Nocks, nocking points and consistent arrow flight
Notes from the counter at Extreme Archery in Mamaroneck, NY.
The nock fit test
A correctly fitted nock holds the arrow on the string when the bow is held horizontally, and releases with a light tap. Too tight and the arrow drags on release; too loose and it falls off at full draw.
This is the fastest check for erratic arrow flight and it takes seconds.
Nocking points keep it repeatable
A nocking point marks exactly where the arrow sits on the string, so every shot starts identically. Without one, small vertical variation produces surprisingly large errors downrange.
A brass point or a tied thread both work; what matters is that it does not move.
Nock size is not universal
Nock throat size must match string diameter, and string diameters vary between materials and builds. A nock that fitted an old string may not fit a new one.
Check fit after any string change rather than assuming.
Lighted nocks and their rules
Lighted nocks help recover arrows at dusk and show flight, but they add weight at the back of the arrow which slightly changes tune. They are also restricted in some competitions.
Check the rules of anything you compete in before fitting them.
Index the fletching
The odd-coloured vane should be indexed consistently relative to the nock so it clears the rest the same way every time. Rotating one arrow changes its behaviour.
Consistency here removes a variable that is very hard to diagnose later.
Replace damaged nocks immediately
A cracked nock can fail on release and cause a dry fire, which can destroy a bow and injure the archer. It is the cheapest part on the arrow.
Inspect nocks whenever you pull arrows from a target.
Where this sits in the shop
Extreme Archery groups its stock into 5 categories, so most of what is discussed above lives in one or two of them:
- Arm Guards and Protection — 2 items
- Arrows and Targets — 8 items
- Bow Strings and Wax — 3 items
- Finger Tabs and Gloves — 8 items
- Tools and Accessories — 5 items
Browsing by category is usually quicker than searching, because the groups follow how the goods are actually used rather than how a supplier lists them.
The largest group at the moment is Arm Guards and Protection with 2 items, and the smallest is Tools and Accessories with 5. Those counts move as stock comes in and goes out, so they are worth checking rather than assuming.
From our shelves
A few items currently in stock that relate to this article:
- HME Compact Lightweight Hunting Pocket Multi-Functional 14-in-1 Handheld Archery Multi Tool – Wrench/Broadhead Sharpener Combo
- Meooeck 3 Pcs Archery Accessories, Arm Guard, 3 Finger Glove, Hip Quiver
- 4Pcs Archery Protective Gear Bundle for Beginner Target Shooting
- RoundFunny 3 Pcs Archery Bow Strength Trainer 30 40 50 Lbs | Arm Strength Exercise Band, Rubber Stretch Bands Archery Accessories, Bow Practice Shooting Accessories
Across the whole catalogue prices currently run from $4.99 to $37.49, with most of the range clustered around the middle of that span. Stock and prices on the product pages are live, so they are the figures to trust rather than anything quoted in an article.
Ordering, delivery and returns
Free US shipping on orders over $65; a flat $7.50 below that. Orders are picked and packed at the Mamaroneck store on business days, and a tracking number follows by email once the carrier scans the parcel.
If something is not right, there are 30 days from delivery to send it back unused and in its packaging. The full detail is on the Shipping Policy and Returns and Refunds pages, and the FAQ covers the questions that come up most.
How we decide what to stock
Extreme Archery carries archery finger tabs, arm guards and bow accessories, and the range is deliberately narrower than a warehouse catalogue. A line earns its place by being asked for repeatedly at the counter in Mamaroneck and by coming back without complaints — not by having the widest margin.
When something stops meeting that bar it comes off the shelf rather than being discounted until it moves. That is why the catalogue on this site changes slowly and why the specification tables on the product pages quote the maker rather than our own marketing.
Quick answers
How often should I wax a string?
Every few sessions for a bow in regular use, and always before storing it. A tin lasts a very long time relative to the cost of a new string.
Do you stock left handed guards?
Several arm guards and tabs are sold in specific hands or as adjustable fits. Where the maker states a hand, it is in the specification table.
Related reading
Other notes from the same shelf that pick up where this one stops:
- Finger tab or shooting glove: how to decide
- Arm guards: sizing, fit and why bruises happen
- String wax: the cheapest habit that prevents an expensive failure
Coming to the store
Extreme Archery is at 801 E Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Opening hours are Mon 12:45-19:00 | Tue 11:00-19:00 | Wed 12:45-19:00 | Thu-Fri 11:00-19:00 | Sat 11:00-17:00 | Sun Closed, and it is worth calling ahead on +1 914-777-7500 if you are travelling specifically for one item, because stock on the shop floor and stock listed online are the same pool.
Anything discussed in this article can be looked at in person before buying. If you would rather order online, the same stock ships from this address — nothing is drop-shipped from a third party warehouse, which is why the despatch address on your parcel matches the shop.
Ask us directly
If this has not answered your question, the counter is open Mon 12:45-19:00 | Tue 11:00-19:00 | Wed 12:45-19:00 | Thu-Fri 11:00-19:00 | Sat 11:00-17:00 | Sun Closed. Call +1 914-777-7500 or use the contact page — a person reads it, and you will get an answer within a business day.