Lessons on lighted nocks! Live shooting and a day testing on the range.

LETS GET LIT- lighted nock knowledge! As hunting season closes in I have began trying new lighted nocks for my own personal gear and decided to film those processes and thoughts. This video shows some of the things you must consider before trusting a long earned tag on the chance your nocks won’t change your accuracy. The reality is they most likely will unless you set up correctly and do your due diligence for downrange results. FULL disclosure- since this video I have continued to test and in the end the most consistent one was the halo nock currently even though the brightness wasn’t as good. I will continue to test

[@elcidcampeador9629]

It feels like every question I need to address with my bow Dudley has been making a video a few hours later. Like a mind reader 👍

[@SteadyFPS]

i thought the same thing

[@HuckFTW]

Bottom line for me… if Dud is having a hard time telling a difference in 100 yard groups, I definitely won’t see a difference at 50-60 yards. So for me the choice is brightness vs. ease of switching off.

[@shanetrudell4061]

This is what you do all day long and then share and I appreciate it any time I can learn and get tips I’m in!

[@jakeanderson3112]

I have been testing the Nockturnals vs Halo as well in red/pink and greeen. I agree that in the green colors the Halo's appear less bright as the Nockturnals in flight. I have the pink Halos (not red) and they seem brighter than the green and are pretty much the same as the red Nockturnals. My theory is that the Nockturnals are a little wider (a little more plastic overall) so they have more area for the LED to refelct off of while looking from behind. However, I think the Halo nocks are better all around except for maybe brightness in the green color. For me, the Halo nock fit is much closer to the standard Easton X nock than the Nockturnals and the Halos so far have been much more durable. Great content thanks for sharing!

[@mattg.8780]

Not only do I love the fact that you’re doing nock straightness/stiffness testing, but you’ve got me like hyperfocused on this because you’re using the brand new halo nocks. I have to say I like the results they gave. You are THE man

[@matthewcampbell8442]

Thanks for the testing info Dud! I’ve shot nockturnals for years and never paid attention to the orientation of the “hole”. I’ll have to check that out!

[@kd5nrh]

I put the hole up just because I don't wear my reading glasses to shoot, so it's hard to see the hole when it's glowing. With it up, I just have to poke at the check vane side to find it.

[@pattowle4434]

Dudley is king when it comes to testing and analyzing archery equipment, especially arrow set up. I like the fact he is flummoxed over the lighted nock issue. Give him time…he will figure it out. Interesting point about the Nockturnal switch hole. I had been putting the hole down in an effort to keep moisture out that could cause a freeze up. May try switching it over and seeing if there is a difference in accuracy.

[@robertdavis1102]

Being able to shoot that good to see the difference is awesome and doing the testing for us to see the overall best nock to use is great! I have never used lighted nocks before but when you come to a conclusion, that's the one I will try! 🎯

[@jordanpowell228]

I literally thought the same thing. Being that good you can shoot the difference and make a determination. Awesome stuff

[@maxgeorge8746]

I learn so much from your videos. Incredible information that I never thought about. Thank you

[@nockonarchery]

You are so welcome!

[@Rollo-lq9jq]

Never thought about hole orientation on Nocturnals??? THANKS A BUNCH, Blessings!!!

[@SrBaneSinse]

I never considered which way my nocturnals was being nocked. I’ll definitely make sure the hole is pointed to the sky now. Thanks!

[@donaldvonlintig8445]

Yes, Me too, I always used to put the hole down, so no rain ,snow, or debris got in there, and jammed up the switch.

[@0megaJB]

Lighted nocks have made shooting for me so much more enjoyable. I had such a hard time seeing hits over 20 yards out depending on the background.

[@theoferinga6030]

Would be awesome if they sold practice nocks, so you could train with them all year!

[@nockonarchery]

For sure!

[@jakeanderson3112]

Agreed. I have been in contact with the company and told them they should consider it. Hopefully they listen.

[@rosariopurpora3811]

I just turn the old dead ones into practice ones and put in new ones that has the same or closer weight for hunting season. No need to retune them yet … granted I’m no John Dudley 😂

[@Bowhunterlake]

Use your old ones from past years

[@ValhallaHotBox]

@@nockonarcheryhey John just curious what you think about lumenocks. I run them and wish they were brighter for sure but I love the durability. Thanks man you’re the best

[@nsc112]

The grass looks good JD!

[@jessewolfe9589]

Hey Dud. Do you know nocturnal makes a nock with a switch you can turn the nock off. It's called the shift nock. I like them better than the halo because you can turn them off without having to nock the arrow on your string.

[@user-il9ip8no2o]

It's interesting to see your one shot.The simplest video with 1 shot, you leave the house in the morning and shoot 1 time at 70m. It's like hunting, no warming up, only 1 chance. You show the result and go home to drink coffee.I do this every day to choose the best shooting option that will give the best result. Because there are techniques that require warming up before shooting and others do not.

[@donaldvonlintig8445]

Exactly ! The same way I've been practicing for a hunting situation, the last 45 years. One arrow, the first arrow, and the only one that matters ! You don't get to"warm-up' or "dial-in" Bow-hunting. I get up early, go in the backyard, climb into a practice stand, put on a dull Thunderhead, and shoot one arrow ,cold, at a deer target. That's how you know if your ready to go hunting. I never understood why guys wanna shoot arrow after arrow into a 'Bulleye" to see how good they can "Group" ??? but they can't understand why they keep wounding deer....I never saw a deer walking thru the woods with a "Bullseye" on his chest with a half a dozen arrows sticking out. L.O.L'S !!

[@Chris.E.]

Good day Sir, First and foremost thank you for the continuous beneficial content. Your School of Nock is tremendous, your ongoing effort to distribute meaningful archery knowledge is, at minimum appreciated and your drive for knowledge is admirable. Thank you for this and all of your videos. If you're ever on Oahu and want to shoot 3D with some Coast Guard guys or are interested in what we have going on out here let me know. From one Iowan (Des Moines County) to another, keep up the great work, thank you for your efforts and Semper Paratus. 🤙🏼

[@christophermullen5408]

Keep up the great work on providing knowledge bro. It helps a lot of us out here. Also absolutely dig the bow.

[@jeffrylotz138]

I'm impressed you can see them at all.

[@christianstorms3950]

In the video, I didn't see them either. But I blame that on technical limitations. Camera footage in general does not translate too well to eyesight.

[@yfz450rider39]

Night n day brighter for the Nockturnal!

[@3rdCoastYaker]

Nice coach. I’ve been using Halo Nocks for years, since before the name change. I agree they could be a little brighter. Thanks for this testing. I do feel like the batteries run out fairly quick.

[@nockonarchery]

Right on!

[@tobpitbull]

Luminok hs been brightest I’ve tested. I have a nocktural blow up a few weeks ago

[@par1013]

Yo, that fog rolling in looks awesome on video lol

[@xforce708]

Interesting thought on the switch up or down. Leaves me wondering. 😳

[@jdonez8347]

Always appreciate the tips brother, god bless, enjoy your afternoon big dog. 🙏 🤘

[@jdonez8347]

I've been running the red Nocturnals for about 5 yrs, shame they got rid of the GT fit and went universal Knocks now, planning a major refit and tune someday but managed to buy the last 3 packs on the shelf when they were there so set for a bit long. 😂 2 fresh pack still in the safe...💪🤘

[@tylerparker3024]

You have more levitates than I have tee shirts lol

[@jaysonallen3100]

John! I cant thank you enough for the knowledge I've gained from your videos in my very short time since Ive gotten into archery. I'm hoping you could give yiur thoughts on the Firenock lighted nock system and their match weighted nocks. Cheers GOAT!

[@MostlyPeacefulCombatVet]

The nockturnals are absolutely brighter. You could tell just leaving the bow. I love the functionality and stiffness of the halo nock though. I want to try a 4mm with a halo. They seem to be much stiffer than all other lighted nocks. I always stick with a 5mm or larger just because of that. However, I imagine I’ll stick with nockturnals and the ol fattys. Maybe halo will up their led game for next year and will absolutely have the best lighted nock. I appreciate the video J Dud! I love that you do these tests, so I don’t have to. This crap gets to expensive for me. Lol take care

[@davidarrieta3995]

I’m sure you know but they do make Nocturnals with a switch now.

[@sullyd.9280]

Hell yeah brother, love your stuff🤘🏼

[@rosariopurpora3811]

Dud, I know you steer clear of 4mm arrows and lighted nocks because they flex so much more in that size. I’d be curious to see what you think of the halos with 4mm. I use them on my 4mm X-impacts. I am seeing very comparable groupings to my standard nocks. Also, I am using the blue color and it seems plenty bright to me. Lastly, they seem to be a bit lighter than most illuminated nocks. Thus far mine are weighing anywhere from 14.5 - 15 grains.

[@brandonhoward1408]

Has anyone had issues with Nockturnals failures? I have gone through 3 different packs in which each have barely stayed lit through 1(hour or two) shooting session. The end up flickering and are intermittent at best when they start to fail.

[@Cheals96]

My 5mm arrows took the nocturnals perfectly. My 4mm nocturnals seemed to fail if I opened the package wrong. I flipped to halo and while not as bright, haven't failed yet between 12 different ones.

[@brandonhoward1408]

I’ve only used the .165 or G, no matter what I do they don’t seem to last for me. I obviously always turn them off when not in use but will not last.

[@crapatron17]

I have 5mm arrows as well and the noctunals have been very reliable and bright. I know mine have been lit for more than an hour with constant on and off while practicing

[@geraldrivera8706]

I got a package last year that one wouldn’t turn on at all. The bow shop mentioned that they had a few packages with the same issue. That was 1 out of 12 the shop just swapped me out a nock.

[@donaldvonlintig8445]

Nothing wrong with turning off the nockturnals, but I've noticed it to be much more difficult with a fieldpoint or dangerous with a sharp broadhead. I keep a Nail in my quiver. Fits perfect, works great, real easy.

[@WoodsandWater72]

Dayyum that bow looks siiiick! And that shirt, love that freakin shirt I gotta get it

[@disposable_hero2748]

I’ve bought about 5 packs of both nocturnal and Halos for my Gold tip Hunter pro arrows. The nocturnal always break at the nocking point. Not sure if it’s on impact or not. My Halos last until the light dies. Halo all the way for me 👍🏾

[@user-jm8pq4jy5z]

He’s so in tune with his bow he investigates down to the little hole under the nock to throw his shot of.

[@quintenstrand9530]

Try the new jupiter from flying arrow. Seem to be well put together.

[@JamesS03]

I doubt it’s the pack. I had the same experience. The Halo nocks are great functionally but not near as bright as other options.

[@josephbucci484]

Try the deepower lighted nocks. Less than half the price and bright as nocturnal but with a good switch. The universal bushings are not very durable but the standard ones are tanks.

[@ryanwolfe7041]

Shift version nocturnal have a slide close with no hole. Shoot very consistent for me. Have you tried them

[@tomradke1121]

Maybe a test at dusk to test the brightness 😊

[@goldeneagle5823]

Try Deep power lighted Arrow nocks there awesome especially the price but they might only come in S size nock.

[@bradygoodell259]

Great video/detail on lighted nock considerations. Unrelated to the nock analysis, you mentioned something about sight pin to arrow that caught my attention. I always assumed that for a perfect tune & sight pin setup you must have your sight pin nearly centered over the middle of your arrow. Do you have setups where your pin(s) align to the left or right of your arrow center? Can you elaborate about this or maybe you have already done a video on this that I missed.

[@bradbo3]

Ive used Nockturnals for a couple seasons now….love them…super bright. I used lumenoks years ago…but hated the stupid wire thing and trying to make sure the carbon arrows would work with them. I also cant do green…..I use red or orange or yellow. Green doesnt show up with my 54 yr old eyes.

[@lewiskurzawa6041]

Thanks for all the great info as always

[@disposable_hero2748]

Ima need a video of u jammin on a Les Paul next😂 nice beanie dawg 🤘🏾😎

[@jimmiekaelin4804]

The Halo nock is the cat’s meow. I was so impressed with Halo’s I purchased 4 packages. The brightness on the Halo is bright enough. The Halo makes all other lighted nocks obsolete.

[@tmalonso]

*rotating my nocturnals while finishing the vid lol

[@SirQuacksalotthe1st]

If the led stay on after hitting the target that's a great thing I need these to find my arrows always loosing them in the grass 😅

[@MrChiumiento]

Why do I never hear people talking about firenock lighted nocks. In my option they are the best. They have two different types brighter but don’t last as long or not as bright will last longer. I definitely think they are way tougher than any other nicks out there. You can replace batteries. They have it all.

[@real2x542]

So what lighted nock you feel groups an is brighter Dudley?

[@snapcrack55]

Just ordered some. Fingers crossed!

[@Terpedup925]

Damn. So you have to turn the rest for the lighted nicks, and then you have to turn it for broadheads? I such a newbie, I’m having a hard time sighting in my scope. My 20,30 and 40 yards are good but my 60 yard is alway hitting a foot under the target. I’m using a 3 pin fast Eddie XL. I feel like I’m chasing a ghost. I know a lot of my misses are because of my grip and probably my beard.

[@kylemacdonell1450]

Why not the firenock ? , my guess is you don't like how tight they fit on the serving ! Thoughts ?

[@mltron]

What release is being used in this video?

[@5dennisk]

I Bought Some Nock Off Lighted Nocks And They Shot Low . They Resemble The Nocturnals Where You Have To Shut The Light Off Through The Little Hole. . I Thought It Was Just Me Experiencing This .. Thanks For The Video..

[@chrismacomber9727]

Cool video I try to shoot almost a hour to 1.5 hours a day depending what time I get off work... at what point t do to figure Fatigue in on your groups ????

[@lisaannaallen6283]

check that pressure it takes to clip nock on the string "with a scale" 1or 2 lb. will make them shoot that low. maybe check the throat of each nock with a inside caliber.

[@nockonarchery]

They are low because they are softer and heavier

[@jasonpierce9452]

Great stuff! ??? How do you know that the left and right’s are from the spine instead of the way the string lays inside the nock when it pressed plunger? Idk just something I always thought about.

[@tke466]

Halo fit too tight for me. Accuracy was a problem. Wouldn't be a problem but my practice is Beiter pin nocks. So no go for me. I need to have a nock that I can pair well with a practice nock.

[@timbow50]

People need to consider this is a hundred yards with the drop shot by a guy that can get it done. A hundred yards! At 75#’s DW. Wonder about the average guy shooting 60-65#’s . What drop might they encounter? The answer is- go outside and test, test test. And that’s exactly what I’m doing this week already. 👍👍

[@d500mag2]

do the halos hang on to string for dear life like the nockturnals ?

[@zekeoutdoors]

I would think at 20 to 30 yards average and mostly last min shots that brightness of the helo wpuld be fine

[@scottpulver4920]

What sight is that? Good job and thank you.

[@ernestroger3326]

Good afternoon , I’m a 26 inch draw , and can only pull 40 pounds on my compound bow . Would you be willing to suggest the best total weight for hunting whitetail deer , fixed blade broad head .

[@harveygalloway3965]

Just a dummy question...... Your dome cover has a Gibson label on it, and I know you play guitars...... No Matt guitar? I am envious, I can't even play a radio.... LOL

[@frankspataro9714]

6.5 easton type s nocturnal suck I shoot em alot but hate em most times lol they fall out of 6.5 eastons or the old style Beemans alot pull your arrow off the string at night and nocturnal stays on the string I have had impacts on deer and the nock fly out on the blood trail

[@adampfaffmann4400]

Do you ever weight your regular x nocks to match the weight of the lighted nocks? Or what are your thoughts on doing that? My lighted nocks shoot about 5yds lower than my x nocks

[@moneyking6659]

I think only thing good about halo nocks is that their 4mm are decent compared to the rest of the market.

[@mikemitchell9157]

The main problem ive had is finding some for my black eagle deep impacts. I found some nocturnals but they flicker

[@rosariopurpora3811]

I use the 4mm halos in my X-Impacts … if that helps. I know they aren’t deep impacts though

[@mikemitchell9157]

@@rosariopurpora3811 I think they are the same inner diameter. I've always had good luck with the nocturnal but going down to that diameter I shoot em a couple times and they will flicker on and off or just not come on

[@rosariopurpora3811]

I thought so just didn’t feel like taking the time to verify 😂 I haven’t had the flickering issue with my blue halos yet. Hope that helps!

[@mikemitchell9157]

@@rosariopurpora3811 right on I appreciate it man

[@chrisruzsa2798]

Not bad group at the end there.

[@chucklewis5396]

Did you have to use a different size serving for the Halo? They are super tight when I tried them and Nockturnals were a good fit.

[@nockonarchery]

Yes. I had to go a serving smaller to a .018

[@chucklewis5396]

Also.. what lighted nock have you found that holds up the best on high lb bows (80lb+)? I've blown up tons! Great vid!

[@chucklewis5396]

@@nockonarchery Awesome thanks! Keep up the great vids man!

[@jacob11b]

John Dudley on TRT ??

[@vectorponder]

Does no one use firenocks? I feel like they are the brightest.

[@dxt6]

So wish one was brighter?

[@randyhutch50]

ok John, love all the videos but I live in Iowa too and what's with a stocking cap when it's near 100 degrees out?

[@caseyrandel1683]

I was thinking the same thing. How is this dude wearing a stocking hat lol

[@sweet_bbq7567]

My arrows fly like absolute shit with lighted knocks (knockturnals). On the money with normal knocks... any idea what could cause this?

[@Thedudeabides803]

I have used Nocturnal for years. Perfect nock fit. I’ll have to try Halo. I just bought Axe and they are metal and difficult to get a good nock pinch. Being metal they are finicky to bend open or close to fit right.

[@chrisunruh6485]

I know you’re all about the green color scheme but red will show up MUCH better during daylight hours. I shoot red for my morning hunts and green for evening.

[@nockonarchery]

Red has spooked game if it’s laying out in a field for me. They don’t see green we’ll. Even turkeys hang around a green one

[@chrisunruh6485]

@@nockonarchery makes sense since they are so much easier for me to see. I will be sure not to shoot my red at a doe if I plan on setting the rest of the day. Most of the time I’m just shooting the one and I can’t wait to go check the arrow. Still the same excitement as I had at 13 years old. lol

[@zekeoutdoors]

I shoot easton 4mm long range fornhunting and i broke a few nocks just practicing and 1 whem i hit a deer. They so skinny

[@davidarrieta3995]

I couldn’t see the Halo at all but I could see the Nocturnal.

[@Nakai2024]

I just put in a order for some of the Nocturnals.... Now I feel some uncertainty (-_-) .... We'll see what his ultimate results are but regardless, feeling a little buyers remorse after this video to be honest.

[@Eric-bh7jy]

Great shooting as usual. I was wondering if you hunt with a backbar? I’ve noticed that sometimes you have one and sometimes you don’t. Doesn’t seem to affect your shooting either way. Lol

[@nockonarchery]

I don’t hunt with one. They constantly get in the way

[@mikecooze3972]

Great information, I drive myself insane trying to become a better archer, I rife hunted for years and became that proficient, i lost the thrill of the hunt, then I bought a compound bow and proceeded to drive myself insane, have three moose and one bear to date. But I have so much respect for a bow hunter, to reach your level , I know it comes with thousands of man hours of insanity, some survive it ,some don't lol. Great videos, your knowledge goes a long way with helping people like myself .

[@jwild5360]

Shouldn’t a well tuned bow have pretty equal pressure up and down? If it has pressure going downward my thoughts would be a tail low impact high bareshaft.

[@nockonarchery]

Most cams now have a downward nock travel to force the arrow to ride out the rest.

[@jwild5360]

@@nockonarchery shouldnt we be tuning that out via cam sync etc.. the whole point of the tune is to have the arrow leaving the bow level with no nock travel. Obviously the bow has nock travel built in by design but that’s why we tune correct? I just don’t think I could shoot a level bareshaft at 50 plus yards if I had a measurable downward pressure going into the nock as it left the bow. Great discussion though I’m open minded to hear your thoughts. I can see where your going with it if a bow tunes 1/8 or a touch more nock high like most do obviously some downwards pressure would have to be present to have that leave the bow level from a nock high starting position. But I still have to revert back to if it’s tuned and leaving the bow level with no nock travel we’ve aligned the forces in the center of the nock via rest or cam snyc I mean we could get real real deep and go into where the spine is aligned to effect all this as well etc etc I’d say that’s for another day lol

[@JohnDoe-sz5jh]

That bow!

[@reelworldfisherman4330]

Buddy I’ve shot 1000s of nocturnals. I do not highly recommend them. I worked for Feradyne outdoors for years and it’s all garbage now!

[@danielschultz955]

Halo nocks are lighter than Nocturnals

[@senavicente]

These are my groups at 20yrds

[@rwittman9932]

Had you rotated your Nockturnal 180° in the arrow, do you think you still would've been shooting them low at 101yds?

[@nockonarchery]

Of course. The fit is different and they are heavier. There’s no need to nock tune a match grade shaft. That only applies for lower quality shafts +.003

[@Hunt210]

AAE needs to make IP lantern!

[@deanbrantley]

Must be nice…..to wear a beenie in the summer😂

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Why hasn't easton just made a lighted nock to their standards?

[@YoureSoVane]

At night, the easiest color to see is the green of a traffic light. During the day, it's the green of a tennis ball. In case anyone wants to factor this into your decision making.

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

What about compared to x nocks, how far off at 100 were the lighted before you started filming shots?

[@nockonarchery]

They are heavier for one so they will be near 10” at this distance for sure. The fit is also so different that you can’t compare them that way

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

@@nockonarchery thanks wish easton made top quality lighted nocks with weighted practice nocks ...get on em Dud!

[@josephbucci484]

I wish I shot well enough to have to make small tweaks for 100 yards lol

[@savedgesurvive]

What's the weight of the Halos? I have the nocturnals. Super visible, even in the daytime. The trade off of a less bright but stronger material is interesting. Idk if a "stronger" material doesn't seem worth it, I've yet to have an issue with the nockturnals.

[@nockonarchery]

They are 4 or so grains lighter

[@xforce708]

To me it’s seems clear nocks with lights are not as bright as fluorescent nocks with lights.

[@GMONEYFIFTYFOUR]

So have you came to a conclusion yet? I know he isn’t reading these comments 😢

[@micahdunleavy9227]

lol if I shot that well at 100 I’d never shoot again..

[@thephoenicianarcher5267]

They will stiffen the spine