I was wondering what it means by right and left helical, and the degree offset? I was thinking about buying a fletching jig to refletch some arrow shafts I have acquired over the years. I would appreciate any information.

Helical means the fletching is actually curved around the shaft in a helical pattern. Looking from the rear of the arrow, right helical curves to the right and left helical curves to the left. There is no difference that I know of in the two, other than right spins to the right and left spins to the left. I suspect that right and left has its roots in feathers, which are made from right wing feathers or left wing feathers. Right wing is fletched right helical and left wing is fletched left helical. Helical jigs will be specific to right or left according to the clamp. Right helical is most common and feathers are usually right wing. Vanes can be fletched either way.

Offset is just a straight fletch that is fletched slightly offset to give more arrow stabilization. Offset can be either right or left, just an adjustment made in a straight fletch jig.

If purchasing a jig, I would highly recommend a Bitzenburger. Yes, they cost a lot more than most, but yes, they are that much better than most. It will last forever and is very easy adjust and very easy to fletch with.

Winger is right on the money.

Helical is used for hunting. Broadheads, especially fixed blades, need more control.

Offset and straight vanes are used for target shooting.


Check out this link for pictures of different vane configurations:

http://www.huntersfriend.com/arrowhelp/arrow-selection-4.htm

so if i was to purchase a jig with a 1degree offset would this be an almost straight fletching pattern? What would be the best if I shoot a TM hunter style rest?

The jig is adjustable for different sized shafts and different ammounts of offset. You set the ammount of offset yourself with the adjustment dials on the jig.

The clamps come it either straight, right helical, or left helical.

i wasnt looking at anything fancy i was considering the arizona archery fletch lll fletching jig or the grayling fletching jig.

"Fancy" is not necessarily the right word for a Bitz .. I think functional is the best word. Do yourself a favor, spend a bit more and be thankful you did every time you use it.

PSEPhil, I used my Fletch III for the first time last night and it was pretty easy to use. I purchased the 1 degree offset unit and it is simple easy and affordable.

I have not shot the arrows I refletched yet but will get the chance tonight. I will post how they shoot this evening.

Keith