What material is commonly used for constructing arrow fletching?

The use of plastic or real feathers for constructing arrow fletching is grounded in their performance characteristics. Fletching serves the critical function of stabilizing an arrow in flight, which is essential for accuracy and consistency. Real feathers are lightweight and provide good stabilization, while plastic fletchings are durable and can be manufactured in various colors for better visibility. Both materials effectively help control the arrow's flight path, allowing hunters to improve their aim and success rates.

In contrast, the other materials listed—wood, aluminum, rubber, carbon, glass, and composite materials—are typically used for other components of archery equipment such as arrows or bows but do not serve the specific purpose of fletching in the same effective manner. Wood and aluminum are primarily used for the arrow shaft, while rubber materials are not suited for fletching due to their weight and flexibility. Similarly, glass and composite materials might be used in the making of some bow components but do not have the aerodynamic qualities needed for arrow fletching.