Tuning a Bow Step 6: Selecting the Right Fletching

Tuning a compound bow can be complex, but it is important for achieving perfect broadhead flight. You can have the fastest bow on earth, but if it doesn’t send your broadhead to the target accurately, it does no good. The good news is, improperly tuned bows can be corrected with adjustments. Some adjustments you can make yourself, while others may require a trip to the local bow shop. Understanding what you need to adjust and how to get your bow tuned correctly is the first task. During the next few months, Wasp Archery will be publishing tips to get your bow ready for fall. Follow along, and by opening day, you will have a bow, arrow and broadhead working in perfect synergy.    

Don’t make choosing the right vanes for your hunting arrow more of a headache than it needs to be. Not long ago, bowhunters could choose between feather or soft, flexible plastic vanes of various lengths and offset, helical or straight vane configurations. Today, specialty veins such as Blazers or Nap Quick-Spins have become the standard for compound bowhunters regardless of what broadhead or rest you use.

Blazer Vanes address both questions that need to be asked before selecting the proper vanes you’re your setup: What kind of broadheads, and what kind of arrow rest am I using?

Some large-fixed blade broadheads need more stabilization. Wasp broadheads are quality tested to make sure they will fly as similar to field points as possible, but not all broadheads are spin-tested and balanced as well as Wasp Archery’s. Sometimes bowhunters need help the arrow vane’s help to stabilize the flight of the arrow.  A faster spinning arrow equals better stabilization.

It’s false to say the only ways to make an arrow spin faster is by using a larger vane or more aggressive helical fletching pattern.  The stiff, plastic-like, urethane Blazer vanes provide outstanding arrow guidance and are rigid enough to withstand repeated shooting through capture-style rests, such as a Whisker Biscuit. For most setups, if you are selecting new arrows and vanes, consider blazers for whatever broadhead or rest you use.

If you are using arrows which have feather or flexible Duranaves and they are working, you obviously do not need to change. On the other hand, if you are not shooting tight groups with a broadhead at the end of this tuning process, arrow stabilization may be a cause. If you have any more questions about what vanes are best to use with you bow hunting setup, comment below or ask us on Facebook.