Shield barred feathers and other feather questions

[McPhee]

I need to re-fletch some older wood arrow shafts. I plan to use 5 inch shield cut barred right wing feathers. I haven't purchased any for years. What is the best place to get some feathers of decent quality and without costing an arm and leg?

It used to be that barred feathers held up better than solid colors. Is that still true or has modern technology changed that?

I also heard about a powder than can be applied to waterproof feathers (at least for a while). What is your experience with these products. I used to have to cover them with a baggie and if they got wet, then you would have to dry them or head for camp.

Thanks....getting back into traditional one step at a time.

[BowHuntingFool]

3 Rivers Archery is a great place for Traditional stuff. I use Gateway Shield cut feathers at a length of 5". Bohning I believe makes the powder to water proof your feathers!

[LBR]

Good luck finding feathers that don't cost a bundle, especially barred feathers. Wish I'd stocked up on them 10-15 years ago!

The cheapest are natural turkey feathers--I get my turkey hunting buddies to save their wings for me, and I send in the primaries to Raven Archery to have them ground (don't have the time or patience to grind them myself). Wild turkey feathers seem to be more durable, but in dyed feathers I don't think there's any difference in durability.

The fletch-dry powder works, but be careful with it. The powder is almost weightless--be sure you are in a room with no open windows or a fan running when you open the bottle, and hold it straight up. I'd shoot the arrows once or twice before taking them hunting, as the excess powder will come off the first shot or two, and can be distracting. I like the liquid better.

As for suppliers, my favorites are Lone Wolf and Kustom King.

Chad

[JimPic]

I get my feathers at Bowhunters Superstore--best prices I found anywhere

[jboynjazz]

you can get good buys on feathers on e-bay. as for the powder, tried it once and didn't notice any difference on my feathers not getting wet.

[buckwild41]

If you don;t mind cutting and sanding i have done well on ebay... Picked up 50 primaries over last month cheap..

[McPhee]

Thanks for the info. I found some on Ebay. Bought a 50 pk. They have not arrived yet. But I need them for some refletch practice arrows anyway. I will buy some arrows from an arrowsmith in ID later when I want something better.

[jboynjazz]

if you do a little looking on e-bay you can find all kinds of arrow shafts and all the goodies that you could ever need. i just bought a dozen tapered cedar shafts and the total cost was $24. it dont get much cheaper than that.

[McPhee]

I placed an order for feathers on eBay Express with a guy who goes by joepete@msn.com. His real name is Jim Goodman. He showed three packages of gray barred feathers when I made the purchase. Then a week went by and I contacted him as my CC was charged at the time of the order, and he said the feathers were 'backordered' and should be in soon, and then another week went by and I contacted him again and he said,

"In the first place, I did not charge anything on your charge card, that was between you and paypal, and I have no control over my shipments from Gateway. When those feathers were listed I had them in stock, and because I sell 3000 feathers a day they go fast. Gateway shipped 900 barred white to me yesterday, that is 900 ot of 2000 I ordered, so someone will be short, and since you complained the loudiest, I have just refunded your money, and will give your feathers to the next person in line. Have a great day..."

I think this soured me on making purchases on eBay and certainly was not professional from Mr. Goodman. I would stay away from this guy in the future.

[BowHuntingFool]

I stay away from ebay period!!!!!!!!!!! I'd rather spend the extra dollar or two and support out traditional shops! jmo!