Feathers or vanes

[hoyt77]

I'm sure this topic has been brought up a number of times. But since I'm new to archery and still learning. I was wondering what is better feathers or vanes?

When I bought my bow here in WA two years ago the gentlemen suggested feathers, so I had feathers put on. But now I'm wondering if that was the right thing to do. Since vanes seem to hold up to our weather in this area better and I was told to make sure the feathers on my arrows are kept dry (which is a real pain). Is this information correct about feathers?

If I change over to vanes, there are so many brands and types out there. What does a new archer like me go with?

[bowhuntin]

If you are hunting on the westside or anywhere your fletching will get wet, I would definitely go with vanes. I like Blazers and have been using those the last two seasons. They are really durable and steer your arrow just as well as the standard four in vanes that come on a lot of arrows.

[Shootmoore]

Compound or trad bow?  My dad and I are firm believers in feathers for a trad bow shooting from a shelf.  There are some techniques to keep your fletching dry on the wet side, or at least dry enough.

For a Compound I am looking at FOB's with a drop away.  Just heard about them today and want to check them out.  Look interesting.

Shootmoore

[bowhuntin]

I agree with shootmoore, if you are using traditional equipment stick with feathers. I just assumed you were using a compound.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I like feathers (although I am trad), vanes will get stiff in the cold, and I treat my feathers with silicone to keep them dry.

[D-Rock425]

I think for a really good answer we need some more info.  what kinda bow, rest what arrows you have.  Are you using them for targets shooting or hunting.  I shoot blazers myself on all my arrows out of my compound.

[Big10gauge]

Guess I'm old school, feathers all the way, whether compound or stick

[PA BEN]

Scotch guard works great on feathers

[mossback91]

mmmm compound with dropaway? FOBs 

[hoyt77]

I'm using a hoyt trykon 70lb compound bow with easton epic arrows (muzzy mx-3 broadheads) and a QAD drop away rest.

[cwuwildcat]

I'm transitioning from the blazer's to FOB's.  FOB's will NOT work if you're using a whisker bisquit.  Got my own blitzenburger, so it makes it easy if I don't like a setup.