Cocking Your Crossbow:  Things to Consider

As crossbows evolved over the centuries, their designs naturally got more and more powerful.  Eventually, the effort needed to cock these battle bows exceeded what human power could accomplish by simply pulling on the string.  So some crossbow designs began to incorporate cocking devices, such as levers and cranks, which aided the shooter in drawing the bow.

Of course, this is very much the same situation for today's sporting crossbows.  As many crossbows now have draw weights that approach 200 lbs., designers have had to offer consumers some mechanical help.  So before you purchase your high-power crossbow, you should think about how you plan to draw the bow and whether or not you'll need an optional cocking device.

There are 3 basic methods for drawing a modern crossbow:  manual-pull, with a rope cocker, or with a crank device.  Each method has it's pros and cons.  So here are some points to consider..... 
                    Note:  the state of Wyoming does not permit "leverage gaining devices". 

Method #1:  Manual Cocking
The simplest and quickest way to cock your crossbow is to just put your foot in the stirrup then reach down and pull the string back manually.  Of course, this is easier said than done with a 150+ lb. crossbow.  To cock a crossbow by this method, you must be able to essentially "dead-lift" 150+ lbs. directly off the ground.  This method is effective, but it definitely isn't for everyone.

Muscle-Effort
Required to Cock
150# Crossbow

Time Required
to Cock the Bow
Manually

The Pros and Cons:  The obvious advantage to this method is simplicity.  There are no extra devices to buy, install, or carry into the field - and you can cock the crossbow very quickly.  Providing you possess the physical strength to continually cock your crossbow manually, you may find this method to be the best option.  However, manually cocking a crossbow has one other significant drawback.  In order to achieve good accuracy, you must make sure you draw the bow back perfectly straight - keeping the middle of the string centered in the trigger mechanism.  If you pull one side harder than the other, the center of your string can be pulled right or left of the trigger mechanism, resulting in shots that spray and miss left and right on the target.  Some crossbowmen will mark their string's center with a little white paint to make sure they're pulling the string back straight every time.  So be advised that manual cocking of your crossbow can have adverse effects on your overall accuracy.    

Method #2:  Rope Cocking Devices
To make cocking your crossbow a little easier, a rope cocking device uses a simple pulley system to give you a 50% mechanical advantage.  Instead of pulling 150#, you'll only have to pull 75# with the rope-cocking device, but you'll have to pull it twice as far.  Rope cockers typically have two handles (similar to those on a pull-start lawn-mower), two string clips, and a rope that connects it all together.  Once you get the device in position, you simply pull the two handles upward to cock the bow.  You still need to have your foot in the stirrup, and this method still requires a fair amount of strength, but it's dramatically easier than manually cocking the bow.   

Muscle-Effort
Required to Cock
150# Crossbow

Time Required
to Cock the Bow
with Rope Cocker

The Pros and Cons:  The rope cocker is simple and relatively inexpensive.  Most rope cocking devices are available for around $35.  The major advantage is that the rope cocker allows someone to cock a bow using only 1/2 the force normally needed, which makes a 150# crossbow manageable for most.  They generally improve accuracy too, by helping to center the string at full draw.  The only clear sacrifice it to time and convenience, as it takes a few moments to route the rope cocker into position, cock the bow, and stow it away when finished.  Overall, this is an excellent choice for most crossbow hunters and it's a device we strongly recommend.   

Method #3:  Crank Devices
A crank cocking device is a small hand-actuated winch, usually mounted on the stock of the crossbow, which allows the user to cock the crossbow by winding a small crank handle.  Some models are designed as an "add-on", while others are already integrated into the bow.  Crank cocking devices typically take less than 10# of force to turn, so they enable virtually anyone to use a high-power crossbow with ease.  This device is particularly popular among hunters and shooting enthusiasts with physical disabilities.   

Muscle-Effort
Required to Cock
150# Crossbow

Time Required
to Cock the Bow
with Crank Device

The Pros and Cons:  Crank devices give the user a major mechanical advantage, so that drawing back 150# feels like nearly nothing.  They also tend to help center the string in the trigger, much like rope cocking devices - so they're very accurate.  However, crank devices have a few distinct disadvantages.  First, they're expensive.  Most crank cockers cost well-over $100.  They also add weight and bulk to the rear of the bow.  Of course, some models are more sleek and tuck neatly in the stock, while others mount over the butt-plate and must come on and off after each use.  So depending on the design, the crank devices can be inconvenient to use in the field.  It's also worth noting that crank devices are comparatively quite slow.  Like most winches, the crank cockers wind-up slowly.  In the field, it may take several minutes to cock the bow and be ready to shoot.