Fletching lifetime?

[ID_Paul]

I have not been able to get out for archery season for about 7 years now; had too much work, then was planning to go last season until I mashed my bow hand with a paving compactor. So far this year is looking better and both my hands work again, so I started practicing a few weeks ago.

It seems that every session, I had to cull an arrow due to a fletching vane peeling or breaking apart. My quiver was down to 3, so I got some new glue and started repairing them yesterday. I shot again this morning, and 3 of the newly fletched arrows flew wild. Upon inspection, I found a vane had peeled off completely on one, and the other two had new vanes that had shattered.

These vanes have been in a tackle box in my bedroom for 7-8 years. Never were they exposed to harsh weather or sunlight. Evidently I need to scrap my entire stock and start over.

Bottom line question, how long should vanes last in storage? And how often should the fletching be replaced on arrows?

Thanks.
Paul

 

[alpinebowman]

I have had some experiance with old vanes and none of it is good. they usually get britle and break easily even if they don't get exposed to the elements. As far as arrows go I usually have to refletch an arrow every month or so because I end up nicking the vanes with other arrows. So I don't have to worry about old fletches on my arrows. but a good vane should last you 2 years without a problem.

good luck.

alpinebowman

>>>---shots that are true pass right through--->

 

[easymoney]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-13-05 AT 05:25PM (MST)[p]Most new high quality vanes will last for many shots, but even just sitting "in a tackle box in my bedroom for 7-8 years.", you will have to refletch. There are new adhesives that are great and hold very well. A fletching tool,the vanes and other supplies are actually the cheapest component of your archery gear, but one of the most important...
I shoot the quickspins on my goldtip arrows and have had very good life.