I don't grip very hard at all. I shoot with an open hand and I use a Cobra Diamondback drop away. I'm not getting any fletching contact. I also went back out and shot several more groups later in the day. Everything is still flying right. I'm going out right now to try again. I want to be sure before I hit the woods tonight. BTW, that was the longest I've ever gone without practice since I started shooting a bow. No more long layoffs! OK, I just came back in. groups at 30yds., the worst one was about 6". I'm good to go.