Carbon Express Laser Eye Nock

The first lighted nock I tested was the CX Laser Eye.  I purchased this 2 pack from an online retailer for a cost of $20 plus shipping.  This is just slightly above some of the other brands, but not out of reach for most bowhunters.

When they are shipped, the nocks have a small plastic collar installed that prevents them from activating and discharging in the package.  Upon removal from their plastic wrapper I took off the collar and slid the nocks into the back of my arrow shafts. 

Here you can see the protective collars that come installed on the Laser Eye nocks to prevent premature discharge in their packaging.

The fit was a little on the tight side, but I was able to get the nocks slide all the way down without too much trouble.  Upon installation the nocks will activate and turn on as you push them down into the shaft.  In order to deactivate the nock you pull it back about 1/16 of an inch until you feel a slight click.  The nock will switch off and is then ready to shoot. 

The only thing I don’t like about this design is that the nock is not securely seated to the back of the shaft upon release.  If for some reason you bump the nock, or click it onto your string too firmly, you can accidentally light the nock.  Of course if it gets bumped in your case or quiver, it could discharge before being used in the field.

Here you can see the slight gap between the back of the nock and the arrow shaft.  When shot, the nock moves forward and the light is activated.

However, one thing I do like about the Laser Eye nock is that you can easily rotate the nock after it’s installed.  This makes fletching alignment much easier, if needed.  With most lighted nocks, they manufacturer discourages rotating the nock in the shaft as to prevent damage to the wiring or circuitry that controls the light.

As for functionality, the Laser Eye worked perfectly.  I took roughly a dozen shots out of my Mathews Helim and the nocks lit perfectly every time.  They are extremely easy to turn off as well.  Just pull them out a hair, and they turn right off.  It’s quick and easy.

The Lazer Eye nock is reported to weigh 18.5 grains, however my scale showed both nocks weighing in at just over 20 grains, which was still the lightest of all nocks tested.  Of course weight becomes a concern for many archers, especially when added to the back of your arrow.  When it comes to lighted nocks, the lighter the better.

Nock brightness was slightly below the rest of the tested nocks.  From a distance of 25 years during twilight hours, the nocks could easily be seen both in flight and once they got to their target.   However, put next to some other brands the Laser Eye was clearly not as bright.

While you can still see them easier than a non-lighted nock, the Laser Eye was one of the dimmer nocks I tested.

My overall impression of the Carbon Express Laser Eye is that it’s a solid nock that is extremely easy to use.  If you’re looking for something you can take out of the package, put in your arrow and go shooting, this is it.

Now for the scores:
Price: 4 – At $10/each they certainly aren’t cheap, but are about average for most lighted nocks.
Ease of Use: 5 – pull them out of the package and start using them.   It’s that easy.
Reliability: 5 – worked every time, no problems turning them off
Brightness: 2 – slightly below average brightness
Weight:  5 – the lightest of any nock tested

Overall: 4.2/5

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