Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: bushman on January 17, 2012, 02:17:34 am

Title: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: bushman on January 17, 2012, 02:17:34 am

Why are most arrows fletched using three feathers? I have tried fletching a few arrows just using two feathers straight, no helical twist and they seemed to fly just as good (helical twist might make a little difference at long range for accuracy though). Has anyone ever tried to use two feathers before? Hold it work? And what type of style did you use? Thanks.
Bushman

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: Pappy on January 17, 2012, 01:48:21 pm

I usually use 3,Don't know why just always have, :-\ PatB does a lot of 2 fletch,I am sure he will chime in soon on this one. :) I would say if 2 fly good for you it wouldn't matter to me what anyone else used. I use what works for me. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: sadiejane on January 17, 2012, 02:01:05 pm

have only made a few two fletched arrows. but found no difference in how they flew. 
used the traditional southeast two fletch method with turkey tail feathers.

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: Pat B on January 17, 2012, 02:28:43 pm

Feathers on the back of an arrow steer the arrow by causing drag. I think it is more about the amount of exposed surface area than it is about the number of feathers.   I make arrows with 2 or 3 feather fletch and when made well both fly equally as well.    Here are a few different 2 fletch styles I've used in the past...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/forPA010.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/forPA011.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/forPA008-2.jpg)

These are some 2 and 3 fletch hill cane arrows I made in '09...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/Hillcanearrows09002.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/Hillcanearrows09001.jpg)

...and this is a Cherokee (Eastern Woodland) style 2 fletch Art Butner sent me...
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/PatBNC/primitive%20archer/Artshillcanearrows002-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: TurtleCreek on January 17, 2012, 02:31:16 pm

Great post

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: Buckeye Guy on January 18, 2012, 08:02:10 pm

I use two Fletch like Pat , but trimmed down a little !
I like them allot !!
Guy

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: Ifrit617 on January 18, 2012, 08:05:28 pm

I prefer 3 fletch. But do whatever works for you . Nice arrows Pat.

Jon

Title: Re: Three Feathers VS Two Feathers
Post by: bushman on January 19, 2012, 02:31:48 am

Thanks for all the replies. Those are some nice lookin arrows you got there Pat B.
Bushman