I know this is a common reoccurring question.  I have some cedar shafts 11/32 dipped, crested, sealed. Now time to fletch.  I am using 4" parabolics and was wandering 3 or 4 fletch?  I have shot carbons with both but am not sure if there is any difference. I am looking to be shooting out to 35 yrds or shorter.  Will the 4 fletch increase the drag significantly?  Or is it better to go with 4 fletch with the heavy shaft and shorter feathers?

Need some experienced opinions.

Thanks  

Hi Jesse, if they were my arrows I'd go with the 4-4" fletched at 90 deg. All my hunting arrows are fletched like this and I get great flight.

I f you have properly spined shafts, and bare shaft tuned them, the 4 inch,3 fletched arrows will shoot perfect.JMO

4 fletch.  No way you'll notice increased drag inside 35, but you'll definitely notice better steerage.

I prefer 3 5" fletch with Raptor cut feathers. They correct just as fast as 4 fletch, and save time by only having to fletch three feathers instead of four per arrow

I like 4" feathers over 5" for one reason, I shoot mainly wood bows, and I can keep the brace height a bit lower. I'll use 4 fletch if necessary but mainly just use 3 fletch 4". Never had a problem.

That makes sense, LittleBen, but I am curious what wooden bows has to do with lower brace height. I only shoot wooden bows as well and have not had a problem with my brace height or using 5" feathers. Is there an advantage to a lower brace height for wood bows, or is this a personal preference of yours? Thanks for any knowledge you can pass my way.

Personally I like 3-5" fletch for wood hunting arrows at that range. Even with good tune I believe 5" feathers offer more stability and quicker recovery when shot though brush, tree leaves, ect.Have never had a problem shooting 5" fletch out of any longbow with 6" brace height. Fletch position on arrow can be adjusted while fletching, for clearance of string upon release.

3 - 5" shield cut for me