By Sophie Meering
Jet6 Vanes, like some other archery products and companies in the recent times, have been a big hit on social media, and are used by some big names, including the Olympic, World, and European Champion Mete Gazoz and his Turkish teammates, and World Champion Marie Horáčková. Even the Korean Hooter Shooter, the robot archery machine, shooting against Kim Woojin and Lim Sihyeon in their Paris Olympic prep, was fletched with the Jet6s!
Source – Jet6
So, what’s the big deal?
I have tested them over the past year, and the durability is better than any vane that I’ve shot up to now. It’s very rare that they tear and, even when crumpled, they are able to revive and go in the group. There are few vanes out there that could do this.
Testing
During testing, I did some slow-motion videoing of the arrow leaving the bow. The arrows showed better flex due to the reduced drag force from the architected six airways on the vanes. The vanes are designed and engineered to control the flow field – hence their shape, with a dip close to the shaft. (Check out the many articles on the arrow aerodynamics by Dr James Park in past issues of Bow International.)
Application
The vanes are also easy to apply, having a curve on the backs for the perfect shaft contact; they almost wrap themselves around the shaft.
Jet6 have created a tool that is intended to allow the vanes to be applied easily and precisely. The vane strips are perfectly spaced on the clear plastic, so that they can be rolled onto the arrow shaft perfectly spaced. I personally haven’t tried the tool yet, but if it does what it is claimed to it will save time and frustration when it comes to arrow maintenance!
Do they crumple?
As I mentioned, Jet6 seem much more resistant to crumpling than most vanes. They are made of a slightly thicker and more robust material than most, so are less vulnerable to damage either in use or in the tube – so less time fletching and more time shooting! Friends who have tested them confirm my opinion.
Made in Korea
Not only are the vanes durable, reliable, and aerodynamic, but they have a great pedigree, having been designed by the world-renowned coach Kisik Lee, along with the engineering expert and developer, Professor Woongchul Dan Choi. When Korea creates a vane, why wouldn’t you use it?
Colours
I should also mention the beautiful colour range, matched with armguards and arrow pullers, because colour coordination is essential to shoot well. I personally love the blue and white colours. The blue is a deep royal blue, but slightly translucent, and the white is clean and professional looking.
Recommendations
I used to shoot 2” EliVanes and found them very similar, so decided to stick with the 2”; but depending on your poundage, draw length, and arrow length you might want to look at getting the
1¾” vane that is also available. Jet6 recommend that recurve women and juniors use 1 ¾” while men and 28.5” arrows use 2”, but also say that it’s a personal preference and that is just a guideline.