Lighted Nocks: How They Work and Where They're Legal

A lighted nock is a nock with a small LED and battery inside that switches on when the arrow or bolt is shot, so you can follow its flight and find it afterwards. Crossbow lighted nocks and arrow versions work the same way, but they weigh more than many plain nocks and they aren't legal for hunting everywhere. Check the weight, re-check your sight and read your state's rules.

How lighted nocks switch on

Makers describe two designs.

Contact (Lumenok). Lumenok, made by Burt Coyote, explains its system: "When the nock is fully seated against the electrically conductive end of the carbon or aluminum arrow shaft, the Lumenok lights." To switch it off, "wiggling the nock back and forth in the shaft breaks electrical contact," and you can then put the arrow in your quiver. At the shot, the string pushes the nock home, and it is "automatically activated upon release of the arrow."

That design needs a clean shaft end. Lumenok says the shaft end must be "clean and free of non conductive materials," and warns that resins and glues on some carbon shafts mean they need preparing first.

Switch (Nockturnal). Nockturnal, a FeraDyne brand, uses a "patented, string-activated, linear switch with piston-driven assembly" that it says "ensures the activation of the LED bulb every time." The string presses the piston as the arrow leaves.

Both brands make crossbow versions. Lumenok sells crescent (half-moon), flat and capture-style crossbow nocks, and TenPoint says its own lighted crossbow nocks "glow brightly for hunters to easily follow an arrow to the target."

Weight change and re-sighting

A lighted nock replaces part of the arrow, so weight changes at the back:

How much that changes depends on the nock you're replacing, so weigh both on a grain scale. More weight at the back moves the balance point rearward and can change where arrows hit, especially at longer range.

After switching:

1. Weigh a finished arrow or bolt with the new nock and confirm it still meets your crossbow maker's minimum.
2. Shoot a group with your current sight setting at your usual distance.
3. Adjust the sight or scope if the group has moved. Our crossbow scope guide covers the zero.
4. If one arrow flies apart from the rest, rotate its nock; our nock tuning guide explains how.

Where lighted nocks are legal

Rules differ between states and sometimes between seasons. Washington's archery rule, WAC 220-414-070, says: "It is unlawful to have any electrical equipment or electric device(s), except for illuminated nocks, attached to the bow or arrow while hunting." So in Washington, a lighted nock is the one electrical exception.

We haven't found an official summary of the rules in every state, so we won't list them. Before you hunt, read your state wildlife agency's archery equipment rules, and check any special season or weapon rules too.

Batteries

Battery design differs between brands. Lumenok fits a replaceable battery (part RBS) to its nocks, and says a Lumenok "will remain lit for up to 40 hours or until retrieved." Nockturnal says its nocks use "long-life lithium batteries," but its FAQ answers "No" when asked whether the batteries are replaceable. So a Nockturnal is replaced when it dies, while a Lumenok takes a new cell.

You can browse crossbow lighted nocks on Amazon or compare lighted nocks for arrows. Lumenok's crossbow nocks and Nockturnal's G nock are examples to consider; match the nock size and style to your shafts and crossbow first.

Frequently asked questions

How do lighted nocks turn on?

At the shot. Lumenok's nock lights when the string pushes it fully against the conductive end of a carbon or aluminium shaft; you wiggle it to switch it off. Nockturnal uses a string-activated switch with a piston. Both are designed to light as the arrow leaves the string.

Are lighted nocks legal for hunting?

It depends on the state. Washington's rule bans electrical devices on a bow or arrow while hunting but makes an exception for illuminated nocks. Other states word their rules differently, and some seasons have their own equipment rules, so check your wildlife agency's current regulations before you hunt.

Do lighted nocks affect accuracy?

They can change where arrows hit, because they add weight at the back. Makers list 15–17 grains for Nockturnal's G nock and up to 34 grains for Lumenok's crescent crossbow nock. Weigh your old and new nocks, then shoot a group and adjust your sight if needed.