The field of archery has experienced a fair amount of technological advancements over the years. One of the greatest inventions is the lighted nock.
While these illuminated nocks have a very simple design, the role they play is indispensable. Their function is to illuminate the nocks, which are typically attached to arrows or crossbow bolts.
Once the nock casts its lights, the ostensibly challenging task of tracking arrows or bolts as they hit the target is simplified. This is particularly crucial given how fast, modern archery arrows travel.
Not sure where to get started? We’ve got you covered. We’ve reviewed the best lighted nocks and highlighted a couple of factors you should consider when buying one.
Benefits of Using Lighted Nocks
We’ll start with the basics, a nock is a piece of hunting gear that’s typically added to the rear of the bolts/arrows right behind the fletching.
If you're new to archery, you're probably wondering whether there's a difference between bolts and arrows. While the terms are used interchangeably, bolts are shorter in length and they're often used with crossbows. Conversely, arrows are longer and they're usually attached to compound bows.
Most nocks are made of either plastic or carbonate material. Question is, are these nocks really necessary? Is there a need to buy nocks for your crossbow bolts? Well, the answer to these questions is a resounding yes.
There are three primary reasons why you should consider adding lighted nocks to your bow, namely:
- They make it easier to keep tabs on the arrow's flight path
- Enable archers to see where the bolts hit
- They help hunters find their arrows more easily after shooting
Track Arrow Flight Path
If you don’t like shooting in tight groups, then there’s a good chance that you’re assertive in your shooting form. This then means that if you’re constantly missing your targets, your arrows could be the culprit.
Now, the easiest way to determine if one of your bolts is flying aimlessly is to use a lighted nock. This way, you’ll be able to observe the flight path it takes once it leaves the bow. You can then identify any unusual flight patterns and tweak your tools accordingly.
See Where the Arrow Landed
Another part that lighted nocks play is to help you see exactly where the arrows hit. Let’s say you were taking part in a deer hunting activity.
If you aimed for the deer’s heart or lungs, you can be sure that the wounded animal will die pretty fast and humanely. On the other hand, if it hit the gut, then the deer will die at a much slower pace.
This is where a bow lighted nock proves useful. It helps you figure out the specific part of the body that you hit. This is particularly handy when you’re hunting in low-light conditions.
Once you establish where it hit, you can make wise decisions in terms of when you should track it. In the event that you didn't make a clean kill, a lighted nock makes it easy to follow the blood trail.
Find the Arrow
Purchasing bolts, arrows, and broadheads is not a cheap affair. But what’s even more expensive is losing your arrows and bolts entirely.
The best lighted nocks enable you to keep track of your hunting tools, especially in poorly-lit settings. This, in turn, increases the chances of recovering them successfully, even if you missed your target.
Limitations of Nocks
While lighted nocks offer a ton of benefits, they have several limitations as well.
For one, using illuminated nocks is regarded as being illegal in some parts of the world. So before you rush to buy one, do a bit of research and determine whether it’s legal to use them in your country/ state.
Moreover, lighted nocks are more costly than regular nocks. And given that they rely on batteries to operate, they’re doomed to run out of juice and stop operating unexpectedly.
Reviews of the 5 Best Lighted Nocks
1. Lumenok Signature Nock
Have you ever struggled to find a lost arrow in a poorly lit setting? If you have, consider purchasing Lumenok Signature Nock.
This nock activates its lights almost as soon as you shoot, allowing you to follow the flight path of your arrows and bolts easily. You will be particularly impressed with how bright the green light cast is. This then hastens the process of finding your lost bolts.
While activating its light is incredibly easy, turning it off is not. You have to pull the nock up until it no longer lights up.
Another feature that sets the Lumenok crossbow nocks apart entails the powerful lithium battery that powers it. This provides decent battery life of up to 40 hours.
Also important to note is that the Lumenok lighted nock is fitted with a Polymeric battery holder. The purpose of this is to protect the battery inside from a tough impact that can lead to its failure. The fact that this battery holder is simple to access makes the batteries easily replaceable.
In case you were wondering about compatibility, the nock lights are meant to fit .245-inch ID carbon and aluminum shafts. The .245-inch refers to the inside diameter of the shaft.
While the Lumenok Signature Nock comes as a set of three, it’s only available in a single color: green. If you’d like the freedom to choose from other colors, check out the Nockturnal Predator Nock set. Not only does it come in different colors but also in a pack of three.
Regardless of the color you choose, these nocks light up brightly. This is thanks to the long-lasting batteries that they’re equipped with. To be a little more specific, each battery is designed to last at least 20 hours.
If you're keen, you'll also notice that these nocks come in two sizes. So what size Nockturnal lighted nocks should you get? Well, this depends on the size of your bolts. For smaller bolts, choose size 1 and size 2 for larger ones.
Another thing you’ll like about the Nockturnal lighted nocks is that they come in a universal design. This allows them to serve as half-moon, flat, and capture nocks.
Each nock boasts a piston-driven contact switch. This is what activates the LED light, and it’s a process that doesn’t require any special tools.
Better yet, there's no assembly required with these nocks as they arrive ready to use straight out of the package. Simply insert the lighted nock into your crossbow bolts, and voila, you can start shooting!
Also important to note is that the Nockturnal Predator nocks are completely shock-resistant and waterproof. This means you can use them even in inclement weather.
Carbon Express has had a front-row seat when it comes to the latest technologies of hunting equipment. So it’s not surprising that they’ve given lighted nocks a try.
The Carbon Express LAUNCHPAD Crossbolt is considered one of the best-lighted nocks for crossbow bolts.
This nock has one major highlight: a lightweight profile. At just 18.5 grains, these are among the lightest illuminated nocks in our review.
The benefit of this lightweight design is that it doesn’t affect the arrow's path. This allows you to shoot with high precision and nail your targets.
Another feature that makes the LAUNCHPAD be considered the best-lighted arrow nock is the fact that it’s fully adjustable. The manufacturer offers a custom-precision fit, making the nock compatible with almost any brand of crossbow bolts.
The on/off feature is an excellent addition to this nock. This makes it easy to determine whether the LED light is turned on or off.
Also important to note is the aluminum housing of each Carbon Express LAUNCHPAD Crossbolt nock. The purpose of this is to maximize protection during high-speed shots. In particular, it protects the battery and LED units.
Are you looking to invest in more sophisticated nocks for crossbow bolts? If you are, you’ll appreciate the technology incorporated in the TenPoint Omni-Brite 2.0 lighted nocks.
The nocks that come as a set of three, are equipped with Omni-Nock technology. What this does is minimize the likelihood of loading accidents.
Such accidents are particularly common among capture and moon nocks. In the case of flat nocks, this technology prevents shoot-under and shoot-over issues.
The three-piece design is another reason why these are considered the best lighted nocks for crossbow bolts. The structure starts with a nock receiver insert containing a 6-sided interior cavity.
This is meant to accept both the LED light and transparent nock. The nock receiver easily attaches to the nock end. However, you’ll need to ensure that it aligns with the vanes.
Unlike other nocks that are only compatible with 1 or 2 shafts, the Omni-Brite 2.0 fits the most common arrow I.Ds.
This is made possible by the built-in locking clips, designed to work with different arrow and shaft sizes. The specific shaft sizes that can be used with these nocks are .297, .300, and .305. And in addition to the clips and nock receivers, the manufacturer also includes a reflecting tool in the package.
Looking for the best lighted nocks for crossbow bolts that will offer a longer battery life? Then you should check out the Clean Shot Nocks that come as a set of three.
Each nock is powered by a 3.5V lithium battery that delivers a runtime of 24 hours. This gives you more than enough time to retrieve your crossbow bolts safely.
Another reason that explains the high rating of the Clean Shot lighted nock is its compatibility. The three nocks are designed to work with the three most popular carbon arrows: .285”, .300” and .297”.
Also crucial to note is that these nocks can work with fast bows. According to the manufacturer, they can be attached to high-speed crossbows that shoot at speeds of 350 fps. This aspect makes them an excellent gift for archers, especially those who like to practice shooting at top speeds.
The fact that this lighted nock is easy to switch off is another admirable feature. To achieve this, just pull this nock all the way back till it produces a soft “click” sound.
Half Moon vs Flat Lighted Nocks
There are two main varieties of lighted nocks: the flat and half-moon. The primary difference between these two has to do with their designs.
Half-moon nocks tend to have a groove that runs through them. This structure allows them to adhere more tightly to the bowstring.
Conversely, flat-lighted nocks contain flat discs on their end, and they’re a bit more universal as they’re not limited by bowstrings.
In fact, most flat nocks can be adjusted, giving you some wiggle room when it comes to placement. The drawback to this is that if you adjust wrongly, the nocks may end up slipping off from the string.
Sizing Guide for Lighted Nocks
There are a few factors you should consider when purchasing lighted nocks for crossbow bolts, and one of these is the size.
Typically, nock sizes correlate with the diameter of the arrow or crossbow bolt. That said, different manufacturers use varying metrics to estimate nock sizes. While some use millimeters, others prefer to use inches. Here’s a simple sizing chart to help you choose the correct size.
Letter Size Millimeters Inches
- G 4 mm 0.165”
- X 5 mm .204”
- H 6 mm .233”
- S 6.5 mm .244”
The arrow shafts you have at hand will likely be labeled using letters. Before purchasing, ensure that you choose nocks, whose sizes correspond to your arrow shaft size/letter.
Most nocks will usually indicate the specific shaft sizes that they’re compatible with. So this shouldn’t be too hard to figure out.
How to Choose the Right Lighted Nocks
Here are a few things you should take into account when picking the best lighted nocks:
Color
If you’ve been shopping for illuminated nocks for a while, you may have noticed that the majority come in bright LED lights, specifically in shades of either green or red.
However, it’s not unusual to find other colors such as pink, orange, and purple. The good thing about having a variety of colors is that you can experiment and determine what works best for your eyes.
As a rule of thumb, green is the most ideal color if shooting in broad daylight. This is because it’s the most perceptible to the human eye under such lighting conditions.
That said, there are instances where you'll want to avoid using these green-lighted ones. One is when you're shooting in a green landscape. And the second is when you're using night vision gear. This color cannot be detected through such equipment.
But if you hold most of your target shooting sessions in dim light, then low wave-length colors, like red, are the best. Red is also an excellent choice when you’re in a hunting area that has a lot of greenery.
For a seamless experience, consider investing in nocks of different colors. This way, you can choose the best color-suited nocks depending on the situation at hand.
Weight
The weight of a lighted nock can make or break your shot. Specifically, nocks that are bulky or too heavy can end up compromising the accuracy of your shots.
In addition to the weight, consider whether the weight is well-distributed on the nock. Premium lighted arrow nocks have the majority of their weight in the middle to help you achieve an accurate shot.
Ease of Use
The best-illuminated nocks are those that are easy to use. Ease of use here refers to the ease of installing or hooking them to your arrow. They should have a seamless mechanism in place to help you achieve this task.
Moreover, it should be easy to turn off the light on the nock so as to extend its shelf life.
Durability
One thing you need to keep in mind is that your illuminated nocks will be subjected to all sorts of abuse.
Imagine a scenario where it takes you several hours to track down your game. During that time, the animal will have banged the nock against thorny trees or the ground. Similarly, the nock will likely be exposed to wet conditions and extreme temperatures.
If you want a nock that will hold up and still have its light beaming when you track it down, then look for one that has a durable, shock-resistant, and weatherproof design.
While durability is important, you'll also want to think about the material's ability to allow light to penetrate. Based on this, many lighted nocks are made of clear plastic or a carbonate-based element.
Battery
Most, if not all, lighted nocks rely on lithium batteries as a source of power. So one of the things you’ll want to pay attention to is the battery life. Some nocks can light up for up to 40 hours while others can’t go beyond 10 hours.
On that note, always remember to turn off the light when the nock is idle; so as to preserve battery life.
Battery life aside, you should check whether the nock uses non-replaceable or easily replaceable batteries. The former type of battery is the best because it can be removed and substituted with a new one. This saves you both time and money.
Automatic Activation
Great illuminated nocks are those that automatically light up when crossbow bolts are shot. So avoid investing in nocks that require you to manually turn their lights on. This step not only wastes your time but also compromises your accuracy.
Different nocks will have varying systems for how they illuminate automatically. Some come fitted with pistons that are responsible for turning the lights on. This typically happens when the nock gets pressed against the string.
Other lighted nocks use a pull system. With this lighted nock, the pulling force exerted by the bowstring is what activates the lights. Taking this into account, it’s good to inspect how reliable the nock’s light activation system is.
Legality
Not everyone views a lighted nock in a positive light. In some parts of the world, these hunting devices are seen to give the hunter an unfair advantage against the animal being hunted.
Due to this, not every country and state allows the use of lighted nocks for hunting. To be on the right side of the law, ensure you research the regulations that apply in your region.
For those in the U.S, check out this article.
If lighted nocks are prohibited then don’t buy them. But, if they are, feel free to buy a couple for your hunting sessions.
How to Install Lighted Nocks
Here are the steps you should take when installing the best lighted nock:
Clean Your Arrow/Bolt
Although this basic task is often neglected by many, it’s necessary. It helps you get rid of any grit on the arrow’s shaft, which can have a considerable impact on its performance and accuracy.
To clean your crossbow bolts, use alcohol or water-doused Q-tip. Use this to clean the interior of the shaft as well as the nock. Then using a wet rag, wipe down the outside of the bolt.
Square the Shaft
Another thing you’ll want to do is to square the end of the crossbow bolts. This helps to improve point alignment and the broadhead flight. Keep in mind that you’ll need a squaring or alignment tool to achieve this task.
The good thing is that a properly squared shaft will sear the nock perfectly in the spot where it’s designed to. Once you’re done squaring, you may have to clean the shaft again before inserting the lighted nock.
Trim the Illuminated Nock
Take a closer look at the nock you have in your hand. You’ll likely notice some tiny ridgelines along its throat. These are meant to be trimmed so as to allow the nock to fit snugly. Once the nock is trimmed to size, you can finally install it on your arrow.
FAQs
What color lighted nock is best?
A key factor you should consider when purchasing lighted nocks is color.
The majority of lighted nocks come in either red or green hues. The reason for this is that the human eye naturally picks up these colors faster than any other.
That said, green-lighted nocks are considered superior to red nocks. This is because red is harder to spot over a long distance.
Why are lighted nocks illegal?
For several years, using a lighted nock was prohibited because the practice went against Pope & Young’s Rules of Fair Chase. Essentially, the act of using electrical equipment in hunting was regarded as inhumane. It’s seen as giving an archer an unfair and unethical advantage.
But in 2014, Pope & Young amended their regulations, permitting the use of lighted nocks. Despite this, a few states and regions hold onto the principle that it’s still unfair, which is why it’s considered illegal.
Are lighted nocks worth it?
Yes, lighted nocks are worth it. These additions act fairly similar to tracers, enabling an archer to track his/her arrow better. This minimizes the risk of losing it in the field while also making it easier to track the game.
Do lighted nocks affect arrow flight?
No, they don’t. Illuminated nocks are not designed to alter the accuracy or path an arrow takes once it’s released. They simply make it easier to spot them, which is handy when you’re hunting or target shooting in low light conditions.
Conclusion
Lighted arrow nocks are indispensable tools, especially for bowhunters. Equipped with LED lights, they allow users to see the shot placement; hence, retrieve their arrows with ease.
Now, if you've been searching for the best lighted nocks, you should check out the Lumenok Signature Nock.
It comes as a set of three bright green nocks that light up to help you locate your arrows in the dark. Each nock is fitted with a patented Polymeric battery holder. This is handy for keeping the battery intact.
That said, these nocks are only compatible with .245-inch carbon and aluminum shafts.