What Is Lighted Nock?

Lighted Nock: definition

Also called: illuminated nock, lit nock, lighted arrow nock, LED nock

A lighted nock is a nock with a small light built in, normally an LED powered by a coin-type battery. The light switches on when the bolt is released or when the nock is activated, depending on the design, and it makes the rear of the bolt easy to see in flight and at the impact point.

Lighted nocks are popular in low-light conditions where the shooter wants to watch where a bolt went. They are not a sight. They do not help you aim, and they do not replace a properly sighted scope. They simply make the bolt easier to track and find.

Because the light and its housing add mass at the rear, a lighted bolt can have a different weight and balance from a plain one. That is why compatibility notes matter: some lighted nocks are made for a specific platform and some bolts are balanced to compensate.

Lighted nock trade-offs

Why Lighted Nock matters

A lighted nock changes two practical things: how well you can see the shot and how the bolt behaves. The first is the reason to buy one. The second is why you should compare a lighted bolt against its plain equivalent at the same total weight and point of aim before you rely on it.

It also adds a maintenance step. A dead battery means no light on the day you need it, so checking the nock is part of getting ready rather than a surprise. Check local rules too, since some jurisdictions have specific wording about lighted nocks or lighted sights, and follow the guidance from your local wildlife or hunting authority.

How to read it on a spec sheet

• Check the compatibility line. The R133 is listed as built exclusively for certain Ravin platforms and incompatible with others.
• Look for a statement about weight compensation. A matched total weight with a plain bolt keeps your zero closer.
• Check battery type and whether it is replaceable or sealed in.
• Read how the nock is activated (on release, twist, magnet) so you do not drain it by accident.
• Compare per-bolt price, because the light is usually the main cost difference.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a lighted nock fits any crossbow. Platform-specific bolts exist for a reason.
• Not testing a lighted bolt against your plain bolts at the same distances and point of aim.
• Leaving a switched-on nock in a storage tube and finding a flat battery later.
• Forgetting that the light does not replace safe handling or a proper backstop.
• Ignoring local rules on lighted equipment. Verify with your local authority.

Prepare lighted bolts for use

1. Read the maker instructions for activating and deactivating the nock.
2. Install fresh batteries if the instructions call for it, and test each nock.
3. Shoot a group with a plain bolt and one with a lighted bolt at the same distance and compare points of impact.
4. Store lighted nocks deactivated and keep spare batteries.
5. Recheck the light before each outing.

In my testing

In my R133 review I shot the lighted bolt side by side with Ravin's non-lighted bolt at the same 400-grain total weight, and I watched the nock at dusk to see how well it tracked in flight and after impact. How I test.

See it in our reviews

• Ravin R133 Lighted Arrows — rated 4.5/5
• Lighted Pro Elite 400 — rated 4.5/5