What do you shot feathers or vanes and why?

[bigcountry25]

What do you shot feathers or vanes and why? Positive and negitive of both. Also what length are yours.

[Arthur P]

I shoot feathers. 1) Because I have to, shooting off the shelf on my longbows and recurves. 2) Because feathers don't get torn up when shooting groups or with those nock-aimin' dingwads I shoot with. Vanes get torn up in short order. 3) Feathers are much lighter than vanes and give the arrow better FOC with lighter points. 4) Feathers stabilize broadheads better than vanes of equal length and profile. 5) Feathers are not sensitive to temperature. They don't melt if I leave my quiver in the truck all day, on a hot, sunny day. 6) I like the way feathers look on an arrow.

Points in favor of vanes are they are waterproof and they are usually cheaper. Some claim vanes are quieter than feathers, but I've heard vanes whizzing pretty good as they fly too.

[ram96]

I shoot both. I prefer feathers, but will also shoot vanes & take them in crummy weather.

[muzzyman88]

I prefer vanes. I like the fact that I don't have to worry about them in bad weather. I still think they tend to hold up better than feathers. I don't usually shoot groups once I"m dialed in so I don't have to worry about them getting buggered up.

One thing I"m noticing from shooting 2" vanes is they hold up better for some reason. My buddy is shooting the Blazers and that is the way to go IMO.

[MO_Bowhnter]

I shoot blazers now and used to shoot feathers. I wouldn't hesitate recommending feathers to anyone. I just found myself refletching way to often. Blazers are a very tough little vane and have all of the steering capabilites of a 4 inch feather. They ARE very quiet in flight and only cost $12 for 100 pk. Try them out and feathers too and you decide.

[mobow]

I shot vanes for a long time. I have no problem with them at all. I switched to feathers when I started shooting fixed blade broadheads. They stabilize much better. They also weigh less. Besides, a good arrow with barred feathers just looks killer!! And we all know, it's not how successful you are, it's how good you look doing it! [8D]
Oh, I shoot 4 inch for my practice arrows, and 5 inch for my hunting set up.

[Allseasonhunter7]

i shoot vanes but i like feathers they chew em up in my w/b

[BGfisher]

There are advantages to each, but I prefer feathers becuse I'm a speed freak, and feathers leave the bow about 5-7fps faster.

[dsheally]

I use feathers, 4 inch. They are more forgiving if there is any contact with my rest.
Just bought another pack of 100 tonight for $23.00. I have used vanes for many
years and just started using feathers last year.

[Flipout]

Right off of a website, that sells feathers obviously.

Good information none the less:

Plastic vs Feathers
Where's the Advantage?
Plastic:


Low Cost.
Easy mass production.
Feathers:


Excellent Guidance.
No arrow deflection on release.
No long yardage before stabilized flight.
Higher arrow velocities.
Up to 700% lighter than vanes.
Eliminate bow window clearance problems.
Can be shot off the arrow plate. No tricky arrow rest required.
Less chance of brush deflection when hunting.
Bow tuning is simple and less critical.
More forgiving of mistakes.
Extends useable spine range of arrow.
Target deflection caused by deflection of an arrow hitting the fletching of another is minimal by using feather vanes which simply push open to make room.
Orientation of arrow on string is not critical.
Unaffected by hot and cold temperature extremes.
Aging: Feathers are unaffected by ultra-violet rays. Plastic stiffens and deteriorates.
Ecologically: Feathers are natural bi-degradable products.
Aesthetic: Quality die cuts have a smooth soft natural and historic appeal that can't be matched by the "toy plastic" image of plastic vanes.

Feathers: The confidence Builder!

Nothing equals feathers for:


Speed
Stability
Forgiving of mistakes
Accuracy