whats the difference in fletchings

[j.trevor123]

What is the difference in straight flethchings and swirled ones, etc. I am curious

[KYsquirrelsniper]

The swirled (helical) fletching makes the arrow spin in flight (sort of like rifling spins a bullet), which increases the arrow's stability, and at least in theory should result in better accuracy. Myself and just about every bowhunter I know prefer the helical fletching.

The only real problems with helical fletching are that it's harder to get complete rest clearance with the old prong style rests, and if you put too much helical on the arrow it will create a lot of drag and slow it down more as is heads downrange.

[j.trevor123]

Kysquirrelsniper I have carbon arrows with straight fletchings on them , would it be easy to take them off and put helical ones?? Do u think it would be worth it? Also i have a rest that has the 2 prongs. Any help will help

[KYsquirrelsniper]

This is one of the main downfalls of carbon arrows, as it's pretty hard to get the fletching and the old glue off carbons without damaging them. With carbons you can't heat them much at all to loosen the glue and they're fairly easy to damage if you just try to scrape the glue off. It can be done of course, but it's definitely not something to be attempting if you don't have any experience at it.

If you want to try helical fletching, I'd just get 2 or 3 of the same kind of arrows but have helical fletching put on them. That way you can get an idea of how they will shoot.

[longwinters]

It is almost impossible to fletch carbons with any amount of helical.  Even what is called "off set" is difficult because of the narrow diameter of carbons.  At the same time over many years of shooting carbons and aluminums I see no difference at all in accuracy with or without helical.  If you want to try offset go with 4" vanes not the 5".  But there are some carbons on the market now that are approaching aluminum diameters.  

Long