Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack

When the sun dips below the horizon or dense fog rolls in, the ability to track your bolt’s trajectory can be the difference between a successful shot and a missed opportunity. That’s precisely the promise behind the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack, a product designed to bring visibility to your archery game in challenging light conditions. As an equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’m always on the lookout for gear that genuinely improves performance and reliability, especially when dealing with critical shot placement. My previous set of lighted nocks had seen better days, with intermittent failures and a general lack of robustness that left me searching for a more dependable solution. I’d heard good things about the partnership between Mission Crossbows and Clean-Shot, so I decided to see if these nocks lived up to the hype. My initial impression out of the box was one of cautious optimism; the nocks felt solid enough, and the orange hue was bright and distinct. I’d briefly considered some generic alternatives found online, but the .001 straightness tolerance mentioned gave me pause, suggesting a focus on accuracy that other brands might overlook. Upon unboxing, a sense of anticipation mixed with my usual critical eye.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of these lighted nocks was conducted on my home range during the late afternoon, pushing the boundaries of available light. The target was a standard foam archery target set at 40 yards, a distance that allows for good bolt visualization. Conditions were cool and clear, with the sun just beginning its descent, creating that perfect “golden hour” scenario where tracking becomes crucial.

The ease of activation was surprisingly straightforward. A simple pull on the clear plastic nock to engage the light worked as intended for the first few attempts. However, this initial ease of use quickly gave way to disappointment when one of the nocks failed to deactivate properly.

Specifically, one of the units exhibited a significant issue during its very first activation attempt. After firing the bolt, I attempted to turn off the light by pulling back on the clear plastic nock, as instructed. Instead of disengaging, the plastic piece entirely detached from the nock, leaving the light illuminated and un-turnable. This was a frustrating surprise, especially given the premium price point for a pack of three.

Extended Use & Reliability

Given the premature failure of one nock, my extended testing period was unfortunately cut short and focused more on understanding the extent of the issue rather than long-term performance. I did not have the opportunity to subject these lighted nocks to weeks or months of consistent, rigorous use.

However, the single incident of failure, occurring immediately upon first use, is a critical data point. It speaks volumes about the product’s immediate reliability and build quality. There were no signs of wear and tear from extended use, as the failure prevented such usage.

Maintenance and care were minimal for the units that did work, as they are essentially self-contained electronic devices. However, the inability to turn off the light on one unit meant it was essentially a dead weight, draining its internal battery uselessly until it eventually expired. This also poses a potential problem for storage, as an active light is not ideal for longevity or discreet transport. Compared to my previous experiences with other lighted nocks, some of which have also had activation issues, this particular failure felt more abrupt and less forgiving, especially considering the cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack

Specifications

The Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack comes with a few key specifications designed to appeal to the serious archer. It is a 3-pack of lighted nocks, ensuring you have spares or can outfit multiple bolts. The color is a high-visibility Orange, a popular choice for tracking in various environments.

These nocks are designed to work with crossbow bolts, offering a clear visual aid for tracking in low-light conditions. The description highlights a .001 straightness tolerance, a detail that speaks to the manufacturer’s commitment to accuracy. This means the nocks themselves are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances, minimizing any potential wobble or deviation that could affect the bolt’s flight path.

The partnership with Clean-Shot is also a notable aspect, suggesting a collaboration aimed at leveraging expertise in lighted nock technology. The integrated light is designed to activate upon firing, providing crucial visibility. This specification is paramount for hunters who might be taking shots during dawn or dusk.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack is to provide reliable visual tracking of a crossbow bolt in flight, particularly in low light. Unfortunately, my experience revealed a significant disparity between its intended function and actual performance. While one of the nocks worked as expected, offering a bright, consistent orange light that was easily trackable against the darkening sky, the other unit failed catastrophically on its first activation.

The failure involved the deactivation mechanism. Pulling back on the clear plastic component, the method intended to turn off the light, caused the component to detach entirely. This left the light permanently active, rendering the nock useless for its intended purpose of being turned off after a shot and potentially leading to premature battery drain.

The single working nock performed adequately, meeting the expectation of providing a visible light trail. However, the unreliability demonstrated by the other unit is a major concern. For a product intended for critical hunting scenarios where equipment failure can mean losing an animal, this level of inconsistency is unacceptable. The touted .001 straightness tolerance is, in this context, somewhat overshadowed by the basic functional failure of the illumination mechanism.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack appears to be standard for lighted nocks, featuring a clear plastic activator piece at the rear that interfaces with the bolt’s shaft. The orange housing provides a distinct color for visibility, which is a practical choice. The integration with Clean-Shot technology implies a streamlined approach to the lighting mechanism within the nock itself.

In terms of ergonomics, the nock is designed to fit standard crossbow bolts. However, the critical point of failure in my experience was the clear plastic activation/deactivation piece. Its method of attachment to the main nock body seemed to be the weak link.

When it failed, it detached cleanly, which, while indicating a clean break rather than a shattering, still points to a design flaw in how that piece is secured. This suggests that while the core lighted element might be robust, the user interface for controlling it is not. There were no markings beyond the product name and the orange color, and the activation was supposed to be intuitive, which it was until it broke.

Durability & Maintenance

Regarding durability, my immediate experience with the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack was disappointing. The failure occurred on the very first activation attempt, which is not indicative of any significant durability under normal use. This suggests that the component responsible for toggling the light on and off may be fragile or poorly manufactured.

Maintenance for this type of product is typically minimal, often involving cleaning any debris from the nock groove and ensuring proper seating on the bolt string. However, the inability to turn off the light on one unit meant it was effectively a disposable item from the outset, its internal battery destined to drain without user intervention. There were no specific maintenance tips provided by the manufacturer, likely due to the sealed nature of the light unit.

The potential failure point, based on my experience, is the plastic activator tab. If this part is not robustly designed and secured, it could lead to early failure, rendering the entire nock unit ineffective. This is a significant concern for a product with a premium price tag.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack is sold as a self-contained unit, with the pack containing 3 lighted nocks. There are no additional accessories included, such as spare activation tabs, different colored LEDs, or specialized tools for installation beyond what is standard for nocking crossbow bolts.

Customization options are also extremely limited. The nocks come in a fixed Orange color, and the lighting intensity and activation mechanism are factory-set. There are no provisions for adjusting the brightness, color, or the method of activation/deactivation.

This lack of accessories or customization options is typical for many lighted nocks, as they are designed for a singular purpose: to illuminate. However, for a product at this price point, one might hope for greater consideration, perhaps including a small tool for easier deactivation or even different colored options for distinguishing between bolts. The reliance on the integrated light means that if that component fails, the entire nock is compromised.

Pros and Cons of Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack

Who Should Buy Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack?

This product, as experienced, is best suited for individuals who are willing to gamble on a potentially hit-or-miss experience, or perhaps those who are willing to invest time in seeking manufacturer resolution for failures. Archers who prioritize immediate visual feedback during dawn or dusk hunts might consider these if they are prepared for the possibility of a unit failing prematurely. Those who appreciate the .001 straightness tolerance and believe it translates to superior accuracy might also be drawn to this pack.

However, I would strongly advise against this product for hunters who demand absolute reliability in their equipment. If you are heading into a critical hunting situation where a failed piece of gear could mean losing an animal, or if you have limited patience for troubleshooting or waiting on customer service, this pack is likely not for you. Individuals who prefer products with proven long-term durability and a solid track record of consistent performance should look elsewhere.

For those who do decide to purchase and encounter similar issues, I would recommend immediately contacting Mission Crossbows customer service, exploring all available avenues for replacement or refund. It would also be prudent to keep any previous lighted nocks you have as a backup, just in case.

Conclusion on Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack

The Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack presents a situation where high-quality aspirations meet disappointing execution. The promise of enhanced visibility through bright Orange LEDs and the assurance of accuracy via a .001 straightness tolerance are certainly appealing features for any crossbow hunter. The partnership with Clean-Shot also hints at a robust technological integration within these nocks.

However, my firsthand experience with a critical failure on the very first use casts a significant shadow over these potential benefits. The detached activation tab on one of the three nocks is an unacceptable flaw for a product priced at $79.39, especially when reliability is paramount in hunting scenarios. While the single working nock performed adequately, the overall value proposition is severely diminished by this lack of consistent quality control.

Based on this experience, I cannot confidently recommend the Mission Crossbows Out Lighted Nock Pack without significant reservations. While the concept is sound and the potential for good performance exists, the immediate failure of a key component suggests that potential buyers should be prepared for a gamble. If you are a hunter who absolutely requires unwavering reliability, it would be wise to seek out alternatives with a more established track record of durability. If you do choose to proceed with this pack, be sure to test them thoroughly before heading into the field and have a backup plan in place.