As Thomasair points out (and one of the best there is at reading the wind), the flags and tail response at longer distances is very difficult to interpret. I had 4 flags (Wicks dual vane) evenly positioned at 75 yard qualification and also at 100 yard finals. In both situations, rarely did I have all 4 flags line up together to give me usable information on when to shoot. When they did line up, it was usually when the tails were straight out and parallel with the ground (high wind) which is not a signal for when to shoot. The wind speed and hold off is impossible to estimate in those conditions. For the most part in qualifying and in the finals, usually the 2 flags out farther were pointing in completely different directions than the 2 closer flags. Sometimes all 4 showed something different! I was not relying on my flags/tails feedback but more so the feel of the wind on my face and neck and using the thread attached to the end of my barrel as my information source to process. it worked out this time for me but it also showed me I need a LOT more time using flags to help me become a better shooter. You will notice that scores were significantly lower in the finals. Distance complicates the information chain you have with your flags. I noticed some really good shooters at EBR only set out 1 flag mid way. Others used a single shaft straight up in a block of wood with surveyors tape mounted onto the shaft. The style of flag you select is not as important as how many you use and placement and how you decipher what they are telling you. Best of luck on your quest and you will figure out what works for you, it just takes time behind the trigger and those flags!
P.S. Keeney, Graham and Wicks are probably the most commonly used but there are others you will find.
Thx
Dan
