My favorite plastic vanes - VaneTec Swift

The VaneTec Swift 1.87" vane

Since switching to recurve I've experimented with a number of different types of vanes for my arrows.  I've tried VaneTec SuperSpine in a couple of lengths, AAE WAV vanes, FlexFletch FFP187, and VaneTec Swifts in a couple of lengths.  While the WAVs and the FFP187s did fly well, each had their own issues.  Of all the plastic vanes I've tried, the ones that have consistently worked best for me are the VaneTec Swift series vanes.

What are they? 

Swift 1.87" and 2.25"

The Swift vanes are a low-profile, shield-cut, plastic vane.  They come in plenty of colors and are available in three sizes: 2.88", 2.25", and 1.87".  While not designed to be an ultra lightweight vane, they are comparable in weight to similar vanes from their competitors (except the WAV).  Even though they're marketed as a 3D shooting vane, they work great as recurve vanes.  I've personally used both the 1.87" and 2.25" vanes but not the 2.88" vanes.

How well do they work?

Swift vanes work with all fletching glues and have a narrow, but not too-narrow base, which makes them easy to glue on.  They have a nice shape that makes for attractive finished arrows.  They're also very durable and don't discolor much in sunlight or when exposed to adhesives.  Most importantly, they fly very well.  For me, they fly just as well as the WAV vanes and the FFP187 vanes.

Recommendation

Blue and Flo. Green 2.25" Swifts

If you're looking at trying out some high performance vanes and don't have to have the absolute lightest plastic vanes available, you'd have a hard time finding a better plastic vane than the Swift vanes.  Although they're heavier than the WAV vanes, they're far easier to glue on and are more durable.