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What is an arrow nock?

The arrow nock is the simple but essential part of the arrow. It is the fork-like part that comes into contact with the bowstring, serving as the direct conduit  between the energy stored in the bow and the arrow as the carrier of that energy. Think of it as the sole engine placed in the back of a jet fighter. The fighter flys in the direction that the engine is pointed at, and the same principal applies to arrows.

And this is where things start to get technical.

It all lies in the fit

Because the nock is the conduit of energy between the bow and the arrow, how it comes into contact with the bowstring will affect its accuracy. If the nock fits too tightly on the bowstring, the vibrations of the released bowstring will tend to change the flight trajectory of the arrow. If it is too loose, the energy transferred from the bowstring will spill over to the sides, not concentrated forward.

Both extremes will make accurate shots much more difficult, which is why it is important that your arrow nocks be just at the right size. It must be snug enough to firmly ’snap’ unto the bowstring, but it must be moveable enough for you to wiggle it up and down the bowstring. This is a good rule of thumb to help you find the perfect fit for an arrow nock.

When to use lit nocks

Lit nocks are increasing in popularity, although you may want to think twice before using them in certain situations.

Lit nocks are great to look at, and they really help you gauge the flight path of your arrow during practice sessions. However, you may not want to use them while out hunting. Especially skittish game like mule deer will react to almost any stimuli that come at them, and a bright arrow is a dead give-away at any time of the day.

If you must use a lit nock for hunting, whether to help you find crippled game at night or to make retrieving} your arrows a bit easier, make sure that each shot you take is as close to the game as possible. If you can manage to shoot your prey on their blind side, this makes the use of lit nocks all the better for you.

Or you could just use an expendable arrow to begin with.

Just remember that the arrow nock you use will take a major role in the accuracy and steadfastnessof the shots you make. Determine the fit of your arrow nocks, weigh the pros and negatives of choosing the pricier ones, and you will find your expertise as an archer getting better with time and practice.