Arrows fletching
02-29-2008, 05:58 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Québec
Posts: 166
Arrows fletching
Hi all,
I'm trying to understand something in the BIG world of archery!
What's the difference between fletching helical / offset / straight? I know it's a matter of angle in the fletching, but what's the difference in the flight of the arrow?
Which one is the best...and why?
I know that if I putan angle in the vanes, the arrow will spin more than a straight fletching. But why some of you prefer straight fletching or anykind of ways to put the vanes (or feathers) on the shaft?
I hope that you can understand my question[X(]
Thanks
Francis
I'm trying to understand something in the BIG world of archery!
What's the difference between fletching helical / offset / straight? I know it's a matter of angle in the fletching, but what's the difference in the flight of the arrow?
Which one is the best...and why?
I know that if I putan angle in the vanes, the arrow will spin more than a straight fletching. But why some of you prefer straight fletching or anykind of ways to put the vanes (or feathers) on the shaft?
I hope that you can understand my question[X(]
Thanks
Francis
02-29-2008, 06:12 PM
#2
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location:
Posts: 265
RE: Arrows fletching
Well, I'm not expert, but I'll share what I think i know 
Helical = better stabilization, work best for broadheads. More drag (because of more spinning) so lower down range trajectory. Strong helicals may not clear some rests easily (this point is null if you shoot a drop away).
Straight = less stabilization, but better down range trajectory. Will clear any rest easily.
Offset = a compromise of the two I would say, but that's about as far into as I can get.
This isn't very in depth, but I think what I said above is a good rule of thumb for each.
As for me, I use straight fletch. I want the down range trajectory for my 3D shoots, which is mainly why I shoot a bow. Plus, I never have a problem with broadhead flight with them. Since I mainly use field points I don't need a lot of stabilization.
Helical = better stabilization, work best for broadheads. More drag (because of more spinning) so lower down range trajectory. Strong helicals may not clear some rests easily (this point is null if you shoot a drop away).
Straight = less stabilization, but better down range trajectory. Will clear any rest easily.
Offset = a compromise of the two I would say, but that's about as far into as I can get.
This isn't very in depth, but I think what I said above is a good rule of thumb for each.
As for me, I use straight fletch. I want the down range trajectory for my 3D shoots, which is mainly why I shoot a bow. Plus, I never have a problem with broadhead flight with them. Since I mainly use field points I don't need a lot of stabilization.
03-01-2008, 09:51 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Middletown PA United States
Posts: 3,625
RE: Arrows fletching
Straight-offset or helical is absolutely vital to spin the arrow with broadheads. Helical is best, always.Helical does slow the arrow down more so gives the arrow a little more arc, but not noticably so at normal hunting distances. Weight of the arrow and momentum will affect this more. Lighter arrow slows down quicker, but again, not noticably so at normal hunting distances.
Straight fletching is OK for target or 3D any time broadheads are not being used, but again, slight offset or helical has proven to be better.
The type of fletching, staright-offset or helical, is not quite as important as proper arrow spine and FOC. Actually a combination of all three should be considered for best accuracy. Then proper bow/arrow tuning. The better a bow is tuned the less work any fletching has to do.
Straight fletching is OK for target or 3D any time broadheads are not being used, but again, slight offset or helical has proven to be better.
The type of fletching, staright-offset or helical, is not quite as important as proper arrow spine and FOC. Actually a combination of all three should be considered for best accuracy. Then proper bow/arrow tuning. The better a bow is tuned the less work any fletching has to do.
