Peebles, three 4" feathers will weigh about 10 grains. Vanes of the same size weigh 2 1/2 to 3 times that. The extra weight on the tail end of the arrow can be good or bad. The good is that it stiffens the dynamic spine of the arrow. The bad is that it upsets the FOC.

The cheapest way to get feathers is by the 100/pack. Keep your eyes open if you happen to at flea markets or other places. The last 100 I bought was $2.00 for 4" black, right wing. Nobody wants black, and I don't care if I see my arrows go or not. I don't have to. They are right where my sight was aiming when the bow went off.