fletch*ing
What Is The Definition Of Fletching In Archery?
1. This is a term used in archery to describe any fin-like attachment used for stabilizing an arrow. These devices add spin to the arrow as it travels, creating a straight path through the air. The most common types of fletching are feathers and vanes.
What Are The Feathers On An Arrow Called?
The term “fletching” is used to describe any fin-like attachments on the end of an arrow, including feathers. In fact, feathers were the first type of fletching used on primitive arrows. Archers would select feathers for their arrows from cocks or hens depending on the size and shape they required. Additionally, feathers would strategically be taken from either the left or right side of a bird in order to achieve the desired spin direction, which would be determined by the natural curve of the feather.
Natural feathers are still preferred by many archers today. However, other fletching options besides feathers have been developed. Plastic vanes have become popular for their lightweight and durable design, affordable price, and the fact that they are often quieter when shot at high speeds, which is valuable for hunting purposes.
What Is The Odd Colored Fletching Called?
On many arrows, the fletching is designed so that all but one of the feathers or vanes has the same color. The odd colored fletching that does not match the others is known as the index fletch, index feather, or index vane. Some call it a cock feather since this particular feather was traditionally taken from a cock while the others were taken from a hen.
Colored feathers can help to track where an arrow hits and distinguish one archer’s arrows from another. However, the purpose of the odd colored index feather is unique.
In addition to being a different color, the index feather is typically angled in a particular way that helps to guide the arrow in both its spin direction and flight path. The angled design also ensures that the fletching doesn’t hit the bow’s shelf when drawing an arrow back and then releasing it.
Archers will place the index feather at a certain position in order to achieve more accurate results. For example, archers who use compound bows often position the index feather either straight up or down to achieve their preferred spin and encourage a straighter flight path.
Examples Of How Fletching Is Used In Commentary
1. The archer has a really unique style to the fletching on his arrows. With the different patterns and colors on the fletching, it’s easy to distinguish which arrows are his.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Archery