Image Text: Illuminated arrow nocks
Alt-Text: Illuminated nocks
Image Description: Illuminated nocks on arrows
Archery has remained a popular sport for a long time now but over the past decade, we have seen a large number of people getting into the sport. Many people were impressed by Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games and decided to pick a bow and shoot like her. If you are one of them and new to archery, you’ll have a lot of questions in your mind. One of the questions that you might ask is, ‘What is a nock on an arrow?” Well, we will let you know.
What is a Nock on an Arrow?
A small part that is found at the bottom of your arrow is known as nock. The nock goes into the bowstring. Nocking an arrow simply means putting the nock of the arrow into the bowstring of a bow. There are different types of nocks. Some of the most common ones include:
· Press-Fit Nocks
This is a standard arrow nock that’s pressed into the back-end of an aluminum or carbon shaft. If you intend to use a press-fit nock, you should pay attention to the shaft diameter of your arrow. You’ll need to get a nock that fits your arrow perfectly. This could mean that you will have to buy the nocks manufactured by the company that made your arrows. Once you’ve bought a nock, press them into the arrow and you can start shooting. Two main benefits of press-fit nocks are their affordability and ease-of-installation. Generally, most arrows come mounted with press-fit nocks so you might not have to buy them separately. If you want to keep things cheap and simple, the press-fit nocks are ideal for you.
· Pin Nocks
Pin nocks are another option for archers. These nocks feature two separate components. There’s an aluminum insert that’s supposed to be glued into the arrow shaft. A small pin protrudes out the back of this insert. After the insert has been properly glued in, you just have to snap the nock onto the pin. Unlike press-fit nocks, pin nocks are designed to address the unique needs of competitive archers. The main benefit offered by these nocks is arrow protection.
With the advanced crossbows of today, it is possible to hit the same spot on the bullsye with multiple arrows. Pin nocks would protect your arrow and prevent them from breaking when you hit the same spot. The plastic nock would break but the aluminum insert would survive. You can then simply change the broken pin nock with a new one and start shooting again.
· Illuminated Nocks
Illuminated nocks are another popular type of arrow nocks. These nocks are specifically designed for hunters. If you have spent some time in the wild outdoors to hunt with your bow, you would know that most wild animals move around sunset and sunrise. Tracking your arrow in dim light can be difficult. This is where illuminated nocks are useful. Illuminated nocks are made in different ways, but they all have two features in common. They light up when they are shot and can be turned off afterwards. The light helps archers track the flight of their arrow and also allows them to easily recover the shot arrows from the field.
Best Illuminated Nocks
1. Carbon Express LAUNCHPAD Precision Lighted Nock
Carbon Express is a recognized brand in the archery world. The LAUNCHPAD Precision Lighted Nocks are designed and engineered in such a way that they won’t affect the path of your arrow. At only 18.5 grains, these nocks won’t affect your accuracy in any way. Moreover, they won’t slow or skew your shot upon release. The Precision Lighted Nock would keep your arrows accurate, ensuring that you are able to hit your target.
These illuminated nocks feature high-visibility LED brightness, which means that you won’t lose them. The downside of these nocks is that they are made with high-quality materials, which means that they might break after some time.
Pros of the Carbon Express LAUNCHPAD Precision Lighted Nock
- Shock-resistant
- Don’t affect accuracy
- On/off feature
- Lightweight
Cons of the Carbon Express LAUNCHPAD Precision Lighted Nock
- Not made with high-quality materials
2. Aokur 3PCS Automatic Led Lighted Nock Crossbow Arrow Nock
If you are looking for a top-notch illuminated arrow nock at an affordable price, consider the Aokur 3 pcs automatic led lighted nock. These nocks feature a simple design and are reliable and easy to use. The lighting system of these nocks is simple – they light up when the arrow is released and stay lit until turned off. There haven’t been any issues with the lights of these nocks being faulty, which means that you can purchase them with confidence. The battery on the Aokur Nocks last for 24 to 48 hours. It is worth noting that these illuminated nocks are designed for crossbows, not compound bows.
Pros of the Aokur 3PCS Automatic Led Lighted Nock Crossbow Arrow Nock
- Easy to use
- Simple design
- Inexpensive
- Reliable
- On/off feature
- Tool included for easy on/off
Cons of the Aokur 3PCS Automatic Led Lighted Nock Crossbow Arrow Nock
- Non-replaceable battery
- Not for compound bows
Final Thoughts
We have answered the question, “What is a nock on an arrow?” Now, it should be clear to you what a nock is and what it looks like. We have discussed some common types of nocks that you can use with your arrow. If you want to go with illuminated nocks, consider going with the two products we have listed above. These are the best illuminated nocks currently available in the market. If you have any questions, feel free to write us a query.