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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Nala on December 23, 2010, 03:18:00 PM

Title: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Nala on December 23, 2010, 03:18:00 PM
Hey all,

I am going to pick up a new fletching jog in the new year to replace the one I have now.  I think mine is a Grayling.

Naturally I would prefer a Bitz, but they are really expensive.  I have heard a lot about the Bear Paw and am thinking about that one.

I wanted to ask and get some opinions before I buy one.

Thanks

Nalajr
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Bowwild on December 23, 2010, 03:23:00 PM
Get a BItz and your done.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Irish on December 23, 2010, 03:27:00 PM
Bitzenburger - and tape
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on December 23, 2010, 03:29:00 PM
The Bear paw is a well made fletcher and is easy to use, for the price you can't go wrong.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: ishoot4thrills on December 23, 2010, 03:31:00 PM
I use a JoJan. Only one I've ever used except for the Arizona E-Z Fletch. Isn't the Bear Paw rather expensive too?
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on December 23, 2010, 03:38:00 PM
JoJan & Fletch Tape
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: jarhead_hunter on December 23, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Hoyt Tri-Heli.

Out of production, but I have used one for many years with no problems.

Charles.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Spinealigner on December 23, 2010, 03:45:00 PM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Traddict on December 23, 2010, 03:48:00 PM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: chad graham on December 23, 2010, 06:58:00 PM
bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: greyghost on December 23, 2010, 07:00:00 PM
Bitz.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Timbuck2 on December 23, 2010, 07:00:00 PM
jo-jan and as others have said...tape!
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Stumpkiller on December 23, 2010, 07:04:00 PM
I use a Bitz, but also have a JoJan.  Honestly, for a simple 3-fletch they both do a fine job.  If you may want to eventually play with tapared shafts, adjust the nock so fletching can be set to clear the rest differently, multiple fletches, etc,. the Bitz is more "playaroundable".
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: straitera on December 23, 2010, 07:27:00 PM
Jojan Multifletcher. Git after it!
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Fletcher on December 23, 2010, 07:28:00 PM
I used to have a Bitz, now I have 30.  Keep your eyes open or post a "want to by" ad in the Classifieds and you can get a good used one very reasonable.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Yellow Dog on December 23, 2010, 07:31:00 PM
Bitz, wraps and tape. Too easy, you'll be a pro in no time flat. One thing I did with my Bitz was take my Dremel and polish up the cradle the arrow sits in, it was marking up my wraps a tiny bit. You'll never have to buy another.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Larry m on December 23, 2010, 07:34:00 PM
Bitz. Buy it now, that way you won't have to later.........
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: J.Williams on December 23, 2010, 07:39:00 PM
Bitz.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Stinger on December 23, 2010, 07:39:00 PM
I still have an old Herter's that works pretty well for straight and offset fletch, but the helical doesn't quite do it.  I bought a used Bitz off the classifieds here and never looked back.  They show up frequently on here so keep looking and save some money.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: SEMO_HUNTER on December 23, 2010, 07:52:00 PM
What's wrong with the Grayling fletcher?
I use a Martin fletcher that's basically the same thing and I'd bet you can't tell the difference between my arrows fletched with the Martin jig and a high dollar Bitzenburger.

Still puttin em on 1 at a time, and adjustable helical left or right, 3 fletch or 4 fletch, but it's made of high impact plastic and not aluminum....only difference in my opinion.

Send that Grayling to me and I'll put it to good use.

I also use a Arizona EZ Fletch when I'm in a hurry, but sometimes I have a hard time getting the feathers to lay flat in the jig so I don't use it that much. It works good for vanes, but some feathers have too much curl to them and won't lay flat.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: seabass on December 23, 2010, 07:52:00 PM
get a bitz.it is worth the price and will last a lfetime.i bought an old model used on the classifieds for 45 dollars.one of the most used things that i own.i might go by a new one.if i do,i will put this one on the classifieds for cheap.i'll let you know if i do.merry christmas,steve
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on December 23, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: seabass on December 23, 2010, 07:54:00 PM
get a bitz.it is worth the price and will last a lfetime.i bought an old model used on the classifieds for 45 dollars.one of the most used things that i own.i might go by a new one.if i do,i will put this one on the classifieds for cheap.i'll let you know if i do.merry christmas,steve
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: seabass on December 23, 2010, 07:56:00 PM
sorry about the double post.i don't know what happened
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Nala on December 23, 2010, 10:34:00 PM
Nothing is "wrong" with my Grayling, it does fine as long as I don't try and put very much helical on my fletching.  If I try and do anything much past straight it seems as though I can't get good contact with my feather holder and shaft.  I have tried to adjust it several times and used different shaft diameters and just can't get it to lay flat against the shaft.

From what I have read the Bear Paw is about $35-$40.  The Bitz is about $80.  I rarely see them for sale and when they do get listed someone snaps them up pretty quick.  I prolly will end up getting a Bitz, but thought I'd ask and see if anything else was close to it.

Nalajr
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: paul11 on December 23, 2010, 10:45:00 PM
money spent on Grayling + bearpaw= bitz and tape
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: HB3 on December 23, 2010, 10:48:00 PM
Bitz is best I have used, have 2
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Cal bow on December 23, 2010, 10:48:00 PM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Buckwheaties on December 23, 2010, 10:56:00 PM
Buy the Bitz now, and you won't have to buy one later. Mine's 30 years old and still works like new.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Doug in MN on December 24, 2010, 12:24:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Irish:
Bitzenburger - and tape
YES SIR!

Can not go wrong with the above.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: carbonflyr on December 24, 2010, 12:34:00 AM
one bitz and you're set for life.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Night Wing on December 24, 2010, 12:54:00 AM
I prefer a Jo-Jan MultiFletcher.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Bowspirit on December 24, 2010, 01:53:00 AM
Bought a JoJan when it was all I had the cash for 5 years ago. Does everything I ask of it, so I can't complain...
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Pepper on December 24, 2010, 01:57:00 AM
I've got the same Bitz's I started with over 15 years ago, still work great, still solid as day one.
You get what you pay for.  That being said, I don't know a lot about the Bear Paw.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Phil Tuccillo on December 24, 2010, 03:45:00 AM
Bitz in my opinion. And I have tried them all.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Fischman on December 24, 2010, 07:00:00 AM
Bitz's here, work great.Like Pepper said " you get what you pay for " .
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: ronp on December 24, 2010, 08:00:00 AM
I agree with everyone who likes the Bitz and fletch tape.  If I can put a feather on a shaft, ANYBODY can!
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Kevin Dill on December 24, 2010, 08:03:00 AM
Everything (it seems) in archery and bowhunting has been revolutionized or dramatically improved over the years.

Funny thing: Nobody has ever come up with a better jig than the Bitzenberger. After all these years...the accepted #1 remains.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Terry Lightle on December 24, 2010, 08:06:00 AM
Bitz for me ,have 3
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Burnsie on December 24, 2010, 08:25:00 AM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Kevin Bahr on December 24, 2010, 08:34:00 AM
My choice of fletcher?  Rick Stillman.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Rob DiStefano on December 24, 2010, 08:39:00 AM
been fletching arrows since the mid 50's.  have had most every fletcher out there, including a half dozen bitz's for tandem 6 arrow-at-a-time glue fletching.  these dayze, any cheap polycarb  fletcher is more than competent to get the job more than done well.  and definitely tape not glue!  i see no need for spending that kinda big loot on a bitz, but to each their own.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: ShooterF150 on December 24, 2010, 08:50:00 AM
I like   the jo jan  works well with tape
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: BobCo 1965 on December 24, 2010, 09:44:00 AM
The only one that I have ever used is a Bitz. Still going strong. I did have one at one time though that fletched all 3 at one time. It was made of plastic and didn't work well at all. I got rid of it quick.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: joe ashton on December 24, 2010, 10:28:00 AM
jon-jan
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: KYArcher on December 24, 2010, 10:35:00 AM
Bitz! I've had mine for over 30 years!...KY
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: 1Longbow on December 24, 2010, 11:00:00 AM
I quess I have to be different. I have the Bear Paw and its a good ,well made fletcher. But my go to jig is a metal Whiffen jig. Easy to use and does an outstanding job. 1Longbow
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: wingnut on December 24, 2010, 11:04:00 AM
I have four bitz jigs and use a 6 way JoJan.  Once it's adjusted the way you want it you can fly though arrows.

Mike
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Bud B. on December 24, 2010, 11:38:00 AM
From a rookie fletcher, Blitz and tape, as has been said.

You really don't need more than one if you use tape. Your hands and fingers can only do so much at once. If you glue, maybe 3-6 would suit an arrow maker.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Mojo Rising on December 24, 2010, 12:49:00 PM
Bitz here!
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: SS Snuffer on December 24, 2010, 02:11:00 PM
BPE Pro Fletcher better than a Bitz and cheaper!
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: White Oak on December 24, 2010, 02:18:00 PM
Bitz & tape!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: greg fields on December 24, 2010, 02:34:00 PM
Bitz. only.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: xtrema312 on December 24, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
My first was a Bohning I got at Cabelas for $25 on sale.  Then I got Bitz used.  I like the Bitz, but also still use the Bohning.  I have them set up the same and honestly can't tell which arrow was fletched in which jig.  I do like the Bitz better, but I don't know if I would pay for a new one for my needs.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: mookie on December 24, 2010, 10:54:00 PM
Bitzenburger - and tape
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: DXH on December 24, 2010, 11:01:00 PM
My bitzenburger has been my first jig, and it is great wouldn't trade it
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: freeman on December 24, 2010, 11:19:00 PM
I've been using a Jo-Jan for the last 10 years. It's cheap and well built. I have the left, right, and straight clamp, and can do about anything with it I'll ever need to.
I do want to try a Bitz though...
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: tg2nd on December 25, 2010, 06:53:00 AM
Bitzenburger. Much more precise then my JoJan.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Plumber on December 25, 2010, 07:58:00 AM
I never used a bitz but have heard nothing but good things about them.I do own a jo jan an I love it.I have also enjoyed the arizona easy fletcher.If you plan on useing it alot dont worrie so much about the money.go for the quality they are worth it.its not a tool you can afford to skimp on. good luck in your search
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: zepnut on December 25, 2010, 08:16:00 AM
Went through 3 different fletchers.....bitzenburger is the best
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: PA-Spot on December 25, 2010, 12:09:00 PM
Love my Bitz >>--->
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: rainman on December 25, 2010, 07:17:00 PM
Hoyt Tri Heli fletcher sice 1982
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: J-dog on December 25, 2010, 07:30:00 PM
bitz, using mine right now
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: 3undr on December 25, 2010, 07:43:00 PM
blitz can't go wrong
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Kris on December 25, 2010, 09:36:00 PM
Bitz and glue. Duco for wood, Fletchtite for carbon/other.

Kris
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: hayslope on December 26, 2010, 09:53:00 AM
I have to admit, I've never used anything other than a Bitz.......so I can't give you any comparison to other fletch tools.

My recommendation is to look for used Bitz fletchers, clamps, etc......that's what I did.  You can also trade stuff for them.  I've ended up with a bunch of clamps....LW/RW/Straight, as well as a bunch of nock receivers.  I probably don't have a $100 bill in all of them.

I decided to mount all of them on a single board about 12 years ago.  Multi-tasking.......although I seldom end up using all three at one time.  I used a piece of curly spalted maple I had laying around and..........ended up with a nice fletching work station.

(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0602.jpg)  (http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0605.jpg) (http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/hayslope1/Bows/DSC_0599.jpg)

I put four rubber feet on the bottom of the board so I can actually work on arrows where I feel like it at the time.  The rubber feet won't mar a surface and the board is very stable.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: Pops on December 26, 2010, 10:07:00 AM
Jojan has worked well for me
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on December 26, 2010, 10:17:00 AM
I am thinking on the bearpaw also...they are on back order from Kustom King I believe.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: stick-um on December 26, 2010, 10:44:00 AM
Bitz and tape here
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on December 26, 2010, 11:02:00 AM
I have used the same Bitz for over 20 years.
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: guspup on December 26, 2010, 11:25:00 AM
Bitz
Title: Re: What's Your Choice for Fletcher??
Post by: 1/4 away on December 26, 2010, 02:13:00 PM
Been using a Bitz for years but Santa just brought me a BearPaw which I'm anxious to try.