Trad Feather Question

[Puk]

Just wondering what you guys have experienced.
Shooting 55/75 GT's at 31 inches, about 55#, will i get away with 3x 4" shield cut feathers to stabilise outback supremes, or should i go to 3x 5"?
I would prefer the 4" ones as i already have them. The arrows are tuned to the bow well (length etc,) and i am happy with my flight with field points.

Puk

[Ben Kleinig]

Better safe than sorry (in the event of a less-than-perfect release)...broadheads can act like a rudder if the shot goes wonkey, so I'd recommend getting some 5" feathers.

Or, set your jig up so that it does a four-fletch arrow, and that way you could use your 4" feathers.

[Puk]

would that launch alright out of a recurve?
Pardon my ignorance on this one.

Puk

[woody]

If it was me, I'd fletch up 3 sets of 3 arrows, 3X5", 3X4" and 4X4" and see which set groups the best.

[Sipsey River]

If you have bare shaft tuned your shafts,either feather will work fine. You are always better off with the longer feather to help stabilize the arrow if you have a bad release. The smaller feathers will be quieter. Some traditional shooters use 4 4" feathers, the stabilize very well and are quiet.

[Ben Kleinig]

Yep, 4x4" will work fine out of a recurve. If possible, get a hold of "Masters of the Barebow" volume 1, and check out Dale Karch's 4 fletch set-up.

[Piggy]

Mate I use 3 x 5" on gt 75/95 and 55/75 and work great.

[perry]

1 use 3 x 4 " self cut feathers with 55/70 Vapor's and get terrific arrow flight . Trick is not feather length even if your arrows are bareshaft tuned - get yourself a feather chopper and cut 4 " length and MAXIMUM fletch height , surface area is more important than length , use parabolic or similar profile for quite flight .

Most commercial diecuts are cut too low , try Banana profile for a good high surface area but they are a little long perhaps for helical on a small diameter carbon if you would rather use commercial cut feathers

Also experiment with extreme forward of centre , worth it for the stability and accuracy gains . Extra length can be usefull as well

[Wayno]

Puk I have two recurves both at 55lb, I use GT trad 55/75's through both of them as well. All have 4x4'' feathers on them. I use the same shafts for target and hunting just change the feild tips to broadheads. Make shore the field tips and broadheads are the same weight I use 125grn tips. I also have brass inserts up the front which gives them a little extra weight.
Have tried every other fletch mix but this works the best for me hope it is some help.

Cheers Wayno

[Clinglish]

I have used 3x5inch parabolics for years but I have also shot blazers off the shelf of my longbows and been as accurate I would follow woodies plan as at least then if you find the 3x5 works best you can sell all your 4inch ones to Wayno.

[Puk]

Post-Script on this one.
The 4x4" feathers works best for me out of the recurve. They are quiet and group well. I hope the pigs don't hear them.;)

Puk

[ottis]

puk i actually shoot 4x5 inch shield cuts have for years ,works out expensive but ill never again shoot anything less the more the better in my opinion. cheers ron.