How to fletch with spin vanes
With outdoor season in full swing, many archers on the field can be seen shooting with some kind of spin fletching. I have had a few questions about how to actually fletch them, and since I had a whole set of my own to make, I thought I would write another step by step tutorial. If you have any questions, please let me know.
You will need:
-1 pack of spin vanes, as well as fletching tape and lining tape (these may come with the vanes, depending on the manufacturer). I have used Xs Wings.
-Your arrows (of course)
-A fletching jig (optional if you have marked wraps but the clamp is very useful!)
-Also optionally, a pencil and scissors.
First off, you will want to prepare your bare shafts for fletching. Make sure they are clean- dust and grime free, as it helps the adhesive bind properly. Roll any arrow wraps you may have onto the arrow. If you have wraps with marked lines, you can skip the next bit.
Mark your arrows
Measure one of your vanes, then pop your arrow into the jig.
Use a pencil to mark three lines the length of your vane at equal spaces around the shaft.
Attach the vanes
Unlike normal plastic vanes, you do not need to mess about with glue to fletch. This makes spin vanes much easier to repair when you're on the range or in a competition.
The tape provided may be much longer than your vanes- it makes it much easier to cut the sheet to the length of your vanes beforehand.
Take a piece of the double-sided fletching tape and place it along the side of the line you marked. This is the most fiddly bit, but make sure it’s straight along the line! Additionally, ensure all three pieces are on the same side of the lines- you want to keep the tape equally spaced.
Clamp one of your vanes and line the straight edge up on the tape. Place it on the shaft and when youre happy with the placement press it down gently.
Repeat with the other two vanes!
Finishing off
The vanes are on but they are still quite fragile. Take the lining tape and cut it to length- you'll want enough to wrap around the arrow a 2-3 of times but no more- otherwise you'll be adding unnecessary bulk.
Place the tape between two of the vanes. The idea is to trap the ends of the vanes without constricting their shape.
Wrap the tape following the direction of the vanes. For RH spin vanes, that’s anticlockwise.
Press down the excess, and wrap the other end of the vane.
You’re ready to shoot!