I'm considering buying a jig to do my own fletching. I want one that is reasonably priced. I will only use it to do a dozen arrows a year. Any advice on which model I should get? I am also wondering which brand of fletching is the most durable. Is there are large difference in weight between the different brands?

It's that time again!!

I use an Arizona...I'm pretty happy with it. They make them for Al and carbon arrows and they won't interchange. I usually use Bohning fletching and it seems to work fine with thme. Feathers may not work as well.

Good luck!!

I've used the Jo-Jan multi (6 arrows at a time) for 10 years, I'm very happy with it. It's easy to use too.

I have a Bitzenburger that I've had for over 30 years. No complaints, and if you are only doing a dozen shafts per year, production isn't a consideration.

I've got the Plastic Arizona Jig (The one that does one vane at a time), I'd get a better one next time I buy. This one is ok but, when fletching carbon arrows the tips of the vanes don't press down firmly and I usually have to manually glue the tips down after I remove the arrow. It works for minor arrow repairs here and there but, it's no Bitz. by any means.

In regards to Fletching, I use a Wisker Bisquit rest and I can tell how good a brand of fletching is after a few shots. I rescently purchased some AAE vanes and They aren't meant for use w/ the WB. The AAEs are very brittle and usually tear after being shot a few times through this rest. The slick type of fletchings made by Bohing are better suited for this rest. I don't know what brand of Fletching is on the PSE Carbon Force arrows I've been shooting lately but, they seem to be very tough.

Good Luck!

Reloader

The Grayling jig is also a fairly decent jig.

I also use a WB and AAE vanes and have had no problems with the vanes watsoever.

I use the Arizona EZ Jig and Blazer Vanes and they both work great for me. I use the Carbon Express CX400 Arrows. I like the fact that if I loose one fletching it is easily replaceable with the Arizona. My friend whom hasa Jo Jann tried the Arizona with feathers and did not like it at all.

Aquavit,

If shot in a drop-a-way or prong style rest they may be fine but, shooting arrows at high speed through a bisquit will quickly tell you which fletchings are more durable.

The AAEs I'm using have the rough textured surface.

If I pull on them they snap rather quickly where as the tougher fletching I have are stretchy. Most of them are breaking but, the bases stay glued to the shaft. Maybe I got a bad batch .

I think I'm going to stick w/ the smooth slick vanes from now on.

Reloader

I use an Arizona EZFletch and like it. But I did make sure to get the right size - I use the "aluminum arrow" version with good results for carbon shafts from .295 and larger.

I use the Bohning 5" vanes. They weigh 48 grains for a set of three. This is significantly heavier than most other vanes. (Which tend to weigh from 24-32 grains per set.)

The Bohning vanes tend to last better than the others in my experience. They normally survive a trip through a "block" target - which happens often with my heavy arrows.

I get the flourescent red and orange ones which work well for me to see in flight.