This is an honest question so don't laugh for me not knowing...
What is the purpose of the wraps? Is it to personalize your arrow and make it look fancy or is there a more useful purpose behind it? I ask because I just purchased an Arizona E-Z flets and some vanes and want to try fletching my own, but if there is a useful purpose behind the wraps I guess I should consider that too.
Thanks,
Navy

Easier to find your arrow after a shot and easier to see where you hit an animal.

How So?

That is a great tip Dan...I had not thought of that...
Thanks

By looking at the white of the wrap, you can easily determind the kind of blood, or if it wasnt a good hit, other body matter, that is on the arrow.
Is it covered in bright red blood, maybe with some lung material on it? If so, it means a good hit. Dark red blood...might meant you hit the deer in the liver. Green stuff, slimey looking wrap with a tinge of funky odor too it? Means that most likely you had a gut or stomach shot.
I used to use dipped arrows, then went to wraps. I doubt I will ever go back, especially since I now make my own arrows.

Very nice post..how-to guides are always very helpfull!

Been thinking about doing this for some time now, great tips...Thanks!! Couple questions tho...does the additional weight change flight pattern of the arrow and after a pass through, I normally clean the arrow off with hot water, will this cause the wrap to come off??

Thanks Washington for the tutorial. I've been wanting to learn how to do this. Right now I have about 14 arrows that need to be refletched........mostly due to practicing. I checked with some places that do that and they want $2.00 to $2.50 per arrow...YIKES. Now, please tell me how to get the old vanes off.
Thanks, Diann

Great post, Dan.

Navy... I cap my arrows (same concept, I just do it with actual paint) so that I can follow the flight of the arrow better, and I can find my arrows after they're shot a LOT easier when they're sticking in the ground. It's amazing how you can sit in a treestand for hours and hours, but the simple act of climbing 20' down changes the look of EVERYTHING you've just been studying all that time.

Let's see if I can answer all these questions! If I miss one, let me know and I'll be sure to help you out.

Stat - Yes, there are are fletching jigs out there that will allow for more helical; take a look at the Jo-Jan or the Bitzenburg (sp?). These two jigs take a little longer as you're only able to glue one vane at a time.

Navy - Not only do the wraps allow you to find your arrows easier after the shot (they're bright and stick out more than the surrounding foliage), but they also allow you to see your arrow better in flight. Add to that the fact that blood shows up amazingly well on them and you have a great product!

Kenman - The additional weight doesn't affect your arrow flight one bit. As for cleaning them off, its a lot easier (I think) than cleaning vanes glued directly to the shaft. Heat the wrap/shaft up with either a hair dryer or holding it over a burner on your stove and then simply peel the wrap off, the vanes will come off with it. If there is any glue residue on the shaft, just use a paper towel with a little rubbing alcohol to wipe it off.

MOM - I just use a dull pocket knife to scrape the vanes off. A butter knife (non-serrated of course) will work equally as well. Just use a little pressure and scrape the old vanes and glue off the arrow shaft.

I think I got to everyone. If I missed one of your questions or if another pops into your head feel free to ask.