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If you’re new to archery, you may be under the impression that this sport is all about sending arrows all over the place. But as you progress as an archer, you’ll learn that adjusting your equipment and fine-tuning your gear to suit you best can gain you major advantages! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fletching arrows so that you can hit your mark and master your bow.

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  • Question
    How do I determine if you should shoot right or left helical?
    Jerzy „Xinef” Redlarski
    Jerzy „Xinef” Redlarski
    Community Answer
    You can choose either, there's no right or wrong choice here, since all it affects is whether the arrow will turn clockwise or counterclockwise in flight. Your handedness and shooting style doesn't matter, you can choose either left or right helical just fine. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind: Use only left-wing feathers for left helical and right-wing for right helical. Vanes are neutral and can go both ways. For screw-in arrowheads, some people recommend right helical because when the arrow is spinning fast when it hits the target, left-helical arrows may loosen the screw, while right-helical will tighten it. Other people just add glue/wax to secure the screws.
  • Question
    For a right handed shooter, should the helical be on the left or right?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't matter, as the helical is a curved fletching, just so long as you have the one fletching pointing away from the bow.
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Tips

  • It is possible to fletch by hand without a fletching jig, but this is not recommended to anyone without extensive experience, as proper fletching is essential to having accurate arrows.
  • Straight fletchings are most often spaced around the arrow shaft at angles of 120 degrees.
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Warnings

  • After rubbing the shaft down with alcohol, refrain from touching the area of the shaft where you will be applying the fletching. Skin oils can cause your fletching to adhere unevenly.
  • Only attempt to fletch an arrow with off-set or helical fletchings if you have been instructed beforehand in how to operate your specific jig for that purpose. An inaccurately measured or positioned off-set or helical fletching can impede your arrow's progress rather than improve it.
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Things You'll Need

  • Arrow shaft
  • Fletchings
  • Fletching jig
  • Powerful glue
  • Denatured alcohol
  • Clean rag

About This Article

Anthony Porter
Reviewed by:
Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
This article was reviewed by Anthony Porter. Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure. This article has been viewed 157,306 times.
87 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: December 13, 2024
Views: 157,306
Categories: Archery
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 157,306 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Buddy Clarkson

    Buddy Clarkson

    Oct 23, 2016

    "Honestly, I'm a rookie to archery, not quite familiar with arrow fletching. But after viewing this..." more
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