I have been using a small (2.5x.5″ four fletch) AA fletchings on my UEFOC arrow setup and like it, but I saw some pictures of a variation on fletching and it looked fun to play with. The arrows I saw had three small feathers which were staggered. That would say they all started and stopped at different spots on the back of the shaft. The thought was you could use smaller feathers for less drag, but still get the stabalization of a larger feather. I got to thinking, would three or four very small AA fletches, staggered, do the same thing and save weight and resistance? You could use four .5″x 1-2″ feathers with two mounted on the shaft in normal position, then two offset forward .5-2″ or so. If the theory is correct, this would cause less drag, yet give the stabalization effects of larger fletching while allowing for even greater FOC in the arrow. They would be quieter and more resistant to water and wear & tear. I have noticed very long skinny fletching on old arrows used by the Mongols and the Huns with their horse bows. I think many of these were heavy FOC arrows. Any thoughts or experience with this?
Jans
