I was just wondering which works better or is there really much difference. I have some xx78 and some 400 carbons that i took the fletchings off of for bareshaft planing or tuning . These were originally fletched with 4" vanes just wondered what to try. Also does left / right helical versus straight make much difference.

Feathers unless you shoot from an elevated rest like a Bear Weatherrest or a flipper, etc.

LW/RW doesn't matter much.  One may give a particular bow better clearance.  You shouldn't mix them for best accuracy (I shoot mixed when stumping and small game hunting all the time).

Assuming you are new to traditional equipment with such a broad question, but you're going to have a hard time getting vanes to fly off a shelf.

ive used vanes when i first started. i wasnt to accurate. once i got better switched to feathers and wont look back now....

In my opinion feathers are much more forgiving than vanes.

feather all the way...

Feathers for sure, less deflection off of the shelf. You have to see which cut you like best and whether you notice a difference between LW or RW and degree of helical and how long of a feather. You can also experiment and possibly fine tune with trying your cock feather out, straight up or even in. Sometimes this can make a difference in your accuracy. A lot of possibilities but try one and go from there. Best of luck.

helical fletching will help balance your arrow.
This will me most noticeable and helpful when shooting broadheads.

Thanks for yourhelp guys, Zbone your right only been shooting for a couple of years now. Hunted Trad back in high school but thats been a whil ago and didn't get much help in those days. thanks again everyone.

Shooting off the shelf, feathers. Shooting off of an elevated rest, vanes.

feathers are more forgiving when shooting of the shelf right or left wont matter

macksdad - A lot of good folks on this forum, just ask any question and I'm sure someone will have an answer to help you out.

Welcome back to the traditional side, you'll have a blast.

Check out (OSTA) the Ohio Society Of Traditional Archers, lot of good folks there too. They are having their banquet Feb 6th, and would be a great place to meet fellow traditionalists.

http://www.tradarchers.org/default.aspx

I'm not too far from you in Tuscarawas/Harrison counties, feel free to PM me anytime.