Vanes & Feathers

[BT]

Explain you answer....how many pro's or cons can you come up with?

I got three hours in the stand yesterday, which gave me time to muse about this question as I sat there....seeing nothing

I know that this has been asked before but there are more options out there today than just a few years ago....so I ask again

[snoodslapper]

I've tried so many different vanes and a couple contraptions promising to be better than vanes or feathers (most recently FOBs and earlier Turbo Nocks). But I always go back to feathers. The only explanation for me is that feathers just flat out control my arrows better and I feel better shooting feathers. So maybe it is more of a confidence thing, but it is not without verification. The biggest argument I always see against feathers is the weather/wetness factor. I gotta tell ya. I just have never had a problem with a wet feather flying properly.

I like the fact that feathers will fold if they touch a limb or a part of my bow. We all know how nervousness can effect your form at the time of the shot. Feathers give you that little edge in that case when you might have a tighter grip on that bow and you torque it slightly or if you're shaking enough that a vane slightly touches a cable. I've seen it happen to others. I've had it happen to me.

Another thing that just flat out amazes me about feathers is just how durable they really are. People complain that they always have to re-fletch more often with feathers because they just don't last as long as vanes. Well, vanes do "look" better longer, but looks ain't everything. (And, thank God that is so, because proof of it is that today is my anniversary; because were it not for that fact my wife would never have chosen me. ) I think people who state this just have not shot them much. I have shot some sorry, sorry looking feathers; chunks missing, laying down because they completely passed through my target, etc. Still they guide my arrow.

So here it is and, yes, I'm gonna say it. None of us are perfect; and I use that logic to follow with who makes vanes and who makes feathers...

[snoodslapper]

Wow BT, I can't believe this! This has to be the only forum I've ever been on in which a Vanes VS. Feathers debate thread hasn't turned into a page per day! ;D

[red]

Of course I use feathers for traditional gear. I formely used feathers for my compounds as well...until, one day I found myself hunting in a really hard rain. The feathers were soaked and ended up completely flat against the shaft. I had a doe at 18 yards and took a shot (was using 5 inch Gateway feathers and a Rocky Mountain Ti 100 at the time). Looking back, I probably shouldn't have tried it. I hit about 12 inches right of where I aimed. I guess I could have possibly hit the liver, but regardless I never recovered that deer. I've carried vanes since then. I have found Blazers or Bohning Killer vanes to be the best for me. By the way, I did use fletch dry on the feathers. It is really only effective to a point, however.

[rreda]

I am with Snood on this subject, although I do understand what Red has said. I have tried regular vanes, and quick spins, but I keep coming back to feathers. I have found them to be very good at steering my broadheads. This is especially important because I am somewhat "old school" and continue to use my 125 Wasp heads.

Regarding Red's experience, when it is raining, I am always very careful with my arrows so as to make sure that nothing touches the feathers to mat them down. Also, I use a drop away rest, so there is no chance that the feathers will touch anything leaving the bow.

[Doegirl]

I'm trying out the NAP quickspin speedhunters now. So far, I'm impressed. Of course, the heads I use are known for their very good flight characteristics anyways, like Silver Flames, Montecs, and Phantoms w/o the bleeders. I'm not exactly pushing the speed envelope either (260fps). I like the durability, and the fact my arrows are at 12-14% FOC than 17-18%.

[azslim]

I like the looks of feathers but shoot vanes for the speed. In the little bit of testing I have done my Blazers had a flatter trajectory than feathers out to 50 yds with me shooting and much more noticeable at 70 with a buddy shooting. Both had about the same speed coming off the bow based on the chrono in my backyard, the Blazers seemed to hold it better.

[BT]

Hmmmm....
I have never had feathers lay totally flat since going to NO-Snow
They no lay down but the water is off as soon as they are fired.
I have never understood how a bird can fly if water has that much of an effect
Anyway....I have seen severely wet feathers cause flight issues for myself but the last time was in the 70's and then I started using NEET.
That stuff will repel any amount of water
(smells though )

Snoodslapper pretty much outlined my points positive.
Feathers are faster than vanes till 40 yards and then they do start sheering speed comparative to vanes but I don't have to worry to often about shooting past 40 yards.
If I were a Midwesterner and depended on 60 - 80 yard shots.....I would definitely rethink my preferences.

For me....the #1 reason is stability

[CopperHead]

I do have a question on this subject. I was using the Razor feather vane for awhile but moved on to Norway Predators for now. How do you clean feathers after a pass through or do you just refletch?


On another note I did pick up a pack of those blazer shrinkwrap twister vanes to try. I like a wrap for visibility and that method seems easiest.

[snoodslapper]

Craig, I've tried to clean them with peroxide, soap and water, etc. They look like crap afterward, but they still guide the arrow pretty well. That said, I just re-fletch. I think it is a small price to pay for the admission of a pass through. Let us know how you like the shrink wrap. I've heard stories of them slipping in the past, but maybe they've gotten better or maybe it was operator/installer error.