Why 2-fletch?

[coyote pup]

I've noticed the 2-fletched arrows are somewhat popular. But I wonder, is there any practical reason to put 2 feathers on instead of 3?  What would you use a 2-fletch for that you wouldn't use a 3-fletch for?

[Pat B]

One less feather!    
   The two fletch is a Native American(maybe world wide) style of fletching. All the feathers are for on an arrow is steering and straightening out the arrow after it leaves the bow.
   There are many styles of fletching. I like trying different style to see how they work. The 2 fletch worked well enough for me that I made all of my hunting arrows last season with either a Cherokee style 2 fletch or a hybrid style 2 fletch.       Pat

[TRACY]

I've used 2 fletch with rivercane and tonkin bamboo with good results. It's easy to do and doesn't require a fletching jig. You also get to utilize tail feathers and secondaries. My limited reading is that the Cherokee and Seminoles used it successfully.

[Hillbilly]

What they said-takes less feathers, works good, is a correct local historical style for many areas, and is usually a quicker and easier method of fletching. You could also ask, why not? Why eat only chicken when there are other meats out there? Is there any practical reason to put three feathers on instead of two? What would you use a three-fletch for that you wouldn't use a two-fletch for? I use both styles (and more) and like them all.

[coyote pup]

Cool. Thanks for the responses guys. So I guess there really is no reason to do it or not to do it. It would make sense, making more efficient use of your feathers. fletch 10 arrows with 20 feathers instead of 30. I like it. And I gather that it works just as well as a 3 fletch, so I agree-why not.

[hedgeapple]

Pat, I'd love to see pictures of you Cherokee and hybrid 2-fletched arrows.   

[JackCrafty]

You guys need to check out the "Best Arrow Set" posts in the ARROWS area and check out Pat's arrows.
(dang!....I guess people miss the most obvious things.....)

[madcrow]

I saw some somewhere that looked interesting.  They split the cane, cut the quill off the feather and cut it to about 6 inches long and slid it into the cane and wrapped it front and back.  I may have to try a few of them.

[mullet]

  The question might ought to be, " why Three fletch instead of Two?"  I imagine Three fletch came from Europe.

[Pat B]

Madcrow, this arrow was done like you described. It flies pretty good too.
 

[Pat B]

...and here is another 3 fletch type that uses feathers most folks don't think about...

[Hillbilly]

Pat, I like those three-feather radial fetches, too-and they work great with even small, flimsy feathers. I find myself using Eastern Woodlands fletching styles more all the time.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[hedgeapple]

I love those arrows, Hillbilly.  Thanks for posting.  They answered a few questions I had.

[huntertrapper]

mine dont get as delicate as these seasoned guys are. i dont have the patience i just cut em and tie em on like you would 3 fletchings. flies pretty well and staright

[Traxx]

I believe 3 fletch came about,as a result of folks gettin caught in a down pour.They still had enough layed down fletch with 3,or if they lost a fletch,they still had enough to keep em flyin.I use a 2 fletch,and group em with my 3 fletch,even with broadheads.I believe,that the key to sucessfull 2 fletch,is to have well tuned arrows.The big 3 fletch can cover up or improve untuned arrows,especially with broadheds.You get an arrow properly tuned n you dont need the whole bird on the end of an erra to get it to fly straight.