14 replies to this topic

[Zrt1200]

I am new to fletching so I have a few questions. #1. Do you use a RH or LH to Keep the point / broadhead tightening??
#2. Which is best a helical or straight off set or does that depend on the length of the vane??

Edited by Zrt1200, 09 January 2011 - 11:18 AM.

[vixenmaster]

I have used both LH & RH only diff is pt tightning on RH. You find more variation with diff length vanes/feathers. I prefer helical more the better. Thar will be others that say if'en you use 11 degrees the vane will rub the arrow slot side. It might but if'en yer vanes be 4" & less it won't! I also have the 8 degree jig jo-jan, its not as easy to get vanes/feathers set right as the Ariz. EZ fletch. The Bitz is still at the top of the hill

[dropzone]

There is allot of different opinions on what works best. I personally use a straight right helical with 3" fusion. I was using a straight jig with around 4 Deg right offset with 2" fusion and decided to try something different. I haven't checked it with a chronograph but when I went to straight helical my bow started hitting about 2" high.So I assumed I picked up some speed. But with both set ups I couldn't shoot at the same spot. The best thing to do is try different setups and see which works best for you.

[Zrt1200]

Sounds like I want to go RH because this will keep the points / broadheads tight with a helical offset.  Now that brings up another question. Can you buy certain helical offset clamps in let say 2, 4, or 6 degree's?? Thanks guys!!

Edited by Zrt1200, 10 January 2011 - 12:00 AM.

[Richard in Ontario]

Forgive me for jumping in here but I need to know !! What tools jigs and such do I need to set up to make my own crossbow bolts/arrows?

[Zrt1200]

Richard in Ontario, on 10 January 2011 - 07:47 PM, said:

Forgive me for jumping in here but I need to know !! What tools jigs and such do I need to set up to make my own crossbow bolts/arrows?

No problem here with you jumping in. Check out few links below.

http://www.crossbown...e-for-crossbow/

http://www.crossbown...page/media.html

http://shop.eaglearc...jigs/2,206.html

Edited by Zrt1200, 10 January 2011 - 10:27 PM.

[vixenmaster]

Ok i am going to show my age here, I must have lost something through the yrs on the word term uses. In my ancient time a straight fletch was just that no angle/helical to it. Off-set is just what it says you off-set the rear of vane/feather by so many degrees but it doesn't make it a helical fletch. Helical they have several diff degrees that can be purchased. Diff Fletching jigs mayhave several degree helical one's to choose from.

[Richard in Ontario]

Thanks for the links guys. I have some bolts/arrows that are perfectly good except for the fletching and don't want to get rid of them just because of that.I'm getting cheap in my old age!!

[30pointbuck]

Thats some mighty good advice here, I use the bitz. with a 2 deg. offset and 2" blazers.

[Thunderbolt]

I just started fletching my own 2 weeks ago...its been alot fun...I'm fletching Straight...4 inch killer vanes and they've worked out great...i shot 40 yards today and there was nothing wrong with the arrow flight...perfect flight..I was going to try some Blazers, but from what i'm told i'll only get 20 yards and thier fly squirrly after that...Thunderbolt

[SPECIALIZED]

Thunderbolt ,
Glad your fletching your own is working well,but just to say , I have never had a problem with the Blazers flying squirrelly at any range with the proper FOC.
For the last year or so have used the Fusion 3 inch for my fletching and they fly excellent at all ranges.

[30pointbuck]

I shoot out to 50 yrds, and the arrow flight is great not squirelly at all. I love 2" Blazers, on my bolts.

[vixenmaster]

Thunderbolt, on 16 January 2011 - 03:59 PM, said:

I just started fletching my own 2 weeks ago...its been alot fun...I'm fletching Straight...4 inch killer vanes and they've worked out great...i shot 40 yards today and there was nothing wrong with the arrow flight...perfect flight..I was going to try some Blazers, but from what i'm told i'll only get 20 yards and thier fly squirrly after that...Thunderbolt

IMO the only time an arrow being built flys squirrely is the builder has used wrong or mismatched components or has messed up the fletching process. 2" Blasers & Fusions should have great accuracy also the 3" Fusions, they are going to be my vane of choice fer all of my shooting as the arrows i have on hand need to be refletched & new one's built.

[Cossack]

vixenmaster, on 18 January 2011 - 06:03 AM, said:

IMO the only time an arrow being built flys squirrely is the builder has used wrong or mismatched components or has messed up the fletching process. 2" Blazers & Fusions should have great accuracy ,

Ditto that. I have seen where as little as 1/8" of a loose or missalighned end on a vane cases accuracy problems.

[Hardawaypoints]

I've seen where too much helical on longer vanes/feathers imparted too much drag on the fletching to the point where they would make a sizzling sound when they came off the string...not what you want happening in a hunting situation.  You can also get into rest clearance problems if there is too much contact.

Jim