Based upon alot of read research im learning that Feathers are better than using Plastic vanes outside of the increase cost part. For all of the seasoned veterans what do you think.
What BH are you shooting? What's your average shot distance? Are you talking about hunting.....or target shooting (and, again....what range)?
There is no doubt that feathers will drag more air than plastic vanes therefore stabilizing an arrow quicker but define better...... I can group 4" offset feathers with 2" offset vanes out to distances of 60 yards so with a properly tuned bow, properly matched tuned arrows there is little to discern between the two. Out of poorly tuned, matched weapons, feathers will benefit a shooter.
It will out of properly tuned weapons, also......."at certain distances". That's why I asked the pertinent questions. Fixed blades? You bet I'd take the feathers (at distances < 40yds). Mechanicals? You won't be able to discern a noticable difference (IMO) with ANY fletchings.
Last year was the 1st time I've used feathers for hunting. I will probably go back ot vanes this year. I'll keep the featehrs on my trad arrows, but for my compound hunting purposes, vanes are more durable and make better sense for me. (not that I really had any negative impacts from feathers, I am just more comfortable with vanes)
I use plastic, simply because back in the old days (80's) the guy who taught me said the only real down fall for feathers was if they got wet.....it rains alot so I use plastic. SB
And that guy would have been wrong... rain or water does not affect feathers' ability to stabilize an arrow in flight.
Im going with feather for the first time this year, Ive done just about everything else, time for a change
Shot feathers up till two years ago. They looked awesome but I tore them up pretty easily. My Blazers are tough and fly great.
I shoot feathers for all the reasons stated above. They are just more forgiving overall IMO. I shoot fixed blades and 30 yards or less. A no brainer eh?
