Fletching

[Piggy]

Just wondering if you use 3 or 4 feathers for you trad gear was told by a shop to use 4 but i am intending to use 3
Thanks

[Mick Smith]

Piggy

Most blokes go with using 3 feathers, for a reason and that is 3 feathers will stabilise an arrow upon release almost as well as 4 will, but with only 75% of the wind resistance of 4.

Of course you can use 4 feathers if you wish. There are some advantages in doing so. You don't have to worry about which way you nock your arrow because it's the same both ways, plus you will achieve some added stabilisation in flight. 4 feathers are handy if you just want to use one colour of fletch too, because there is not need for a "cock" feather.

Some blokes swear that 4 x 4 inch feathers are almost as good as 3 x 5 inch feathers, but I don't believe it. They may have approximately the same surface area, but its the amount of fletch visible when looking at the side of the arrow that's more important IMO. That's the amount of fletch working to stop your arrow fishtailing at any given moment.

Each to their own. These are my thoughts on the subject anyway. :D

Mick

[Piggy]

Thanks Mate i was intending to use 3 x feathers and will stick with that

[adam]

3 x 5inch feathers for me piggy, couldn't find any advantage in 4x4inch.

What I beleave comes into play more is the feather profile, twist on feather and the feathers position. Depending on arrow and size of head would determin these for me.

Adam