RE: feathers???
I think they pretty much have it covered, the only thing I can add is that most of the people Ive talked to say the parabolic and shield cut fly the same. I think the shield cut is more popular in Europe and parabolic are more popular in the States. Length is pretty much up to what type of broadheads you want to use. Most people around here go with 3-4inch. If I were you, I would go ahead and invest in a 3 dollar bottle of fletch-dry when hunting season comes around. Other than that, sounds like youre set. Hope this helps.
"Aim small, miss small."