need some help!!!!! I've used 5' feathers on my arrow for the longest time. now I see that there are 5.5 feathers available. what is the benafit of useing 5.5 feathers

If you don't have the right arrow spine, have a bad release, tend to draw short, don't have your broadhead on straight, etc. etc. etc. a bigger feather will straighten out your arrow faster. Down side is they are noisier, will slow your arrow down a tad, and can cost more.

I have a bunch of 5.5's I got at a bargain--I chop them down to 5" when I get ready to use them.

Chad

On the other hand, if you've got your bow/arrow tuned right, those bigger feathers will help stabilize your arrow quicker, and that can be a big benefit if you're shooting up close and personal in heavy brush.

Personally i don't notice too much difference in 5in shield and 5.5 in babana fletch. The banana do seem to have a more noticable spin.