It is an old myth that 4 fletch slows the arrow down faster so it is only good for close range. What really slows the arrow down faster is the amount of feather surface area. A 3 fletch arrow with 5.5" feathers has 16.5" of feather to slow down an arrow, a 4 fletch with 4" feathers has 16" of feather, a 3 fletch of 5" feathers has 15" of feather, and a 4 fletch with 3" feathers has 12" of feather showing. One of the advantages of using four fletch is you can usually get two very nice 4" feathers out of one full length feather, another advantage is that there is no cock feather so you don' t have to worry about how you knock the arrow when shooting. Just like 3 fletch you still have to play around somewhat to make sue you are getting good clearance on your rest. I seriously doubt that anyone could notice any speed difference between a 3x5" and a 4x4" fletched arrow. Try them out and see what you like. I like the 4x4" fletch because its easier to knock an arrow without having to look and be sure you knocked it correct.