Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: primitivehunter2 on December 31, 2009, 11:50:43 pm
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which do you prefer and which works better for you? i have never tried a two feather fletch before and im just wondering if its worth trying.
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If you search the older threads here, there's a lot of info on this subject. Both styles are good, and the two-feather fletch if done right, flies great. I like the Eastern Woodlands style for two-feather fletching. It was used almost exclusively by most of the eastern tribes whose survival depended on their arrows flying true, which is a pretty good endorsement.
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thanks hillbilly i will have to check out some of the old threads :)
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I'm not great at fletching but I've done both two fletch and three fletch both with whole feathers. Both fly smooth and straight.
I like the simplicity of the two fletch.
Arrow making is quite soothing and relaxing.
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It depends on the application. I am partial to the Indian 2 fletch, as they perform very well and can handle broadheads. But they do slow the arrow considerably and reduce my distqance. Ifin I am shootin field points and want longer distances, I use the 3 fletch, which I find more effecient in shorter sizes. I have expeirmented with short 2 fletch, and have not been pleased with their performance. I do not shoot a heavy bow, only 53# @ 28". It seems at the longer distances, the long 2 fletch seem to parshute on me er somethin. The arrow is flyin great and just seems to run out a gas and falls out a the sky. I have not experimented to the fullest though. I bind the 2 fletch at the top and bottom of the fletchin, but not in the middle, leavin it to itself. Perhaps ifin I bond the 2 fletch all the way down, might reduce the parashootin?
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That's suprising, you would think a 2 fletch would fly faster and farther, less friction
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ZeNBowyer,
I think you have that wrong. 2 long fletches (bound only at ends) = higher friction than 3 short fully glued fletches, therefore slower and shorter flight.
Friction is a function not only of the total area of fletching but is also caused by the method of binding, the stiffness or otherwise of the feather and the shape of the feather and its trailing edges,
Craig.
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I've always shot the 'hand cut' three feathers in the traditional 'angle' cut and long for stability; usually 7" long with a straight scissors angled cut from nock end to tip and then wrapped at tip, through feather (1/4" of so spacing between wraps) and then wrapped down to base of the splined nock. I just recently tried using two full length feathers instead (uncut) with a slight twist and wrapped as previously mentioned...at hunting distances, they fly straight and true and seemingly just as fast...they are a little noisier (prolly since they're uncut) but they are accurate and fly flat...boy, was I surprised. I am sure I could get rid of the noise (air resistance) by trimming some of the 'soft' feather edge away but I'm loving the look and flilght stability and characteristics too much...
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Since my bow is getting closer to finish i was searching for information and bumped into this topic. But when reading about noise i tought about owls because they fly soundless. So did annyone tryed to make fletchings with owl feathers?
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Since my bow is getting closer to finish i was searching for information and bumped into this topic. But when reading about noise i tought about owls because they fly soundless. So did annyone tryed to make fletchings with owl feathers?
Are owls off limits? I know the feathers of raptors are off limits to non-Native Americans, which includes vultures who died of natural causes (learned that the hard way).
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There are very few feathers you can legally use. Only game birds like turkey, goose, ducks, non-native birds, etc. No sea birds, song birds, and especially no raptors including owls. This has been a law since the early 1900's. Found feathers can be very expensive if you get caught.
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Whatever works for you! 2 fletch makes your feathers fletch more arrows - most all arrows have 3. Be sure your turkey feathers aren't eagle! Glue 'em, tape 'em, or wrap 'em, if they are secure, you can see if they hit where you ar looking! (SH) :NN!
Hawkdancer
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Bowhunting is illigal in our country annyways so when u do target shooting i think you can use Anny feathers you want. Not sure if there are tournament rules about it.
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the regulation on bird feathers here isn't about archery but game/hunting laws.
correct me if i'm wrong but the ban on owning non game bird feathers/body parts was because of their use in lady's hats at the time causing over hunting.
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Surface area is all that matters. Doesn't matter at all which fletching style you use.
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I make all my personal arrows two fletch. I find they are easier to nock and shoot because I don't have to worry about where the third feather is. I cut my feathers 1/2" tall at the back and 3/8" at the front and about 4" long. I have made them both fully adhered and bound front and back and also loose and bound front and back. Both shoot well.
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I agree about two fletches. I used them for horse archery a lot. They were quicker to load, and except for the first 2 yards, they flew exactly like the others. I used a larger feather surface area by cutting down "half flu flu feathers and made them gaudy as hell so I could find them out in the weeds...not that I EVER missed a shot...or anything like that... (W
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I haven't made any arrows for a year or two, but about 3 winters ago I had a lot of time and various turkey feathers and made quite a few different styles and combos. The few times I've shot the two fletch I've had mixed results. The better ones were fast and accurate, the lesser ones acted like a well thrown knuckle ball but still tended to find the target. Based on this very limited testing I would have to conclude that maybe the two fletch are not as forgiving of poor craftsmanship'
I've also noticed that nearly all the arrows (which are very long and probably very heavy) used by the Amazonia tribes are two fletch, and usually a longer feather.