I am referring strictly to bows in the 30# to 40# range, shot off the shelf.

30" draw

Shooting is only for recreational and 3D, field/target points only.

I have always used 4", either parabolic, or more recently shield cut.

I would be interested to learn of other's experiences with fletching size for this type of shooting.

If you’ve got the right arrow, no fletching at all is required.

If you’ve got the wrong arrow or a lousy release, 5” will mask an astonishing variety of sins.

If your arrow spine is substantially correct, 3” will do just fine with FP, but a lot of guys prefer 4” Just ‘Cuz.

"but a lot of guys prefer 4” Just ‘Cuz."

I am in that category.

"lousy release, 5” will mask an astonishing variety of sins"

That would be me, I have a head full of good form, but the body often does it's own thing :(

I happen to have a few old arrows with 3" on them, hauled them out to look at, they do have substantially less are to them.

My experience has been the same as GF's, but he said it much more succinctly than I would have.

I shoot 3" with broad heads

Y -

Doesn't matter, and if your release is really that bad, 12" won't help. Most things we try to make rig "more forgiving" will on mask MINOR errors.

Viper out.

Shot #700 today, WINDY, 30 yds...new arras...wanted to confirm nock adjustment.....very windy...3" feathers specifically to deal with wind...didn't see any wind issue.

At the range I asked a very senior (75yrs?) woman Olympic shooter how she corrected for wind...she said didn't adjust aime: said wind affected her arm, not the arrow.

Is shoot two inch and use them for hunting with the big 160 Snuffer. I will sure help your trejectory.

Bowmania

I use 4" on everything+- 3d, 5spot, hunting. I am meticulous about tuning and alwYs have a couple bareshafts mixed in when practicing.

Since the OP mentioned 3d, I should also mention that many clubs use IBO rules for 3d shoots. IBO requires 4 inch vanes or feathers for the recurve class. I have no idea how or why that makes any sense, but those are the rules. The arrows also have to have inserts with removable points.

"many clubs use IBO rules for 3d shoots. IBO requires 4 inch vanes or feathers for the recurve class. I have no idea how or why that makes any sense, but those are the rules."

Yes, I forgot about that, I think that's true for IFAA, too; not that I think that comes into play much in the US or Canada.

As for the "makes any sense" I have had those thoughts, too. In my past life, I shot trap competitively and I understand the need for rules in shooting shorts.

However, after re-entering archery last year, it seems to me that some of the rules don't make sense to me and may actually discourage participation; but, rules are rules, I just want to shoot and try to improve but don't have to be in the winner's circle, so I just pay my entry fee and shoot where they put me.

I use 3" Parabolic for bows in the 35--40 # Although 5 and 5 1/2 " was the done thing with hunting bows when I started, these days with better tuning and broadhead options I can get by with 4". Still have a hidden stash of 5 1/2 Barred and wide blade Zwicky's in case a big hunt is planned OR for reminiscing.

"I understand the need for rules in shooting shorts."

sports

I wish there was an edit option ;)

Use which ever you like the best.

I shoot IBO a few times a year, 4 inches is mandatory. They work well and look decent, not counting my taste in colors ;-)

A few years ago I went from 5" to 4" with good results. After playing with 3" feathers a bit this spring, I've decided to transition to them for hunting. 3" seems to have been the norm with target archers a hundred years ago but as stated above, use whatever works for you!

1 7/8.

DDave

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