Nock Durability

[LoneRanger]

Hello. I’ve experienced two broken nocks upon release in the past two years and am looking to avoid further failures. I visually inspect my nocks, but apparently that is not effective. Both failures were Gold Tip GT nocks out of a 55# bow.

Is there anything that can be done to proactively avoid nock failures upon release? Are there opinions on more durable nocks than the Gold Tip GT nock?

Thank you.

[Terry Green]

Change nock brands.

[LoneRanger]

Thanks Terry. What brand do you use?

[Trenton G.]

I've always shot GT nocks and the only failures that I've had are if I hit one on a previous shot and didn't realize it. Otherwise they've held up very well.

[Stringwacker]

I've always broken more than a normal number of nocks. I have no idea why.

Though I can't say I've broken the GT nocks specifically, I've read enough over the years to avoid them. I use Easton Super nocks exclusively as they never fail.

[LoneRanger]

Thanks Stringwacker. My mind was already leaning toward Easton Super Nocks, as I trust Easton and they look “beefier” than the GT nock.

Any other thoughts or opinions are welcome. I’m just looking to never hear the awful sound of a broken nock on release again!!!

[Terry Green]

I've used several nocks over the years, and found nirk nock to be the scourge of the earth.

I have several Glory Nocks on my arrows now, their lit on half and same shape but non lit on others.  I've used Z nocks, and G nocks.  I do like a 'beefy' nock if I can get it, the tiny ones I'm not much for.... but I do like the small Glory Nocks.

[blacktailbob]

Make sure they seat tight up to the string. Any slight gap can result in stress over a period of time leading to failure.

[Tim Finley]

Gold tip nocks are not a friend of mine either, they break on release. I use Bohning nocks or when hunting lighted nocks .

[cjrecurve]

99% of my shooting is roving. I have taken over 100,000 shots in the last 7 years all with Gold Tip nocks. Zero failures.

[LoneRanger]

For clarification, here is an image of the most recent failed nock. I shot the bow, bow makes bad noise, arrow falls to my feet.

[RIVERWOLF]

Brother, I would ""stop"" shooting that bow right quick before she bites you. Literally ! As in dry fire explosion...

You have a serious issue imho.  Tight nock-loose nock--way weak spine-way stiff spine , low nock set ?

It could be bad -old-dry-heat damaged  nocks. That isn't a carbon thing...it's a plastic thing. That could be, but until you find the issue, looking at "all" the potential possibilities I would not shoot that bow .If your spnie is ballpark , and nock /string fit is good...change those nocks out.  If it is the nocks, the retailer/manufacturer need notified . 

It looks more like something torquing the nock upon release to me.....jmho

Best with your quest my friend....safe quest

[LoneRanger]

For those who have experienced a broken nock upon release, have your failures looked like the image I attached or is my failure unique?

[Hud]

I have use Bjorn for 60 yrs.+ from Sweden, if another arrow hits it straight on it will break, otherwise I checked a glance off. Never had one break while shooting, that I recall.  I have switched to the Bohning Classic nock and like it. Both come in a variety of colors and the Bohning comes in solid colors also.   Bjorn are hard to find now days, but are available online. 

[Stringwacker]

For those who have experienced a broken nock upon release, have your failures looked like the image I attached or is my failure unique?

Yes. Just like your picture. I've cracked the handles in at least 5  bows with broken nock dry fires. The difference between mine and yours is I only had one press in nock fail (and I know why that one did); but probably have had 75 glue on nocks break over the last 45 years of shooting. I suspect many more than that actually.

I shoot a torrid amount of shots each year; but anyone, including myself, understands that that's an insane number of broken nocks. I tried everything I could ever think of and got the same results no matter what brand of nock I used, how I served it, or how much or brand of glue I used. In the end, its a 'me' problem that I never could diagnose....at least not in a way that I was willing to change. I've just stuck to the super nocks over the last few years and gave up on any glue on brands. Problem solved.

I buy my Black Widows two at a time (to have a backup) and BW adds an extra strip of phenolic in the handle to help withstand the stress of dry fires; understanding my history with them.

I know its all stupid what I just posted; but the super nocks were my solution.  Your not the only one. Your results may vary.

[LoneRanger]

I really appreciate all of the thoughts and experiences shared about this issue. I have changed to the Easton Super 3D nock. These new nocks are also a different color, in hopes that I will be able to better visually inspect them for damage/crazing of the plastic.

As for other possible causes (setup, form, etc), I’m really not sure how to effectively go about studying that. I’ve bare-shaft tuned my setup with good heavy arrows (13 grain per pound). Nock fit feels correct to me; no slop when engaged on the string, subtle “click” audibly confirming engagement.

I do recognize the risk of failing nocks hence my seeking wisdom here. I welcome any other experiences, thoughts, tips, ideas that others have had or used over the years.

Thank you! Please keep the posts coming!!

[katman]

I find before failure the knock will loosen up and not snap on string the same, most of the time. Flexing the ears also gets softer, ie. time to change.

[LoneRanger]

I wanted to share an update on this. I changed my nocks from the Gold Tip GT nocks to the Easton Super 3D nocks in August. I have since shot these arrows many hundreds (thousands?) of times. I have not experienced another failure.

I wanted to share this experience in case others shared in the challenge.

Thanks to those who suggested this solution.

 

[smokin joe]

Every broken nock I have ever had has been broken by being hit by an arrow. Because of this I started carefully inspecting my nocks whenever I hear an arrow hit another, or whenever two arrows hit the target very close to each other. That one simple thing, inspecting my nocks, has prevented nock failure because I can find a cracked nock before I put one on the string. Commercially available nocks are plastic and plastic can crack. Cracked plastic will break.

[LoneRanger]

I agree with what you’re saying, Smokin Joe. I think that certain nock colors may also lend themselves to visually identifying damage. White, which was the color of the nocks that failed on me, I believe are particularly challenging to see damage. My new nocks are translucent green, and the ability of light to penetrate the plastic is helpful in illuminating damage.