Arrow Fletching Questions

[Necronos]

I heard that we can not use (Feather) Fletching on arrows, only (plastic) vanes. I can't find this anywhere in the BOW and since I am only now branching into archery, I want to get an answer from someone who has been arching for awhile.

So, now for the questions:
Are Feather Fletchings legal?
What are the pros/cons between fletchings and vanes?

Thanks!

[Freyson]

1.4.8. Archery Restrictions:
1.4.8.1. No compound bows or compound-crossbows.
1.4.8.2. The maximum poundage allowed on a bow is 35 lbs pull at 28 inches of draw.
1.4.8.3. The maximum poundage allowed on a crossbow is 15 lbs at its loaded draw.
1.4.8.4. A draw stop is required to prevent an arrow from being drawn more than 28 inches.
1.4.8.5. Arrow striking surfaces may not easily pass more than 0.5 inches through a 2.5 inch diameter hole. No part of the arrow?s striking surface may be less than 2.5 inches in any direction.
1.4.8.6. All arrows must contain a perpendicular penny secured at the end of the shaft.
1.4.8.7. The arrow?s striking surface must be constructed of open-cell foam.
1.4.8.8. All arrows must have at least two full fletching.
1.4.8.9. The striking surface of an arrow must be tape free.
1.4.8.10. The arrowhead should not have excess axial or lateral movement.


1.4.8.8 is the only rule involving fletchings on arrows. There is no limitation on type, size, materials, etc.. Feel free to use vanes, feathers, or whatever as long as there are at least two.

As far as pros/cons, the only thing I have noticed is that longer, bigger, and more angled fletchings seem to make the arrow more accurate.