Lumenok

When it comes to lighted nocks, I believe Lumenok is the most widely known brand name out there.  I’m not sure if they were the original lighted nock, but they certainly helped put them on the map.  My 3 pack of Lumenoks cost $28, making them just over $9 per nock.  Although I did find places online selling them for as cheap as $6 to $7 per nock.  With these prices, they are among the more affordable options.

When it comes to using the Lumenok, it appears to be very easy at first glance.  They come fully assembled and ready to go out of the package.  However, even though the nock may be ready to go, your arrow shaft may not.  You see, the Lumenok works when it is pressed securely into the back of your arrow shaft upon release, thus completing the electrical circuit needed to make it light up.  If the back of your arrow is not completely square, or there is a material blocking the electrical charge, your nocks may not work.

In the case of my Carbon Express Maximas, I had a two step process to prep my arrows to ensure reliability.  First, I had to glue my nock collars in place on the back of my arrow shaft.  Second, I had to sand off the anodized finish on the back of the collar to reveal the metal underneath.  While it did take a few extra minutes to prep my arrow shafts, it certainly wasn’t difficult.  Anyone should be able to do this at home on their own.

When using Carbon Express arrows with Lumenok lighted nocks, you must sand down the back of the nock collar to ensure maximum reliability.

I used a small piece of emory cloth to sand down my nock collars, which worked great and only took a few secods per arrow.

Once installed, I put my Lumenoks to the test.  Just like the previous two contestants, they worked flawlessly every time.   In order to deactivate the Lumenok you simply “wiggle” the back end just enough to break the electrical contacts.  One problem with this method is that if you don't break the contact completely, the nock may remain dimly lit and run the battery down while not in use. 

Similar to the Laser Eye, the Lumenok doesn’t sit completely flush with the back of your arrow upon launch.  Upon release of your arrow, the nock is pushed forward and seated into the shaft.  While I don’t think this effects accuracy much, if at all, it’s something to be noted.

The Lumenok also weighs in just shy of 28 grains, making it tied for the heaviest of all lighted nocks I tested.  This is in comparison to the 11 grains of a standard Carbon Express nock.

Where the Lumenok stands head and shoulders above the competition is in the brightness category.  Of all the nocks tested the Lumenok was easily the brightest.  When it comes to lighted nocks I feel this is the most important feature next to simple reliability.  Lumenok truly puts the “light” into lighted nocks.

The clear winner in brightness, the Lumenok can be seen from a very long distance.

Price: 5 – At $6-$7 each (online) they are one of the most affordable lighted nocks
Ease of Use: 3 – Installation is a breeze, but prepping your arrows can be a bit of a chore
Reliability: 5 – worked every time, no problems turning them off
Brightness: 5 – brightest nock tested by far
Weight:  2 – tied for heaviest of nocks tested at just shy of 28 grains

Overall: 4.0/5

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