The result can be wild inaccuracy.Īs a longtime bowhunter and dedicated arrow builder I’ve known about the benefits of helical fletching for years, but was recently clued into the intricacies of modern helical fletching by Rick Mowery, 49, current communications and marketing manager for the Pope and Young Club. And in worst-case scenarios, this type of fletching attachment also can lead to nasty situations such as “wind planing” wherein the fletching, or broadhead, might take turns “steering” the arrow. Most production arrows feature vanes attached in a straight, or “offset” orientation, which can cause accuracy problems because these options fail to stabilize broadhead-tipped arrows effectively. The spinning allows the arrow to better stabilize while in flight, resulting in increased downrange accuracy. And why is this important? As its name implies, helical fletching spirals around the arrow shaft, so when the arrow is shot, the helical orientation helps the arrow spin in flight, sort of the same concept as rifling in a barrel. Where do most mass-produced, pre-made hunting arrows struggle? Most fail to offer a true “helical” fletch with today’s shorter, stiffer, two- to three-inch modern vanes. Which is why many of you might be surprised to learn an alarming fact: If you’re buying pre-made arrows, you’re likely not experiencing the best-possible accuracy with your broadheads. We want our arrows to hit where we’re aiming. All of us have our favorite gear choices, but most ethical bowhunters would agree that when it comes to selecting our bows and arrows, our common goal is consistent in-the-field accuracy.

True helical fletching jig