I was wondering today if anyone is still shooting a 4" or longer vane? I finally got around to tuning my broadheads and was having a hell of a time and couldn't help remember how much easier it was with longer fletches. I know there are many aspects that play into broadhead tuning, and I think I may be on the soft side of spine, but a 4'' is more forgiving. What are your thoughts/opinions?
I still shoot 4" feathers. (even have some 5" feathers) I also use fairly heavy arrows (for the draw wght) and the spine is on the stiff side. So the arrows are not at all squirrely.
4 inch vanes always worked great with my Muzzy's...switched over to 4 inch feathers this year (and added 100gr inserts)...basically just because I like the look of feathers - and should do nothing but help in the broadhead dept.
I use 4" feathers. If tuned correctly then the fletching won't make up for a weak/stiff spine. A weak spine will be more of a headache than a stiff spine but it's also easier to "fix" just by turning down the DW.
I don't know that a 4" vane would steer/stabilize better than a blazer, but I do know that 4" feathers will stabilize better than either. Plus, feathers just look cool.
I agree with you 100%. I didn't mean to make it sound like a 4" would cure my spine issue, I did have to turn down the weight some. sorry for the confusion. I am considering next year shooting a heavy and stiff arrow. Question on feathers, do you have issue with them getting wet, or banged up when going through the brush? I live out west so alot of my time is spent chasing elk through nasty thick draws. I'm afraid feathers and me would develop a hateful relationship
Feathers are very resilient. They might get ruffled, but it's simple to smooth them out. I've spent some time walking through some thick stuff and never had any problems. Two years ago (on another forum) I did my own experiment. I took three feather fletched arrows and put the fletched end in a big mug of water and let them soak. I then test shot the three soaked arrows right alongside three dry ones. There was no appreciable difference in impact with field points or broadheads (G5 Montecs). I know a lot of folks will say that arrows with wet feathers won't fly well but from personal experience I say they will still fly excellent. Personally I think it's because the forces from the sudden acceleration leaves any water that was in the feathers right there by your face in a puff of mist.
I've shot 4" barred feathers for probably two decades... and I'll shoot 'em for at least another couple -- God willing.
I shoot 4 inch feathers and might shoot 5 inch feathers one day. I feathered up a batch of arrows 3-4 months ago and I have only had to replace one of the feathers because one of my arrows hit it. They are tough and you know what, they look cool!
LittleChief answered the wet feathers part very well. As far as banged up: Right now I have a few shafts with feathers in an "altered" state LOL. One shaft has one whole feather, a half feather and a third feather. It still flys perfectly. Now, with that said the arrows I take deer hunting will be refletched or have 3 good fletches already. Another benefit of feathers is feather fletch tape. It is fantastic stuff.
Mean V has a really good feather on his site. http://www.meanvarchery.com/index.p...ath=54&zenid=6bf73f883913e3c3259915e7f59bd970 I still use feathers,or should I say switched back to them a few years ago. They are a real benefit in some situations.
