4 fletch question

[Rob DiStefano]

it's easy to modify a li'l chopper banana fletch for both a lower length and profile.  you could use either the standard or hi-pro banana choppers and simply double stick tape on a new quill fence made from most anything, including thin cardboard (which might be one of the better materials).

there are more than a few benefits from using a four inch 4-fletch, including getting two fletches from a single full length feather (for chopping or burning), no need for nock indexing, the same or larger effective fletch surface area, lower profile feathers are stiffer and more durable, and *possible* greater shelf/plate clearance of lower height fletches.

as to the 4-fletch configuration, it doesn't much matter.  i've tried them all and prefer the 75x105 as it offers nearly the same large fletch angle spread as a 120 degree 3-fletch.  with lo-pro fletches, you won't notice a difference even if 90x90 is used.  

though it works fine, too, i never could get used to the 2-fletch look of the 60x120 4-fletch     however, that would yield the most effective fletch clearance in a lo-pro fletch format, with maximum effective guidance.

[Dave Paradowski]

Thanks Creekwood & Rob. I'm going to give that a try.
DaveP

[Ed Q]

Between 90-90 and 75-105, is there an advantage of one type of 4 fletch over another?

[Ragnarok Forge]

I don't think there is much benefit of using one over the other. You can get better fletch clearance with 75-105.  I like the look of 75-105 better so that is what I use.

Note : If your shafts are spined right for your bow the tail of the arrow is swung away from the riser as it passes so fletch clearance is not a problem.

[DannyBows]

I modified my Chopper by using contact cement to glue a length of flat sided leather shoe-lace to the base. You can shorten to your desired length by adding layers til it's what you like. It's also easily un-doable with a razor blade. It looks like this when done:

[EL Mejor]

GOOD THREAD,GREAT INFO GUYS,WOULD LIKE TO SEE PICS ON THOSE 3",4 FLECTH,,,TO SEE ABOUT HOW FAR DOWN FROM THE NOCK U FLECTH...

[EL Mejor]

BY THE WAY NICE ARROWS THERE CREEKWOOD,,,

[mark land]

I have always shot 3-4in helical feathers on my carbon arrows, but lately I have been experimenting with 4-3in high profile shield feathers and man those things sure do fly well.  I have fletched them in both the 75/105 and 90 pattern and seem to prefer the 90 although they both shoot equally well and my shafts are perfectly tuned so fletch contact is a non-issue for me.  The reasoning for trying this was to lessen the feather length and wrap length on the shaft and also to give me something that holds up and still shoots well when wet and those shorter, tall feathers do that job nicely.

[bigbadjon]

My brother has always shot 4 fletch in the 90 degree setting. He uses 4 5in shields. He talked me into shooting 4 fletch and it is better. I also use the 90 degree setting but I use a low profile 5in parobolic. It does fly better. As far a the 75/105 setting goes, an arrow is in paradox and the fletch doesn't touch the riser as it clears. As such I don't belive that it aids clearance.

[Zradix]

QUESTION...

With the 75/105 fletch does the outer-lower fletch generally clear the shelf?

My outer fletch does clear the rest on my 3 fletched arrows.

 

It seems like #1 in the pic might hit. Whereas #2 would be OK.

Is there a general reason why #1 is prefered over #2?
Thanks  

[Benoli]

I've been using the 60x120 4 fletch for several years and prefer it over the others. I think I've just grown accustomed to it. I use this configuration for all the youth arrows I build so the kids don't hvae to worry about which way to nock the arrow. It also provides ample stability for less than perfect form.

[rraming]

I tried the 5" 4 fletch with helical and it was almost as bad as a flu flu - did not like it. I have some 4" 4 fletch with helical that fly well. I have modified a high profile banana chopper to cut 5" low (I think I'll modify it some more and try the 4" 4 fletch straight banana - I really like the looks of it) - thanks for posting those photos

[bucksakemmer]

I did the modification with the stricker plate and got a very low profile cut, 5/16 at the tallest, I then put spacers on each end of the cutter blade to get more of and arch and got a cut with a 1/2 at the tallest.
They both look good but would the taller cut be needed for broadheads.
Am I overthinking this?????

[Zradix]

Originally posted by bucksakemmer:

Am I overthinking this?????

If you're still having fun then ...NOPE.

[Terry Green]

There are over 50 arrows on this rack.  This pic was taken two years ago, and there have been several added to it.

             

All of them are either 3 fletch 5.5 inch high backed shields or 4 fletched 5 inch shields.,,,,save one Maxi Fletched arrow.  These arrows are some of my special kill arrows I saved, to commemorate a special kill on a special outing.

I have gone pretty much exclusively to 5 inch 4 fletch for quick nocking for the last 4 years....something that comes in handy for me often.

My 5 inch 4 fletch fly no where near that of a flu flu....but fly perfect no matter my body contortion, mud, moisture, or gaps in the feather due to real hunting scenarios.

If the addition of a feather....or moving from 4 inch to 5 cost you an animal....you have other issues....other serious issues with your set up.  I have NEVER lost an animal due to my fletching. By either having too much....or too little letting the Broadhead steer the arrow or plane.

Some might say its over kill....maybe so for back yard shooting....but my fletch serves me well in the real hunting world.....where the perfect shot often doesn't exist.

[Zradix]

This thread really has me thinking...watch out..lol

I can definitely see the advantages of the 4 fletch.

I'm thinking you could have lower profile feathers with the 4 fletch that may very well fly quieter. Might not be a big deal...but who knows.

QUESTION...I shoot wood arrows. I tune each arrow separately. Do any of you find the spine of the arrow to be significantly different to the point of affecting the flight when you rotate the arrow 180deg? ( as in it doesn't matter which way you nock it )
I can understand a "no difference" result from testing carbon. With wood I can see where it might make a difference.

Thanks