Archery Nock Types: Fit, Function & Selection

An arrow nock is the small slotted component at the rear of the shaft that clips onto the bowstring. When you release, stored energy passes through this single contact point into the shaft — which is why fit and consistency matter far more than the nock's size suggests.

The Main Archery Nock Types

Press-Fit (Insert) Nocks

Press-fit nocks are widely used across carbon and aluminum shafts. The nock post slides inside the shaft end and seats without glue, making them fully indexable — you can rotate them to align fletchings or achieve cable clearance. Because inside diameters vary between shaft models, always confirm your shaft's ID before ordering.

Pin Nocks

Pin nocks fit onto a small aluminum pin bushing pressed into the nock end of the shaft. The bushing absorbs incoming arrow impacts, protecting expensive shafts. All pin bushings share a standard diameter, so any pin nock fits any pin bushing — a reason they are common among competitive target archers shooting high-end carbon shafts.

Overnocks (Out-Nocks)

Overnocks slide over the outside of the shaft rather than inside it. They come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different shaft diameters and are frequently used with carbon arrows. An overnock that fits loosely can affect release consistency, so correct sizing is essential.

Full-Capture and Half-Moon Nocks

Full-capture nocks fully enclose the bowstring, preventing the arrow from slipping off during the draw — a stable choice for target shooting. Half-moon nocks are semi-circular in profile and seat onto a defined nocking point; their quick, clean release makes them a reliable option for hunting and field use.

Nock Fit: The Key Tuning Variable

Across all arrow nock types, proper fit follows the same rule: a correctly fitted nock holds the arrow on a vertical string without falling under its own weight, yet releases cleanly with a light tap. Nock throat (groove) size must be matched to your serving diameter — most target nock configurations are available in at least two groove sizes to help you dial this in. The lighter your draw weight, the more critical this match becomes.

Selecting the right archery nock types is one part of a broader tuning process. For a step-by-step walkthrough of placing your arrow on the string correctly, see our guide on proper arrow nocking technique.