Crossbow Arrows: Lighted vs. Unlighted – What to Consider Before You Buy
/ June 10th, 2025So, you are thinking about buying a crossbow?
Well, you came to the right place! We know there are a lot of crossbows on the market and there are many important considerations, features, and factors involved in picking out the best crossbow FOR YOU!
In this article, we take a closer look at crossbow arrows – unlighted vs. lighted – but don’t miss these other articles that detail other important factors to consider before buying:
Crossbow Speed: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Size: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Weight: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Style: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Cocking (Pulling it Back)…and De-Cocking: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Optics: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Arrows
The MOST IMPORTANT takeaway regarding arrows is that you MUST use the nock your crossbow manufacturer recommends. Today’s crossbows are MUCH narrower than “yesteryear” crossbows, and due to the acute angle of the crossbow string when cocked, it is critical that you use the nock your manufacturer recommends. Failure to do so will likely cause your crossbow to misfire (dryfire) and break your string, cables, limbs, or cams, which are very costly.
On to the arrows….
Lighted Arrows/Lighted Nocks
Crossbows shoot arrows at high speeds, and arrows shot from a crossbow are incredibly hard to visually follow, especially in low light or in the high pressure of a hunting situation. Lighted Nocks offer battery-operated illumination that is activated when the crossbow is shot, providing the hunter with a “bright tracer” so they can see where the arrow impacts. Watching the point of impact gives the hunter critical information about where the arrow hit the deer and aids the hunter in recovering their arrow after the shot (which can also indicate where the animal was struck).
Lighted nocks/arrows are offered by all crossbow manufacturers and are designed to have the same point of impact as an unlighted crossbow nock. However, it is best to take a practice shot before hunting to verify that they have the same point of impact. Lighted Nocks/arrows will absolutely make crossbow hunters more successful in recovering their game after the shot.
