Plastic Nocks

[Lakota_Ghost]

Hey everybody,

I have noticed that a lot of fletchers use plastic nocks on their arrows. I am wondering if there is some advantage to using plastic nocks versus simply cutting a groove into the end of the shaft.

It would seem to me that a cut such as that would be more "traditional", but then I got to thinking that perhaps there is some benefit of plastic nocks I am not aware of.

Or, perhaps it is all personal preference?

Any thoughts?

[Inuumarue]

My bet, it's just easier.  Take a taper tool to your shafts, put on some glue, put on a nock.  Thats about it.  I'd say for the beginner you could make a dozen plastic nocked arrows in the time it takes to cut one or two self nocks.  And if you start that way, why change?  Personally I prefer self nocks, but it can be a whole lot of work for such a little thing.

my two cents
Adam

[Grey Taylor]

I do both, depending upon the arrow's final look.
Plastic nocks take me probably less than a minute from tapering the shaft to gluing on the nock.
A horn-reinforced self-nock takes me maybe an hour total per arrow, possibly a little longer.

Not everyone wants a self-nock on their arrows. they're difficult to fit perfectly to the string, they can't be color coordinated, and they take a lot more time.

Of course, the coolness factor does have to be considered.

Make the choice and do what you want.

Also, be careful about assigning "traditional" value to things. That's a very, very slippery road. Some archers may think to be traditional you have to make your own bow with stone tools, others are happy with using carbon arrows and calling themselves traditional archers.
There's room for everyone without trying to say one person or piece of gear is more traditional than another.

Guy

[D]

I appreciate the craftsmanship it takes to make good self nocks but I use a simple white plastic snap nock.  I use white so I can see it when I shoot and makes it easier to find when I miss hahaha.

[D]

and as far as the whats "traditional" part,  I think traditional archery has a lot to do with values, ethics, and state of mind just as much as equipment.  My dad uses a compound and although he's not using "traditional" equipment he still hunts with traditional values and ethics.  So it just depends on how you look at it I guess.

[CaptainJ]

Yeah, I think it's personal preference; first in the building stage and then in the shooting stage.
The plastic nock is quicker and easier in the building stage than the reinforced self nock and can look quite nice if matched to the crest and fletching. Just plain non-reinforced self nock is just as quick and easy as the plastic though.
I prefer a reinforced self nock simply for durability. 20+ years of stump shooting and haven't broken one! I break plastic nocks every time I stump shoot with them. At least the plastic nocks can be easily replaced when broken though.

CJ

[George Tsoukalas]

Takes me 3 min  to cut a self nock and may be a minute to wrap some artificial sinew just below the groove and set it in Duco. I've never broken a wrapped self nock. I broke a few plastic nocks. Jawge

[Shakes.602]

I have to agree with Mr. Taylor. It depends on the way I want the Arrows to Look when completed.
  Self Nocks are Very Classy looking, and I cant say any I have made actually SHOOT any different than the Plastick Nocks.
  my everyday Stumpin', 3D, Target Arrows all have Plastic Nocks, for ease of use!

[Stumpkiller]

I've replaced three plastic nocks on Douglas fir arrows this month from hitting them with other arrows.  Takes me a minute and a 10¢ nock to fix.  Better a 10¢ nock than a $5 arrow.

[Aznboi3644]

i have never used plastic nocks...all my arrows are wood with self nocks.

I see a lot of peoples preference for plastic nocks so they bite on the string and not fall off.

None of my arrows fit tight on the string but I never have problems.