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Modern hunting bows are quite expensive nowadays and that also includes the arrows. Fletching your own arrows will save you a lot of money. However; you need the necessary tools and the best arrow fletching jig to get the job done.
Contents
My Top Arrow Fletching Jig Reviews
Arrow fletching jigs help you fletch your own arrows. What makes them better is the fact that you control the quality of your own arrows and design them precisely how you want. That’s also what makes fletching on your own so enjoyable to do.
Bitzenburger Machine Tool Jig for Fletching
Bitzenburger Machine Tool Jig for Fletching has been one of the most popular fletching jigs on the market for a long time. There’s a reason behind it, it’s built to last with a die-cast alloy and all-metal construction. This also means it’s easier to clean, especially the excess glue residue.
This fletching jig does everything you need and has been the go-to choice for do-it-yourself archers. You can put three or four fletchings on any arrow shaft.
It has a large dial that keeps the spacing between fletchings right every time. You don’t find this feature often in most fletching jigs.
You can adjust the angle of fletchings with the Allen screws on the top and bottom of the clamp magnet. You can adjust it to fletch straight, offset, or true right or left helical within a matter of seconds.
The only downside of this product is that it has no clamps. You have to buy them separately. The value you get in the long-term is excellent though since you won’t probably have to use another fletching jig for a lifetime.
Pros
- Durable die-cast construction
- Easy to clean
- Solid and accurate arrow rotation
Cons
- Clamps are sold separately
- Need some upgrades for some fletch types
Bohning Helix Tower Fletching Jig
The Bohning Helix Tower Fletching Jig provides a three digit right helical on its three vanes. This is one of the best features you can have for fletching. The vanes are spaced 120 degrees apart and can set very fast.
Unlike the versatile Bitzenburger, this works only for shafts with push-fit nocks. The center post can fit five different diameters, though.
The Bohning Helix Tower can hold any length of shaft. It won’t topple over even when it is holding some of the heaviest hunting arrows since the shaft is held vertically.
This Fletching Jig is easy to use. Just set the shaft in the jig, open the arms and set the vanes n those arms. Then apply glue, lift the arms to the shaft and secure in place with one or two clamps.
Unfortunately, the arms of this arrow-fletching jig are made of plastic. This means you may end up with a huge cleanup job if you’re not careful with your glue. That being said, this is still a solid, reliable fletching jig even with its limited uses.
Pros
- Three degrees right helical
- Fletch three vanes at a time
- Quick set vanes
Cons
- Only compatible with shafts with push-in nocks
- Some parts are made with plastic
MS Jumpper Adjustable Fletching Jig
Don’t let the tag fool you, the MS Jumpper Adjustable Fletching Jig is made with highly durable materials and will last you for a long time.
Unlike the Bohning Helix Tower Fletching Jig, this product can work with arrows of all different materials. It rivals the versatility of the Bitzenburger jig and can hold wood, carbon rod, fiberglass, and aluminum.
The MS Jumpper fletching jig comes with a large grip for easy hold and control. Because of this, it’s easier to keep the arrow in place without the fletching jig moving around. It makes the process much easier.
Just like the Bitzenburger, you also have pre-set dial stops that you can pick for consistent fletching. You can pre-set for a 3 fletch at a 120-degree angle and a 4 fletch at a 90-degree angle.
This product also has an updated magnet adjustment. It comes with a large grip for ease of use. It allows you to keep the arrow in place without the use of your hands.
Overall, it has so many uses. Although the materials are durable, they’re not fully metal so the durable is not that great.
Pros
- Can hold different arrow materials
- Magnet adjustment with large grip
- Pre-set dial stops
Cons
- Mostly made of plastic
- Glue can get easily on the jig
Features to Consider for Arrow Fletching Jig
An arrow fletching jig is simply a tool to hold your arrow shaft in place. It helps you to accurately and repeatedly glue vanes to the shaft in a pre-determined configuration.
Therefore, much of the work still places on you. The features I will consider center around how the arrow fletching jig will make the work easier for you.
Versatility
Your fletching jig should work on the type of fletching you want to apply to your arrow. Not all jigs can support all types of fletching.
This is why the Bitzenburger Machine Tool Jig and MS Jumpper Adjustable Fletching Jig are great because they can be used for most types of fletchings. Although, you need to buy the specific clamp for the Bitzenburger.
If you’re unsure what fletching types are, here are some of the common ones:
- Straight Fletchings: the simple design. It imparts little or no spin onto the arrow when in flight.
- Offset Fletchings: these increase the arrow rotation when in flight.
- Helical (Left or Right): these make the arrow to spin clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Spin Wings: these impart more spin that offset fletchings
- Flu-Flu Fletchings: these cause maximum drag on the arrow and limit its flight distance.
Number of Fletchings and Spacing
More fletchings and spacing means you can have a faster and quicker fletching process. The Bohning Helix Tower Fletching Jig has 3 vanes and excellent spacing for a smooth process.
You will commonly find these fletching configurations:
- 3 fletches with 120 degrees spacing
- 4 fletches with 90-degree spacing
- 4 fletches with 2 75 degrees and 2 105 degrees spacing
Construction Material of the Jig
For the construction material, you want aluminum since it has the best durability and can practically last you a lifetime of use. Fletching jigs will get some glue residues on them so have one that is easy to clean up.
You will generally have a hard time removing glue residues with plastic fletching jigs. While their affordable, they are also hard to clean up. An aluminum one like the Bitzenburger Machine Tool Jig is best if you’re looking for the long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fletching Your Own Arrows Worth It?
Fletching your own arrows is totally worth it. It reduces your maintenance fee in the long run. You are also free to customize your own arrows the way you want them. Fletching is a great skill to learn and quite an enjoyable hobby to pass time.
Is Helical Fletching Better than Straight?
The two offer different effects to your arrow so you can’t really say one is better than the other. Helical fletching will give you a significant spin on your arrows. The spin will help stabilize your arrow and improve accuracy.
A straight fletch prevents the wind resistance you normally see with offset or helical. It also eliminates the helpful rifling effect needed to stabilize your arrow.
Conclusion
Good arrow fletching jigs are necessary if you want to fletch your own arrows. They help make the fletching a lot easier. Having the best arrow fletching jig will only make your work faster and a lot more comfortable.