Archery term
Vane
Definition
A vane is a fin attached near the rear of an arrow, typically made of plastic or a similar synthetic material, that steers and stabilizes the arrow in flight. Most arrows carry three or four vanes, the synthetic counterpart to traditional feather fletching.
Why it matters
Vanes create the drag that corrects an arrow's orientation after it leaves the bow, helping it fly point-forward and group consistently. Their size, shape, and the amount of helical or offset twist applied during fletching affect stabilization and forgiveness, which is why vane choice is part of building a tuned arrow.
Related terms
Where it applies
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