Proper Arrow Fletching

Arrow fletching is the group of feathers or veins attached to the base end of an arrow shaft. The fletching is used to maintain a straight flight path in the air. The fletching balances the weight of the arrowhead, and is used on most hunting and target arrows. The fletching must be properly aligned and attached to create a consistent flight pattern.

  1. Materials

    • Traditional arrow fletching uses feathers with one side of the fibers stripped off the stem. The stem is either glued directly to the shaft or glued in a groove on the shaft. Feathers remain common among long bow and recurve bow archers, but plastic veins are also popular. Plastic veins are produced in a variety of colors, with bright color selections being the norm. The bright colors are easy to retrieve after the shot and increase the archer's ability to track the arrow during flight. Plastic veins are thin, consistently sized and efficient in the air.

    Spacing

    • The spacing is determined by measuring the circumference of the arrow shaft and dividing the measurement by three. Three marks are placed on the shaft to determine the center position of the vein or feather stem. The tall end of the fletching is placed 1 inch ahead of the arrow nock. The spacing tall end of the arrow is aligned with the even spacing measurements but the alignment choice alters the position of the short end based on the archer's preference.

    Alignment

    • The alignment determines the spin of the arrow. Straight alignment, with each vein on an even spacing system, creates a zero-spin flight path unless helical veins are used. Offset alignment is common for straight edge veins to encourage arrow spin. The tall end of the vein sits on the even measurement position, but each vein is attached at an even angle. Right-handed shooters use a right offset and the arrow rotates clockwise. Left-handed shooters use a left offset and the arrow rotates to the left. The helical fletching is the most common, and is present on commercial arrows.

    Attachment

    • Arrow attachment is accomplished with a jig. The jig holds the arrow in a steady position, and an arm holds the vein. The arm is adjusted until the arrow position is correct. Glue is applied to the fletching vein and the vein is pressed and clamped against the arrow shaft. The initial fletching position is not adjusted on the jig, and the measurements are not necessary after the first arrow is complete.