i was bare shafting may new arrows the other day and getting great arrow flight. tried 1 fletched and noticed that at about 30 yards i was getting some movement in the arrow. did'nt notice it closer. i think it may be fletching clearance issue. i shooting 2016 cut 30 in. out of a 50# tomahawk long bow. my question is how do you have your fletching oriented with 3- 5" feathers for best clearance. have'nt had time to shoot any more just tring to get some ideas while i'm working 12 hr. a day right now thanks b-dog
Typically the fletch is oriented with one feather (the cock feather) perpendicular to the side of the bow and away from it.
The other two (hen) feathers lay next to the bow and split the difference .
Some prefer to shoot with the cock feather up against the bow, saying that's better.
Some like the cock feather oriented straight up.
I say it probably doesn't make a huge difference if the arrow and bow are compatible/tuned.
I agree with Charlie that it probably doesn't make a big difference in flight. However, I shoot with the cock feather facing in only because I do not get wear on the lower hen feather with this orientation.
Is the cock feather a different color than your hen feathers? This can give the illusion that your arrow has movement. It drove me nuts, so I finally started fletching with all one color.
Tim
cock feather is a differant color. i will keep tha in mind. i hope to get to shoot some this after noon. i'm fairly sure about the movment but i have been wrong before. hard to believe because i ws getting such good flight with bare shafts.
b-dog
I tend to agree with Tim. If its bareshafting and with feathers you don't notice anything until 30 yards, could be your eyes playing tricks. Should be pretty stable by then.
What Charlie said. I myself shoot cock feather up as of late, as I just get better clearance and less wear on my feathers. Shawn
THANKS GUYS FOR THE COMENTS. IT'S NICE TO KNOW THERE IS A PLACE LIKE THIS TO GET SOME GOOD ADVISE.
B-DOG