Lighted nocks have been on the market for over a decade and have undergone significant improvements during that time. If you visit an archery shop, you’ll find several well-known brands available. Recently, I visited my local shop and picked up three popular brands of lighted nocks: Halo Nocks, LIT Nocks, and Nockturnal Nocks. I want to address some common questions that hunters often ask: What are the differences between these nocks? How much do they weigh? Which one is the brightest? Are they easy to turn on and off? What do they cost?
General Observations
The picture above showcases four types of nocks: an orange standard nock, the Halo Nock, the LIT Nock, and the Nockturnal Nock. As illustrated, the Halo Nock closely resembles the size of the standard nock. Both the LIT and Nockturnal nocks are slightly thicker in the throat. Additionally, the Halo and Nockturnal nocks come with bushings, which allow them to fit different diameter arrows. In contrast, LIT Nocks must be ordered specifically for arrow diameters of .166, .204, or .246. All of the nocks are sold in packs of three and are available in multiple colors. Overall, the Halo Nock is most similar to the standard nock. This similarity is important because it enables the Halo Nock to fit onto your bow string more easily, without requiring any adjustments to your D-loop.
What Do They Weigh?
A standard nock typically weighs less than 10 grains. When switching to a lighted nock, it’s crucial to account for the additional weight it adds to your arrow setup to ensure you are properly dialed in. I weighed each nock on my scale to compare their weights. All the nocks are designed to fit a .204 diameter arrow. Here are the results:
– Halo Nock: 21.6 grains
– LIT Nock: 18.5 grains
– Nockturnal Nock: 24.7 grains
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the LIT Nocks were the lightest of the three. I wasn’t surprised, however, that the Nockturnal Nocks weighed the most, as they are visibly bulkier than the other two options.
Brightness
Brightness is one of the most essential factors for lighted nocks. Hunters need to see the flight of the arrow clearly and easily locate it in Autumn leaves. Additionally, bright nocks are helpful when filming hunts on your own. I went into my basement and activated all the nocks to determine which one was the brightest.
Nockturnal Nocks, on the right, are the brightest.
LIT Nocks, in the middle, are a close second.
Halo Nocks, on the left, are in third place.
On and Off
All three types of nocks are activated in the same manner. Each nock contains a small plunger that is engaged when it is placed on the string. As the arrow is released and leaves the string, the lighted nocks illuminate.
The Halo and LIT nocks are designed with external buttons for easy deactivation. To turn off the Halo nock, it must be placed back on the string or pressed against a hard surface to engage the plunger, allowing the off button to function. The LIT nock features a simple sliding button that can be moved up or down to turn it off.
The Nockturnal nock is the most challenging to deactivate. It has a small opening for an internal switch, which requires a tool to turn off. If you don’t have the tool handy, you can use a knife or another pointed object to slide the switch up and deactivate the nock. I feel the Nockturnal is the hardest to turn off, while the Halo and LIT nocks are both very easy!
What Do They Cost?
Lighted nocks can be a worthwhile investment, but what do they actually cost? Are they worth the money? I was surprised by the price variations among the three different brands. So, how much will it cost you to buy three lighted nocks?
LIT Nocks – $19.99
Nockturnal Nocks – $30.99
Halo Nocks – $34.99
What Next?
If you are considering using lighted nocks this year, several factors should be taken into account. Not all lighted nocks are the same; they can vary in design and weight. Additionally, some nocks are brighter than others and may have different mechanisms for turning them on and off. Price is also a significant factor, as the cost can vary considerably. Evaluate the pros and cons to choose the lighted nocks that best suit your needs.