The standard rule of thumb is half as much feathers as the length of arrow. Exp 30" arrow = 15" feather or 3 fives. I see a lot about shorter feathers being used on hunting arrows but do you trade lenth for height? What is considered short that works for well for hunting. I burn 3 3/4" long by 9/16" high and works great but wondering about shorter. Thanks, Tommy

I've been shooting 13mm for height and 2 inches long for about 8 years now. A well tuned arrow flies perfect without feathers, why wouldn't you need 15 inches of feathers? When it comes to recovery a bare shaft and an arrow with 15 inches of feather recover at the same rate, provided they're both well tuned for the setup.

I use the 3 two inch feathers to shoot an 1 1/2 wide Snuffer. Also shoots a Centuar Big Game head straight and I think that's 1 3/4 two blade.

Bowmania

Ask Bomania. I think he shooting some real Short feathers lately.

Been at this more than 60 years, and have never heard that rule before. Seems like someone may have figured out that one after the fact. Regardless, seems to work for a lot of people.

Most factory cut 5-inch feathers are about 9/16 high. Don't know what that translates to in mms. I've been switching to 4 4-fletch lately. To keep the square inches of feather about the same, I'm cutting them at a skinny 1/2-inch high. Probably still have more fletch than necessary. Could probably get by with three 4-inch feathers.

Don't think I'll go to much less feather. Just don't like the way tiny feathers look, and I don't tune as fine as Todd does. :>)

So bowmania that's right at a 1/2" tall also. Does it taper down to the shaft or carry height for the length. Is it parapolic or sheild cut? Thanks for responding.

Like Orion, I've been at this since the early 70's and that's a new one on me.

All the research I've done indicates total surface area is the key. Find what works for you and then you can change it to any shape you like as long as you keep the total equal.

A kaw Indian told me that many years ago. He's still around making wood arrows sale. Cut a couple down and made a visible difference leaving the bow. Less kick off the shelf. Cast was seven yards gain.

You gotta tune fine and let go slick, if you can't do that then don't apply. I have never heard that rule of thumb before. If big feathers look good to you then go with what you like. I like their looks too and still shoot them on some bows, but mainly I use 3 X 2.25" shield cut which are about 5/8" high. If you have your ducks in a row they will stabilize 160 grain Snuffers and 165 grain Simmons Tree Sharks while compressing gaps, flattening trajectory and reducing time of flight. Most of these benefits are realized between 30-50 yards, if you are a 10-17.3 capable shooter then all this is just wasted breath and time. The short feather benefit is best suited to the gapper or string walker, or fixed gap. They do make a difference if your method best suits them and you are capable.

I have some arrows that are 4" 4, some that are 3 by 5.5" high, some that are 3by 5" and some that are 4 by 5". As near as i can tell at my 52 yard point on arrows of the same weight would not change my cast enough for me to tell. However, 3 by 5" on a much lighter shaft will extend my point on a bit. Most often I like arrows that get done 'S' curving as quick as possible, I am much more likely to shoot through thick stuff than I am to take a point on shot in a clear field. I, for sure, am not a good enough shot to tell the difference at 30 yards and in when shooting a deer, but i still, usually, get the deer, never say never. We are all capable of pulling off the dumbest thing when it is least convenient.

Guy's I appreciate all of your input as I was making assumptions about going shorter but cutting higher/taller to make up the difference. I'm not understanding why a particular hold on the string would be more favorable to shorter feathers. Not looking to make changes here in front of hunting season but will be something to work on for future. My granddaughter here's my arrow and sure it's too high. It's 11/16" not 9/16" like I stated originally. Cut it down to 9/16" and noticed less kick for sure. Will check the noise today. Thanks again for the education.

I personally like long and skinny, throw in alburn hair and I'm there. I guess I didn't understand the question

In all the years I've been playing archery I've never in my life heard that ratio as a "rule of thumb". Folks were using less than 5 " feathers many years ago. Take a look at L.E. Stemmlers book, and a lot of the other older writings.

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