Feathers Vs. Vanes for arrow setup

[hnsb]

I posted this on BassPro awhile back, maybe it's worthwhile...



Feathers or vanes?

Yes.


I use either, depending on what I need to accomplish with arrows I'm building. This is a lengthy explanation, but bear with me here...
I like to go with as much FOC as I can get, up to about 15%. After that it's a case of diminishing returns. As you increase FOC you also increase total arrow weight, and add arc to your trajectory. One of the best ways to increase FOC without affecting trajectory is by taking weight off the rear of the arrow and adding it to the front. This is especially useful if you find yourself in a situation where you need a 100gr point to maintain the appropriate arrow spine, but want the most bang for your buck as far as FOC goes... Taking weight off the rear of the arrow can do more for your FOC than adding weight to the front will.
You're probably wondering how much can be gained by tweaking fletchings a bit... Well, let's take a look:

Lets say you had some XX78's in 2216 (12.1 grains per inch) that you wanted to build. Let's say we cut them at 29" and put on 3 Easton Diamond 380 vanes (8 grains each), and an Easton SuperNock (13gr + 9 gr super-uni bushing) and an RPS insert (29 gr). The finished arrow weight would be 425.9 grains, without a point.
100gr FOC: 7.4%
125gr FOC: 9.2%

Now, let's get rid of those Easton vanes and put on some AAE Elite Plastifletch 2-3/8" vanes (3.7gr) and take off the Easton nock for a QAD Tune-A-Nok (5gr). This is a finished arrow weight of 405gr without a point.
100gr FOC: 9.6%
125gr FOC: 11.3%
(note that this arrow with a 125gr point is only 4.1 grains heavier than the previous arrow was with a 100 grain point, but made a huge gain in FOC)

Time to go one step further... Let's try some 4" Gateway feathers (2.76gr). This is a finished arrow weight of 402.2gr without a point.
100gr FOC: 9.9%
125gr FOC: 11.6%

Personally I like to go with the lower profile vanes before I try feathers. I feel that they don't lose as much energy down range, and are less prone to drift in a crosswind. If I can't get good flight with the tiny vanes though, I'll go to the feathers over a 4" vane.


Notes:
All FOC calculations are based upon Jackson's FOC calculator
Remember there's a lot more to selecting the ideal components for a given setup than just FOC.

[BT]

Very worthwhile thread hnsb

I tend to go to the light side on the FOC set up myself , choosing (most times) to be between 10 & 11% but you thinking is fair.

But....

For most people , they would rather fight with a vane than use a feather and for some good reasons (and also for some needless reasons) but it their reason and thats what matters to them.

Your theory is a good one to keep in the mental tool box for those who are willing to be flexible

[2chucks2]

I'm a feather man. Always

[elk4me]

:)I am a vane man I use the Bohning Blazers on my arrows for the toughness and reliability,I shoot alot almost everyday and it takes a beating on the arrows and the Blazers hang tough. I use a Cx Terminator Select 45/60 at 9.5 gpi@ 27 3/4" and a wrap 10 gr, insetert 12 gr, and nock 8 gr, and a 100 gr head & 3 Blazer vanes at 5 gpi . ;)I get a foc of 10.2

I have changed my dl to 26" from 27" because of bow slap and will be cutting down my arrows to 26 3/4 " and here is that result


Arrow Bare Shaft Weight: 254
Broadhead or Point Weight: 100
Point Insert Weight(if any): 12
Nock Weight: 8
Total Fletch Weight(all 3 or 4): 15
FOC= 10.4

[mahly]

I prefer Mylar vanes (Kurly) they weigh less than feathers, and are stiffer than vanes (watch a slow motion video of vanes at the release...they flap like chicken wings)

[bloodtrailer]

I shoot the duravanes and have never had a problem with them, I can go out in the snow and rain and they hold up under all the worst conditions

[BT]

mahly said:

I prefer Mylar vanes (Kurly) they weigh less than feathers, and are stiffer than vanes (watch a slow motion video of vanes at the release...they flap like chicken wings)

mahly....where is the link?

[mahly]

www.altservices.biz/cgi-bin/start.cgi/kurlyvanes/main.htm?

right there LOL

Oh yeah...compared to normal vanes, you can get a LOT more colors (metallics, flo, black, or CLEAR!?!?!)

[mahly]

[elk4me]

hey mahly I sent ya a pm !