I recently picked up a heavier Howard Hill - Big Five. I took it out to the back yard bag to run a few arrows through it at close range, just to see how it felt. I nocked the first arrow, drew back and released - after that it was a blur. The bow flew out of my hand onto the grass and the arrow dropped at my feet. I was completely startled and wondered what the heck just happened. I picked up the arrow and saw that the nock was snapped off - then I inspected the bow carefully, and it appeared to be no worse for the wear. I quickly became aware that my arm/wrist was stinging like heck, and when I looked this is what I saw. It was already welted and turning purple and red. It actually split my skin and drew blood. Not a good end to an otherwise great Father's Day.
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That sucks but I am glad it was not something worse.
Doesn't happen often, but if I ever smack something solid, I give that arrow a very thorough once over, inspecting the nock, integrity around the insert, if it's a wood arrow I check for cracks, splinters, nock damage ........ it's all worth it in the end I suppose.
Nocks in particular, they are so cheap that I will replace them on the carbons routinely. I don't wait for issues with them. Just replace. Cheap insurance I suppose is the aim there. If its a woodie and that nock gets kissed with another arrow, even if that nock SEEMS ok, I will sideline that woodie til I can cut the nock off and replace it with a new one. Gives me the opportunity to inspect that nock taper as well to make sure there are no cracks. Something close to the point, not as bad an outcome I suppose. Something near the nock, BOOM!
And possibly a very bad day.
Exactly, and check for any cracks or nicks, this happened to my buddy with a wooden arrow.
Now that's the bad day I'm talkin' about right there ......... :scared: