I've got a number of arrow shafts sitting around . All need vanes . I saw some jigs that will put them on sraight , and some that will put them on at an angle . What is the difference ? I know the angled ones will spin ,,,,, why would I want one (jig) over the other ? Any other tips you could give me about fletching would be appretieated.Thanks .

The angle you are speaking of is commonly known as offset. Extreme offset would be known as helical, which can be found in either right or left patterns, depending on the type of jig clamp you use along with the type of feather you plan on fletching your arrow with. Vanes can be fletched either right or left helical out of the box, they have no specific direction like feathers.

Helical applicationsshould only be used when fletching clearance is not an issue with the style rest you are using on yourcompound bow. The helical application can be used on drop away or fall away style rest. In applications such as a Bodoodle Zapper 400 (the rest I currently use) only a slight offset can be used at mostin order to have proper fletching clearance. Obviously, a straight fletch arrow will provide the most clearance.

Different types of shooting lends themselves towards having helical fletched arrows vs straight/offset. Someone else might be able to help you out on the finer technicalities of straight/offset/helical fletching patterns. I know enough to get myself in trouble. So I will let a vet handle your questions from here.

If you are looking into jigs, the Bitzenburger jig is probably the top name in fletching jigs. Many people will back me up on this statement. Grayling makes a similar jig, basically a plastic verison of the Bitzenburger. I haven't used the Grayling but I hear they are pretty decent jigs as well. If you plan on fletching yourself, I would suggest a Bitzenburger.

Hope this helps. If I am offering any potentially misleading information, please someone help clarify.

Bols

I use the straight fletch. Could use helical since I use a Whisker Biscuit, however, not sure I ever noticed the advantage of helical so I will stick with the straight fletch, and my own turkey feathers! [8D]