Product Review – Lumenoks

The Lumenok consists of the nock, battery pack and two plastic sleeves that encase the battery and put pressure on the shaft to hold the assembly in place. The flat of the nock that contacts the back of the shaft contains two metallic loops that are used to complete the electrical circuit and turn on the LED when the arrow is shot. Before the shot the nock must be pulled slightly out of the shaft so that the contacts are not touching the shaft. Otherwise the nock will light prematurely. As the arrow is shot, the force pushes the nock tight against the shaft and engages the connection loops, which causes it to light up. This test version weighs 30.6 grains and will last up to 40 hours while lit

I tested the Lumenoks using a Mathews Jewel set at 50 lbs and a draw length of 24 inches. The test arrows are Ted Nugent Gold Tips with 100 grain screw in points with standard G-nock and unibushing. Arrow speed is 230 fps. The target is a Morrell bag target that is about one year old.

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The shots were fired during various times of day from near noon to dark enough to barely be able to see the target. Also, the weather varied from bright and sunny to cloud cover to thunderstorms. These nocks were bright enough to see in flight and in the target under cloud cover and at dusk. During the brightest times, the Lumenok shone bright and was visible at great distances. The attached images show the Lumenoks lit up in near pitch black conditions.

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The Lumenok escaped all of the testing with no ill effects. Activation by having the two small leads connect through the back of the shaft is a nifty design, though some people have reported that their carbon shafts will not conduct the electrical charge well enough to light the LED. I have been informed by multiple sources that this is usually an issue with the base of the shaft not being square. Ensuring that the base is square should solve most connection issues. After a few learning shots it was quick and easy to deactivate with a couple of quick wiggles. Otherwise it is a tough, durable nock that got the job done and has a replaceable battery to keep the nock going for a long time.

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The proper way to extinguish a glowing Lumenok is to lay the arrows fletching in the palm of your dominant hand, (nock pointed away from you) grasp the Lumenok between your index finger and thumb, and rock it toward and away from you only until the light stays out.

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The Lumenok lights up instantly with shot inertia, and stays lit, so you can track your arrow to your target and find it easily after dark. It glows for up to 40 hours until switched off. It replaces the nock of most popular carbon arrows and any aluminum with the Super Uni Bushing system.

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I frequently participate in after-dusk target shoots and these glowing nocks made evening shooting very pleasant, since I didn’t have to strain to see my arrow in dim light. They allowed me to see the arrow flight and position in the target. It’s also great for ensuring that I will recover my expensive equipment.

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I’ve never had one not light as I shot it. You do, of course, have to set it up right which takes a few minutes. It is imperative that you watch the DVD or look up how to install the nocks properly. Many people complain that they do not work or 2 out of 3 will not light up when shot. This is typically due to improper installation. Once installed properly, this problem is solved.

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These nocks are easy to use and install. All that I have shot have lit up on release and when concentrating on hitting my target, the last thing I seen is the lit nock as it hits. They didn’t seem to affect arrow flight at all and are very cool, especially in the darkness of the woods. I wouldn’t use them on a 3-d course though, because they make too good of a target for your buddies!

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They cost $30 for a 3 pack, and are worth every penny. Replacement batteries are available for $5.

Areas for improvement:

Does not work at all with a bull ring.

Some may not like that the Lumenok is not an indexed nock. While a minor detail, this does mean that you will have to constantly look at the fletchings to line nocks up.