Methods for hydrophobizing arrows are described herein. In one aspect, the method can include applying a ceramic-based hydrophobic coating to the arrow; and curing the arrow for a predefined period of time.

Methods for hydrophobizing arrows are described herein. In one aspect, the method can include applying a ceramic-based hydrophobic coating to the arrow; and curing the arrow for a predefined period of time.

A high impact strength lighted nock assembly for an arrow that is activated when the arrow is fired with a bowstring. The lighted nock assembly includes a nock molded from a high impact strength, transparent polymeric material containing at least 10% by weight reinforcing fibers. The nock includes a head configured to engage with the bowstring and a shank configured to couple with a rear end of the arrow. The shank includes a recess extending in a distal end of the shank toward the head. A light assembly including a light emitting device is located in the recess in the shank that is electrically coupled to a battery. A switch is electrically coupled to the light emitting device and the battery that is triggered when the arrow is tired to activate the light emitting device.

A high impact strength lighted nock assembly for an arrow that is activated when the arrow is fired with a bowstring. The lighted nock assembly includes a nock molded from a high impact strength, transparent polymeric material containing at least 10% by weight reinforcing fibers. The nock includes a head configured to engage with the bowstring and a shank configured to couple with a rear end of the arrow. The shank includes a recess extending in a distal end of the shank toward the head. A light assembly including a light emitting device is located in the recess in the shank that is electrically coupled to a battery. A switch is electrically coupled to the light emitting device and the battery that is triggered when the arrow is tired to activate the light emitting device.

One aspect is an illumination assembly including: a first light emitting element; a first counterweight; and at least one of a nock or a connector configured to attach the illumination assembly to a nock, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are positioned symmetrically from each other relative to the nock on opposite sides of the nock. Preferably the first light emitting element is substantially the same mass as the first counterweight. The illumination assembly can include a shaft of an arrow or bolt and/or include an adapter configured to attach to a shaft of an arrow or bolt, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are collinear on a virtual line substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the arrow or bolt, and such that the first light emitting element is positioned off of the central axis of the arrow or bolt and configured to emit light in a rearward direction offset from the central axis of the arrow or bolt.

One aspect is an illumination assembly including: a first light emitting element; a first counterweight; and at least one of a nock or a connector configured to attach the illumination assembly to a nock, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are positioned symmetrically from each other relative to the nock on opposite sides of the nock. Preferably the first light emitting element is substantially the same mass as the first counterweight. The illumination assembly can include a shaft of an arrow or bolt and/or include an adapter configured to attach to a shaft of an arrow or bolt, such that the first light emitting element and the first counterweight are collinear on a virtual line substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the arrow or bolt, and such that the first light emitting element is positioned off of the central axis of the arrow or bolt and configured to emit light in a rearward direction offset from the central axis of the arrow or bolt.

A crossbow including a center rail including a bottom portion, a proximal end, and a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end, the center rail at least partially defining a crossbow length and a midpoint plane intersecting a horizontal midpoint of the crossbow, a riser extending horizontally from the distal end, one or more limbs coupled to the riser, and a trigger extending from the bottom portion of the center rail and positioned within ten percent of the crossbow length from the midpoint plane.

A device for launching a projectile along an intended flight trajectory includes a launching mechanism. The launching mechanism includes supports supporting a launching cord. A projectile having a longitudinal axis is disposed in the launching cord in a launch position prior to launch such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to a plane in which the launching cord is disposed. As the projectile is launched by the launching mechanism, the projectile rotates such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is parallel to the plane in which the launching cord was disposed.

A device for launching a projectile along an intended flight trajectory includes a launching mechanism. The launching mechanism includes supports supporting a launching cord. A projectile having a longitudinal axis is disposed in the launching cord in a launch position prior to launch such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to a plane in which the launching cord is disposed. As the projectile is launched by the launching mechanism, the projectile rotates such that the projectile's longitudinal axis is parallel to the plane in which the launching cord was disposed.

In aspects of the invention, an arrow slide is provided with a body having a first opening with a plurality of first edges arranged in a generally triangular configuration within which a first diameter can be received, a second opening with a plurality of second edges arranged in the generally triangular configuration within which the first diameter can be received; sidewalk linking corresponding ones of the first plurality of edges to the plurality of second edges to create a passageway extending from the first opening to the second opening through which an arrow can slide; and a string mount to which a bowfishing line can be joined.