Cock Feater? Up or out? Or four feathers?

Tatorbones · February 18, 2011, 06:01:00 PM

I've noticed pictures of people with their cock feather up lately. Is this just because you have been taught this way or do you have reasoning behind it?

I shoot mine with cock feather out just because it is the way I was taught what difference does it make any ideas or suggestion of why you shoot one way or another?

Lastly what about the four fletching I know more feathers means better arrow flight but do yall Helical these or offset four feathers or are they all straight fletch?

I'm looking to get ideas for some new arrows when my new bow gets here. Which still is in a while.

ckanous · February 18, 2011, 06:36:00 PM

I typically run with mine out but have tried it in a few times. If the arrow is spined right there should be no issues. I also love 4 fletching just kinda quit doing it to help save on feathers, but have some arrows crested and waiting for the ole 4 fletch pattern. I never could tell that they flew any better but sure looked cooler! Like I said earlier, get them spined right and run whatever fletch pattern you want!!

Ragnarok Forge · February 18, 2011, 06:39:00 PM

If spined right it makes no difference as mentioned. If improperly spined moving the cock feather position can provide clearance at the shot. Personally all I shoot is 4 fletch. No need to look when nocking the arrow and great flight control.

SEMO_HUNTER · February 18, 2011, 06:54:00 PM

3 fletch cock feather out has always worked well for me.

Tatorbones · February 18, 2011, 07:02:00 PM

But when yall shoot four fletch is it straight or offset, possibly helical?

ron w · February 18, 2011, 08:37:00 PM

When I do 4 fletch it's helical! Cock feather in, out, whatever works for your set up!

Tatorbones · February 18, 2011, 08:39:00 PM

How long of feathers do you use.

mongoose · February 18, 2011, 09:02:00 PM

I shoot 3 5" in right wing helical. I shoot with the cock feather in, it just seems to shoot more accurately for me

Pops · February 18, 2011, 09:12:00 PM

I have shoot with the cock feather out
3 5&1/2 LW Shield no issues.

Night Wing · February 18, 2011, 09:28:00 PM

Started out with cock feather out 47 years ago. It has always worked for me so I never saw the need to change to anything else.

Tatorbones · February 18, 2011, 09:36:00 PM

I do not think it makes a big difference just what people start with is what they go with.

Otto · February 18, 2011, 11:01:00 PM

Your bow does not know the color of your fletching.

All that matters is you have proper clearance with the shelf.

Tatorbones · February 19, 2011, 12:51:00 AM

Color? I was talking cock feather up or out.

Slinging 24/7 · February 19, 2011, 12:55:00 AM

I shoot mine with 4 fletched 4" feathers set at a helical. Just starting out and the arrows I shoot aren't 100% perfect for the bow I use, but the four fletch seems to take care of that! They shoot great!

maineac · February 19, 2011, 08:45:00 AM

I think Otto was implying that cock feathers are a different color and your bow doesn't know what color is closest to the riser.

Charlie Lamb · February 19, 2011, 09:06:00 AM

I've used 4, 5" parabolics for ages. Just in the last couple years I've cut back to a 4 3/4" feather. I can almost always get a second cut that works just fine.

My arrow/bow combo is always well tuned, but I prefer plenty of feather in addition to a shaft that's finely tuned.

Good tuning has a big impact on how the arrow reacts while it's going down range of course, but it applies mainly to the arrow as it interacts with the bow and it's reaction to that.

Once the arrow is clear of the bow the fletch must stabilize the arrow against outside interferences like wind or unseen obstacles.

I feel that it's always smart to err on the side of stability when assembling a hunting arrow. I gladly sacrifice the couple of feet per second it costs me (if that!) for an arrow I KNOW is going to impact straight, true and on the mark.

Charlie Lamb · February 19, 2011, 09:10:00 AM

As far as helical is concerned... my own arrows are quieter if I don't crank on all the helical I can with my Bitzenberger. Mine are set about half way in between straight and full. Plenty of guidance but quiet.

creekwood · February 19, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

Generally speaking, tune the arrow to the bow, and what arrangement of feathers you use is of no importance at all. The configuration you pick can be more of a personal asthetic choice. If it makes you happy, then you got it right.

coaster500 · February 19, 2011, 10:06:00 AM

On all but my ILF out. The Ilf puts the flesh to close to the fletch and cuts my hand up so up works better? I've mess with the fletch and have not seen that much difference with a well tuned arrow. I use 3 4" Shield cut, rw helical.

Huntschool · February 19, 2011, 10:17:00 AM

Back in the 60's I started out cock feather out. About 15 years ago I started shooting cock feather up, 3 5.5 shields with a medium amount of hel. I have gone back and forth with 5" and 5.5" fletch but stayed with the "up" position.

I am now "working" on some four fletch (4") just to see what happens...

Its all good if the arrow is tuned....