We tested four different vanes in both 3-fletch and 4-fletch configurations.
This article analyzes the data from our study, focusing on aerodynamic drag, restorative lift, and sound across these fletch count configurations.
Is adding a fourth fletch worth it? This is the place to find out.
This chart shows the aerodynamic drag constant, restorative lift, and overall sound pressure level for the 3-fletch and 4-fletch configurations.
Dots that are yellower (quieter) and closer to the bottom-left corner are the best performers based on our test results. Hover over each dot to see the details for that fletch count configuration.
This table shows the effect of adding a fourth fletch - that is, the change in performance from 3-fletch to 4-fletch.
A fourth fletch added 7.3% aerodynamic drag and produced 3.8% (0.9") less fixed blade deviation on average. The sound increase from adding the 4th vane was less than 1dB on average.
Vane Model | Change in Drag Constant (%) | Change in Horizontal Displacement (%) @ 70yds | Change in Deer Weighted SPL (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAE Max 23 | +5.8% | -10.2% | +1.1 |
| Flex Fletch Quad X | +6.3% | +3.0% | +1.3 |
| AAE Max Stealth | +8.9% | -3.9% | +0.3 |
| TAC Driver 2.25 | +8.3% | -4.0% | +0.9 |
This chart shows the aerodynamic drag constant for these combinations, plotted with 95% confidence intervals.
Lower drag means less wind drift, less drop, and more energy carried downrange. In short: lower is better.
This chart shows simulated, normalized wind drift for these combinations, with 95% confidence intervals.
Wind drift was modeled using the Precision Cut Archery ballistics engine, simulating a 450-grain arrow launched at 280 fps in a 10 mph crosswind.
The first plot is at 80 yards and the second at 120 yards. Wind drift increases with arrow drag and wind speed, and scales with the square of the distance.
This chart shows the weighted overall sound pressure level for these combinations, with 95% confidence intervals, as it would be heard by a whitetail deer.
Note: a 10 dB increase in sound is roughly equivalent to a doubling of perceived loudness.
This chart shows the weighted overall sound pressure level for these combinations, with 95% confidence intervals, as it would be heard by a human.
Note: a 10 dB increase in sound is roughly equivalent to a doubling of perceived loudness.
This chart shows the fixed blade horizontal displacement for every fletch count configuration in the study, with 95% confidence intervals.
Lower values indicate that the vane did a better job steering the fixed-blade broadhead, which will translate to more forgiveness with broadheads or with a less-than-perfect shot.