Arrow Prep

I managed to lose, "Robin Hood" or otherwise break most of my arrows from last season, so I ordered up a dozen new Carbon Express Maxima Hunter 350s from Lancaster Archery Supply a few weeks ago.  I had them cut them to length (26") for me, but I like to "build my own."  I started by squaring the ends with the G5 Arrow Squaring Device, and then I installed the inserts.  After that I put on a wrap made by Bohning.  I ordered wraps and Bohning Blazer vanes in white, neon green, and neon yellow.  I also got nocks to match those colors.  After careful deliberation, I settled on the neon yellow wraps and nocks with two neon yellow vanes and a white "cock" vane.

To put on the wraps, I use a mouse pad and a short ruler.  I put the wrap, sticky side up, on the mouse pad and use the edge of the ruler to make sure it's straight.  I put the wrap right up against the ruler, and then I line up the arrow by putting the nock end (no nock installed yet) up against the ruler.  Now when I roll the arrow over the wrap, the arrow will stay straight.  Apply slight downward pressure on the arrow and roll smoothly over the wrap, stick the nock in, and voila!

Next I attach the vanes using the Bohning Helix Jig and some Loc-Tite Control Gel superglue.  I've found that this super glue works better than any of the "fletching adhesive" that I've ever tried.  It's also cheaper and readily available at Wal Mart.

First you insert the vane in the jig and apply the glue to the bottom of the vane.

Then you place the jig on the base and let it sit for a few seconds.

Finally, a little dab of super glue on the ends of the vane, just to keep it on tight.








The finished product!

I've made the final adjustments to my bow and sights with the new arrows and broadheads, and tomorrow is opening morning.  I'll be in the stand by 6:30 AM.  Good luck to all you hunters hitting the woods tomorrow!