What material is a nock on an arrow usually made from?

A nock on an arrow is commonly made from plastic because plastic materials are lightweight, durable, and can be molded into the precise shapes needed for proper arrow functionality. The nock serves as the point where the arrow is attached to the bowstring, so it must be resilient and offer consistent performance.

Plastic also has the added benefit of being produced in a variety of colors and designs, which can help archers to personalize their arrows or make them more visible during practice or hunting. Other materials like aluminum and carbon are typically used for the shafts of arrows rather than the nocks, as these materials offer the necessary stiffness and resistance to bending at higher forces. Wood is generally too heavy and not as durable for modern archery applications, particularly for the nock, which requires specific properties to function effectively.