When it comes to crossbows, the number of customizing options you get are not exactly luxurious. Luckily, the nock is one of those few exceptions where you can apply some extra upgrades to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality as well. As a result, the best lighted nocks for crossbow are all the rage these days.
Lighted nocks are exactly what they sound like! They are an extended tool that can be attached to the back of the shaft, and as you might have guessed – they light up.
There are several advantages of using lighted nocks instead of using regular nocks. For starters, they remove the guesswork when you fire the bolt by helping you track its flight path. This way, you can easily determine if you have hit the target.
Another massive benefit is that you can quickly retrieve your bolt even if you miss the target, especially when you’re hunting in poor lighting conditions.
All these factors contribute to making lighted nocks one of the most essential equipments for every crossbow enthusiast.
Table of Contents
- Buyer’s guide: What to consider before buying the best nocks for crossbow
- The best-lighted nocks for carbon express arrows
- Best best-lighted nocks for non-carbon arrows
- FAQs on Lighted Nocks for Crossbows
- How do lighted nocks work?
- What are the benefits of lighted nocks?
- How to turn off a lighted nock?
- How do you install a lighted nock?
- What is the best-lighted nock for crossbows?
- Related posts:
If you are interested in crossbows with built-in cocking device, you can find a list here with some of the best crossbows that have a coking device built-in: https://www.bestof.info/best-crossbows-with-built-in-cocking-device/
Buyer’s guide: What to consider before buying the best nocks for crossbow
On papers, shopping for a crossbow nock that can light up may seem simple and straightforward. However, that isn’t the case. Searching for a crossbow lighted nock can be quite a tricky task.
You have to consider several factors before making the purchase if you want to get your hands on the best-lighted nocks for a crossbow.
- LED longevity
Every lighted bolt nock comes with varying LED lifespan. Some can stay illuminated to up to 20 – 40+ hours, which allow you to hunt for long durations, especially in the thick wilderness. You will not have to worry about losing your arrows with these LED nocks even if you miss the target.
On the other hand, you may find some lighted nocks that can only last a few hours. These are usually suitable only for casual hunting in open areas.
- Battery
Most LED nocks for crossbows operate on lithium-ion batteries. However, not all lighted nocks feature a replaceable battery, which can be quite annoying and inconvenient when you venture out for a proper hunting expedition.
Look for products that offer replaceable battery option. This will allow you to re-use the nocks, rather than purchasing new ones from scratch.
- LED activation
The mode of activating the LED on the nock is also a crucial factor that you should definitely check before making the purchase. Typically, there are two types of light activation mechanism – manual and automatic.
LED nocks employ two types of automatic triggering systems. Some use the traditional piston-driven switch, while others make use of a bowstring-detection trigger system. Both the triggering mechanism offers great performance, and the choice is up to your personal preference.
- LED color option
The color of the nock LED also plays a critical role in your hunting task. For instance, green is the most visible color to the human eye. So, if you want a lighted nock that you can easily spot, green LEDs are the way to go.
On the other hand, if you hunt in the thick wilderness with lots of green plants around, other LED color options like orange and red are a better choice.
The best-lighted nocks for carbon express arrows
1. Lumenok Carbon Lighted Nocks
Lumenok is one of the most reliable names in the market. They have a long list of quality crossbow accessories you can trust, blindfolded, and this lumen-arrow lighted nock is no different.
The product comes in a pack of three 20” all carbon bolts that come with a Lumenok brand lighted nock. The light illuminates automatically when you release the arrow and does not require any magnet or switch mechanism.
It is also worth mentioning that the product features a flat nock style for better accuracy. Each carbon bolt weighs just about 325 grains, which is decently lightweight to ensure a smooth and steady flight path.
The nocks operate on lithium metal batteries, which are included in the box and easily removable as well.
Pros
- Very bright LEDs
- Automatic bolt release mechanism (to light up)
- Flat end nock for superior accuracy
- Includes three 20” carbon bolt
Cons
- No LED color option
2. Nockturnal-X Lighted Crossbow Archery Nocks
The Nockturnal-X lighted archery nock is one of the most popular units in the market, and for all the reasons! This unit is a bang for your bucks and offers all the features you would expect from a high-end illumination nock.
This product comes with a set of three LED nocks that offer exceptional visibility, even from a long-range distance. What is even better is that you can choose your choice of LED color from red, blue, pink, and green.
The internal lithium battery also offers an exceptionally long battery life (20+ hours). Lastly, the nock fits ideally with .204 diameter carbon bolts and arrows.
Pros
- High visibility illumination
- Long battery life
- Reasonable pricing
- Fits well with a plethora of market-leading carbon arrows
Cons
- None
3. Lumenok Easton Carbon Flat Bolt End, Green
This is another great crossbow LED nock from Lumenok for people who are looking for a quality product at a decent price point.
Lumenok implements an ultra LED technology that offers superior visibility and allows you to accurately track your shot placements. Like other similar lighted nocks from Lumenok, this unit also features an automatic shot placement recognition system.
The Lumenok Easton LED nock can be fitted to any.297” ID carbon shafts and comes with a green LED flat end. The lithium-ion battery inside the unit offers an impressive standby time of up to 40 hours and is easily replaceable.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Ultra visible LEDs
- Easy to attach
- No magnet or mechanical switch is required.
Cons
- None
4. Nockturnal-S Lighted Nock for Carbon Arrows
This unit is very similar to the previous Nocturnal lighted nock that we have mentioned earlier. The only difference is that this nock is suitable for .244 diameter carbon bolts and arrows.
So, if you have a slightly larger carbon arrow, you can go for this instead. The Nockturnal-S lighted nock comes with a removable lithium-ion battery that can last you comfortably up to 20 hours.
What makes it more interesting is that the nock features an all-weather proof solution that allows you to go hunting no matter the weather condition.
Nockturnal’s patented technology also does an excellent job of ensuring a super-bright LED illumination.
Lastly, its unique bowstring activation linear switch ensures a reliable LED activation every time you release the arrow.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Super-bright LEDs
- Two LED color options (red and green)
- Water-proof nocks
- Long battery life
Cons
- A tad bit difficult to turn off
Best best-lighted nocks for non-carbon arrows
1. Nockturnal Fit Universal Size Archery Nocks
If you want a crossbow nock that you can use for a more versatile application, the Nockturnal fit archery nock is just the thing for you! This unit comes with the top of the line impact-resistant and ultra-strong polycarbonate construction.
Like any other lighted nocks from Nokcturnal, this product also comes packed with extra-sharp and bright LEDs. The piston-driven switch also makes sure the LED illuminates every time you shoot at a target.
You can also choose from two nock options – strobing and non-strobing nocks. The two-color LEDs in strobing nocks alternates almost 400 times a minute.
Pros
- Universal size
- Long battery life
- Durable nocks
- A plethora of LED color options
Cons
- None
2. Lumenok GT Lighted Crossbow Nock, Orange
The GT lighted crossbow nock is quite possibly the most recognizable product from Lumenok. The GT nock is designed to offer optimum performance and withstand frequent usage without creating a fuss, and that is exactly what it does!
It is made using an authentic Bohning nock that contributes to its rigid and durable structure. The lithium-ion battery is easily replaceable and can last you up to 40+ hours of illumination.
Like other lighted nocks from Lumenok, this product activates automatically by sensing the shaft’s conductivity. The GT is also the heaviest unit from Lumenok’s line of lighted nock series, which is great as it provides extra stability when you shoot the target.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Good build quality
- Bright illumination
- Ideal for multiple usages
Cons
- Its bulky size may not be ideal for rookie archers.
3. Nockturnal Model-S Universal fit Lighted Nocks
The model-S lighted nocks from Nockturnal is another excellent option for people who prefer getting straight to shooting some targets without wasting much time. It comes ready-to-use straight out-of-the-box without any assembly required.
It is also a universal fit nock, which means it can be used with just about any arrow size options – from X, H, and S, to GT arrows. The green LED nock, coupled with Nockturnal’s proprietary technology, ensures extra-bright illumination.
The lithium-ion battery can comfortably last you up to 20 hours, and replacing it is also fairly simple as well.
Pros
- String-activated linear off/on switch
- High LED visibility
- Easy to use
- Universal fit
Cons
- None
4. Lumenok Lighted H-Nock, HD Orange
The last product on the list is this lighted H-nock from Lumenok. This lighted nock is perfect for people who are looking for an extra bright nock to pursue night hunting.
The lighted nock features an HD orange LED, which offers up to 30% brighter illumination. This will help you to track your bolts flight path with optimal visibility. The extra brightness of the nock comes in handy when you want to recover your bolt from thick bushes.
Like any other crossbow accessories from Lumenok, this H-nock also comes with an automatic shot activation mechanism that triggers the LED upon the bolt release.
The Lumenok H-nock is suitable for .231” ID shafts and also boasts of new and improved contacts for enhanced visibility.
Pros
- Ultra-bright LED
- Battery life up to 40+ hours
- Automatic string-release recognition
- Ideal for multiple uses
Cons
- None
FAQs on Lighted Nocks for Crossbows
How do lighted nocks work?
The working principle of lighted nocks for crossbows is not very sophisticated. The concept is simple – to equip your crossbow’s back shaft with a third-party nock that can illuminate upon firing the bolt.
The nock is equipped with an internal LED assembly that lights up and allows you to track your bow’s flight path. You can manually switch on the LED before firing the bolt. However, many lighted nocks employ a shot placement recognition mechanism that triggers the LED automatically upon the release.
Usually, the LEDs on the nock can stay illuminated to up to 40 hours.
The lighted nocks are typically powered by internal lithium-ion batteries that are also easily replaceable.
What are the benefits of lighted nocks?
Lighted nocks for crossbows come with a broad array of unique benefits that gives you a massive hunting boost. The most notable advantage of a lighted nock for crossbows is that it allows you to track your targets with ease.
Usually, when you go hunting at night, it is almost impossible to track down your target due to poor visibility. However, with LED nocks, you can easily track down your wounded or fallen target by following the direction of the light.
Also, even if you miss your game target and land amongst the thick plants, you can just as easily find them by spotting the bright LED illumination.
How to turn off a lighted nock?
Turning off a lighted nock is one of the most common dilemmas that many rookie archers face. Usually, you can find all the information you need on the instruction manual. However, some instructions can be quite vague and confusing, while some switches can be highly unresponsive.
Normally, you can just apply a firm hold to the bolt’s head and actuate the switch up or down to turn the LED on/off.
However, it is not the same with different products. For instance, Nockturnal nocks come ready with a turn-off toll, while you can easily turn off Lumenok nocks by using your thumb.
How do you install a lighted nock?
Traditionally, installing a lighted nock to your crossbow is a simple and hassle-free process. It should not take you more than 3-4 minutes to install a LED nock to your bolt (assuming you have the right shaft size).
The first thing you need is a plier. Use the plier to remove the factory-installed nock that comes with the default arrow. Now, use the same plier to insert the lighted nock back to the arrow, and voila! Your lighted nock crossbow is ready for some action!
In some cases, you may have difficulties inserting the nock tightly into the shaft. Under such circumstances, you can check if your nock’s size is the same as your bolt’s shaft diameter.
You could also apply some string wax and apply it to the nock to ensure the best fitting.
What is the best-lighted nock for crossbows?
Technically, there isn’t ONE best-lighted nock for the crossbow in the market. Instead, the question can have several answers depending on a number of factors. There are some LED nocks that provide extra-high visibility but are not really ideal for long hunting hours due to their poor light longevity.
On the other hand, there are some lighted nocks that offer incredible lighting shelf life but are not very bright. These kinds of LED nocks may not be suitable for night hunting tasks.
Similarly, you also have to take the product pricing into account to ensure you do not pay too much for a set of average LED nocks.
Ultimately, it depends on which factors you focus your priorities on. You can also consider any of the products that we have listed above as well.
