PETE WARD

"WELCOME TO MY OUTDOOR WORLD"

Review

 Bearpaw Arrow Fletcher

REVIEW:

The Bearpaw arrow fletcher is a well made well thought out fletching tool that should last a lifetime. It has a solid metal base,  {an additional base plate is available to mount the fletcher in groups of 3} and the clamps are made of modern poly type materials. It secures the clamp in place with 2 very strong magnets that will keep the clamp firmly set in place.

 My favorite feature is the thumb switch that instantly changes the fletcher from a 3 to 4 or 6 fletch pattern without the need for any tools.  The main arrow shelf is sized for conventional arrow shafts , but for those of us that like very small diameter shafts the fletcher comes with a second shelf to accommodate the smallest size shafts available.This is great for those with Kids shooting the very small diameter carbon arrows  that can be frustrating in conventional fletching jigs . To change to small diameter shafts takes just a minute, the shelf is secured with a single Allen screw, and the Allen key is included with the fletcher. No worries about loosing either shelf, as the shelf not being used is stored on the main frame with a screw to keep it there.

Small diameter shaft shelf in storage clip

 The clamp is graduated with a scale to allow for precise feather placement on every arrow, and the main clamp base is also adjustable ahead or back in 3 diferent positions by removing the 2Allen  screws and fixing it in the position you want. Left right adjustment is again done with 2 Allen screws .The left right is also repeatable  by using the reference pointer/scale on the magnets base plate. The magnet base is also held in position by a ball bearing and spring at each end so it does not slide all over when you try to adjust it. Simply loosen the 2 mounting and adjusting screws and turn the base to achieve good feather to arrow contact and tighten. The Clamp stays put while making the adjustments you need because it is also under tension from the spring loaded ball bearings underneath it .

 Adjusting Allen screws that don't strip

To sum it up, we have a fully adjustable fletcher,  3, 4 or six fletch at the flick of a switch. It is also adjustable easily for left/right, forward and back.  The base can be mounted to a board, or the optional multi base to allow 3 fletchers to on a single base.  If you don't want a base plate the fletcher will sit with an arrow on it without any base plate at all.

Free standing on uneven ground

Above photo from Bearpaw site showing base plate

 I did hear from a couple people that they glued their clamps together and broke them trying to open the super glued clamp.  I don't think this is a problem with the clamp.  I have been using poly clamps from another maker for years, and hundreds od arrows without any issues. The first thing with any fletching  is to be neet, and not have glue all over the place.  The second thing is to make the clamp glue proof. It's easy , a quick wipe with some string wax, furnature wax, boot dressing, or soap along the clamp edges prevents all glues from sticking and any mess you do get on the clamp easily comes off when hard with a scrape of the thumb nail.

 I don't mean to say that a heavy wax job is needed, , think about it, just a film of wax, soap etc. is all it takes to prevent the glues for adhering. Wipe it on then wipe it off.  It works for all clamps metal or plastic/nylon and makes cleanup easy without damaging the clamps.

 The Bearpaw fletcher is also backed by a 10 year warranty.

"Welcome to my outdoor world

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