5 Best Nock on Archery Arrows of 2026: Picks Compared

Updated November 2026

Choosing a nock on archery arrows is one of the smallest decisions you will make in archery, but it affects how cleanly your arrow leaves the string, how well it stays on the rest, and whether it survives a season of shooting. This list compares five nock options that cover the most common needs, from bulk replacement packs to lighted nocks for low-light shooting. Our selection focused on inside diameter compatibility, material, packaging quantity, and the patterns owners tend to mention in feedback, including fit, durability and ease of gluing.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks	Replacing lost nocks in bulk	60 glue-on nocks for 8mm shafts
KEAUP 6PCS X Lighted Nocks	Low-light and night shooting	LED nocks with on/off switch
SOPOGER 50 Packs Archery Arrows Nocks	Carbon arrow builds	.244 inside diameter fit
Foaaseea 25 PCS 8mm Archery Arrow Nocks	Hunting arrows with shock needs	Shockproof plastic insert tails
PATIKIL Archery Arrows Nocks 7mm	Shooters on a tight budget	60-piece yellow glue-on set

SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks

Best for: Replacing lost or damaged nocks in bulk

This pack suits archers who shoot regularly and want a large supply on hand. It is a practical choice for DIY arrow builders, target shooters and hunters who expect to re-nock arrows after a season.

Key specs:

• Quantity: 60 nocks
• Designed for 5/16″ arrows with 8mm (.314 inch) shaft inside diameter
• Plastic glue-on style
• Compatible with recurve and compound bows

Pros:

• Large count covers many arrow builds
• Glue-on design works with standard fletching jigs
• Suitable for both hunting and target arrows

Cons:

• Plastic nocks can wear faster than premium inserts under heavy use
• Requires careful sizing check before ordering for non-8mm shafts

Bottom line: Best for shooters who want a big, affordable supply and already know their shaft diameter is 8mm.

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KEAUP 6PCS X Lighted Nocks

Best for: Low-light and night shooting

These nocks are aimed at hunters and archers who need to track arrow flight in dim light or after dark. The lighted design helps you see where the arrow lands, which is useful for recovery.

Key specs:

• Quantity: 6 pieces
• Inside diameter options listed as .204, .233, .244 and .246
• Includes H, S and GT bushings
• LED with on/off switch

Pros:

• Visible arrow flight in low light
• Multiple bushing sizes for different shafts
• On/off switch conserves battery when not needed

Cons:

• Electronic components add weight and require battery replacement
• Limited quantity compared with bulk packs

Bottom line: A good pick for night hunters and anyone who needs to follow arrow flight in dim conditions.

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SOPOGER 50 Packs Archery Arrows Nocks

Best for: Carbon arrow builds

This option is aimed at archers building or repairing carbon arrows with a .244 inside diameter. The 50-pack count gives enough supply for multiple arrow sets.

Key specs:

• Quantity: 50 packs listed
• Designed for .244 / 6.20mm inside diameter
• Plastic arrow inserts
• Green color

Pros:

• Sized for common carbon arrow shafts
• Large quantity for building several sets
• Color makes nocks easy to identify on a rack

Cons:

• Insert style may need a snug fit check before gluing
• Not suitable for 8mm or 5/16″ shafts without a different size

Bottom line: Pick this if your arrows use a .244 inside diameter and you want a full supply for DIY carbon builds.

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Foaaseea 25 PCS 8mm Archery Arrow Nocks

Best for: Hunting arrows that need shock absorption

Hunters who want a little extra cushioning at the nock end may find this set useful. It is designed for compound and recurve hunting arrows with 8mm inside diameter shafts.

Key specs:

• Quantity: 25 pieces
• 8mm archery arrow shaft inside diameter
• Plastic insert tail design
• Glue-on replacement parts

Pros:

• Shock-resistant design suits hunting use
• Good size for a single season of re-nocking
• Works with standard 8mm arrow shafts

Cons:

• Smaller quantity than the bulk packs in this list
• Glue-on installation requires proper curing time

Bottom line: A solid choice for hunters with 8mm shafts who want a moderate supply with shock-resistant nocks.

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PATIKIL Archery Arrows Nocks 7mm

Best for: Shooters on a tight budget

This 60-piece set is a budget-friendly way to keep spare nocks on hand. It suits beginners who are still learning arrow setup and want a supply for practice.

Key specs:

• Quantity: 60 pieces
• 7mm nock size as listed
• Plastic glue-on design
• Yellow color

Pros:

• Large count at a budget-friendly pick level
• Bright yellow color is easy to spot
• Replacement-friendly for recurve and compound bows

Cons:

• Listed 7mm size must be checked against your shaft carefully
• Plastic construction may not match premium inserts for heavy hunting use

Bottom line: Best for beginners and practice shooters who need a low-cost supply and can confirm the 7mm fit.

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Buying Guide

Inside Diameter and Shaft Fit

The inside diameter of the nock must match your arrow shaft. Common sizes include 8mm (.314 inch), .244 (6.20mm) and 7mm. Measure your shaft with calipers or check the manufacturer’s specification before buying. A nock that is too loose will wobble, and one that is too tight can crack the shaft when pressed in. Manufacturers typically specify the shaft size for each nock listing, so check that line first.

Good picks for this: SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks, SOPOGER 50 Packs Archery Arrows Nocks

Glue-On Versus Press-Fit Designs

Most nocks on archery arrows are glue-on types that bond to the shaft with an adhesive designed for arrow building. Some inserts are press-fit into the shaft end. Glue-on nocks are common on DIY and replacement work, while inserts are common on carbon builds. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s cure time, which often ranges from several hours to overnight, before shooting.

Good picks for this: Foaaseea 25 PCS 8mm Archery Arrow Nocks, PATIKIL Archery Arrows Nocks 7mm

Lighted or Standard Nocks

Lighted nocks use a small LED to help you track arrow flight in low light. They add weight and need battery care, so they are best for hunters and night shooters. Standard plastic nocks are lighter and simpler, and most target archers prefer them for daytime use.

Good picks for this: KEAUP 6PCS X Lighted Nocks

Shock Absorption and Durability

Nocks take repeated impact from the string and the rest. Shock-resistant designs can help reduce wear at the nock end during hunting or heavy practice. Plastic nocks are common and generally durable for normal use, but inspect them regularly for cracks, splits or looseness, and replace any that show damage.

Good picks for this: Foaaseea 25 PCS 8mm Archery Arrow Nocks, SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks

Quantity and Replacement Planning

Nocks are small and easy to lose, so a larger pack reduces the chance of running out mid-season. A 50 to 60 piece pack covers several arrow sets and spare replacements. If you shoot only a few arrows, a smaller count may be enough. Keep a few spares in your archery bag or quiver so you can fix a nock on the range.

Good picks for this: PATIKIL Archery Arrows Nocks 7mm, SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks

Color and Visibility

Bright nock colors such as yellow or green help you spot arrows in the grass, on a target or after a shot. Color is a matter of preference and does not change performance. If you shoot in woods or long grass, a high-visibility color can save time during recovery.

Good picks for this: PATIKIL Archery Arrows Nocks 7mm, SOPOGER 50 Packs Archery Arrows Nocks

Care and Storage

Store nocks in a dry container away from heat and direct sunlight, which can soften some plastics over time. Keep loose nocks separated by size so you do not mix a 7mm nock with an 8mm shaft. Check your arrows after each session and replace any nock that is cracked, loose or deformed.

Good picks for this: SDCYOW 60 Pack Archery Arrows Nocks, KEAUP 6PCS X Lighted Nocks

FAQ

What is a nock on an archery arrow?

A nock is the small plastic or metal piece at the back end of an arrow shaft. It holds the bowstring so the arrow stays on the string until release. Nocks also help the arrow fly straight by seating consistently on the string.

How do I know what nock size I need?

Match the nock to your shaft’s inside diameter. Common sizes include 8mm, .244 and 7mm. Check the shaft manufacturer’s specification or measure the inside of the shaft with calipers before buying.

Can I glue nocks on myself?

Yes, many archers install glue-on nocks at home. Use an adhesive recommended for arrow building, apply a small amount, seat the nock, and allow the full cure time. If you are unsure about the process, a local archery shop or experienced archer can show you the technique.

What is the difference between a nock and an insert?

The terms are often used loosely. In general, a nock refers to the part that engages the string, while an insert is a piece that fits into the shaft end and may hold the nock. Some products combine both into one part.

How often should I replace nocks?

Replace a nock when you see cracks, splits, looseness or wear that changes how the arrow sits on the string. Check nocks regularly, especially after hunting or heavy practice, and replace damaged ones before shooting.

Do lighted nocks affect arrow flight?

Lighted nocks add a small amount of weight at the back of the arrow, which can slightly change balance and spine behavior. Manufacturers often recommend checking arrow tuning after installing them. If you notice inconsistent groups, consider having a qualified archery technician check your setup.

Are plastic nocks safe for hunting?

Plastic nocks are widely used for hunting arrows, but inspect them before every outing. For bow safety and equipment guidance, consult a qualified archery instructor or the equipment manufacturer.

Conclusion

For most archers, the right nock on archery arrows comes down to shaft size, shooting conditions and how many spares you need. The SDCYOW 60 Pack suits bulk replacement, the KEAUP lighted set fits low-light hunting, and the SOPOGER pack is sized for carbon arrow builds. The Foaaseea set adds shock resistance for hunters, while the PATIKIL pack is a practical budget option for practice. Confirm your inside diameter first, then choose the count and design that match how you shoot.

Sources

• Guidance on outdoor and hunting safety practices that apply to field archery (usda.gov)
• Consumer safety information on product recalls and equipment hazards (cpsc.gov)
• Standards and rules for archery as a high school and youth sport

Related reading

• Wooden Arrows for Archery: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing and Caring for Them
• Victory Archery VForce Arrows Review: Features and Performance
• Top 8 Practice Arrows for Archery: Expert Picks for Every Need

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