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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Nala on November 22, 2013, 11:55:00 PM

Title: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Nala on November 22, 2013, 11:55:00 PM
Hey all,

I'd like to get some recommendations on a fletching jig.

First of all I KNOW that BEST of the BEST is the BITZ.  I'd love to have one, but it's not in the budget right now.  I have some other stuff to buy right now and I can't fit a BITZ into the plan.  One day I will get one, just not today.

OK, I have a GRAYLING Jig and it works so-so.  I have a RIGHT WING clamp for it and I like a helical fletch on my arrows.  The thing is that when I try to get a helical on any carbon shafts that I have, I cannot get the jig to make even decent contact with the shaft.  I've adjusted it every which way I can and just cannot get it to work well with these carbon shafts.
When I use it on my XX75 GameGetters, it works much better, but not able to get a full helical on these either.  If I adjust it to get a decent helical, I have to press down on the arrow clamp and hold it into place cause it won't hardly touch the shaft.  That's one of the biggest reasons I use FLETCH TAPE.  It works great though, so that's not an issue.  If I were to try and use GLUE, I don't think I could fletch carbon arrow unless I made the feathers as close to straight as I could get them.

So, I'd like some recommendations on a replacement jog to get.  I've heard the Bear Paw is a good one to have.  Any experience with it?  I like the JoJan too, but have never used one.


Thanks for the help and time.

Nalajr
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: nineworlds9 on November 23, 2013, 12:35:00 AM
I like Jojan its what I use.  Simple and sturdy and works.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Richie on November 23, 2013, 01:50:00 AM
Ive been using a Bearpaw for a few years and I love it.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Flying Dutchman on November 23, 2013, 03:34:00 AM
Times two
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Rustic on November 23, 2013, 04:31:00 AM
Funny, but I have the opposite issues with my Jojan and Grayling. I have used the my Grayling for 15 yrs on carbons. No problems. My Jojan clamps dont work very well.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: BOWMARKS on November 23, 2013, 04:47:00 AM
I have to vote for the PBE PRO Fletcher,
It has the most adjustments of all,  it can adjust nock alignment 360 degree also feather alignment 360 degree also has stops for up to 6 feathers and gets a very good helical.

I have the Bitz,Grayling ,Bearpaw and the BPE and have to say the BPE has the most adjustment quality.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: delongbows on November 23, 2013, 12:39:00 PM
x2 on the BPE
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Alexander Traditional on November 23, 2013, 12:45:00 PM
I like my BPE.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Bjorn on November 23, 2013, 02:01:00 PM
Look in the classifieds and on the auction site foe a used BITZ. They come up both places. You know it is what you want.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 23, 2013, 04:43:00 PM
i've used 'em all, they all work very well if set up properly.  i see no clear advantage for using a bitz, and have had *7* of them at one time for "production work".  currently i use a pair of graylings for carbons, a pair of bpe's for woodies, and an old martin j-8 for special fletchings.  i fletch both 3x120 and 75x105.  oh yeah, fletch tape exclusively, too.   :cool:
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: on November 23, 2013, 05:06:00 PM
I LOVE my JoJan multifletchers! I have 2 of them and can fletch a dozen arrows in just over an hour!

Bisch
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Timbuck2 on November 23, 2013, 06:09:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by nineworlds9:
I like Jojan its what I use.  Simple and sturdy and works.
x2
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on November 23, 2013, 06:26:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
I LOVE my JoJan multifletchers! I have 2 of them and can fletch a dozen arrows in just over an hour!

Bisch
a big 2X on the JoJan for me.  i've got the 6 arrow set up and love it.

but..... Rob D has a good point.... no matter the fletching jig you use.... when using different diameter shafts you need to set them up right. having multiple set ups for different diameter shafts would be most excellent.... Right on Rob!
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Paul_R on November 23, 2013, 06:33:00 PM
I use a Uni-Fletcher and like it a lot. They're just like a Bitz,in fact the clamps are interchangeable, but injection molded plastic instead of aluminum. And $60 cheaper! Get one from Big Jim:

  Uni-Fletcher (http://www.shop.bigjimsbowcompany.com/Uni-Fletcher-KKA2103.htm)

The only one I can honestly say I hate is the Arizona EZ Fletch.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: macksdad on November 23, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
I used a bohning before i got my Bitz and it did a good job and they are relatiely inexpensive.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Razorbak on November 23, 2013, 08:07:00 PM
BPE profletcher is a very good jig and like Rob says ( any type of fletching jig )get them adjusted and they all work good..don't need a bitz to do what any other fletcher can do...a little helical works just as good if not better vs. extreme helical which is not really needed which I find to make more noise in my opinion
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Fattony77 on November 24, 2013, 04:03:00 AM
I've got a BPE and a Bitz and I find them to be pretty similar. I'm not a pro by ANY means, but both work equally well for me.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: WESTBROOK on November 24, 2013, 09:47:00 AM
Used a Jo-Jan single & multi for years and it did a good job. Got a Bear Paw a couple years ago and the is my favorite now.

Tried a Bitz and didn't like it, sold it 2 weeks later.

I'd go back to a JJ before a Bitz.

Eric
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: EHK on November 24, 2013, 12:04:00 PM
I have a Grayling and a BPE and like them both.  The BPE is more adjustable as other have said, but for small diameter carbons, I find I get better results with my Grayling.  I like the fact that the base of the clamp is smaller and I can see where the base of the feathers is lining up better.  

I do think that I would have an impossible time using glue as well.  That doesn't bother me at all since I love fletch tape.  

I do like Rob - the BPE stays setup for 2016s and the Grayling stays setup for smaller diameter carbons.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Bill Leeming on November 24, 2013, 12:34:00 PM
Been using a Bitz for over 40 years. Great jig and still going strong.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: shirikahn on November 24, 2013, 02:32:00 PM
I've been checking out fletching jigs for a while now...I used a bitz and a jo-jan single back in the day, and never had a problem with either.  I seen the BPE and was intrigued by the adjustability.  Is it really not adjustable to smallish carbons, like say 5575 Goldtips?  If it'll work well on that diameter shaft, then that'd be the one I'll buy when I get the cash. I just love the idea of 6 fletch flu flu's for squirrel.  If not, please let me know.  I don't mean to hijack this thread.  I just didn't want to make another on the exact same subject.  Thanks!

Loren
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: Bowwild on November 24, 2013, 05:10:00 PM
My favorites, BItz and JoJan have been named. The Grayling, also mentioned would be my #3.

My first Bitz was bought in 1975.  I lost it (left it at a training) about 5 years ago. I'm on my second one now in 38 years.  Seems like the 1st one was $25?  The 2nd one was around $75.
Title: Re: Fletching Jig Recommendations Please.....
Post by: distantbear on November 25, 2013, 07:57:00 AM
I have been using "Vador" for many years. Works great and tough as nails.