is there any advantage, or disadvantage to going to a smaller fletching? I currently shoot a beman ics 400 with 100 gr tip and four inch vanes. now that a majority of my arrows need relfletching, I was considering a smaller, say 3 or 2.5" vane instead of my four inchers. any thoughts?

I switched to smaller vanes for the sole purpose of having better fletching clearance, and I couldn't be happier. My arrows fly like bullets and I haven't noticed any loss of stability or accuracy whatsoever. FYI I'm shooting the 2.25" QuikSpins and they fly great out to 40 yards, which is the futher I've shot with them thus far.

The only other advantage I can really see is the decrease in weight and drag during flight, which in theory should increase your arrow speed a bit. My Allegiance shoots plenty fast as it is, so this wasn't really a factor in my decision to change fletching size.

Yeah, there's an advantage. Lighter weight so you get a better FOC and more speed out of the arrow.

I use the Blazer vanes, 2" long and about 5 grains each. Very durable and they allow me to shoot small groups at 40 yards.

Kev

Vanes serve two purposes: the first is to correct a poor release and the second to stabilize the arrow by rotation. If you are shooting a mechanical release the smaller vanes will reduce weight and increase speed, but there is little use in a staight vane on the arrow. With no revolution in flight your arrow will be inconsistent with a broadhead attached. A small degree of offset will be enough for revolution and a true arrow flight. If you are shooting fingers I would suggest feathers over vanes no smaller than 4" to correct for a bad release.