The arrow availble for purchase around here all have 4", off-set feathers. No shafts. So that's what I start with. Now that I have a new Bitzenburger with helical clamp, I bought some 4" shield cuts to get started.

Should have asked this question before I bought the 4" feathers, but any real world difference / affect to arrow flight out to say 30-yards between 4" and 5" feathers?

I don't think so gun. I make mine with 5 in. but my son made me some with 4 in. For no better an archer than I am, I couldn't tell any difference. I suspect over a chronograph 5 in. might be a little slower but, as you said, any real world difference has to be minimal.

I've usually shoot three 5" feathers out of my recurves, but have also shot four 4" feathers. Never noticed any difference except I can get the 4" fletched arrows out of my quiver and on the string easier cuz I'm not messing with getting the cock feather turned out, away from the riser.

I shoot 3 4" with 125 grain stingers and 50 grain brass inserts. Perfect flight and zips right thru the deer. Only have a 48# compound by the way.

I ran 5" years ago because everybody said to.
Worked fine.
But now I run 4".
Compound or recurve.
Works fine.

But I only shoot helical.

3 fletch. White cock feather.
Nocks have little indicator bump on side.
No problem loading them up quick from bow quiver.
I run a tab so fingertips can feel nock indicator.

I've used both. Found that if the bow/arrow combo is tuned, the three 4" work great and seem to be a little quieter than the 5". This is in a 54lb Toelke longbow and Chinook recurve. Doubt you'd go wrong with either though.

Dave

Out of a longbow or recurve I shoot 4 5 inch fletched 75X105. But have never shot carbon arrows from either only wood or aluminum.

Switched to carbons 2002.
Switched to 4" feathers 2004.

All my recurves cut past center.

OK. I have 4-inchers so I'll stick with it. Saves on glue.

I used 5" and 5-1/2" 3 fletch for years but mostly use 4" 4 fletch now. The last batch I fletched up I used 3-1/2" 4 fletch shield shape with a higher profile.

I feel like the 4 fletch arrows straighten out a little quicker than 3 fletch and give a little better arrow flight.

When you do a 4 fletch, do you use straight, off-set, or helical?

I've always used helical with traditional gear. I used to use offset with compounds but now use helical there also.

Only folks I know shooting 4 fletch are longbow guys.
Rigs not centershot.

I’ve shot 5” and then switched to 4” 10 years ago.
Recently switched to 4-3”.
All have shot great, out of my compounds.

If your bow won't shoot 3) 4" Feathers(even with broadheads), you need to do some tuning. About the only place I could see shooting 5" feathers would be on wood shafts where they are not very consistent to begin with.

To be clear: I'm not really have a problem with arrow flight on my new arrows. The 3@4" off-set feathers work fine. Just curious about others perspective/experience woith 5" compared to 4".