zak123

I shoot vanes now and was thinking about going to feathers. I would be target shooting in my backyard and a little 3d. What are some of the benefits of feathers?

timberjack82

This is right from the back page of Bowhunting World.
Advantages of Vanes:
- More weather resistent
- Easier to attach to shafts
- Quiter in brush and in flight
- Generaly more durable
- Less expensive than feathers
- More weight and less air resistance provides greater arrow energy and speed at longer ranges

Advantages of Feathers
- Larger surface area gives more air resistance and generaly greater arrow control
- More flexible: less likely to be knocked off course after striking bow components or branches
- Generaly considered more traditional and aesthetically pleasing
- Less weight gives greater arrow speed at shorter ranges.

Washington Hunter

Feathers or Vanes?

Feathers or Vanes and Why?

Feathers or Vanes??

? For the Folks Who Have Used Both Feathers and Vanes

Vanes or Feathers?

Just a few that I found out of the first 300 results.

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DaBoys

I would have to agree with the top answer as referring you to the bowhunting mag..
But as any thoughts to this subject....I switched from feathers"5" to vanes"4" and seen little to no differance. If the bow is tuned with respectable reason....my group that I hunt with are swapping arrows of differnt types and sizes to see the differnaces. WE dont really notice anything for hunting....
Next thought is notice the differnces in the material of the vanes and styles (NAP has one out that spins the arrow more which I really dont get). If need I will dig up that bowhunting world and get my typing fingers working....it is a great read.
Thanks

Arthur P

You just about have to hog tie me to the rack and stick red hot irons to my flesh to get me to use vanes any more. Last time I willingly stuck vanes on an arrow was to test some of those new Bohning Blazers for the pro shop I shoot for.

I haven't looked at the links to the topics Washington Hunter posted, but I'm sure you'll find my opinions in at least a few of 'em.

c903

If God had intended for bowhunters to use plastic vanes, (H)e would have created vinyl turkeys.

rcd567

One thing not mentioned yet is that feathers are more forgiving of mistakes. Since we're not machines and our form isn't always perfect, I shoot feathers. Stabilizes the arrow faster and better. Oh, and they are faster than vanes. Contrary to what some say.

Danny45

For hunting distances yes. But for target archery, no. The same drag that makes them more forgiving of shooter error (they will not make up for bad form) causes them to slow down faster than vanes do beyond 40 yards.

I tried feathers several years ago and I just couldn't get the darn things weather proof. I sprayed them, dipped them, rubbed powder in them, and the first drizzle that came along flattened them out every time. Vanes are fool proof. Even if you punch a hole in one practising, just clip it out and keep on keepin' on.

Arthur P

Which is why there are so many fools shooting them. [8D]

With those teeny little fletches target archers use, there isn't enough drag to pull a pissant off a toilet seat. The difference in trajectory is caused by lower FOC, which is caused by vanes weighing a good 3X more than feathers. That holds true for hunting length fletching as well, IMO.