I have 5" shield-cut feathers now but my son just ask to fletch some arrows for him before the season gets started and i thought it would be a good time to ask the experts. 5" vs. 4" is there much difference ? I know i should just fletch a few and shoot them for myself but i would like to know what you think thanks for your time and saving me a few bucks.

Depends on your form and how well your bow is tuned.  With consistent good form and a well tuned bow you will not see a difference in you accuracy.

I like 4"4 - flech.I had a buddy who shot 3-4" on a 32" shaft and shot fine.I like a bit more feather surface.

3" of surface area if you 3 fletch.    

I use 5" as opposed to 4", my only reason is the hunting shot. When standing at a target line, up right and good form and a clear mind you will more than likly see no change. my concern is when im bent around a tree or crouched down trying to get under that dang limb i feel the 5" will give me that little bit more margen for that not so great shot stance. Weather is works or not i dont know but it works for the little man in my head.  

Piece of mind first...whatever you think will shoot better shoot it.  There will be minimal difference between them.

I personally shoot four fletch with 3" feathrs.

thanks for the info i would like to keep little dudes and mine the same so we might stay with 5" for now we both need all the help we can get thanks

Hey joe i received your email and i want to thank you for your time for helping me and my son to become better archers

I also like more feather surface so I fletch my arrows with 3, 5" feathers. Although there is more feather surface with 4, 4" feathers, I never saw any difference in arrow flight with the 4, 4" arrows. So, I went back to 3, 5" feather setup. Also, it takes me longer to fletch an arrow the 4, 4" feather setup than it does with 3, 5".

Using 3, 5" saves me money in the long run since there is one less feather on an arrow.

Go with the 4", biggest I shoot now, and also use 3" a lot, with even better shooting in crosswinds with bh's on. If your form aint to great, stay with the 4", if that dont work, something is bad wrong in either tuning, string or shooter.

I think it depends on how deep the shelf is cut too... Some bows may need the extra feather surface for the arrow to straighten out. Just a thought...

Sounds like you have had the usual good advice so far.  It's really up to you.  Either can work fine so long as the other details are well tended, such as form and setup, etc.  Do a few of each and see what works.  If nothing else it's fun to mess with!  

For what it's worth, I have arrows for each bow fletched with both 4x4 and 4x5.  I sometimes use the 4x4 in windy conditions so they don't plane as much.  Otherwise, I use the greater surface area to clean up any issues I might have created from a awkard shot.

I have shot 4" before and never had a problem with them, But to me a 5" just looks better on my arrows and I do think they help on a not so perfect release.

i want to take this time to tell you guys on this site that you rock !! thanks for all the info the 23rd is the opener and it is Closing in fast so i better get the jig out thanks again and good luck to all ya this season.... O and i talk to my wife about this subject and she told me to go with longest fletching made .. what does she know about archery eh !

Does size matter?  4" to 5"  That's a 20% increase.