## Overview

This article analyzes the vane performance data from our study, focusing on
aerodynamic drag, restorative lift, and sound across all vane combinations.

Below is a quick summary of each metric. For further details, see our
[methods](/research/arrow-study-2025/methods/) page or review the
[raw data](/research/arrow-study-2025/data/).

#### Aerodynamic Drag

We measured arrow speeds at 0.5 yards, 30 yards, and 60 yards with Garmin
Xero C1 Pro chronographs. Using the Precision Cut Archery ballistics engine,
we calculated the drag constant for each vane setup for a true
apples-to-apples comparison.

#### Restorative Lift

Think of this as the vane’s ability to steer a broadhead or correct a
less-than-perfect shot. We quantified this by measuring how far a
fixed-blade broadhead deviated from a fixed reference point at 70 yards,
using an out-of-tune bow and a shooting machine.

#### Sound

This is the weighted overall sound pressure level produced by each vane
combination, as heard by both whitetail deer and humans. All sound testing
was performed by the
[Archery Sound Lab](https://www.archerysoundlab.com.au/).

## Everything in One Plot

This chart shows the aerodynamic drag constant, restorative lift, and
overall sound pressure level for every vane combination in the study.

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 vane combination.

If you only check out one chart, make it this one!

[Figure: ScatterColorPlot]

## Sight Tape Comparison

Here’s a comparison of sight tapes for the most drag-efficient vane, the
average across all vanes, and the least drag-efficient vane. All tapes
were generated for a 450 grain arrow at 280 fps with a DA of 5000
ft—the only variable changed was aerodynamic drag.

The differences between tapes become even more pronounced with faster
speeds, higher air density, or lighter arrows. This example is just one
scenario, shown for illustration.

This is a simple, visual way to see how aerodynamic drag affects arrows
downrange—and why properly accounting for drag is critical for
accurate long-range sight tapes. (And, why you may want to choose a vane
with less drag!)

[Figure: Least Drag Sight Tape]

## Aerodynamic Drag

This chart shows the aerodynamic drag constant for every vane combination in
the study, 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 every vane combination
in the study, 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 every vane
combination in the study, 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 every vane
combination in the study, 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 vane
combination 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]