Helical

[gunnergraves24]

I’ve been thinking about running a helical for my archery setup this year as I’ve heard it helps with broad-head stability. I see most guys run a left helical and some guys run to the right, does anyone have any suggestions on this?

 

[Wannabebowhuntr]

I like helical. But the only reason I see to differentiate between right or left is if you clock how a bare shaft is coming out of your bow and pick helical to that direction to keep things always moving in the same direction. Personally I haven't done this and just went with right helical so I don't have to deal with points coming loose.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Do you shoot long ranges? Like 70, 80, 90?

Helical is good but I found at long ranges it becomes a parachute and the arrow drops way too fast.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

If you're shooting a single bevel broadhead, it's a good idea to match fletching direction with bevel direction so both components work to spin the arrow in the same direction.

If you're not shooting a single bevel, it doesn't matter which way you fletch. Some folks will advise you to "clock" your arrows and fletch to complement natural/bareshaft rotation direction. Clocking is a waste of time IMO, but if it makes you feel better, waste away. The arrow will be spinning in the direction of the fletching within a few feet of launch whether you fletch with or against natural rotation direction.

Regarding amount of offset/helical: the greater the angle, the more drag the fletching will induce, and the better able it will be to steer/stabilize the arrow. Like other aspects of fletching (e.g., vane count, height, length), it's difficult to say a priori how much offset/helical angle is enough. If you like to tinker, fletch up a few different configurations and see which groups best with broadheads. If you want to just do it once, three high profile vanes (e.g., Bohning Blazer, AAE Max Hunter) at 2-3° offset is a popular choice that works well with most broadheads.

 

[rkcdvm]

I did the extreme helical that EZ fletch makes. It was fine but it does tend to parachute past about 65 yards. I started using 3 degree helical and I personally think mine fly better in that configuration.
This may be just me coming from a rifle shooter background.... my rifles like certain loads and bullet weights.. I also feel like my bow shoots certain setups better than others. I may just be crazy and convincing myself that it does .

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I shoot out to 100 yards regularly, and with a moderate amount of helical have not ever noticed ballooning or parachuting. Which reminds me, I need to set up the chronograph and see what the actual speed loss is out that far...........

 

[gunnergraves24]

I shoot out to 100 yards regularly, and with a moderate amount of helical have not ever noticed ballooning or parachuting. Which reminds me, I need to set up the chronograph and see what the actual speed loss is out that far...........

This is good to hear!

 

[ResearchinStuff]

This is good to hear!

yards fps
0 284
20. 277
40 268
60 259
80 251
100 241

No balloon detected. My helical is not extreme, but it perfectly matches what you get when you order left helical from black ovis

 

[Wannabebowhuntr]

yards fps
0 284
20. 277
40 268
60 259
80 251
100 241

No balloon detected. My helical is not extreme, but it perfectly matches what you get when you order left helical from black ovid

Thats awesome