## Overview

We tested four different vanes in both 3-fletch and 4-fletch configurations.

- AAE Max 23
- AAE Max Stealth
- Flex Fletch Quad X
- TAC Driver 2.25

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.

## Everything in One Plot

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.

[Figure: ScatterColorPlot]

## Summary of Results

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.

[Figure: DataTable]

## Aerodynamic Drag

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.

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]

## Normalized Wind Drift

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.

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]

## Vane Noise, Whitetail Deer

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.

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]

## Vane Noise, Human

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.

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]

## Vane Fixed Blade Displacement

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.

[Figure: CategoryCIPlot]