Helical Fletching?

HuntingEd · 05-20-2006, 04:13 PM

Hey all,
I plan to switch from a WB to a QAD ultrarest drop away. I currently have about 18 arrows all w/ regular 120 degree fletchings. I am considering switching to helical fletchings. Two questions:

1. Is it worth it?
2. Is it hard to refletch an arrow??... I would consider buying a home fletching kit and do it myself.

mobow · 05-20-2006, 05:35 PM

1. No, it's not worth it if your broadheads fly perfectly fine without it. All the helical will do is add rotation to your arrow, thus stabilizing it faster. Be carefull, though. There is a point of diminishing returns with helical. That spin causes air resistance which is what stabilizes, but it also slows down your arrow. Too much helix is overkill.

2. No, it's not hard at all. It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. Nothing to it at all. The hardest part is setting the clamp up properly so that the fletch sets flush on the shaft, and that's not too darn hard at all. You may botch a couple up at first, but it's really very simple.

The biggest problem I have w/ doing my own is that I always want to change up the look of my arrows. It's just so darn easy and fun to do I am constantly messing w/ it.

HuntingEd · 05-21-2006, 02:30 PM

So the excess glue doesnt cause any problems?? And what tool do you use to strip the old fletchings off?

Also, I was thinking of trying the new NAP quickspin vanes to give a little more spin... anyone use them yet?

mobow · 05-21-2006, 05:29 PM

No, the excess glue doesn't cause any problems, but don't just blob it on there if you get my drift. It only takes a small bead of glue down the fletch to hold fast. I have my arrows wrapped, so I just remove the entire wrap. In the past, I used a serrated pocket knife to strip them, but there are several good commercial gizmos designed specifically for stripping fletching.

I personally have not used quick spins, but quite a few of the guys on here do. They definetly add rotation to the arrow, but again, too much is overkill. The biggest complaint I've heard about them is that they are not very durable. That has been evident at our shop, as well. Guys there just haven't been particularly happy about that, but they have all said they shoot very, very well.