Generally the biggest difference is noise--parabolic is the quietest cut, bananna or maxi fletch the noisiest. High-back will be noisier than regular cut. If you have the arrow properly matched to your bow, and your release is half-way decent, you shouldn't need a huge feather.

I use three 5" sheilds most of the time--I just like the looks. I've tried 4-fletch, couldn't see any diffefence. I have also shot my 3-fletch with cock feather in and out, can't tell any differences there either.

I've gone to yellow or chartruese for my hunting arrows--nocks, feathers, and shafts--much easier for me to see.

Chad