AM
I use all 3 brands.  I will have to agree True Flight has the best quality.  While AMG and Gateway has some of the brightest colors.  

Once on the shaft it's not easy to tell the difference.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Tom Leemans on January 25, 2010, 08:19:00 AM
The bases are prepped so much better on Tru-flites
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: FDR on January 25, 2010, 09:17:00 PM
trueflight all the way
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: BowHuntingFool on January 25, 2010, 09:31:00 PM
I have been using the GW feathers for almost 10 years. I picked up some TF feathers from Badger Arrow and I tell ya, what a pleasure they are to fletch with. Here is my first batch with the Tru-Flight feathers put on with fletch tape!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/BowHuntingFool/IMG00256.jpg)
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 25, 2010, 09:45:00 PM
Looks purdy......

JerBear
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: CDR on January 25, 2010, 09:58:00 PM
Nice looking arrows Joe! I love that blue.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Grey Taylor on January 25, 2010, 10:21:00 PM
Jon, I don't think that's the right Sagittarius site   :knothead:  

I haven't been able to find one for Sagittarius Archery in Pasadena, CA.

Guy
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Bowspirit on January 31, 2010, 07:47:00 PM
http://www.sagarchery.com/
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: boog21 on January 31, 2010, 10:45:00 PM
I've only used Gateways and have never had any trouble with them on my 2117 shafts (fletch tite or tape).
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Night Wing on January 31, 2010, 11:34:00 PM
I've never had a problem with right wing Gateway parabolic shaped feathers.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: widow sax on January 31, 2010, 11:56:00 PM
I use gateway they are not as good as truflight but cost halph the money. For 3ds or range shooting I have not seen a differance I hunt with them also. I have not had that bad of an  experience with them to stop using them I mix them with truflight also with no ill effects.  Widow
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Charlie Schweikert on February 01, 2010, 12:26:00 AM
Jon Stewart - ya got me, varmint!

Bowspirit - thanks for the link.

Charlie
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Arrow4Christ on February 04, 2010, 10:54:00 AM
I'm with Larry Yien on the Gateways. The camo colors are just too cool  :)  The ones I've bought in the past several months have been very good quality with pretty consistent bases. If I'm splicing feathers, I just choose feathers with the closest bases to do so with.
Going to be trying AMG on my own arrows, so we'll see how that goes.
Craig
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Dave W on February 04, 2010, 12:39:00 PM
I like the AMG feathers that I have purchased in the past from Joe Skipp (tradgang sponsor).  They were as consistent as True Flights.  He has some camo too.

Dave
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: shadman on February 04, 2010, 01:08:00 PM
I've always used TF although the quality isn't what it once was.
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: Chris Shelton on February 04, 2010, 01:35:00 PM
I almost got gateways, but instead went with full length tf, and I cut 2 feathers out of each full length one, some of the quills get thin on the second feather but most of the time they are fine, makes them not so expensive anymore!
Title: Re: Trueflight feathers vs Gateways - 5"
Post by: xtrema312 on February 04, 2010, 03:57:00 PM
I got some AMG's about 2 weeks ago and a few more this week.  They are more consistent and thinner base than the GW's, but not as thin as the TF.  I looked at some TF's at Kzoo this last weekend.  Those are some nice looking bases.  For the price I think AMG will do fine.