Arrow fletching

[Old Mountain Man]

I`m back now that Murphy`s Law has given be a break.
I would like to thank every one that replied to my previous posts.
My questions are as follows.
What is the best size fletching to use from 2 inches up to 4 inches in size?
3 or 4 fletches/vanes?
What type of cut should the fletches be. I like the Parabolic cut , is there a better way to go?
Can one use real feathers?
Does anyone use Arrow wraps?
Thanks
OMM

[diesel]

The short reply to your question is yes to all the above.
I have used 2 ,3, and 4" fletching. Lots of people really like the 2" blazer vanes fletched with a lot of helix . I have used 3 and 4" real turkey feathers and they work very well.
You will need to try it out and see what you like. Some like to use raps some will crest the shaft.

[Cossack]

Larger vanes are more affected by cross wind and tend to slow the arrow a bit more. Have been using 2" Blazers and Fusion, set at hard left helical, in my Excal arrows that have relatively high FOC (18%), with great results. In my other bow (Compound) I'm using the 3" Fusing since they are not as tall and don't drag in the tiller slot. If you're using a bigger head on a lower FOC arrow try the 4" vanes or feathers. High FOC, low profile (short) 4 bladed head seems to like 2" vanes best.

[Old Mountain Man]

Appreciate the info , I guess a crossbow is like a gun, you shoot whatever the gun likes , so I will follow that train of thought with a crossbow.
I guess I`ll also have to try different arrow heads. 2-blade, 3-blade and 4-blade combinations , with the different fletch options and arrows.
I`ll be going to the gun shop here in the next several weeks, they help you set everything up and will purchase my Excalibur there , since they sell them.
I`ll learn I`m sure , because it isn`t that you can`t teach an old dog new tricks , it only takes longer.

[UPSMAN]

do yourself a favor. Buy a EZ Fletch Bolt jig and some 2 in. blazer vanes. They are simple to put on and you will be very pleased with their performance. It will be one less thing to give you trouble.

[Old Mountain Man]

Thank you for the tip. Do the 2 inch have any special way to be put on ( right or left or straight? )?
Can they be glued on wraps or would the the bare shaft be better?
What about the shrink fletching using hot water, are they any good or is it just hype?
One other question , Aluminum or carbon arrow . The Excalibur arrow is Aluminum.
Thank You
OMM

[UPSMAN]

Thank you for the tip. Do the 2 inch have any special way to be put on ( right or left or straight? )?
Can they be glued on wraps or would the the bare shaft be better?
What about the shrink fletching using hot water, are they any good or is it just hype?
One other question , Aluminum or carbon arrow . The Excalibur arrow is Aluminum.
Thank You
OMM

The Excalibur firebolt is a carbon arrow. The EZ Bolt jig has a lot of helical in it. You can put it on bare shafts or wraps. I prefer bare shafts. With the EZ Bolt, you can only put the vanes on one way, it's preset for you.I shoot carbon arrows but a lot of people on this forum shoot aluminum bolts. I think you'll love the blazer vanes. I would venture to guess that at least 75% of the forum members shoot blazer vanes.

[Old Mountain Man]

Thanks ,I do think that the blazer vanes will be fine, still like the real feathers , maybe I`ll get a few arrows made with feathers just to try them , but will stay with Blazer if the work well for me.

[jody5252]

if you need any feathers, let me know. I have 3" feathers, flor. yellow and white. I won't be using them, will give them to you if you want them...

[Old Mountain Man]

Jody5252
Thanks for the offer , PM on its way.
OMM