can i mix 4" and 5" feathers?

[high desert rambler]

i always 3-fletch with 4" RW parabolic feathers but discovered a package of 5" feathers amongst my supply... same cut, etc. just an inch longer... i was wondering if i could mix them together using a 5" cock feather and two of the 4" feathers - or is this likely to negatively impact arrow flight?  

otherwise i suppose i can just cut them down shorter...

[Mike Vines]

Probably not going to be good for accuracy, but then again, you will only know the answer if you do it, and shoot the arrow.  But my first thought is don't waste your time.

[huskyarcher]

I really doubt any of us would be a good enough shot to see the difference...just guessing, but when one of my feathers get ripped off a little the arrow still flies great.

[ChuckC]

Seriously, I think you should try it and report back.  I am thinking it will affect the arrow less than you think.

ChuckC

[jsweka]

It might shoot fine, but your arrows will look funny.

[Matty]

No it won't be a problem. I've done it. In my days when that's all I had. Think of it like having 5" and a little bit of one gets ripped off. It still works fine.   Yes it does look funny but. Oh well

[hvyhitter]

Dont think it will matter on a well tuned arrow........as said above Ive shot arrows with half a fletching ripped off and the arrow still flew good. That said I would really check broadhead flight before hunting with them..........why not just three fletch 4 arrows all the same color 5 inch and be done with it?

[ron w]

Sure you can can do it. Just do 4 fletch 2 4" and the 2 5" and alternate. Or like hvyhitter said above.  

[widow sax]

I have shot some of the worst looking torn up arrows and they flew good. As long as your bow is tuned you will not see any problems with mixing at all. I have mixed different brands and some were shorter than others had no problem at all.    Widow

[Knawbone]

Like everyone else said, if your set-up is well tuned, you will have no problem. Try it and let us know how it worked for you.

[Bowwild]

I wouldn't think it will impact hunting distance accuracy. I know an Olympic medal winner who for fun (and to shock people) mounted vanes up and down his shaft at different distances from the nock to the crest.

He still shot those arrows better than most people could ever dream of doing.

I wouldn't do it though for pure aesthetic reasons. I'd cut down those longer feathers with blades and scissors to make a closer match.

[high desert rambler]

thanks fellers... i'll give it a whirl on the next set...

[3arrows]

Cut inch off the front,then trim down with scissors from back to front.

Set your fletcher to four fletch and fletch two opposites with four inch and two oppsites with the five inch.  Or just fletch some arrows with the one color five inch and go with the 3 fletch.  Mixing a taller feather can make the feather end roll in a lazy circle.