bigbulls, I primarily use feathers for hunting. I do not even attempt to waterproof mine anymore. I have never found any waterproofing product that worked real well in the rain.

I carry one arrow with plastic unless the forcast says absolutely zero chance of rain.

I get feathers and vanes to hit within 1" of each other out to 50 yards, so interchanging them is no big deal.

A 4" feather will stabilize way better than a 5" vane. Don`t get me wrong, vanes will stabilize even a high speed fixed blade head, but if you don`t do your part with a smooth release, the vaned arrow will really go crazy.