Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Hunterdad on August 04, 2013, 12:37:00 PM

Title: Lighted nocks
Post by: Hunterdad on August 04, 2013, 12:37:00 PM
During my compound years, I loved the Easton Tracer lighted nocks that used a magnet to activate. For some reason they are not nearly as reliable on  my recurve. Just curious what brands work well for you?

Thank you
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Doc Nock on August 04, 2013, 02:08:00 PM
On a primitive site, a guy shared video of how he'd built a cane arrow, then added a Nockturnal nock (which he claimed held up better, turned on and off better and was brighter) than others.

It was a hoot to watch someone shoot a self bow, with cane arrows and a high tech lighted nock!

FWIW
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: dhermon85 on August 04, 2013, 02:14:00 PM
I would say nocturnal s as well. Easy on and off. Have used them for some night shooting without any problems. Although not the norm for trad shooters.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: threeunder on August 04, 2013, 03:26:00 PM
Nocturnal fan here also.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on August 04, 2013, 03:57:00 PM
Nocturnals for me too.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Cmane07 on August 04, 2013, 04:06:00 PM
Never shot a lighted out of a trad bow but nocturnals worked great when I shot the wheelie bow so I'd try them.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Soonerlongbow on August 04, 2013, 06:02:00 PM
Nockturnals also. They are the only recommended by Alaska Bow Hunting Supply for their shafts.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Coonbait on August 04, 2013, 06:26:00 PM
Use the Nockturnals on my hunting arrows also. Seeing were my arrows strikes an animal is way more important than worrying on how trad my arrow is. Eye balls aren't as sharp as my broadheads!
Glenn
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Steve O on August 04, 2013, 08:07:00 PM
The Easton's are probably not as reliable out o the recurve because there is a lot more bending of the arrow around the riser. Your compound probably shot a very stiff arrow out of a perfectly center shot bow.

On an interesting note, as a Pope & Young member, I recently received a poll asking if I was pro or con on allowing them to be legalized for entries.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: cacciatore on August 04, 2013, 08:15:00 PM
I like Nockturnals over all the other. It is very useful,hunting wild boars at the last light of the day,to know where you have hit your target and where it is gone.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: tippit on August 05, 2013, 07:35:00 AM
Nockturnals are great!  It's not a gaget for hunting hogs in the swamps as most of the time there are multiple hogs present.  They all scatter at the shot.  Watching a hit hog run off gives you the starting path for your recovery! The lighted nock doesn't do anything to improve your shooting, it improves your recovery of a hit animal...that's traditional!
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: onewhohasfun on August 05, 2013, 07:56:00 AM
Check out "Two Guys and a Bow Archery". Best deal on lighted nocks and good reviews.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: tarponnut on August 05, 2013, 08:05:00 AM
I use Lumenoks for hog hunting. I've had good luck with them. There is a cool night hog harvest on Bill Langer's new video with a lighted nock.
I shot a small boar Friday afternoon using a Lumenok, here is the link to the video:

https://vimeo.com/71710821

As you can see in the video, I didn't really need the lumenok but they have helped me recover game in the past.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: StickSlinger74 on August 05, 2013, 10:46:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by onewhohasfun:
Check out "Two Guys and a Bow Archery". Best deal on lighted nocks and good reviews.
I've been using these for 2 seasons now and they are great!  Green and Red are both very bright and at $49/dozen they're the best deal out there right now!
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: snag on August 05, 2013, 10:56:00 AM
Didn't think there would be so many using an "electronic" device on arrows while shooting a stickbow...?
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: onewhohasfun on August 05, 2013, 12:48:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by snag:
Didn't think there would be so many using an "electronic" device on arrows while shooting a stickbow...?
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I don't believe there is anything more important than knowing where that arrow hit. I swore yrs. ago that my nite time blood trailing days were over. Now with the coyote situation the way it is things have changed.

I don't use lighted nocks, yet. But am considering using them.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Danny Rowan on August 05, 2013, 12:54:00 PM
They are just a very useful tool, do not make you shoot better, but can be invaluable in finding a downed animal as well as showing exactly where it is hit in low light. Stuff happens so why not use them if you want to. I am not getting any younger and neither are my eyes, yes I will use them in low light conditions. nocturnals for me as well.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Pete McMiller on August 05, 2013, 01:06:00 PM
Before you use them, make sure they are legal in your state.  In Colorado, for example, they are not legal.  I asked the quesiton a couple years ago as the regs only banned 'electronic devices on bows' and got a response that the ban did indeed include lighted nocks.  I see this year that it is spelled out in the regs.

I personally don't use them and likely won't in the future.  I use the dyed rabbit fur "tracers" sold by 3R on some arrows and this year bought them at a flytieing shop for a fraction of the cost.  Use contact cement to put them on your arrow - less than a grain each.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Slickhead on August 05, 2013, 07:53:00 PM
nocturnal
lumenocks came on in the rain (in the quiver)
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: J. Cook on August 05, 2013, 09:07:00 PM
Used most brands at one time or another and nocturnal by far out performs the others.  

As far as them not being "traditional"...I'm pretty sure the Native Americans didn't have carbon or foam core limbs either.      :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: RickE on August 06, 2013, 09:31:00 AM
I like to use the lumenoks.  Work fine for me and they are a blast to shoot in my back yard in low light against a 18-1 target.  It's just too much fun to watch the arrow fly like a tracer bullet right to where you're looking.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: irishhacker on August 06, 2013, 10:57:00 AM
I used to be a nocturnal fan..
Since then, I found TGB tail light nocks..
They are more durable, brighter, and half the price!
http://www.tgbarchery.com/Page_6.html
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Blackhawk on August 06, 2013, 10:58:00 AM
The debate was intense at times here in Washington state, but the pro-lighted nock crowd prevailed and will be legal for use this year.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: irishhacker on November 20, 2013, 07:57:00 AM
I feel compelled to retract my statement a couple posts up regarding TGB nocks.
I posted this on another site in a thread started by the manufacturer titled "Lighted nocks at a great price"

These nocks indeed come at a great price..
I certainly paid the price last night.

With 10 minutes of shooting light left.. one of the bucks I've been after came into my doe decoy.
He approached her from the downwind side leaving me an 18 yard broadside shot. (perfect.. just like I scripted it)
I draw my longbow.. and let the arrow fly.
Wait, what the heck just happened? My arrow comes out of the bow in an erratic flight pattern and I see the TGB lighted nock land short of the deer.
Thinking this was just a fluke..
The buck jumps a couple yards to my left leaving me another shot. He is intoxicated by the decoy..
I nock another arrow.. I draw back.. let it fly.. same thing..
Arrow comes out crazy.. I see the nock land short of the deer.
At this point, I just hang the bow up and sit back and watch.. as the buck walks away.
I waited till 20 minutes after dark to get down.. really didn't want the buck to see me (as if he hasn't been spooked enough)

I get down and find both by TGB nocks .. but no arrows.. Only the nocks..
I was able to find both my arrows later with a flashlight.

I was assured these TGB nocks work with GoldTip arrows.
In fact, they did work when I practiced with them under warm weather conditions.
True, they did not fit quite as tight as the GT nocks that were provided by GoldTip.
TGB is adamant that their nocks work well with GoldTip arrows.
However, my theory is that during cold weather conditions, the plastic material they make their nocks with-- shrinks..
I believe this is what cost me my buck last night.

After last nights events.. I pulled the other 4 TGB nocks off my arrows and put them in the trash.. with the 2 that came off.. right where they belong.
Never again will I pay a high price like that..
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: ranger 3 on November 20, 2013, 08:10:00 AM
lighted nocks are great for tunning
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Basinboy on November 20, 2013, 08:20:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Coonbait:
Use the Nockturnals on my hunting arrows also. Seeing were my arrows strikes an animal is way more important than worrying on how trad my arrow is. Eye balls aren't as sharp as my broadheads!
Glenn
Ditto
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on November 20, 2013, 03:11:00 PM
Nockturnals for me.  I killed an 8 point on Oct 24.  The arrow is on top of my gun safe.  Its still on!
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Rick Moss on November 20, 2013, 03:48:00 PM
i have never used them, but have seen others use them, and they are pretty cool. but I think it is absolutely STUPID that you cannot enter a buck killed with an arrow with a lighted nock into the books(nor do I really give two turds about entering any buck into the books), but they absolutely do nothing to affect the performance or help 'cheat' in harvesting an animal. all they are is to help follow the path of the arrow and better see shot placement, I don't see why these would not be allowed...I really don't get it, honestly. sorry for my little rant, I do feel better now.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: two4hooking on November 20, 2013, 04:10:00 PM
I feel the opposite as most.  Electronic devices do not belong on my traditional bow.  I strive to simplify my gear and hunting and enjoy the challanges and successes.  I do not need them and they are a gadget for sure.  Prices are high enough for my arrows with the cost of broadheads that I definietly do not want to add to that cost.  I use wood anyway.  I would love to shoot an animal for the books though I doubt it would happen where I hunt.....but I would follow the rules...there are other books you can get into without going down the slippery slope of allowing electronic devices.  Heck my state now considers the crossbow an "archery weapon".  Why add technology to a low technology device.  Soon you will be down the road that the inline muzzle loader has taken.

Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: FerretWYO on November 20, 2013, 04:16:00 PM
Lets answer the question and not condem his choice please.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: amicus on November 20, 2013, 05:38:00 PM
I sure could of used one last night. Right at dark a group hogs came out under my tree. I hit my hog but the way they all scattered and in tall grass, I could not tell what direction it went. Never found him.

Gilbert
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: reddogge on November 20, 2013, 05:38:00 PM
I may go to them. I missed my last two shots due to low light conditions and never saw the arrows fly on either one to tell where I missed.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: amicus on November 20, 2013, 05:48:00 PM
Can some reccomend a good place to buy them?
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: katman on November 20, 2013, 06:22:00 PM
If your looking for nocturnals, 3rivers a sponsor carries them.

I have used both the nocturnals and the fire nock and like them both. Although the firenock can be turned off if the arrow is banged into trees and such as the critter runs.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Robert Armstrong on February 03, 2014, 06:30:00 PM
Nocturnals, but I like bright fletch on arrows just as well, maybe better.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Slickhead on February 03, 2014, 06:33:00 PM
Ive used nocturnals and luminocks
Luminocks came on in the rain (had a quiver full of glowing arrows)

Nocturnals are better IMO
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Alexander Traditional on February 04, 2014, 12:28:00 AM
I've been thinking about trying them. Where I hunt the animals normally come out right at dark,and I can't see the arrow fly most of the time. Has anyone heard of the Firenock? I haven't seen it mentioned one time here,but saw a review on it and they liked it better than all the rest.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: TOEJAMMER on February 04, 2014, 01:37:00 AM
To use or not to use?  It is an easy decision in Colorado.  They are illegal for hunting.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: GrisMunkyNinja on February 04, 2014, 02:02:00 AM
Nockturnals for me.  Lumenocks always seem to turn off on impact, or after an animals is arrowed and gets bashed around by brush.  Only downside is that Nockturnals are their own nocks.  Make sure you check how they fit your nocking area of your string.  I had to modify them on my wheelie bows because they were slightly bigger than my normal nocks and the d-loop would pinch the nock and didn't allow the string to hit the switch.  A little bit of filing is all it takes.  Also no matter what they claim, they will affect flight, and again I believe it is a fit issue more than weight affecting flight.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Fattony77 on February 04, 2014, 03:09:00 AM
I like to use the Lumenocks for 3D shoots and stumping, but I use the Nockturnals for hunting.

I like the Lumenocks for practice for the same reason I DON'T like them for hunting. They are just not reliable enough to trust that they will stay lit (if they come on at all) for hunting purposes, but they are easier to turn off while shootin' around.

I have had problems with the Nockturnals fitting my strings too tightly, but it's nothing that some sandpaper and a couple of minutes wasn't able to fix. They're a lot harder to turn off once they light (and I've NEVER had one not light when shot unless the battery was dead), but that's a good thing if a critter is taking off with your $30+ arrow. I have had them come out of my Gold Tips too, but I'm sure that just a little tape or a light coat of glue (or maybe wax?) would fix that too.

That's MY experience with them anyway, FWIW.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: Uncle Buck on February 04, 2014, 05:33:00 AM
I have nothing against them, but I am the poster child for Murphy's law so I keep things as simple as possible. I like white feathers. I am also a little night blind ( cant drive at night) so I usually dont wait until the last minute of daylight to head home.
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: amicus on February 04, 2014, 12:08:00 PM
Since my last post on this subject I have bought 3 Nockturnals and I love them. I really like seeing the light hit or miss your target. I have used one Nocturnal 3 different times. Also very easy to find your arrow in the dark.

Gilbert
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: don kauss on February 04, 2014, 12:31:00 PM
bright fletching/crown dip is enough for me...
Title: Re: Lighted nocks
Post by: -snypershot317- on February 04, 2014, 01:54:00 PM
i agree with the bright fletching and crown dip/wrap for me...i wonder if you could use a small diameter glow sitck and stick it in a clear knock to have same effect but w/o the battery and what not? just listing a possible alternative...or maybe coat the last .5"-1" of arrow in glow in the dark paint to help with low light shooting...again just trying to help think outside the box.