Difference between offset and helical
 

Another dumb question :)

Would someone explain what the difference is between these two fletching options as they relate to the arrow shaft? For some reason, I can' t quit thinking that the round nature of the shaft versus the flat surface of the vane base when applied " offset" would automatically impart a helical to the adhered vane.

What am I missing here?

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

It does. But you can only do a straight offset just so far because the ends of the fletch couldn' t touch the shaft. A true helical wraps around the shaft and keeps the ends of the fletch in contact with the shaft. You can helical fletch an arrow a lot further than you can offset.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Range there are no dumb questions just dumb answers or something like that :D
heilical looks like threads on a screw . Offset goes in a straight line but is canted to the side .

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

These guys are right on the money. A helical fletch wraps around the arrow shaft while an offset fletch is actually straight but not at the pinnacle of the arch of the arrow (cross-sectional view). A picture would be very handy at this point. :)

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Amen... You had me up to " pinnacle" ... :)

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I think I need to see that picture too.... If you angle the fletch off the top of the curve of the shaft while it' s in the jig, aren' t you just putting it on top of the curve at a different angle of rotation?

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Ok, you made me go look at my arrows :)

Standing behind the nock, looking down the shaft, the front edge of my right wing 4" fletch is about 1/8" of an inch to the right of the back edge of the fletch. The base is in a straight line, no twisting to it other than due to the curve of the shaft.

What the heck is that?

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

PA....ask and ye shall receive!

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I am glad I got called on that because my wording could have led someone to believe I was referring to trajectory when I made reference to the " arch" of the arrow. :)

Arthur,

Good question and I am glad you brought it up. Your logic is sound and I would assume much the same without actually seeing it. However, the width of the curve of the arrow in relation to the width of the fletching allows the fletching to be " offset" to the true center of the arrow. In other words one could consider it parallel to a straight fletch. Since the arrow surface is relatively wider than the fletching width you can still place it parallel to a straight fletch on that portion of the surface of the arrow while still not turning it into a straight fletch but from a different angle.

The picture above is somewhat helpful but I am going to see if I can put one together myself.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Lets see if this helps.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Frank, based on that, my fletch is helical.

Thanks.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Sometimes a picture.....

:D

Glad it helped.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I' m thinking that 98 redlines picture is a bit more accurate. An offset does cause the arrow to rotate, but not as much as a helical. It is done by using a straight clamp that is offset from the top of the fletch to the bottom, either right or left. I have found it much easier to use an offset when using vanes as opposed helical. You can use a helical with the vanes, however there is a tendency for the vanes to go back to original straightness (before the glue dries). Feathers are usually put on with a helical instead of an offset for the same reasons. Unless you can find straight feathers.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I have a helical clamp and it is curved. It can also be set offset, just like a straight clamp. The fletching edge, where it contacts the shaft, is definitely not in a straight line. The helical clamp actually wraps around the clamp like a very wide thread spacing on a screw. The straight clamp does not wrap around the shaft.

I would say that 98redline' s sketch comes closest.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I don' t agree with your offset picture Frank. Or your just a terrible artist:D

That is no different than a straight fletch.

An offset does not run parallel to the shaft - it is offset from parallel like 98' s picture.

A helical clamp is shaped to gain more of an offset that allows the fletching base to match the curve of the arrow.

Your helical picture looks like an offset to me:)

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Well then maybe my description of what an offset fletch is has been off base for quite some time now. I have always assumed an offset fletch was just that....offset from the center of the arrow but still parallel. In all honesty I have a hard time seeing the difference between the offset and the helical in 98Redline' s picture other than the degree of helical to the fletching.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Someone take a picture , these drawings realy dont do it justice .

" I' m thinking that 98 redlines picture is a bit more accurate."

" I don' t agree with your offset picture Frank. Or your just a terrible artist :D "

totaly agree

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Ok, so now I' m back to the drawing board?

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

I think Redline is pretty close with his pictures. From what I understand, offset and helical are pretty much the same thing only helical is more exagerated. So offset could really be called half helical. Or helical could be called offset plus.

If you look at the arrow in 2 dimensions as in a photo or lay in on the floor and look down at it, the offset fletch will start in the center of the shaft at the nock end and will be offset at about a 2 degree angle toward the tip end. You should be able to see the front and back of the vane in this 2-D view.

The helical is esentially the same thing, except it is offset at about an 11 degree angle from back to front. When you look at one of these arrows in 2-D, the back of the fletching will be in the center of the arrow, but the front will likely not be visible (or you will actually be looking at the side of the vane) since the steeper angle will take it to the side of the arrow.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Ahhh... then mine are offset.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

No, I don' t believe that the offset is parrellel with the shaft.

I don' t think it would be possible to fletch an arrow the way you have it in your offset picture PA. That is unless there are specially make fletches. I would imagine, that the bottom of the fletch would have to have some sort of incline running lengthwise in order for the vane or feather to sit the way you have it in your picture.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

An exagerated helical. If I can find my straight clamp, I' ll do an offset.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

another view.

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

You guys are overthinking it...


The simplest way to describe the diff is that the base of a fletch that is offset, remains in straight line.

On a Helical fletch the base of the vane/feather curves (not a straight line).

RE: Difference between offset and helical
 

Then mine are DEFINITELY offset...