I use feathers just for their forgiving properties, steering ability, and weight. I still use vanes in some cases, But I still overall prefer feathers. I know they can get beat up in the bush, But a buddy of mine made me a cloth waterproof cover to put over them so they don't get beat up. In fact when they are beat up they will still fly well in most cases, unlike vanes which will go all over the place if there is a nick taken out of them. IMHO the benefits of feathers well outweighs the extra cost and compared to vanes.