Home Forums Bows and Equipment Cock feather orientation

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    • db22
        Post count: 24

        Is there a hard-and-fast rule regarding where the cock feather should go on an arrow? For years, I have made arrows with the cock feather/vane at 90 degrees from the bow (straight right, since I am left-handed) and the hens at an angle against the riser. Recently I got a Jo-Jan fletcher that won’t do that for a lefty, but will put the cock in the 4-o’clock position. This seems to work just as well. I use 5″ RW feathers in a right helical clamp, ever since I shed the wheelbow and converted from vanes to natural feathers.
        Just wonderng what others do, particularly other lefties out there.

      • maineac
          Post count: 23

          I have gone with shooting cock feather in. Doesn’t make much of a difference, but I seem to get slightly better groups this way. Either way in a pinch if I can get the nock on the string I I should be able to hit what I am aiming at.

        • John Carter
            Post count: 71

            I align my cock feather with the stiffest side of the arrow and then shoot cock feather in.

            Even with carbons,,,sometimes when I check them on my spine tester I find their not always consistant all the way around the shaft.
            Aligning my cock feather with the stiff side just makes me feel comfortable with the ideal I have them all set the same,,,but in practice I find it doesn’t really matter that much,,,,but I continue to do it,,,,,,because I’m a bit anal about that sort of thing.:oops::wink:

            PS,I’m also a lefty,,,,only difference that makes is it seems to be easier to sell bows,but harder to buy them.

            John.

          • db22
              Post count: 24

              Cock feather in toward the riser? I will give it a try. Thanks to both of you!

            • DAbersold
                Post count: 111

                I can’t say for sure, but I have read so many times of guys that swear that one way or the other is the best that I really don’t think it matters. I have tried it both ways and really can’t see any difference. But,…I’m not the best shot out there so maybe it’s just me.

              • db22
                  Post count: 24

                  dabersold wrote: But,…I’m not the best shot out there so maybe it’s just me.

                  I’m sure you’re a better shot than I am. I do understand what you are saying — my own weaknesses as an archer undermine some of my efforts to tune my bows and arrows. Careful, thoughtful practice is all I can do to remedy the situation

                • Van/TX
                    Post count: 34

                    db22, are you sure that something is not wrong with that fletcher or that it isn’t set up right? It should fletch the same as your previous one…Van

                  • stalkin4elk
                      Post count: 63

                      I’m done with cock feathers since using two RW 4 inch feathers. Quite and true flight,simple,tad less expense,lays better in the quiver,faster to glue. Try it!

                    • db22
                        Post count: 24

                        Van: there are several nock receivers available for this fletcher; not sure which one I have. I just remember that my old Whiffen fletcher would turn out the cock feather on the right. I think I bought it at the Whiffen shop in Milwaukee. They may have sold me a special left-hand setup. Wish I still had it.

                        Stalkn4Elk: can you post a picture of one of your arrows? I am tempted to give your idea a try.

                      • Van/TX
                          Post count: 34

                          Interesting. Whiffen is all I’ve ever used. Lost the one I had since I was 12 and had to buy a new one about 30 years ago :)…Van

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