I put my arrows through the chronograph today. All are cut the same length of 27 inches and are 400 Beeman ICS Hunters. I have 3 fletched with 4 inch feathers and 3 fletched with 4 inch vanes. My feathers shot 263ft/sec and my vanes shot 257ft/sec.

The arrows with feathers are a little lighter which may account for the differnce in speed. The shooting distance may have been about 6 feet. My question is will the larger surface area of the feathers (friction) slow the speed of the arrow, more than the plastic vane, at a distance of 20-35 yards.

Any opinions :?:

I trie dboth and did not see any significant change in arrow speed. Couple of FPS>>>>>>>>

however, I like plastic vanes as I hutn in rainy weather and I hate that sudden spray of water in my eyes when I shoot an arrow with wet feathers!

There will probably be more drag (friction) in the feathers, but
I dont think it will show up until you shot at greater distances like 40yrds
or more. I like 2 inch vanes. light weight like feathers, without the
drag, and much more durable. They seem to fly just as well as a 4 in
vane also.
Just my opinion.

are you shooting fixed broadheads with the 2 inch vanes?

i prefer feathers mainly for the look and flight, not to mention the recovery speed is alot better then with vanes, i use the waterproofing powder on my feathers so rain doesnt bother me