Straight vs. left helical

[Oregonboy]

Hello,

I just got a dozen arrows (Easton Axis, 5mm, 340s) and I decided to get half straight fletch and half left helical fletch. I've always shot straight fletch and had fine results. I figured I would try something new with the left helical and if I hate them, I can always re-fletch.

Should I expect different flights or groups from left helical arrows? What do you guys prefer and why?

 

[Austink47]

No expert but, I shoot a helical, for me and my bow I find it more forgiving, especially with fixed broad heads. Draw back they will do some weird stuff in the wind, with my set up at 80 the helical is hitting About 8” low vs straight vanes.

 

[Don Qui Puncher]

Offset straight or no offset? I love a slight right offset

 

[wapitibob]

Which way does the shaft turn coming out of the bow?

 

[Oregonboy]

Which way does the shaft turn coming out of the bow?

I believe they’re turning to the left, I’m not 100% certain though. I’ll have to pay more attention next time I shoot.

 

[Oregonboy]

Offset straight or no offset? I love a slight right offset

Not sure, I’ll post a pic soon.

 

[Oregonboy]

Offset straight or no offset? I love a slight right offset

 

[Billy Goat]

Picture looks like a left offset. I have all my shafts fletched left, either helical or offset, all 3 of my current bows have rotated the bareshaft ccw. I have shot left versus right offset in one a good bit to try to determine a difference and I haven't been able to. But I figured if that's how it wants to leave the bow why try to change it.

With helical fletching it will create more drag and it slows the arrow more. If it's to a degree you can tell depends on your setup.

 

[Bownut400]

I have been testing left helical versus right helical and have found no difference, at least with my shooting ability. I tested them with broadheads and field points. I found the biggest difference is just the broad heads them self. As long as the broadhead spun true it would group either left or right. From your picture the isn't a ton of offset. it might affect you out to a 100 yds. I used a Arizona ez fletch and it will put some crazy helical on a shaft, I believe to much helical.

 

[wapitibob]

The target guys started fletching based on spin direction a few years ago and not one of them can tell you it's made one addl point difference at the end of the day. It's one of those "it can't hurt" type thing. If fletched opposite they will stop turning after coming out of the bow and reverse direction.

 

[roadrunner]

Which way does the shaft turn coming out of the bow?

Normally clockwise, or right-hand-rule. Bullets naturally rotate to the right and so the rifling is the same to spin faster for more stable flight.