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, the inventors at Arizona Rim Country knew what they were doing when they named it "E-Z"! Whether you have never fletched an arrow in your life or are 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!

• 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).

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: 

1. Clean fletch bases and arrow. 
2. With tool in the open position, place fletching in arms and apply a small bead of glue to each. 
3. Place arrow in mandril, firmly seating it into the nock receiver. 
4. 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.
5. 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. 6. 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!

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 that applying just the right amount of glue takes practice. This, of course, has nothing to do with the E-Z Fletch 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 ARC 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: 

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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.

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 when getting your arrows fletched elsewhere. With the E-Z Fletch, you make your arrows like you want them, when you want them without having to pay someone else to do it. 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 Rim Country 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.

Contact Information: 
ARC
6401 W. Chandler Blvd. #A
Chandler, Arizona 85226
1 800-635-6899