Bitzenburger Dial-O-Fletching vs. Bohning Helix Tower

[Rodéo]

Looking to re-fletch some arrows since I have a few perfectly good shafts with ripped/torn fletchings.

Seeing if anyone has real world experience using these two fletching devices and what the main pros/cons of each are.

I can get the Bohning for $54 delivered and the bitzenburger I can get delivered for $100. I generally tend towards the buy once cry once side of things but I won't be crying over $46. Just a grad student trying to save a buck and fletch his own arrows from time to time.

Any experience/info with either model is appreciated. Open to suggestions to other models as well if there's something out there that blows these two out of the water.

Thanks as always,

Rod

 

[Kahuna]

You wanna cry, check out the Firenock jig.

 

[Billy Goat]

I haven't used the bohning tower thing but I'll tell you this. Lots of new jigs come out all the time. One has been around for a long time and is still around. Even after fletching styles change and everything else. My money would be on the bitzenburger jig. Says the guy who owns 3 other types of jigs also that aren't used anymore.

 

[Bbell12]

I’ve got the Bohning tower jig. It’s quick, easy, and does a good job. Cleaning it is easy too and even though it’s made out of plastic it’s actually pretty sturdy. I’ve never ysed any other jigs but I would recommend it from my experience.


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[Don Qui Puncher]

Get the bitz with a straight and helical clamp you can go wrong, I recently did the zenith upgrade and it’s been great so far

 

[StopMakingSense]

FYI, a good deal on ArcheryTalk https://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5661653

$40 shipped for used Bitz w/ Left Helical clamp, my buddy got one

 

[ahlgringo]

I have both- started with the Bohning- Honestly its quick, pretty easy, and does an ok job. It is difficult to get consistent even fletching though- really easy to be 1-2 mm up or down shaft. Does that make a huge difference? no- but doesn't look quite right and I really like to be more precise.

The Bitz is perfect- every time, also can easily switch to 4 fletch

takes more time, but I end up with a product I am a little happier with

 

[kylem]

All I'ved used is the Bitz and I love it

 

[HonkeyMcGee88]

I bought myself a Bitzenberger recently to start doing my own arrows.

I honestly didnt even look at any other after hearing all the good about the Bitz. It's easy to set up, and has a multitude of different options from offset, 3 vs 4 vs another 4 fletch, marks to set vanes at different spots down the shaft, etc.

I definitely would say it's a good long term investment.

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[Trial153]

I have had the same blitz for about 25 years. I have had probably 6 other jigs through the years. The bitz is still here the other arent.

 

[TravisIN]

Bitz. Get on eBay and search bitzenburger and 60x has them for 87 shipped.


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[Rodéo]

Bitz. Get on eBay and search bitzenburger and 60x has them for 87 shipped.


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Thanks for this. Will be buying

 

[Rodéo]

Appreciate the advise folks. I'll be going with the bitz

 

[Piscatory_4]

Does the Bitz use a different frame for the left helical clamp?

 

[TravisIN]

Does the Bitz use a different frame for the left helical clamp?

I don’t believe so


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[jmez]

No, all three clamps work on the same frame with the Bitz. I've had mine 30 years, great tool.

The biggest con to the Bitz is the learning curve and if you are fletching arrows for anyone other than yourself. It is a bit tedious to get set up correctly. It is very precise so little movements make a big difference in the vane contact. It can be a little frustrating when you first start to get even, full contact on the entire vane.

Once it is set up you won't have to change it unless you are doing arrows from someone else.

 

[Piscatory_4]

Been using a JoJan for several years with decent results but am frustrated with not having any indication of offset angles etc, just have to eyeball and not move it once set and working good for you. So I bought the Bitz because I thought it had degree of offset marks on it but unfortunately it's the same in that respect to the Jo Jan jig. I still have to eyeball it for what looks good to me. I don't use the same diameter arrows either for every bow so adjustments have to be made if refletching after a lost fletch or 2. The magnet holding the clamp is a good improvement over the JoJan just using gravity to keep the fletch base in contact with the arrow. With the Bitz when you push that clamp into contact with the shaft it stays in place.