I am in the market for a fletching jig. What would be the one you recommend?
I am wanting something that has the measurements on the jig and has both LW and RW jigs. Other than that, I don't really have to have any specific feature.
Any input is appreciated.
Jo-Jan multi-fletcher is what i'd recommend.
Blitz for me nowadays, although I have a Arizona EZ Fletcher that I have used for around 25 years. :archer:
+1 Bitz works great.
I have one of the Grayling Jigs. Works well for me and only cost $24 new. Clamps are only $9 so you can fletch different styles cheaply. Overall quality seems pretty decent to me. Plus it is made in the USA as well.
I have both the Blitz and Jo Jan Muli Fletcher. Both work well, the Blitz is more money but will last forever. Both my Blitz jigs are at least 40 years old. Only issues I have is at times I must use a knife blade to lat quill of feather to shaft.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
Jo-Jan multi-fletcher is what i'd recommend.
Kirk, I currently have a multi and mono and I can't stand the jig. I wish they had a little higher quality jig at least one with notches on it.
If you are serious I recommend buying two jigs for a dedicated left helical and right helical. I prefer a Bitzenburger.
I have both the Blitz and Jo Jan Muli Fletcher. Both work well, the Blitz is more money but will last forever. Both my Blitz jigs are at least 40 years old. Only issues I have is at times I must use a knife blade to lat quill of feather to shaft.
Bitzenburger, it's a tank and easy to work with.
i think i've had or used them all, including not one but 7 bitzenburgers. fwiw, i think the bitz is highly over rated and not worth the big bux they command.
imho, any single vane polycarb fletcher will be more than enuf to get the job done - grayling, bohning, jo-jan mono, bpe, aae, etc - and will not rust or tarnish in the process of years of service.
if you have a specific fletching requirement configuration, check what each fletcher can offer first. if i hadda have one, it'd be the grayling.
avoid the arizona like the plague! you have been advised!
I have and use both. But prefer the Jo-Jan. Been using the same jig for over 40 years now without any problems and easy to set up for any fletch desired.
I agree w/ Rob that the Bitzenburgers are good but over-priced. None the less I have six of them, some are very old but they still work well so I'll stick with them.
If I were starting again I'd look at the BPE jig. Never tried one but it looks well made and has some unique features.
I picked up the bohning from 3rivers and haven't looked back. It works great and didn't cost hardly anything. Granted I'm new at this but I haven't messed up a fetching yet. It's really user friendly and you can buy an additional left or right wing clamp. Will do 3 or 4 feather.
If you're on a budget, the Bohning Grayling jig is the way to go. Super cheap and well made for the price. Like Archer Dave said, extra clamps are under $10 and the jig itself is under $30, and does the trick no problem.
I have a few Bitzenburger's and honestly the quality depends on what model you get. Mine are all 40 years old at least, so I'm not sure what the new models are like. Some models the indexer requires you to unscrew a hex screw and transfer small metal bearings into another slot in order to go from 3 to 4 fletch. This is a huge pain and the indexer just doesn't click into place like it should. I have another model that does not have this feature however, and it works perfectly. The downside to a Bitz is that even if you buy one used for $50 on the classifieds, extra clamps are still $30. All depends on what you have to spend I suppose!
i don't mind spending money for quality equipment, but i don't see a need in it when there are just as good options at a more reasonable price..
I have a Grayling and a Bitzenburger. For the price, I prefer the Grayling.
Sam,
would you say the 2(grayling adn bitz) are comparable?
I've tried a bunch--none hold up like my Bitzenburgers. Others will get the job done--if I wasn't using a Bitz, I'd go with a BPE or Grayling...but I'm using a Bitz. Got my first one used near 20 years ago, still going strong. Buy one new now and get 20 years out of it, you have spent.....less than $5 a year? Pretty good deal IMO.
LBR,
i agree. I have not problem buying one. Just want to make sure that is the "the best" before i commit that type of cabbage.
I like the magnet as well as the measurements on the clamp. I am not opposed to anything and if I can spend $50 and get the same jig as spending $90, it would e silly to spend $90 in my book.
bitz, grayling, bohning, dpe, jo-jan mono, martin j8 - all of these are MORE than up to the task of fletching Perfect arrows for many many decades. the polycarb fletchers are Tough, real tough. the good part about 'em is that they won't rust or corrode like the metal ones ... just ask anyone with a "senior" bitz. i would suggest first getting a grayling. if it's not yer cuppa tea, either sell it or use it as a backup and go get that bitz (but you may not be happy with that one, either!).
tape fletching video, using a grayling ...
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2HWpHXWpfTw/default.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HWpHXWpfTw)
Bitz for me.
no jig for me - i just do it howard's way with hat pins and glue. :D
I have been using Bitz jigs for 50 years. Kind of lets you know how old they are.
Remember you get what you pay for. Keep an eye out for a used one. An old hunting buddy just gave me two Bitz jigs the other night. He went to the heat shrink/plastic feathers and had no use for them anymore.
I think most folks will agree that a Bitz is the best...how much better depends.
Is it worth the difference in cost when you can get the same results with a cheaper jig?
I like the heavy, solid feel of the Bitz over the poly jigs, and I like the precision of it over a Jo-Jan. I've owned and used the others, honestly don't remember where they wound up. Might have got rid of them, might be in a box somewhere in my shop. I know exactly where my Bitz jigs are. They get used.
But, that's just me. Bottom line is you'll have to try a few and see what you like.
The whole best fletching jig is quite subjective. There might be sturdiness differences, but the less expensive Grayling that I originally posted about will produce arrows as good as the more expensive Bitz. It just is not going to be as sturdy, but then again you aren't using this as a hammer either. In the long run the Bitz might hold up the best, but again I don't think you are going to break the polymer ones.
The thing you have to ask yourself, is what do you want it invest to get started fletching and how many arrows are you going to be fletching on a regular basis. It is not like most of use use the jig on a daily or even weekly basis.
Also the way I look at it is that you can get a Gralying for $25-$30 with the clamp of your choice. The Bitz is going to be $90-$100. Getting the Grayling will leave you with around $75 to buy some shafts and plenty of feathers to get started. Hard to argue with that.
Dave
I just bought a Bear paw other day after returning a Bohning...Like the Bear paw....
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/AVJComplete%20fletching%20jig2_zpsrkwjgocc.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/AVJComplete%20fletching%20jig2_zpsrkwjgocc.jpg.html)
Is anyone using one of these? Level on the level! :saywhat:
The Greyling jig looks very similar to the Martin J-8 jig. does anybody now if they are pretty much the same and maybe the clamps are interchangeable? I have had a J-8 jig that has worked well and sometimes think about adding another to speed up arrow production.
QuoteOriginally posted by Archer Dave:
The whole best fletching jig is quite subjective. There might be sturdiness differences, but the less expensive Grayling that I originally posted about will produce arrows as good as the more expensive Bitz. It just is not going to be as sturdy, but then again you aren't using this as a hammer either. In the long run the Bitz might hold up the best, but again I don't think you are going to break the polymer ones.
The thing you have to ask yourself, is what do you want it invest to get started fletching and how many arrows are you going to be fletching on a regular basis. It is not like most of use use the jig on a daily or even weekly basis.
Also the way I look at it is that you can get a Gralying for $25-$30 with the clamp of your choice. The Bitz is going to be $90-$100. Getting the Grayling will leave you with around $75 to buy some shafts and plenty of feathers to get started. Hard to argue with that.
Dave
that is a great point Dave.
I think i am looking into the more economical ones. Either the grayling, the bohning, or the BPE pro, maybe the bear paw as well.
any opinions on which one you would get if you were getting one of these?
that $900 aerovane ultimate jig is insane, and not in a good way :D what a total and complete waste of money. so is their "cheap" $375 "enthusiast" fletching jig. yet there are those poor clueless and anal folks who *think* that money makes everything better. hah!
there is no need for rocket science and putting feathers or vanes on arrows. in fact, when it comes to vanes, spin wings and kurlys don't even need jigs ... but those are NOT for trad bowhunting.
the grayling and j-8 are essentially the same.
throw a grayling and a bitz into a rural garbage dump for at least 50 years and polycarbonate will outlive mild steel and pot metal by a factor of 100 to 1 ;)
aaaaaa, it's all good - EXCEPT for the arizona jig, don't even go there on that abomination! ANY of the other jigs will be better than most of us can fletch. honest. really.
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
I think i am looking into the more economical ones. Either the grayling, the bohning, or the BPE pro, maybe the bear paw as well.
any opinions on which one you would get if you were getting one of these?
i'd recommend either the bohning or grayling, but the grayling will do more, so ... just get the grayling. it'll do it all and last a life time. go over to braveheart archery and pick one up.
What ever you choose write up a short story about your first experience. That way your experience can be referenced by some one after you. I am sure you will have a learning experience the first time. I know I did with my fletching jigs. As an example, I had to ream the nock receiver on my old Blitz to accept Bjorn nocks.
I have used both over the years. The JoJan is nice as you can do six at once and even with conventional glue, the first feather is dry by the time you finish setting up the sixth one. Also, no need to switch out nock holders if you switch between left and right helical. I do both and have marked the jig with black marker for each setting.
Check out the classifieds for options.
BPE has the most adjustments 360 degree for nock placement and 360 degree for feather placement with the ability to put up to six feathers if you please for flu flu's. And affordable. :thumbsup:
I've used a Bitz for 45yrs and never had any rust ot corrosion on it. That kind of metal doesn't rust.
Bitzenburger
Bitz is the way to go.
Regarding the cost of the Bitzenburger, I've bought used ones in the $40-$60 range. You'll see them on the auctions as well as the different archery classified forums. These jigs are pretty rugged and I've never had one rust. I did get one used that the index was frozen up. The guy had apparently used super-glue to attach the fletchings and it ran down into the inside of the index area. I took it apart and cleaned it up w/ "Goop-off" and it works good as new.
Most times in life you get what you pay for--but sometimes (not often) you get a nice surprise when you find something for a much cheaper price (about a 1/3)than the expensive model. I have the grayling and have fletched thousands (okay) dozens with it. I can't think of anything that I would want this jig to do that it won't. Straight, right helical, left helical and offset (and like another poster said the clamps are very reasonably priced). The only modification I did to mine was to put aluminum tape on the clamp to keep the fletching glue from sticking to the clamp. I certainly won't knock the more costly jigs out there, but don't feel I need to spent the money as I get excellent results with the Grayling.
DanielB89, I think they are comparable up to a point. Perhaps A finer degree of precision may be attained with the Bitz, but the Grayling, for less money, will still make some very nice arrows. That is why I say from a price consideration I prefer the Grayling.
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
Jo-Jan multi-fletcher is what i'd recommend.
Kirk, I currently have a multi and mono and I can't stand the jig. I wish they had a little higher quality jig at least one with notches on it. [/b]
Wow! Really... I love mine. You should have no problem selling it bro.... I just put my own marks on the clamps and it works fine.
I've only used Bitz, but I have no complaints.
The Grayling will do anything the Bitz will, for about a third the price. And your grandkids will have to figure out what it is when you're dead and gone in 50 years. Having a jig made of metal is just overkill.
A 55# bow is overkill for whitetail, as is a 30-.06...we can make a serviceable bow out of a hickory limb and a string from sinew; arrows from river cane and stone points. We don't "need" fiberglass and carbon and HMPE, we just like it.
Just putting it in perspective... :bigsmyl:
For the money part, if I remember correctly I spent less on my used Bitzenburgers than I did on the other jigs I bought new...and I still use them, along with several friends who borrow them pretty regularly.
Obviously any good jig will do the job. If you aren't picky, go with the cheapest one. If you are picky, try borrowing a few different ones and see what you like.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
Jo-Jan multi-fletcher is what i'd recommend.
Kirk, I currently have a multi and mono and I can't stand the jig. I wish they had a little higher quality jig at least one with notches on it. [/b]
Wow! Really... I love mine. You should have no problem selling it bro.... I just put my own marks on the clamps and it works fine. [/b]
I did that as well. There were just a few things that I did not like about mine.. first off, i don't think the clamps are stiff enough. The feathers will slide while applying fletching tape. and I don't understand how/why they wouldn't take the small amount of time and design a clamp that has some type of measurement system on it.
I guess my quest for a fletching jig is over.. A guy just offered me a bitz with the jig I need(LW) for $50. I feel like that was a deal I couldn't pass up. As far as the grayling, If i don't like the bitz, it will be what I get next.
Thank you for all the help fellas. One of the reasons I love the 'gang.
If you don't like the Bitz, I'll give you your money back on it.
Chad,
i'd have to trade you for some bow string material! ;)
That will work too! I think you'll love the jig, but if not you won't loose a penny on it.
Got my Bitz 42 years ago. Pretty sure it cost me $15 dollars plus tax ($15.60).
QuoteOriginally posted by DennyK:
Got my Bitz 42 years ago. Pretty sure it cost me $15 dollars plus tax ($15.60).
I'll double your money for it right now! :)
If you buy a Bitzenberger you'll never have to buy another one. I've used mine for 48 years and it looks as good today as it did way back then.
Bernie
Bitzenbergers are great jigs. I have three that are 50+ years old and came out of archery shops. I also have one of the more recent models. They all work as good as new, and will probably still work that well long after I'm gone. That being said, I have no complaints about the pair of BPE jigs I bought 20 some years ago.
I too am in the bitzenburger camp. have also used the Arizona ez fletch.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
QuoteOriginally posted by Kirkll:
Jo-Jan multi-fletcher is what i'd recommend.
Kirk, I currently have a multi and mono and I can't stand the jig. I wish they had a little higher quality jig at least one with notches on it. [/b]
Wow! Really... I love mine. You should have no problem selling it bro.... I just put my own marks on the clamps and it works fine. [/b]
I've used a multi-fletch for years and have nothing negative to say about it.
:thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by DanielB89:
I am in the market for a fletching jig. What would be the one you recommend?
I am wanting something that has the measurements on the jig and has both LW and RW jigs. Other than that, I don't really have to have any specific feature.
Any input is appreciated.
I've gotta thank you for starting this thread, and everybody that has responded to it. This is something that I want to get into myself. It doesn't cost all that much to have somebody do your fletching, but I like to do as much for myself as I can. I've done some "freehand", but I like the idea of using a jig. Thanks for all the great info.
Bob