What are some of the differences between radial and straight fletching? I used to fletch by hand with mixed results, I happenend to be pick up a fletching jig by chance passing through a larger city, that was all they had. I see the benefits of a jig as opposed to by hand, mainly being easier, faster, and symetrical. No I am wondering how much of a difference there is between straight and radial.
With radial the arrow spins which increases overall accuracy, but my straight fletch also spins to some degree. And the choice of fletching comes into play as well. For example, ive used canada goose and micheals craft feathers when i first started out. Now I have also had a chance to use wild turkey and some type of goose from china, which worked well. ( oh btw Id use seagull feathers before I use Micheals again)
I did notice that even with the chinese goose feathers(primary), because the way they were trimmed and applied, there was some natural radial curve which aided in the spin and was fairly accurate despite my horrible aim at times. And the canadain goose feathers also primary, when cut were completely straight and very stiff, but still spun when "Loosed" to some degree. Now I have also shot arrows with radial fletch, but the arrows were not matched to the bow, but were still accurate, well they went straight despite being stiff.
So I guess my real question is, How much difference is there and am I missing out?
I figure that im doing alright considering I dont really know what im missing out on and dont really have any complaints, so is the grass greener on the other side of the fence, Im too "$$ short $$" at the moment to look over.
