Wondering how you blokes combat wet fletching in a bow quiver. I have heard of hairspray, scotchguard etc, i am thinking of trying the powder stuff that is sold for the purpose, but am also thinking that GINK or silicone muclin (dry fly floatants) would/should work and last well, anyone have any other thoughts/ideas ?
I suppose if the arrows are tuned correctly it shouldn't be a major factor, but I am a bit rough around the edges, and so are my arrows at times rabbiting/clod shooting arrows are not as well treated as the hunting shafts.
Cheers
I've read posts of some that liked the dry-fly stuff. Way back in my "pre-enlightened" (aka compound) days, I tried some crystalline powder stuff that you put in a ziploc bag, insert the fletching end of the arrow and shake to coat. I don't know if it stiffened the feathers or what, but it changed my point of impact (low) about 6" at 20 yards. I was stunned. My point being try out whatever you use before you go hunting!
I use a dry fly gel from Orvis and have had good results. After application I have noticed a slight difference in flight for a shot or two but besides that it works. :archer:
I've used the powder for a long time - 10-15 years and like it. One application usually lasts for a season. I've never noticed any difference in arrow flight with my wheel bows. I guess I'll be vigilant with my longbow and see what happens. I will tell you that even if you smack the arrow against your hand there will still be loose powder on the fletching - looks like you're shooting a muzzle loader the first shot. A little tip, when you put the powder in the bag with the fletching, rub it in to each feather to make sure everything is covered. When you all all done test one - stick it in a bucket full of water for an hour.
If you use fletch tape be aware of anything aerosol! Last one I tried turned tape glue to liquid and feathers dripped off.
Fly floatant......best stuff out there for feathers.
I just sprayed one of my Arrows last week with hunt-dri, same kinda stuff like camp dry etc.... Worked like a charm, to bad I didn't do all my arrows that day, it rained like a banshee during our 3D shoot and the other arrows were soaked thru! Doah....
Been using the stuff they sell to lube and protect whisker bisquit rest's, picked it up at local shop has worked very well for me, think its called sno-seal, its in a small spray can.
I started using the dry powder the last couple years but have to say that camp dry spray works well and is fast to apply.
Bob
When using the powder after you shake the bag use a brush and get excess off the fletch. Saves powder and works it in the quills. They used to give you a brush but that was years ago. Small stiff paint brush should work. Good luck.
Magnus
I use a fly tying product called Water Shed havent seen anything better.
I use food grade silicone and I will not use anything else again.I love the stuff!!IMHO
It has to be food grade and some hardware store carry it.
What is food grade silicone? Lots of good tips here!
I just sprayed a 1/2 dozen arrows with Deft. So far everything looks fine ie no stiff fletching.
I have also used products like Camp-Dry with no problems.
chris <><
Food grade silicone can be used around and on machines for making food.It dries quick and has no smell.Other grades of silicone have other chemicals added for more lubrication and smell bad.Just google food grade silicone.I wont use anything else.And I spray my target arrows with it about 12 inches from the point,and they pull out of any target with ease.And the feathers will not stiffen up or change color at all.
Thanks Guys :thumbsup: , some good info
Cheers