Arrow Fletching Tips

The fletching at the rear of an arrow's shaft keeps it going straight by creating wind resistance as the arrow flies through the air. Natural fletching is made from turkey or goose feathers that are sculpted and glued onto the arrow shaft. Plastic vanes can be used instead of feathers for added durability. However, plastic vanes are heavier than feathers and create more friction, which slows the arrow down.

  1. Helical Fletching

    • Helical fletching has a slight offset to the left or right, which makes the arrow rotate as it flies through the air, similar to the spiral on a long football pass. The rotation stabilizes the arrow and minimizes the effect of any scratches or dents in the arrow's shaft. The angle of the helical offset determines the direction the arrow will rotate, with right-winged feathers creating a clockwise rotation and left-winged feathers creating a counter-clockwise rotation. If you are unsure which type of fletching you have, hold the arrow up as if you were going to sight it for a shot. Rotate the shaft until the fletching is at the top, then look for the catch lip of the feather. If this is on the left side of the web, the arrow is equipped with right-winged feathers.

    Length of the Feathers

    • Larger fletching gives the arrow more stability. The added weight also reduces the arrow's speed, so use feathers that are only as long as necessary to keep the arrow flying straight. This depends on the weight and size of the arrow you are shooting. A light arrow made from carbon composite can be controlled with only three small 4-inch-long feathers, while a heavier broadhead hunting arrow may need three or four feathers that are 4 to 6 inches long. It is important that these heavy-tipped arrows fly perfectly straight so that they can sink deep into the target. Even the slightest wobble may cause a deflection when it strikes an animal with a thick hide.

    Where to Attach the Feathers

    • Make sure there is enough distance between the back edge of the feathers and the front of the nock so that the arrow will clear the fingers when it is let go. This is usually 1 or 2 inches from the rear end of the shaft. If you are making your own arrow fletching, be sure you have plenty of space so the adhesive does not get on the nock. This may make the arrow stick to the bow instead of releasing properly. The closer the feathers are to the back of the shaft, the more stability they will give the arrow.