Let's start with buying arrows that are pre-fletched.  Most archery shops get their arrows from distributors that are mass-produced.  The overall quality is good, but your options are limited.  For instance, most mass-produced arrows come with a straight fletch, so if you are looking for a helical or a little more offset you either special order or are out of luck.  In either case there is a wait and an extra expense. There are however some archery shops that do custom fletching and these shops will make them to your specifications. 

The other option is to fletch your own. Which seems like such a natural thing for a bowhunter to do and its not a daunting task I assure you. By doing it yourself not only do you save money, you also have the enjoyment and pride that comes from doing it yourself. 

You are also able to pick and choose the style, color and length of fletching you really want and make your arrows more personal.   If you really want to have a custom look there are a lot of new arrow wraps on the market that give you the look of a dipped and crested arrow without the hassle of using paint.  These wraps are basically latex labels that you roll onto the shaft before you fletch. They are made in a variety of colors and designs that not only give you a distinctive, custom look but also help you see the arrow in flight and on the ground after the shot. 

Are there more advantages to fletching your own arrows? 

Well, there is also the convenience.  You can fletch your arrows when and where you want.  Because you can fletch your arrows anytime, there is no need to save up a bunch of arrows and drive to the dealer to drop them off only to then drive back to pick them up. You don't have to wait for someone else's timetable.   You can repair them at the range or in the field when the need arises, which saves you time.  If you happen to tear a fletch off or shoot a vane, which happens a lot.  You just refletch your arrow and keep shooting, no waiting.

Since you are fletching your own arrows, you will also have greater consistency in them.  Every arrow that you fletch will be the same as the last on you did.  All the arrows will have the same style of vane or feather on them along with the same style helical.

With all these choices you can actually maximize the effectiveness, not just the look of your arrows. You can easily and inexpensively experiment with different styles, vanes and feathers and also lengths to find out which fly the best for you.

Then there is the extra cost.  Paying someone else to fletch your arrows simply costs you more money than doing it yourself.  How much more will depend on labor charges the archery shop sets and cost of materials.  Some dealers will even charge extra for carbon arrows that have been fletched with super glue.  Gas that you will use driving to and from the dealer will also add to the cost as will your time which, contrary to some, is not free.

And last, fletching and cresting your own arrows, to make your arrows uniquely yours is fun and it's easy. 

So now that we some information, let's talk about fletching tools.  There are many fletching tools on the market today. The one that I like the best is the Arizona E-Z Fletch from Arizona Rim Country (ARC). 

This fletching tool is light, super tough, precise, consistent, convenient, and inexpensive.  With the Arizona E-Z Fletch, unlike other makes that can only do one vane at a time, does all three vanes at the same time.  One, two three, arrow done.  I really like that the E-Z Fletch will accept either feathers or vanes without having to change anything on the tool.  And another neat feature is the arms of the tool are interchangeable, so that you can change the helical.  For instance if you have a right helical and wanted to try a left helical, all you do is change the arms and it is done. 

For those who want precision arrows, want to save money and enjoy doing it yourself, nothing beats the ARIZONA E-Z FLETCH.

If you are wondering how to use this indispensable tool, instruction on fletching with the E-Z fletch is simple. First is the preparation of your arrows.  The arrows must be wiped clean with a cleaning agent, such as isopropyl alcohol and left to air dry. 

With carbon arrows I have found that lightly scuffing the shaft helps the vanes adhere better.  Now with the tool open place your vanes or feathers in the slits of the arms with the odd color arm being for the cock vane.  Carefully run a bead of glue on all of the fletching. Glue choice is a personal decision, but I have found that the vinyl based glues are easier to work with than the super glues.  The vinyl based glues are not as harsh on carbon arrows and the super glues actually bond harder than the carbon making it extremely difficult when refletching, because you will remove some of the carbon when stripping old fletching. Now insert the arrow into center hole with the nock receiver.  Close the tool and install the top cap, set it aside for a few minutes and you are all done. 

You now have a professional arrow done in less than three minutes.  So, how hard was that? 

The Arizona E-Z Fletch comes in a number of choices. There is a carbon arrow model in a right helical or straight fletch.  The aluminum tool is offered in a right, left helical, straight fletch, and four degree offset.  For further information or questions about the Arizona E-Z Fletch contact Arizona Rim Country Products at 6401 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite A, Chandler Az.  85226 (602)961-7995. 

For more information please contact:

ARIZONA RIM COUNTRY
6401 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite 'A'
Chandler, AZ 85226
Web: http://www.ezfletch.com
Email: sales@ezfletch.com
(phone) 480-961-7995
(fax) 480-961-7996
Dealers only call: 800-635-6899