We have witnessed plenty of technological improvements through the years in the sport of archery and one that might look to be insignificant but is in fact very useful is the lighted arrow nock. The appeal is simple; incorporating illumination in the nock that’s connected to the arrow. And once that nock is lit, the previously seemingly overwhelming task of watching an arrow when it hits it’s intended target ends up being a lot easier, particularly with today’s faster bows.
One of the main advantages to using one of these nocks is providing the hunter with an idea of how the arrow reached the target from the distinct flight pattern shown from the light. And what we should get in as a result is, simply, more recovered game. Being able to adjust the set up of the bow or the aim through the sights is intelligence that can prove extremely useful while hunting.
Despite the benefit they give for bowhunters, illuminated nocks aren’t without their negatives. To begin with, they are highly-priced. Some lighted arrow nocks may cost above $10 each. With the cost of today’s arrows as well as broadheads including a lighted nock may push some archers above the price range.
On top of their other expense, lighted nocks also make more weight to the rear of your arrow. With a lot of bow hunters currently searching for ways of improving what is known as the Front of Center, or FOC, employing an illuminated nock creates that process more and more difficult. The additional weight on the back of one’s arrow might reduce your FOC and perhaps decrease both penetration and down range accuracy. Whilst in most hunting situations a lot of these effects could be minimal, which has been demonstrated from the numerous hunters who have effectively harvested animals while using lighted nocks.
For the majority of bowhunters it simply appears reasonable to utilize illuminated nocks and they are certainly not going away. Rather than a single company making them we now have over 6. Hunters and archery devotees alike have also started developing their own personal lighted nocks at home. It is apparent that the bowhunting public have spoken and we all want to see that shining light of hope lit up on the forest floor reminding us all of why we hunt.
By utilizing lighted arrow nocks you will be able to understand about the trajectory of your arrow and if this means shooting straighter going forward it should be more valuable than you may think.