Feather

The feather is part of an arrow’s fletching. It is attached to the rear section of the shaft and stabilizes the arrow in flight. Through air resistance, it helps align the arrow after release and corrects minor deviations in flight.

Types:

• Natural feathers (usually turkey feathers)
• Plastic vanes

Differences:

• Natural feathers are softer and ideal for shooting “off the shelf” or over the hand, as with a longbow.
• Plastic vanes are more durable and are commonly used with recurve and compound bows.

Most arrows use three fletchings. One of them is the “cock feather,” which points away from the bow.