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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ray091 on February 19, 2013, 04:04:00 PM

Title: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: Ray091 on February 19, 2013, 04:04:00 PM
In Washington state on the west side of the Cascade Mountains it can  rain a lot  during hunting season and I would like to get some  suggestions about the best ways to protect your string and fletching during light and very heavy rains  while still or spot and stalk hunting in the woods?

Recently I saw a tip on a TV show for water proofing the string. Now this tip was for a compound but would think if it affects a compound it will also affect a recurve when the string gets wet or soaked.

Because I shoot off the shelf and use feathers for my fletchings  is there a good water proofing method or product for the feathers or should I keep them covered with a light plastic bag, like an old plastic bread bag?

As I am just getting into hunting with a recurve questions like these keep popping up in my mind.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: reddogge on February 19, 2013, 06:41:00 PM
I just keep my strings nicely waxed. If you feel uncomfortable just give is a couple of twangs once in a while.

I keep my feathers covered during rain periods. The arrow on the bow will take a hit but it shouldn't affect flight too much if you don't mat them down. I hunted rabbits this weekend in a light misty rain and wet conditions and the feathers got wet but didn't affect arrow flight.

Real natural barred undyed wild turkey feathers are more water resistand than domestic turkey feathers too.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: LBR on February 19, 2013, 08:16:00 PM
Strings don't require any water proofing.  There are products on the market to water proof feathers, but along with that I'd go with a quiver like the Safari-Tuff line for the best protection.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: Hummer3T on February 20, 2013, 09:17:00 AM
I use silicon spray for feathers, works great.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: Zradix on February 20, 2013, 09:49:00 AM
Heard silicone spray works for the feathers.

Covering works of course.

I use a product called watershed.
It's a liquid that's designed for fishing flies.

It's not perfect but it helps a lot.

Also I've heard nat goose feathers are really nice.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: magnus on February 20, 2013, 10:10:00 AM
Wax the string and use natural feathers. They have oils that shed water very effectively.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: stagetek on February 20, 2013, 10:45:00 AM
I use a spray product called "No Snow" on my feathers and arrow rest. It works very well. I've never heard of waterproofing a string. I would think keeping it waxed would be enough.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: LongbowArchitect on February 20, 2013, 11:29:00 AM
Spray Scotchguard works the best for my fletching and it's cheap and available everywhere.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: Bjorn on February 20, 2013, 11:37:00 AM
What LBR said.  Some of the waterproofing stuff turns fletch into cardboard! Black Magic Tire Wet works OK but you have to let it air for at least a week. I'm gonna' try the Scotchguard.
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: BowHuntingFool on February 20, 2013, 11:52:00 AM
Camp Dry works great for me, just spay it on early enough to "air out" and you are good to go!
Title: Re: Water Proofing String and Fletching
Post by: Brock on February 20, 2013, 12:29:00 PM
i just keep strings waxed....a little twang gets excess off and always been fine.

for feathers I use Feather Pruf or Fletch Dry which are basically the same.  Just be sure to put small amount in plastic bag...shake around fletching....dont inhale it...knock off excess and good for weeks of damp weather.