Fletching question

[osage outlaw]

Which would be better to shoot out of a self bow, straight, left, or right helical?  Or does it matter much.  I have a fletching jig for straight, but I was thinking about buying a new clamp for it.

[ricktrojanowski]

I would go for either left or right helical.  Not a big fan of straight fletch for arrows with broadheads.  I'm pretty sure the twist helps stabilize the arrow.  As far as left or right, it doesn't matter as long as you use the same on the same arrow.  Also if you use a single bevel broadhead you have to match up the fletching to the bevel.

[Pat B]

I use a straight fletcher(JoJan Multifletch) that I off set to either right or left depending on the feather. It really doesn't matter if they are right or left as long as you don't mix them on the same arrow. I actually prefer the offset rather than helical for selfbows. The helical took too much energy out of my arrows in flight and were noisier.
  You can test the rotation of your arrows by tying a thread(6" to 8" long) just behind the head and shoot the arrow. The thread will be wrapped around the shaft at the target.

[El Destructo]

I am with Pat....Straight....with a slight offset...I cheat......I use an Arizona EZ Fletcher with a Straight Fletch....1* Offset....

[Tom Leemans]

Either way, you should get the arrow spinning.
I have a Jo-Jan with a straight, and a RW helical clamp. The helical is not bad on 11/32 and larger shafts, but it was a pain to set up on 5/16, for my daughter's arrows. So I set it back up with the straight clamp with an offset. That way I can just adjust it for either RW or LW feathers. Much less hassle and the arras fly great!

[paulc]

What do you all mean by off set?  TIA  PC

[DanaM]

Offset is a straight fletch glued to the shaft on a diagonal or offset

[Hillbilly]

I like helical or at least a good heavy offset. As far as left or right, it doesn't make any difference to me, I use both.