Arrow Fletchers

Grayseas · November 24, 2009, 07:28:00 AM

I have been using an Arizona E-Z Fletcher. It work fine for vanes. Now that I have switched to feather, I not happy with the results, it seams to distort the feathers. (Maybe my inexperience).

I am considering switching to one of the clamp style fletcher, any recommendations of which ones work, and which ones are junk?

Thanks

Tim Fishell · November 24, 2009, 07:39:00 AM

I have always had good luck with my bitzenburger jig.

2treks · November 24, 2009, 07:41:00 AM

The BITZENBERGER is the jig of choice for most of us. it is made in Grand Ledge Michigan and will adjust to any shaft made as far as I know. They run about $70 and will last a lifetime or two. made from cast aluminum and can be re-built if ever you need to fix or change something. Look on the classifieds and you may find a used one to save a bit of cash, or many of the sposors here will have them. If I can help let me know.
Chuck

JRY309 · November 24, 2009, 07:44:00 AM

I like my LW Bitzenburger,a solid well built fletcher and will last for years.But you can shoot either LW or RW,what wing feathers do you prefer.

ISP 5353 · November 24, 2009, 07:59:00 AM

Another vote for Bitz!

J. Cook · November 24, 2009, 08:02:00 AM

I've used both the bitzenburger and the Jo-Jan for years and like them both. However, the Bitz has sooooo much more adjustment that I tend to use it. If you are all set in one arrow diameter, same wing fletch, no adjustment, etc...than a 6 clamp Jo-Jan makes a much faster job. But for just me, the Bitz is my go-to jig.

Grayseas · November 24, 2009, 08:05:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by JRY309:
I like my LW Bitzenburger,a solid well built fletcher and will last for years.But you can shoot either LW or RW,what wing feathers do you prefer.

right wing

bornagainbowhunter · November 24, 2009, 08:26:00 AM

Bitzenburger!!!

KPaul · November 24, 2009, 08:35:00 AM

Bitz for me.

myshootinstinks · November 24, 2009, 08:43:00 AM

I also use the Bitz except I use the straight clamp then adjust the unit to a slight offset, either R or L wing.

Rob DiStefano · November 24, 2009, 08:53:00 AM

there's a lot of nostalgia and hype attached to the bitz fletching jig. i've owned and extensively used four of 'em for over five decades.

these dayze, i'd rather use a cheap polycarb fletcher like the bohning or pro or whatever. imo, in terms of fletching accuracy and features, the polycarbs are every bit as good as the bitz, for way less dollar$.

also, imo, the arizona ez is one of the worst fletchers in terms of versatility and ease of use.

November 24, 2009, 08:55:00 AM

I have had 'em all over the years, and until recently thought the Bitz was the best of all. Recently, however, I bought a couple of the new Bear's Paw jigs from Kustom King--they are way easier to use than the Bitz and the results are as good or better. They are also a lot cheaper since some of the parts are not metal. I think I will replace all my Bitz jigs at some point.

Grey Taylor · November 24, 2009, 10:37:00 AM

Bitzenburger is great but too expensive.
I use a Vador, same type of design but polycarbonate material. Whole jig is the same price as a Bitz clamp.
My arrows can't tell the difference.

Guy

soopernate · November 24, 2009, 10:39:00 AM

Plenty happy with my Grayling jig...have a left and right wing clamp. I also have an Arizona EZ fletch that gathers dust if anyone want to work out a trade.

Shakes.602 · November 24, 2009, 10:41:00 AM

The BITZ will still be fletching your Great-Great-Great GrandChildrens Arrows!! A VERY Good Investment!!
Ya cant go wrong with the BITZ!!

SCATTERSHOT · November 24, 2009, 10:42:00 AM

I had the same experience with the Arizona. I have a Bitz, and it's a fine tool, but for the same money or close to it, you can get a JoJan Multi Fletcher and do six arrows at once. I don't use the Bitzenberger much at all any more.

Not quite the sturdy construction of a Bitz, but I have used mine for years with no problems.

Rob DiStefano · November 24, 2009, 11:12:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Shakes.602:
The BITZ will still be fletching your Great-Great-Great GrandChildrens Arrows!! A VERY Good Investment!!
Ya cant go wrong with the BITZ!!

in truth, a polycarb fletcher will long outlast any metal based fletcher.

BowZen · November 24, 2009, 11:14:00 AM

Bitz for me.

Tsalagi · November 24, 2009, 11:19:00 AM

Well, a friend gave me his Jo-Jan single fletcher when he bought a Jo-Jan multi. I've been using the same Jo-Jan for a decade now. Works great for me and, well...it was free!

Don Stokes · November 24, 2009, 12:55:00 PM

I used the Bitz for years, but now I use a 6-banger Jo-Jan. I'm perfectly happy with it, plenty of adjustment for me. With quick-setting glue, I can fletch a dozen arrows in the time my Bitz took to do two or three shafts. That's what sold me- I'm not that good at waiting on glue to dry!

I also have a couple of Arizonas gathering dust. Didn't like them at all.