In my experience, there is virtually no difference in how different fletch shapes shoot as long as they are pretty much the same area and angle. I like the look of a shield, but para and a low banana tend to be a bit quieter, altho I’ve never seen it matter to a deer. In the end, it comes down to what you want to shoot.

JM

Since I sort of bareshaft tuned I’m going to try a 4inch parabolic on one arrow and see how it goes. Ill let you know.

The archer that helps me out said that parabolic can be quieter. He tried out for the Olympics I think in the 70’s, Crystalshrimp might know exactly. He is also an avid hunter. I have strayed from his advice before but I seem to always come back. He didn’t say 4inch but he did mention parabolic. I’m trying 4inch on my own.
Bully26

I can only echo what has been said already. However, you may want to try a 4 Fletch Arrow, particularly if you are using a 4 inch feather, Technicakky, it should have the same feather area of 3 5 inch feathers, however, what 4 fletch does is stabilize the arrow flight quicker coming out of paradox.

Shaft woods will have just as many opinions. I prefer Doug Fir as a medium heavy arrow, they tend to stay straight, take to stain very well and allow for good penetration.

However, right now, if your set up is working well for you, I would stick with what you got until after hunting season.

I shoot woods with 3 differant types of feathers, for 3D Target etc I shoot Traditional cut which are very cool looking but are quite noisy, I also shoot high back 5in shields, for hunting I use 5in parabolics and Low cut banana! I shoot heavy woods and these stabilize real nice!

Fletcher — Good to see you back among us! Your expert advice is always welcome and appreciated. Are you still teaching, or back to arrow-building? Dave

I tried the 4inch parabolic today with an Abowyer Brown Bear with a 100grn insert and it just didn’t work. I don’t know what I was expecting but I began shooting low. I think 5inch parabolic would work but everything I have right now is 5inch shield.
I shot a short round of practice 3d and as I’ve said in my posts before, I just had more confidence with the shield cut.
The other thing to remmember is that even the same arrow same fletching etc. no two arrows will fly exactly alike. I’m going to mark my better fliers also.
Sorry that I couldn’t be more helpful.
Bully26

I just switched from 4″ parabolic to 5″ shield (Tru-Flight, two red barred hen and green barred cock). Not that I was having a flight problem, just seemed to me that the 5″ barred shield look more traditional. As far as noise,,,didn’t really notice.