Fletching arrows

[gunnihunter]

I need some advice and opinions on the best method and tools to refletch my arrows. I am shooting full metal jacket arrows with a 2 degree offset and blazer vanes. As I need to refletch the arrows I would like to do it myself but am confused by the various options available. Should I continue with the 2 degree offset or switch to helical? I am looking to buy a single jig that will serve to refletch my FMJs as well as my hunting partner's carbon arrows and my kid's Genesis arrows...any suggestions? I only started archery hunting a year ago so I need some help. I would appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thanks!

 

[Graylight]

Simply one opinion out of many here, however, I have not gone wrong with a bitzenberger jig with blazer vanes... Yes, it is time consuming to do one at a time... With that said make sure to wipe the contact side of the vane and the arrow itself with acetone or similar surface cleaner to get powder residue and petroleum off before setting into the jig, Goat Tuff works well as the adhesive, I've found that it is a bit better than fletch tite...

You could use an Arizona fletch jig but since it is plastic, sometimes the vanes come out a small touch off if you are the really anal type! They do have a nice helical and is fairly reliable. The Bitz will get you a nice offset and 2-3 degrees is just about perfect for any speed-bow... Anything shooting 270 fps or better.... Like I said, just my opinion... Hope it helps! Happy fletching

 

[RUTTIN]

I use the Bohning Helix Jig. It does one fletch at a time but is made for blazer vanes. Puts a nice helical on them and it works with all arrows, just fletched up some FMJ's with it and it worked well.

 

[Adam]

+1 Graylight....and I always go with the if it ain't broke don't fix it. I've been using the bitzenberger since I learned how to fletch. Time consuming, well kind of, but isn't that the beauty of arrow building? I know that I take pride in my arrows, not only for mechanical reasons, but for confidence when I do draw back. Making sure that every single arrow you build is exactly the same as the one that just left the jig is maybe a little time consuming, but worth it if you take your equipment seriously.

 

[gunnihunter]

Thanks all, I appreciate the comments. It sounds like a true helical is not the prevailing preference (kind of surprised by that really) so I think I will stick with the tried and true. If there are any other counter opinions out there I would still like to hear them but it sounds like I am headed towards the bitzenberger! Thanks again.

 

[Maxhunter]

I currently use 400 FMJs and put as much helical as possible on them. I have a Jo-Jan fletch jig. I tend to see better grouping especially when I shoot my broadheads. I use 2-blade Magnus stinger 100 grain Buzzcut's. I feel with more helical the arrow stabilizes quicker giving you better accuracy IMO. Here's a picture of my arrow after it pass-thru a mulie buck at 27 yards and stuck it a tree
15yds on the other side of the deer.

 

[RUTTIN]

That is an awesome picture of your mule deer Maxhunter. I love the fog in the background.

 

[CrookedR]

Bitzenburger jig, straight clamp and Loc-tite Gel glue. I have a right helical clamp but prefer the straight with a 2 degree off-set and have LOVED the Loc-tite gel glue. Trust me, your vanes won't come off.

CR

 

[Firearrow]

Bitzenburger, with a helical. Worked in a shop for 3.5 years, and I fletched a lot of arrows, and used them all. The Bitzenburger is by far the best, and will last for every, litteraly. It cost the most, and I would by three of them if you can. But like I said, it will last for ever, and is the easiest to use.

 

[HuntinFool]

The picture of the deer and the arrow in the tree are awesome! What does everyone think of the Arizona EZ fletch?

 

[Firearrow]

The picture of the deer and the arrow in the tree are awesome! What does everyone think of the Arizona EZ fletch?

It works fine. I am just partial to the Bitzen.

 

[Graylight]

I referred to the Az fletch in the second post, works okay... Very easy BUT consistency comes when you use the same Bitz for each vane on each arrow. When you use several different jig's you can end up with different results and slightly different flight patterns of each arrow even if you attempt to find the nocking point of each shaft prior to fletching them... I have had many hours upon hours of conversation with Josh at Spot Hogg about this and IMO if you care about your equipment to the Nth degree, use the same jig for each arrow, use care and take your time... It's kind of like fly fishing and art... It's not about how quickly you can do it, but the enjoyment of knowing your equipment, it's tolerances and how well you can create each one When you are done, they are your most important field tools.

Sorry about the book! Only my opinion out of many as I wish only the best results and I have made plenty of mistakes till i found what worked well for me... Happy fletching!

 

[brudno]

I shoot FMJ's and fletch them with 2" blazers, for my arrows, I wouldn't use anything but the EZ-Fletch mini, best way to get a real helical on those 2" vanes, doesn't hurt that its fast either. I used the blitz the first time around was getting what I thought were good results but my groups tightend up substanstially with the Mini.

Maybe my arrows would be more consistent doing them on a blitz, I wont argue that one way or another, but I shoot my arrows enough to know whether or not one isnt grouping and should make the cut or not.

My 1st and 2nd shot, after I put a helical on my arrows.

 

[theguide]

I've been experimenting with the Quickfletch system from NAP this spring. I use the 2" quickspin vanes. I have been very impressed with them. It is so quick and easy to use, and my accuracy if anything has improved. I like the idea of being able to quickly refletch some arrows in camp if needed. Two thumbs way up!

 

[Elkcrazedfrk]

No doubt the Bitz is one of the best there is. I too have fletched alot of arrows. All I use now is my bitz. Used to carry a arizona easy fletch to hunting camp just in case..Well case never really comes when you have a dozen arrows fletched, numbered and ready to go.
I also love the pic of the blood splatter on the tree with the arrow..To cool. One more thing, Helical fletch will stabilize a little faster with broadheads but its been my expierence that 3 degree offset flies almost as good. fletching a good arrow is only one piece of the sometimes comlicated process.

 

[northforkecap]

I'm new to making arrows and just bought the Arizona EZ fletch. I've practiced on about 20+/- arrows and have found it to be easy to use. I'd advise practicing on some of your broken ones to get the hang of it before fletching your hunting arrows. Also, you save time fletching 3 vanes at a time vs one. That being said, I haven't used anything else so my point of reference is limited.

 

[jimmyk]

I concur with CrookedR and use the same exact setup. Loctite gel glue from Wal-Mart is just as good if not better than anything else I have used and is less than $3. The nice thing about the Bitzenberger is the adjustability for trying different offsets, that is, if you like trying different configurations as much as I do.

 

[wileywapiti]

loc-tite gel ultra.....ive used all the others and if you want the quickest drying best holding without having to wipe every vane off first, get it. you will not be disappointed, i promise.