I've always hunted with feathers and switched to a whisker biscuit this season, Even though I was pleased with the biscuit, my feathers were a little chewed up by season's end. I may purchase a new bow next season and am pondering vanes and possibly a drop away rest. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I don't have an issue with either feathers or Blazers. I've used both and currently using Blazers. I would even contemplate using feathers again, especially with my drop aways.
You can go to an extreme helical or offset with your feathers and a drop away for optimal arrow/broadhead flight. I am however getting this with my Blazers too. The only difference, the with high profile Blazers, there are at times other clearance issues.
Both have their place in the archery industry, both work extremely well and it comes down to personal preference.
I'm going back to 4" vanes or feathers for next season. I don't think I'm likely getting the advantage the Blazers give (which, form what I hear, is from 30+ yds and out).
I also hear that a feather, with a hard helical, will stabilize a BH, more quickly. If I continue to shoot Rage's....this might not make that much difference, though.
I'm finding it hard to imagine a downfall (other than freezing temps and rain) to feathers. Since I already employ them on my trad gear.....I think I might go to them on my compound, too. I'll likely just use a 4" vane for 3D, though.
I also reserve the right to change my mind on a whim
I use 5" and 4" feathers. The four deer I shot this year were with the 5" feathers. They clear just fine from my NAP drop-away rest. 5" feathers are probably overkill, but I'm not sure what advantage I'd get from going to smaller feathers or egads, vanes.
I've never used any type of waterproofing stuff on them. Never seen the need for it.
I do some hunting in the rain but nota ton. (you know, sugar melts in the rain.. ha hahahaha ha.)My feathers sometimes get a bit rainflattened, but thearrows still fly great out to 20 yards. (my rainy day range limit) Maybe when I do the Alaskan drop camp moose hunt I'll trythe waterproofing.
I use 4" feathers for hunting. As I have seen it explained by those on here whose opinion I respect, feathers provide a more forgiving setup. Allfletchings fly great under good conditions but, as explained by those with much experience, when the conditions are less than good the feathers are more forgiving of a shot under unfavorable conditions.
I will still probably practice in the off season using some kind of vane due to their durability.
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- Aristotle -
I've used four-inch barred feathers for over a decade, and hunted in downright blizzards, blinding rain storms, consistent downpours... you name it, I've had my feathers in it.
I've never worried about arrow flight with my feathers for a couple reasons: First and foremeost, because I have practiced in those conditions. I always have a field-point tipped arrow with me, and as usual I have picked out a leaf or something to shoot at and let one fly in all those conditions to see the variance in results; there have been none noticeable enough to change the appeal feathers hold for me. Secondly, I've seen high-speed video of feathers "snapping" full at the moment of the shot, instantly shaking the excess moisture off.
There's also a product out there called "No Sno" which does a great job of waterproofing feathers.
The VERY BEST fletching to use w/ a whisker buscuit is the Blazer. They hold up the best, BY FAR, of any other fletching I've seen.
I'm currently shooting blazers w/ a drop away and simply couldn't be happier. IMVHO, they are just as good as feathers, though they don't look as cool.
Oh, they aren't as forgiving of limbs and such though.....Feathers will fold up, blazers? not so much. They're pretty rigid and will kick out pretty bad if they hit something.
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feathers vs vanes
