Flat nock vs The 5-grains-per-pound minimum: specs compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
4
specs differ
Flat nock and The 5-grains-per-pound minimum differ on 4 specs: nock, form, fits, compatibility rule.
| Spec | Flat nock | The 5-grains-per-pound minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Nock | flat (flat-back) nock | minimum total arrow weight rule |
| Form | plain flat disc on the shaft base, non-indexed | a weight floor, not a nock: total arrow grains must not drop below the bow's minimum |
| Fits | Excalibur Micro series and older recurve crossbows | Every crossbow; the shared rule behind each maker's stated minimum |
| Compatibility rule | The flight groove and rail must align the string to the centre of the flat base. Excalibur supplies flat-nocked arrows for the Micro series; it does not require proprietary arrows but cautions against anything under 350 total grains. | The long-standing guidance is at least 5 grains of total arrow weight per pound of draw weight, and never below the maker's stated minimum. A lighter arrow behaves like a dry-fire, dumping energy into the bow instead of the arrow. |
Questions and answers
How do Flat nock and The 5-grains-per-pound minimum compare?
Flat nock and The 5-grains-per-pound minimum differ on 4 specs: nock, form, fits, compatibility rule.