| A couple of years ago, I evaluated these two fletching jigs and as
you know I gave them a great review. Fletching my arrows took on
a whole new flavor when Arizona sent me the Carbon Pro & Aluminum Four
Degree Offset tools (see original review
below).
As it turns out, Arizona did what any good company would. They
improved the fletching tools. So, they sent me two more to take a
close look at.
The improvements were accomplished by totally re-building the molds.
Precision molding processes significantly tightened the tolerances of the
major EZ Fletch components. The results include increased stability
in the fletching arms and a better fit on arrows.
Immediately, I went to work fletching arrow after arrow of varying compositions
and sizes. As before, the EZ Fletch tools were super-easy to use and made
the job fast and fun.
Two major improvements were noted.
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First, when the tool is closed onto the arrow, you no longer have to squeeze
the arms to put the top cap in place. That helps prevent the fletching
from contacting the arrow repeatedly before the cap is in place, which
in turn eliminates glue gaps and twisted fletching.
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Secondly, the arms did not move from side-to-side, which prevents glue
smear. This makes the glue layer more uniform and keeps the arrow neat
and clean.
The bottom line -- Arizona made a very sweet fletching jig even sweeter!
Definitely worth every penny.
Original Review
Arizona E-Z, i.e. simple, without trouble, efficient, smooth, manageable,
"nothing to it", "like taking candy from a baby", and "as easy as A B C".
After field testing two of the tools in the Arizona E-Z fletch family
these are some of the words and phrases that came to mind. Without a doubt,
Arizona knew what they were doing when they named it "E-Z"! Whether you
are a person who has never fletched an arrow in your life or a veteran
of the traditional style fletching methods you will be pleasantly surprised
when you try an E-Z fletch tool for the first time. If you learn anything
from this review, learn this, using the Arizona E-Z Fletch Tool is so easy
that practically ANYONE can do it, even me!
Arizona has been in the arrow fletching business for over 14 years and
they not only manufacture the E-Z Fletcher but they also fletch thousands
of arrows every year. The original model has been advanced through some
great improvements and Arizona has also added five additional models. The
E-Z family now includes two carbon models (a two-degree straight and a
six-degree right helical) and four aluminum models (a two-degree straight;
four-degree offset; and eight-degree right and left helical models).
In the past three weeks I have fletched more arrows than all of the
others I have ever done combined! Why? Because it is incredibly easy with
Arizona's E-Z Fletch tool. Friends often show up in my office to see if
I need another batch of arrows to test my new fletcher on. These same people
were very skeptical when they first saw the E-Z Fletcher, however upon
seeing a few completed arrows, changed their mind.
Although a complete set of instructions comes with every E-Z Fletch
tool a brief overview will aid in expressing the incredible ease of operation:
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Clean fletch bases and arrow.
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With tool in the open position, place fletching in arms and apply a small
bead of glue to each.
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Place arrow in mandril, firmly seating it into the nock receiver.
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Release spring lock pin which closes the arms onto the arrow (do this slowly
and in a controlled manner), place top cap over the end of the arrow and
slide down over the arms.
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After allowing the glue to cure (times will vary based on glue type selection)
remove the top cap, disengage the spring lock pin and pull arms away from
arrow.
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Remove arrow and clean any excess glue from tool. With a glue cure time
of one and one-half minutes each of my arrows only took three and one-half
minutes to complete, start to finish!
To test the E-Z Fletch tool I simply started fletching arrow after arrow
and taking notes. The first arrow was a bit sloppy however the second was
a 100% improvement. That's right, it only took me two arrows to get the
basics down and only one or two more to get fairly good at it.
The first lesson I learned while fletching the initial batch of arrows
was to keep the mandril straight up and down. Tilting the tool in any direction
may result in plastic vanes falling out. This can turn into quite a mess
if they already have glue applied. Speaking of glue, if you have ever fletched
an arrow you will understand, applying just the right amount of glue takes
practice. This, of course, has nothing to do with the E-Z fletcher because
it is a factor when using any tool.
Another item to be mindful of is the quality of fletching being used.
Quality varies with material and manufacturer. This will have a great affect
on the overall quality of your arrow fit and function, not to mention looks.
Be sure to check each individual fletch before applying it to the arrow.
In a package of over 30 plastic vanes I purchased, five were unacceptable
and had to be discarded.
After each arrow has been completed, wipe any excess glue from the tool
arms using an acetone dampened lint free cloth. When the folks at Arizona
designed the E-Z Fletch family they incorporated a material for construction
that glue will not adhere to. This is especially helpful when first starting
out and experimenting with different glue amounts.
In closing there are four more items that should be discussed:
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Feathers, which fit snugly into the arms, should be inserted half way up
the arms and then slipped into position. They tend not to seat well when
placed directly into position.
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The nock receiver located in the mandril of the tool makes it possible
to place an individual vane or feather on an arrow rather than replacing
all three.
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Be sure to use the right tool for the job. I used the aluminum four-degree
offset tool to fletch my "fat shaft" Carbon Express arrows which push the
diameter limits of the carbon models. I used both the carbon tool and the
aluminum four-degree offset tool and achieved much better results with
the aluminum tool. Both will work but the aluminum tool suited me better.
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A rubber "o" ring is located in the mandril making the tool self sizing
within its diameter range. This feature also keeps the arrow in a firm
position after loading.
The results of my testing have sold me on the Arizona E-Z Fletch family
and again the name "E-Z" couldn't be more appropriate! After placing
vanes and feathers on a few dozen arrows I?m convinced you can't go wrong
with one of their tools. No matter what your application, the folks at
Arizona can help you out.
Design: 5 of 5
The design of the E-Z fletch tool is solid and practical. It incorporates
useful features like the self-sizing "o" ring and slotted top cap that
guides itself onto the arms.
Value: 4.5 of 5
The measure of value is not always stated in terms of money. Not only
will the Arizona E-Z Fletch tool save you money but it will also save you
from the wait usually involved with getting your arrows fletched elsewhere.
Another value is the ability to help out your hunting buddies when time
is critical.
Ease of Operation: 5+ of 5
This feature cannot be overstated! The goal of Randy Phillips at Arizona
was to create a fletching tool that was simple to operate for the average
person. Well, Randy has outdone himself with his invention! If you have
hesitated to fletch your own arrows because you thought it was going to
be a hassle, hesitate no more. You will be fletching professional class
arrows within a few attempts.
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
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