Self nocks or plastic nocks?

[Australiamick]

I've used plastic nocks for decades with complete satisfaction, but just recently I've found that they're slightly offending my sensibilites, in that I just don't like the idea of plastic as being any part of my tradition archery gear. I'm not a primitive hunter. I'm quite happy using my modern traditional gear. It's just those little pieces of plastic on the end of my arrows that somehow worry me.

My last two batches of arrows have all sported self nocks. Perhaps they're not quite as comfortable to shoot as the nicely contoured plastic nocks, but they're not too bad. I prefer to use either horn or hardwood inserts to stop my shafts from splitting. I'm not keen on binding thread on the shaft to reinforce my nocks, as it looks messy in my opinion.

Personally, I think a set of really nice arrows looks that much better with carefully crafted self nocks.

I was wondering if any others shared my sentiments in this regard.    

Mick

[ozarkcherrybow1]

I like using antler nocks on my cane arrows and I love the look of a well carved or crafted self nock. But, if your shooting one of todays high end glass bows with fast flight string, I would stick with the plastic version. I don't know how well a self nock holds up to the punishment of a "radical" bow , but I won't be the one to find out. IMO...Terry

[JEFF B]

hey bro they hold up just fine i have river cane arrows and i just carve a nock into the end then bind with sinew no problem.

[Grey Taylor]

Plastic nocks for utility, self nocks for beauty. Because of the time involved I don't usually do self nocks unless I'm making a special set or am being paid for them.
A good self nock is much more than just a slot sawed in the back of the arrow, they deserve some time and skill to do them right.
Guy

[Shaun]

I like plastic nocks and bows with no plastic (fiberglass)

[Jeff Strubberg]

Self nocks are great, but your odds of replacing one after a mishap are basically zero.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Grey Taylor nailed it. Special arrows call for special nocks. I really like self nocks, but they're hard to replace if you break one!

A neatly done wrap doesn't look too bad, and I find it easier than a spline.  

[SCATTERSHOT]

...and here's a spline.  

[D. Devall]

nice nocks man! i tried it once. did not end well. im a beginner so i'll stick to plastic for now.

[Australiamick]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

I still use plastic nocks on any arrows with a dip cap and fancy cresting, as they look better. I think plastic nocks are nicer to use.

Every now and then I get the urge to build some semi-primitive arrows. I like the 'woodsy' look of simple arrows, and this effect is hightened with well made self nocks.

I'm mildly surprised to see that self nocks are not more popular with US archers, but I can understand why this is so, as they're a lot more time consuming to make and generally they're not quite as comfortable to shoot, but man, they can look fantastic!

If I knew how to post photos, I'd show you some of mine.    

Mick

[SCATTERSHOT]

Love to see them, Mick. There's a tutorial at the top of this page that will show you how.

[SCATTERSHOT]

OOPS! double post. Sorry.

[Pat B]

I have had more problems(breaks)with plastic nocks than I have with self nocks. They are simple to make and they can be made to fit(and look like if you desire) just like and plastic nock.