fletcher recommendation

[champ38]

I am considering purchasing a fletcher and need a recommendation. Ive noticed the price for a single fletcher can range in price from $30.00(plastic ones) to ~$130.00(metal).Im new to this and will be learning as I go,so in my case, a user friendly model is prefered.Also, what would I need to go with it to get me started ? I'm refering to things like : clamps(?), tape/ glue, etc.. Oh and I shoot carbon arrows (if thats even relevant) thank you all for the help.

[wihill]

The Bitzenberger is the best clamp style out there.  It can do almost anything you'd like to try, but it will cost you.  

I've got a greyling clamp that's amost a copy of the Bitz, just in black plastic.  Bohning bought them up not too long ago, their's is red plastic.

I've had no problems with mine, it'll do everything I've thrown at it from skinny axis arrows up to GT 30X's (which are thicker than some woodies!), but cleaning the clamps are a pain sometimes.  

Clamp wise, I'd suggest a helical clamp over a straight clamp.  Which one you picks (left/right) really matters most on which kind of feathers you'll be purchasing.  A left wing clamp needs left wing feathers, and vice versa.  I've noticed that leftwing feathers seem to have more colors/options than precut rightwings, at least in the catalog's I've shopped.

If you're not sure about all the options availible and will only be shooting carbons, the Arizona EZ fletch is a very simple clamp that will do three vanes or feathers at a time with mild helical.  They can be a pain to load, but they work well and can make an arrow quickly.

I use superglue on my feathers/vanes, but I've heard nothing but great things about the tape.  

Either way you chose to go, it's a hobby unto itself - I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[koger]

I have used them all over the past 25 years, my best advice is to go with a JO-Jan, single arrow fletcher w/ the appropriate clamp, which comes with it, for around $35. They are easy to use, will last a lifetime. I have the rh/spiral clamp and the straight both for mine. I have sold all my other ones, and if you are using feather, please give yourself a break and go with fletching tape. I did a dozen arrows last week with a single Jo- Jan, 1 arrow fletcher in 45 minutes. With the fletching tape you just put a feather in the clamp, set the clamp down on the table or bench, feather base up, and unroll and stick on the fletch tape, leaving about 1/8 inch extra on each end and cut. This 1/8 extra helps you peel the red backing off, then just slide the clamp in , press firmly, open clamp and repeat. feathers always seemed hard to get to stick right till I tried fletching tape, havent looked back since. Also it is a good Idea to clean your shafts with acetone or something similar to get anyr residue off them before fletching. Hope this helps, Sam.

[MI_Bowhunter]

I use a Jo-Jan multi-fletch.

If you are going to use tape then you really only need one clamp.  The Bitz is prob the best but the Jo-Jan is good.

If you are going to glue the fletching then having multiple clamps makes the job go a lot faster.

[Chris Surtees]

I prefer Bitz to any other fletcher I have tried. Easy to use and can be adjusted to any shaft size.

As for clamps you just need to decide if you want to shoot helical(left or right) or offset(this is done with the straight clamp). Then buy the appropriate fletcher and feathers.

I use fletch tape now, but if you have a favorite glue I would just stick with it.

The only other thing I would buy is a exacto knife to trim off the front of the feather so it does not rip you finger up.

CS

[freeman]

I like the Jo-Jan myself. Well built and reasonably priced.

[kirkwhitehead]

I have a bohning and do not care for it much. it will not consistantly put a feather on with twist I want.

I am on the lookout for a mono fletcher.

kirk

[Moon]

I've had a Jo-Jan mono fletcher for many years and it works great on feathers and vanes (all sizes).  I highly recommend since it's simple to use and will last a lifetime.  Very affordably priced too.

[JSimon]

I ended up buying this jig from Kustom King. I'm brand new to fletching arrows, so I can't compare it to others, but it has worked very well for me. It says that it accepts the Bitz clamps, so I'm thinking the design is similar, but it is over half price.
 http://ns1.bowsite.org/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&User_ID=1018577&st=4201&st2=-53858243&st3=-34782857&Product_ID=235&CATID=8

[Mitch-In-NJ]

I also use a Jo-Jan multi.  Bought it before I tried tape.  Works like a charm, but I am thinking of going to tape exclusively so no more need for a multi fletch device.

[Chad R]

Bitz and glue.  

I used the tape.  It is fast and holds good but I enjoy making arrows.  I guess if you want really fast and easy.... I saw on TV you don't even need a jig now - just stick the tube with vanes attached in hot water and you have an instant crown dip and 3 fletched arrow.  I think I'll stick to the old fashioned way and glue (no pun intended).

[Dozer]

I have the Bitz and use tape with a perfectly straight feather. It's my opinion that the offset and helical causes to much drag for my liking between twenty and thirty yards. Like I said though, its just my opinion.

[BroMark]

Originally posted by wihill:
[QB] The Bitzenberger is the best clamp style out there.  

+1... I've tried a few and the Bitz is my favorite.

[WidowEater]

the bitzenburger is the king but the arizona fletcher is great too. you can do all three feathers at the same time and get more severe helical if that is what your after

[BMOELLER]

Bitz is the cadillac, but I've had my jojan multi for probably 16 yrs and not a single worry.  Good investment.

[champ38]

Thanks for all the help guys...got me a Jo-Jan-mono and its working like a charm.