Fletching - how long should the feathers be?

[Bombadil072]

I did a cursory search, but I couldn't readily find the answer to this question?  How long should the feathers be when fletching for arrows used with a self-bow?  I am shooting a vine maple bow that pulls 55# at 28 inches.  I have been advised to try arrows around 29 inches with 125 grain field points.  I am working with the Home Depot bamboo guidelines for shafting material.  I have arrows that use 5 1/2 inch fletching, but I don't know why that length was chosen.

Who can help out with how and why to use a specific length?

Thanks,

Jerome

[Mohawk13]

Generally a heavier arrow will require a long fletch for stable flight. Also the point weight is a factor in length...ie heavier point, longer fletch. This has been my experience in arrow building. My steel pointed, 30" arrows I use a 5" shield cut fletch. Although conversely I have been using a 5 1/2" fletch on the stone tipped arrows I have been making lately.

[Pat B]

Ideally you want fletching to be as small as you can get away with and still get good arrow flight. I have always used 5 1/2", high back fletching but some use 5" and some smaller. I think 5" to 5 1/2" would be a good place to start. As far as fletching patterns I like more traditional styles and burn my own pattern now.

[Danzn Bar]

I'm with Pat B on everything, but I cut my feathers with scissors.
DBar

[Bombadil072]

Thanks for the advice.  I was currently looking to purchase pre-cut feathers online, and didn't know if I could get away with 4 inches.  I think I will try 5 and see how they fly.

Eventually, I want to work on cutting my own, but I am taking baby steps for now.

[chamookman]

I use a Chopper and make 5 1/2" high=back Shields. Has always worked well for Me - Bob.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I use a lot of 4" now. I was strictly a 5" guy for 12-15 years. But after playing around, I cant see a difference with 4" and I get a lot more feathers from a wing.

[nclonghunter]

Depends....if you are shooting field points you can use smaller feathers. If shooting big broadheads then you need to keep them stable with the rear guidance system. Most bows will brace around 6 inches so you can shoot a 6 inch feather without getting into the handle. Also mentioned is shooting a heavy point. The heaver or more the FOC is on your arrow the more the feathers are effective and therefore you can go a little smaller feather size....Good Luck

[PortlandJoe]

most of my warbow shafts have fletching that are anywhere from 6-9 inches and cut nice and low.
my arrows for my #60 recurve has fletching ranging from 5-8 inches depending on the arrow and head

i try to keep my fletching cut low and long and i've been very happy with the results

[Danzn Bar]

I use a lot of 4" now. I was strictly a 5" guy for 12-15 years. But after playing around, I cant see a difference with 4" and I get a lot more feathers from a wing.

Pearl,
I think your years of experience at tuning arrows to your bow has help you in that decision.  I'm just now getting to those thoughts with a few of my arrows.  but for beginner arrowsmiths  5" I think helps the learning curve and produces good flight for marginal spined arrows for a specific bow.
Just IMHO....
DBar

[Bombadil072]

Awesome thoughts!  I had read somewhere else that the fletching does more to stabilize the arrow the longer it is in flight...so, by that rationale, shooting field points at 30-50 yards, I might not notice as much difference between 4-6 inches? 

[Bombadil072]

I use a Chopper and make 5 1/2" high=back Shields. Has always worked well for Me - Bob.

Also, what do you mean by high-back shields?  Are they taller at the widest (back) end?

[Danzn Bar]

Yep, that's right a taller fletch off of the arrow shaft.
DBar

[bow101]

My question is if you go for a 6 - 6 1/2" fletching, your brace height would have to be higher. That would impede bow performance correct......

[Danzn Bar]

My question is if you go for a 6 - 6 1/2" fletching, your brace height would have to be higher. That would impede bow performance correct......

It definitely shortens your effective draw length.  But, it could increase poundage a bit.
DBar