Longer Feathers vs Larger Quantity of Feathers

[Patrick]

#5529

Do you think three 5″ feathers would be more or less forgiving than four 4″ feathers? This question has both practical and theoretical applications for me. 🙂

[Buzzard]

#41935

You’ll find that 4-4″ feathers have more sq ins of surface than 3-5’s. Plus, the 4 inchers would be mounted so that there would be minimal or no contact with the shelf.

[SteveMcD]

#42254

I have used both 3×5 and 4×4 and have found each to have their own merit. For the most part it depends on the shooter’s set up, bow tuning, etc. Doing the math.. a 3×5 has the same equal feather material on the shaft as a 4×4. 3×5 being 15 total inches and 4×4 being 16 total inches; however the 3×5 has a higher profile so the amount of overall feather material is apprx. the same. If one shoots cock feather out on a 3×5 the same amount of material passes the shelf as a 4×4, if shooting cock feather in the 3×5 has 50% less material passing over the shelf.

That said, if the bow is tuned properly, paradox should not have any feather contact with the shelf to even matter.

Feathers stablize the arrow coming out of paradox.Four fletch may actually stablize the arrow quicker. But to many it’s debatable.

Net Net = Individual preference.

[Stephen Graf]

#42976

I agree with everything Steve McD said.

That is why I have moved this year to 4 X 5 inch feathers. I did more to experiment with arrows this year than I have in a while. Here is what I ended up with:

– 4 X 5″ 90 deg feathers (I tested against 3 and 4 inch feathers in 3 X 120 Deg and 4 X 90 deg and 4 X 70/110 deg)

– turbulator at 3/8 inch leading edge to leading edge. 1/8 inch wide. 4 inches of wrap. (I tested widths from 1/4 inch to 1/16 inch and lengths from 2 inch to 5 inch and leads from 3/4 inch to zero)

– Aluminum sleeve over insert (no experimentation done to prove it makes arrow stronger. Just did it based on what was reported on this website)

-Abowyer Wapiti broadhead (oh my gosh those things are sharp and stay sharp!!!!!! I shot several of them into my layered foam target over 20 times each (lost count) and they are still shaving sharp!!!!!) My magnus broadheads, good as they are, would be dull on the 1st shot.

Here are my reasons for my feather setup:
– 5″ feathers provided the most forgiving and reliable arrow
– 90 deg orientation provided the most quiet orientation
– turbulator as described above made the most quiet arrow
– Aluminum sleeve makes the arrow as tough as possible
– Aboyer Wapiti broadhead should be the most lethal head for the money based on what has been reported on this website.

The lesson I learned? It doesn’t have to be either/or. It can be both…

[SteveMcD]

#43553

Steve G.. I like your analysis that’s great info. Interesting about the 90 degree angle.

I am not much of a physicist, but I have found in the standard 3 x 5″ fletch I get excellent arrow flight using a straight clamp with only 1 degree offset for both Field tips and broadheads.

[Stephen Graf]

#44114

For most people, all this mucking about is not necessary. But for me, it helps. I am the quintessential crappy archer.

With a long long bow, long arrows, lots of feathers, a heavy point, a smooth glove, and a little luck I can hold my own…

[SteveMcD]

#44379

Steve Graf wrote: For most people, all this mucking about is not necessary. But for me, it helps. I am the quintessential crappy archer.

With a long long bow, long arrows, lots of feathers, a heavy point, a smooth glove, and a little luck I can hold my own…

We all have those days. Some days I’m hittin’ em like Howard Hill, and the next day couldn’t hit the ground if I tried! On days where the focus is gone.. it’s better to make arrows instead! 😆

[Patrick]

#45523

Steve Graf wrote: I am the quintessential crappy archer…
…With a long long bow, long arrows, lots of feathers, a heavy point, a smooth glove, and a little luck I can hold my own…

I can relate.:lol:
As well as my 4 fletched arrows are flying, and how noticeably forgiving they are, I’m thinking I would do well to add a couple more feathers and even longer ones. 😆

[maineac]

#45718

I have gone to 3-4″ feathers, and have no problems. I have not gone to any of the BIG two blade heads, but the WW’s have no issues with this set up.

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