Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ed Frye on February 05, 2013, 03:47:00 AM
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What is your opinion on fletching arrows 29" 650 grain total weight. Shooting 60" #52@28. Do you think there is a difference between fletching 4 or 5 to 5.5", 3 or 4 fletch?
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Depends on the arrow/bow tune but I like to "correct" the arrow as soon as I can with fletching.
Lot of variables here, type of rest,arrow spine,bow centercut,release and one's own form comes into play.
Fletching is not suppose to make a difference because of arrow parodox,but I believe is does in most.
I choose 4 fletch 60/120 4" at a small angle and helical. This works best for me. Second, 3 fletch with 5" shooting with cock feather in.
I know I did'nt help much but someone once said the arrow is more important than the bow.
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I'm old school, but I've alway thought the more feather, the slower the arrow.
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I'm shooting 29" Axis 400's with four 3.5" feathers. Three deer and two turkey this year with 200 grain Razorcap heads. I've gone from 3 X 5.5", to 4 X 4" and am not at 4 X 3.5". I have experienced no problems with this set up and may try 4 X 3" this Spring for turkeys.
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Personally hunt with EFOC and Ultra-EFOC designs.
These types of set-ups may exhibit more drop due to drag. The balance point has been shifted forward thus possibly over emphasizing fletching correction. Note: Tuned Hi-end range EFOC and Ultra EFOC design correct noticeably quicker than typical arrow designs.
My set-ups utilize 3 X 4" fletch with large BH's. Could opt for even less, however both satisfied and confident with the current set-up.
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If you will do a search, you will find 100 threads on this subject.
I like 5 inch 4 fletch....no look nocking, and no worries EVER if I have enough feather no matter the shot position, if they are wet, torn, frazzled, Or the size of my broadhead choice for the hunt I'm on.
I do have some that are 4 inch four fletch that are for a certian set up for tree stand easy going hunting with a little different Vented 4 blade head I choose to use on occasion.
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I'm with Terry..lots to find with the search function...more should use it..or use an advanced google search searching tradgang.com.
I also use close to what he does..4x4.75" for the same reasons.
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Good info guys. I, myself, have shot 3 4", 3 5", and 4 5".
I, like Terry says "I like 5 inch 4 fletch....no look nocking, and no worries EVER if I have enough feather no matter the shot position, if they are wet, torn, frazzled, Or the size of my broadhead choice for the hunt I'm on."
This is the set up I'm going to stay with as I'm refletching, as mine are falling off from some old fletch tape that I used but that is a whole other thread :bigsmyl:
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4 fletched=parachute, 3 fletched=nice flight and make them as short as possible.
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I like my 4 4" fletching and my 2 5" over 3 of anything, just nock it and shoot it.
I'm looking to try some shorter i think 2.5" or 3" X4 fletching. I think gateway makes some and I want to try them before I invest in a burner.
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4-5" Marco vanes @105x75, chopped to 4" shield cut. Awesome flight w/ 160gr. snuffers. (http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x132/recurvehunter_2007/whitevanes.jpg)
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Originally posted by njloco:
4 fletched=parachute,.
Nah....I'm shooting 585 - 630 grains at 185 FPS....and half of these 50 some odd special retired arrows are 'bloody parachutes'... :biglaugh:
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/arrowrack2013.jpg)
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I like a 5" x 4-fletch. I haven't seen a difference in speed out to 30 yds, but I've definitely seen the arrow recover from paradox more quickly with a 4-fletch. 4-fletch also reduces problems with arrow flight when you swtich from field points to BHs. In theory the extra drag will slow your arrow down more, but drag is also what keeps your arrow flying straight. Try it out and see what works for you.
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And here's a pic of another 'parachute'....
I made this shot just last November....right in front of 6 compounders....100 yards at midnight....instinctive.
Needless to say, it blew their minds, and one bowyer now has 6 bows on order because of it...I'm not even kidding...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/100yardshotinthedark.jpg)
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Terry, you left one bit of information out, at what poundage ?, I know you guys down there hunt a lot of hogs. could you kill that hog with a 450-500 gr. arrow, say at 45-55#s ? I know one can kill deer with it.
P.S. Good shot!
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Greeeaaat shooting Terry! :clapper:
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njloco,
If I HAD to shoot that low of a weight(arrow and bow) at hogs, I would NOT be shooting the heads I am now, therefore, I would probably also drop to that 4 inch 4 fletch I noted to earlier.....AND, I can't say that I've ever lost an animal because of an extra feather. I's also still be shooting about 185.
Could you imagine the razzing you would get in camp if you blamed a lost animal on a feather?
That would be kinda silly don't ya think? :D
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Quick question about the whole 4 fletch deal you guys are saying no look nocking if your bow and arrow is tuned correctly would it matter how your 3 fletched was novked because from the videos on line the archers paradox always shows arrow tail end kicking away from the shelf.
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bkbk, 3-fletch can be nocked without looking as well. most people nock their 3-fletch arrows with the cock-feather out, but strictly speaking it shouldn't make any difference. If you are going to do this, you should probably use nocks with no indicator bump...
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bkbk12,
Again....in a 'perfect world' maybe...but sometimes we, or at least I, am contorted getting shots off. When you are on the ground, sometimes the window opens and you have a shot, but must 'manufacture' a shot due to vegetation or terrain. And when hog hunting especially since sometimes you get a shot at a second hog during the hysteria of the 1st shot.
Its just one less thing I have to worry about. And again, its just an extra feather....I don't see the big deal??????....at least as a negative. I don't' think you can 'shoot the difference' of the minuscule weight of a feather with 1/8th helical. Maybe with extreme helical...but I don't shoot that either.
Notice the extra time it takes me to rotate the arrow(3 Fletch)...especially on the last arrow.....
Over the Pond...... (http://www.tradgang.com/videos/tg/terry-2.wmv)
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Nice shot Terry and a great pic of the wall of parachutes :thumbsup: .
I don't really think there is that much of a difference in flight between 3 or 4 fletch as I don't shoot at anything over 25 maybe 30 yards anyway. I just like to be able to nock quicker and the looks of the 4 fletch. I have been able to tune to either one.
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Yeah Ed...I don't have a problem with 3 fletch either...like I said, I like the no look nock and the extra stabilization on unorthodox shots, weather, wear etc......that's all.
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Here's a question to ask yourself, What type of flething setup would give me the best arrow flight with a broadhead in any hunting condition?
Now fletch up a bunch of different setup's and go test them, see what works best for your hunting setup. I have tried fletching sizes from 2" razors to 5.5 maxi fletch.
Alot of options out there......
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Been shooting 4-fletch since 1984 , it's never caused any problems, but does create real quick arrow stabilization for those close shots. At long ranges it probably does not make much difference . I practice from 10-55 yds constantly during the summer. And whatever else terry said!
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4"-4 fletch here :thumbsup:
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Terry, loved the shooting exhibition, if I could still bend like that I would try it, but I'm worried my wife would have to call EMS to unbend me. NO doubt that 4 stabilizes the arrow faster and better, just wondering how necessary it is ? It was Mike Fedora that got me thinking about it, it was at the Sawmill shoot in PA. two years ago, I had 4 fletched arrows and mike was the one who mentioned the parachute first. I didn't usually shoot 4 feathers and haven't since. The bow was a Palmer recurve double carbon 55@28, really could spit an arrow and was the only bow that would shoot the 4 fletched arrows well, maybe that has something to do with it, the stronger and faster the bow the more or less the arrows are effected, more being stabilized faster and less being the parachute effect or lack off effect due to higher poundage ?, can't answer since I know very little about archery and probably shouldn't have said anything in the first place, but thought what Mike had said to me was interesting.
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Interesting topic for sure. I shoot 3 fletched arrows, never tried 4 fletch. I just ordered some feathers from Matt, and they are going to be 3 fletch... that says, I might get a bunch more and try a few 4 fletch and see.
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Have been shooting 4 fletch 4" for 40 years and don't intend to change now. I use full length and burn and can get two 4" out of one GOOD feather but you can never get two 5" out of one feather. I like all the money I save, well maybe!!!! Also like the looks of the shield cut best.
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I always used 3x4" helical, but recently I moved over to 3x5". I am still in the testing stage, but first conclusion is that there is no noticable difference in speed, but it gives more stabilisation.
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I like how fast the arrow recovers from paradox when using 4 fletch. On a few deer I have had shots under 5 yards and hitting an animal with a perfect flying arrow makes a huge differance in pentration (thats obvious) but something else I have noticed but can't prove... is they didn't have as much of a reaction to being hit as with an arrow that is still recovering. I think(?) that is because the shaft isn't "slapping" them as it enters. Only the broadhead it touching.
Like I said, I can't prove it but I have seen the same reactions more then once and it makes sense to me.
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3 x 5" fletch over here but have been doing some 4 x 5" and like the looks of them.
Good shot there Terry, that would be a par 2 course for me :thumbsup:
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Sorry for missing your post njloco .....I usually shoot 60-70# bows, but there are a host of bheads that would have killed any of the big hogs I have killed. At your weight, I would suggest a 2 blade....tusker concord has a GREAT angle of attack....as do Grizzly Kodiaks and Tuff Heads...those are the 3 that come to mind at the moment.
Just make sure if you use the Grizz or Tuffs you sharpen the front tanto portion of those heads.
I also end up somehow getting TOO close to hogs...and the 4 fletch makes for quick recovery of paradox...and a straight arrow at impact is paramount and even on those short shots.
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njloco ..sorry...I see I did respond earlier....thought I was on another thread....as usual going 90 MPH....hope my last post helped further.
:campfire:
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4x5" for the last 30 years or so. Takes a telephone pole to deflect one. Can't say I've ever missed a shot on game because the fletch slowed the arrow down.
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I've gone from 4 x 5.5" to 4 x 4" to 3 x 4" and everything worked well. But I have always bare shaft tuned my arrow first.
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I used to shoot 3-5.5" feathers years ago but have changed over the years.Went down to 3-5" but after shooting my buddies 4-4" that is all I fletch anymore.I tune my arrows very well.I even fletched some Axis FMJ with 4-4" ar 90,excellent flight.I did on one set of arrows where I fletched some 4-4",3-5" and 4-5" fletched and they all grouped together at 20 yds.I think if your arrows are tuned well any feather combo you do will be just fine.Now for my skinny Easton Injexion I did a 3-4",skinnier then Axis.
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I use 4-5 1/4" because I like feathers and find arrows are kinda boring without a lot of color.
Yeah, I know that's not a very scientific reason but it's my reason and I could probably get by with less feather but I choose not too. It's just personal preference. Nothing more.
Someone in an earlier thread commented that the arrows with white feathers in this pic probably looked liked flaming snowballs going down range. Yeah that pretty much sums it up. For me at least, Flaming snowballs has more appeal than parachutes. ;)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/C627CF60-E110-4DAF-B5EA-2800CBE1A491.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/C627CF60-E110-4DAF-B5EA-2800CBE1A491.jpg.html)
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Trap nice looking arrows!!! Especially the spliced ones.
4 fletch, 4-5inch for me.been using that for at least 30 years.
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Originally posted by Terry Green:
And here's a pic of another 'parachute'....
I made this shot just last November....right in front of 6 compounders....100 yards at midnight....instinctive.
Needless to say, it blew their minds, and one bowyer now has 6 bows on order because of it...I'm not even kidding...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/100yardshotinthedark.jpg)
Which bow were you using T?
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kadbow, minimal fletching works when things go smoothly, unfortunately as Terry said sometimes you have to manufacture a shot or have wet feathers and having the extra stabilization is very helpful.
Shot the buck in my avatar with 4x2.5" fletch high foc, have since gone to 4x4" for the extra insurance and at my hunting ranges negligible effect on flight. Prefer 4@90 for the nock and shoot capability not having to worry about fletch orientation.
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I have far better results with broadhead flight when using 4 fletch rather than 3
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I really like 4 fletch if I'm not hunting in windy conditions. It's just about always windy where I practice and a cross wind does seem to effect a 4-5" more then some other combos.
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The other nice thing is the extra feather adds to visibility in the target...
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4"x4
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I use either 4" or 5" all 4 fletched for the reasons Terry stated.
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I shot 4x4" parabolics for sometime and am thinking of going back to them or 4x4" low pro-file 'nanners.Anyone have any experience with both and did you notice any difference between them?
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My arrows are tuned..i sure hope no one is accusing me of hunting with out of tuned equipment.....
But I don't use minimal broad heads. :bigsmyl:
i like big chop and lots of hardwear and lots of blades most of the time....and if I drop down in head size for any reason I'm still covered.
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I've shot 4 fletch for many years, like the early 90's. Tried both 75x105 and 90x90, settling on 90x90. Back when I shot 60 lb I used 5" fletch and now that I've dropped to around 50 I shoot mostly 4". With a well tuned arrow, I think 4" would be plenty for most any bow weight and broadhead, but 5" isn't gonna hurt anything. It's almost always easier to deal with too much rather than not enuf.
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I did try 4 fletch for a while... I went back to 3 fletch 5" wild turkey feathers, they seem to be less effected by the wind and rain by more than a little bit in my experience. I have been using Magnus Turkey Fletching and I have found that they stand up to any situation that I have came across in the hunting woods or 3D courses.
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I did a test last year( can't find my numbers) with 3 fletch 4 fletch and 3,4,5 inch feathers. Shot through a chrono and simple accuracy tests. 4x5 was way slower than all the others. The 3x4 and 4x4 were only 2 fps diff but the 4x4 noticeably corrected the shaft faster and I got my tightest groups. Also added benefit of not working about nock placement. Also when I shoot 3 blades with 4x4 I dont have to alighn the blades with the fletch. All this was done from full length axis 300 with 150-225 tip weight from a 50 pound sage drawen to 31 inch.
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Forgot 4x3 was only slightly faster than 4x4, 4x4 seemed to out perform all the options.
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Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:
4x5" for the last 30 years or so. Takes a telephone pole to deflect one. Can't say I've ever missed a shot on game because the fletch slowed the arrow down.
Amen. Lots of good info on here from experienced guys. :readit: