arrow fletching???
 

I would like to re-fletch my arrows and was wondering about the best fletching tool and wheather to go straight or right helical?? what are the benifits of each? any info would be greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance
krahbldr

RE: arrow fletching???
 

I use the Arizona EZ Fletcher b/c it's easy and works great. It's about $40 and you can do one arrow at a time. I had one that put them on straight and one that put them on right helical and you DO NOT want to put them on straight. It was like throwing a screw ball. I guess it would not spin as good if you put them on straight.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

As noted above, I've heard good reviews from the Arizona... That being said, if you want a fletching jig you can pass down to your grandkids, splurge and get the Bitzenburger. I started with a straight clamp, and would use it to fletch offset. I've since bought a right helical, as I shoot fallaways on both my BowTechs.

Prevailing wisdom says that the tighter helical you can put on your arrows (while still maintaining fletch contact with the shaft), the faster your arrows spin; that translates into more control in steering a broadhead.

I fletch right helical in an attempt to keep my field points from unscrewing every time I shoot into my bag target, though I couldn't swear it does any good, as I'm constantly re-tightening them during practice sessions. Maybe left helical would be a lot worse.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

Greg, actually I think the THEORY states that left helical will prevent them from loosening...If the arrow is spinning left,that's going opposite the threads...I've never found this to actually benefit though. The best I've found to keep them tight is a dab of bowstring wax.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

mobow, Gregs right, right spin keeps the points tight, the head spins right(clockwise) to screw into the arrow, if you hold the head, the arrow is spun right(clockwise) to tighten the head.;)

However, Offset will do the same as helical and a straight clamp with the ability to either fletch straight or offset is more versatile than a helical clamp. If you go with a Bitz, which I too feel is the best on the market, go with a straight clamp and offset as hard as your rest and arrow allows you.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

If you shoot a drop away, go with helical. If you want the best jig, get a bitz. If you get one used, you can save some $$, they last forever. I would go right helical, just for the field point thing. Greg, Try putting a little bowstring wax on the threads of your field points, that helps keep them from loosening.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

I use the Arizona EZ Fletcher right hel. It's great I use it all the time

RE: arrow fletching???
 

OK, OK.....I've been wrong before..it happens...what can I say..? [8D]

Bow string wax still works better, though. ;)

RE: arrow fletching???
 

Remember this little rule, mobow: Righty tighty, lefty loosey! [8D]

Thanks for the tip on the wax, though... I'll try that the next time I feel up to shooting! :D

RE: arrow fletching???
 

Agreed. the string wax is an excellent idea, think I'll try it too. Get better soon Greg.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

thanks for all your help
can anyone tell the the differance between the staight fletch or the offset??

RE: arrow fletching???
 

Straight fletch is just that....the fletch running straight down the arrow. Offset is the fletch running across the arrow, and helical is the fletch wrapping around the arrow.

RE: arrow fletching???
 

which way is best???

RE: arrow fletching???
 

That depends on what rest you use. Avoid straight, it's just useless! Some insist that offset spins as much as helical, but it just doesn't. Now, with shorter vanes, say the Blazers, maybe that's true. Helical will give you the most stabilizing spin, but if you shoot a shoot through, 2 prong rest, it's gonna give you fits. The fletch will hit the prongs. You will need offset in that case. If you shoot a drop away, helical won't be an issue, which by the way, is the way I fletch my blazers, right helical. My Stingers are lazer beams off the bow. But in MOST cases, offset will work, but that depends on the BH you use, too. If you shoot a big broadhead on a heavy arrow, you're gonna need spin.

Ok, in short, IMHO, helical is best, but not always practical. Second is offset, and straight is worthless!