Fletching steers an arrow, acting like a rudder on a boat or those automatic corrections a new can will make if it crosses a line. For best performance and accuracy, archers should use the arrow that requires the least correction, and this can be determined with a bare shaft test. This is an old-school tactic, and many young folks may be surprised to learn that an arrow without fletching can still fly accurately. The trick is to select and tune an arrow that fits your bow such that the fletching is only needed for minimal guidance. The video below is the best I’ve seen on this topic, and it uses graphics to explain it clearly. The process can be done in your backyard, and once done, you can expect consistent arrow flight every time.
