Shrink Wrap Fletching???
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: Twinetickler
29-Dec-24
I usually fletch my own arrows, but had a buddy shooting shrink wrap fletching. They seemed to fly great. Any downside to them from those that have experience with them?
From: fdp
29-Dec-24
I haven't tried any of the newer versions, but the ones that were around 15 or so years ago were pretty bad.
From: Corax_latrans
29-Dec-24
You mean using heat-shrink tubing as a cap?
From: fdp
29-Dec-24
Nope it is a product made by folks like Trophy Taker that is a section of heat string tubing like material with the vanes attached. You slip it over the shaft and then dunk it in boiling water.
From: TEmbry
29-Dec-24
The ones I tried 10-15 years ago were flimsy and tore easily/didn’t keep a tight fit. I’m sure they improved immensely. If I was to try one piece vanes again I’d use the newer versions that are already the correct diameter for the arrow and still use glue for adhesion. Seem to be made from a much more durable material that way.
From: Arrownoob
29-Dec-24
I have been selling labels and shrink sleeves for many years and I wouldn’t recommend a shrink sleeve with fletching attached. It seems like it would make a fine arrow wrap. They are heat sensitive so if you leave it in the sun or in a hot car it might move/shrink and cause your arrow vane to shift. It doesn’t seem as sturdy as adhesive wrap.
From: Mark Watkins
30-Dec-24
Twine, I used them 10-12 years ago with “OK” success.
If you’re wanting to get away from fletching your own, a lot of manufactures sell arrows with helical fletching now (I use Victory with great success).
Mark
From: buckeye
30-Dec-24
I've used them with no problems.
From: Blood
30-Dec-24
If you’re referring to the NAP shrink fletching….they aren’t good. They will tear and the vanes will fall off them over a short time. Nothing but problems.
There are better options if you want that style of fletching. Look at Zinger.
From: DanaC
30-Dec-24
On a related note, does anyone use shrink-tube crown/cresting? Easy to glue feathers to?
From: Twinetickler
31-Dec-24
I know the ones he was using were the cheap ones from Amazon. I don't mind fletching my own, but he fletcher a dozen in about 5 minutes.
From: WV Mountaineer
31-Dec-24
I have used them in the past. As stated already, they were a one shot deal through an animal. They are plenty accurate though.
I still use the wraps and while they are tougher than the wraps with fletching, it’s only because of their lower profile. There isn’t but so much you can expect from a vinyl heat shrink.
From: buckeye
31-Dec-24
The one on the left went thru 3 deer this year, the one in the middle went thru a squirrel. No problems so far.
From: buckeye
31-Dec-24
From: Twinetickler
01-Jan-25
Awesome buckeye! Thanks for the input.
From: Zbone
01-Jan-25
Zbone's Link
From: Bow Crazy
01-Jan-25
I have been using the Bohning for at least 5 years with no issues, both my sons as well. They are very durable, easy to install too. I can't think of anything negative about them really. BC
From: Ace
01-Jan-25
I’ve had pretty good luck with them. Make sure that you Clean all the glue and any debris off the shaft and use simmering/ boiling water deep enough to submerge the entire wrap.
For the ease and amount of time they take they are a worthwhile option, particularly for someone with my (lack of) skill level. YMMV
From: WYelkhunter
02-Jan-25
I used them for the last 10 to 12 years. Absolutely no problem with them. I know 2 other people that use them and they like them also. Easy to put on. as accurate as any other fletching. Very durable. Easy to put on easy to take off. I guess the only down side would be if you do lose one fletching you have to replace all 3. but to me that is not a down side. this past year I switched to Easy Vanes just because I can get different sizes, helical and colors on the vanes. I have been very impressed with them.
