Either. Neither. You won't notice any real difference. That said, I always use a helical but I have no idea how much. It's just whatever the shaft will take.

 

I'll have to try and figure out what my Bitz is set at.. I shoot 5mm arrows and usually just set the jig according to what the shaft will allow.. I'm using a left helical clamp but with the short vane I'm not sure how much it actually puts on the vane..
I do like to shoot as little offset and helical as possible because the arrows are more quiet while flying..

 

Fletch a few of each and test?

Personally, I am sick of arrow testing so I just smash a left helical on my Max Stealths and never think about the fletchings again.

 

I'd go with the more helical for fixed blade.
I have the EZ Mini Mag and it also puts a great helical on them.

 

You will notice a noise difference more than anything. 3 degree should be a little more forgiving for issues like torque, however 1 degree will be quieter.

 

I like tinkering with different vanes just like you are doing (# of vanes, offset, helical etc.). I usually fletch up 3-4 arrows each of different configurations just like you are doing and test them out. Honestly, most the time, I don't even tell much of a difference. And when I do, it's minimal. But even if I can have a slight increase in performance, it all adds up. Good looking arrows!

 

Shoot both, see what you like better. the 3 degree helical will do a better job stabilizing a broadhead, but will slow your arrow a bit. I think most would go with the helical.

 

Helical with mine.

 

I guess I'm worried that the heavy helical will have an adverse effect at longer range.

I ordered an RX7 5 weeks ago and currently don't have a bow while waiting on it to come in. So i can't test it yet.... trying to have everything ready for when it comes in. Maybe that's a bad idea

 

I guess I'm worried that the heavy helical will have an adverse effect at longer range.

I ordered an RX7 5 weeks ago and currently don't have a bow while waiting on it to come in. So i can't test it yet.... trying to have everything ready for when it comes in. Maybe that's a bad idea

Helical at long distance adds drag to the arrow, period.
Myself the arrow isn't set until the bow is in hand and set up. Arrow IMHO is the last step.

 

I have noticed more noise with an aggressive helical. The less vane (or surface area) the more helical you need to offset that............so IMHO I think a longer vane with less helical is best for a hunter.

More quiet more surface area and flies just as well or better. The only down side is more weight at the tail end but with the low GPI arrows we have today if you plan that into the build it's simple to overcome.

 

I appreciate the advice.

 

No such thing as overkill using helical. Short vanes don't get the effect of helical like 3 and 4" vanes. Drag will be present, but if you're sighted for 40 yards you will hit dead on at 40 yards. So far with short vanes I haven't seen a drop in point of impact.
I've used helical on straight vanes and still able to use prong style rests. I'm talking normal size arrows - .290" diameter and larger. I don't shoot them coffee stirring things.

2.1" Fusion and 4" Bohning Killer

 

A helical offers the best broadhead stabilization and increased distance accuracy, but it is not without tradeoffs. Your arrow will lose more velocity than an offset fletch, and you may get clearance issues. Also you didn’t mention the type of rest you shoot, but a helical fletch is less compatible if you shoot a containment rest. An offset will work with most rests and have less clearance issues.

 

First time fletching AAE Max Stealth vanes and have a question. For those using these vanes with fixed blade broadheads, would a 3 degree helical or 1 degree offset be better?

I asked because I fletched a RIP TKO last night with the helical and I'm wondering if it's overkill. Then fletched a 1 degree offset and I'm thinking it might not be enough to control a slick trick magnum.

I'm using a bohning tower jig so I only have the option of 3 degree helical or 1 degree offset.

Help me out..... pics of each below

I was confused for a long time. Offset is done with a straight clamp, but later I learned that it's still helical. 2 degrees is just all one can get, depending on diameter of the arrows. A helical clamp curves over the shaft. Bohning has noted their jigs (more than one) giving 3 degree helical for short vanes.
I had the Tower all the goodies for it - Bohning also has extensions - sets the vane farther up the shaft, the Big Jig and the Helix jig. Sold them to a archery shop starting up. Nothing wrong with them.

Jigs like Bitz, Grayling and the no longer made Jo-Jan had full length clamps, both straight and helical. Said is the helical clamp will give 11 degree of helix (spiral) to a 4" vane. Don't ask me how they degrees....cause I don't know.

999.999% of all my fletching is done with a mult-Jo-Jan jig (6 arrows at time). I have 2 with helical clamps and 1 with straight clamps. I have stand alone Jo-Jan that I can use either clamp and I have a old ancient Martin (looks like a Grayling) that has a straight clamp and helical clamp........