VANE HEIGHT AND ITS EFFECTS ON VANE PERFORMANCE
A University of Colorado Study
To develop a scientific understanding of vane design parameters and their effects on arrow performance for bow hunters, we sponsored a University of Colorado - Mechanical Engineering study. Vane height was found to be a key parameter in determining a vane's overall performance.
KEY FINDINGS
TALLER VANES OUTPERFORM SHORTER VANES
While the study found that taller vanes have slightly more drag and sound, the greater effect on restoring torque makes them better for broadhead stabilization and accurate flight.
VANE SHAPE STRONGLY AFFECTS RESTORING TORQUE
The study found that the general shape of a vane, and consequently, the distribution of the surface area, strongly affects restoring torque. Vanes that have larger amounts of surface area higher off the arrow and further back from the arrow's center of gravity create a longer lever arm, which more effectively steers the arrow.
