When a person thinks of archery, the physical practice of shooting an arrow at a target often comes to mind. However, there’s another important part of the sport that is often overlooked: cocking the bow. While some archers can exert more force on their bows than others, pulling a string back to full draw is more than a physical test that you can measure by weight and gender. There are many ways to cock a bow, and there’s an archery cocking device for every archer out there. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is the best for you. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best archery cocking devices for a variety of archers.
Read on for more about our top archery cocking devices.
Our Editor’s Best Archery Cocking Devices Reviews
- UNIQUE MOUNTING SYSTEM – Easy in-field on/off so you can draw the bow with confidence
- AMBIDEXTROUS DESIGN – For left and right-handed users
- REDUCES DRAW WEIGHT UP TO 70% - Crank makes it easier for anyone to draw the bow
- FITS MOST MILL-SPEC BUFFER TUBES
- COMPATIBLE WITH CENTERPOINT ARCHERY CROSSBOWS - Sniper AXCS185BK, Sniper AXCS185CK, Sniper Elite AXCSEW185CK, Dagger AXCD190FCK, Amped AXCA200FCK, Heat AXCH200GCK, Gladiator AXCG200CK2 , Spectre AXCSPE185CK , Mercenary 390 AXCM190GCK, Mercenary Whisper AX
- 【EFFORTLESS CROSSBOW COCKING】:Reduces draw weight by 50%, providing a smoother and more energy-efficient cocking process for all archers.
- 【DURABLE CONSTRUCTION】:Crafted with high-quality rubber and tough nylon thread,for a more comfortable grip and ensures long-term use and withstands tough conditions in the field or at the range.
- 【ERGONOMIC DOUBLE HANDLE DESIGN】:Proven double-handle design enhances grip and control, allowing for smooth and consistent cocking while preventing hand strain.
- 【FRICTION-REDUCING TECHNOLOGY】:Features molded string hooks with rollers that reduce friction and prevent rail damage, enhancing the device's functionality and preserving your crossbow.
- 【VERSATILE AND PORTABLE DESIGN】: This cocking device is compatible with most standard draw crossbows and conveniently rolls up to fit in your pocket or bag for easy transport.
- Total Length: about 65 inch, compatible with most standard draw crossbows
- Double handle design makes cocking your crossbow easy
- Compact and lightweight
- Lets you manually cock your bow while reducing draw weight by 50%
- Perfect for anyone that wants to reduce the draw weight when cocking a crossbow
- BARNETT CRANK COCKING DEVICE EXPLORER XP: Cocking aid made to reduce physical strain and get you ready to shoot faster. Easy to install, this crossbow accessory attaches to your Explorer series crossbow to reduce cocking resistance by 93%
- EFFICIENT: This hook style cranking device is has an easy to use cranking handle which allows the string to pull back with 13 pounds of force. Simply turn the cranking handle to pull the string back
- COMPATIBILITY: Cocking Device is compatible with Barnett Explorer Series crossbows, including Explorer XP, Expedition XP, DRT XP Stocks
- AMBIDEXTROUS : Cocking Handle adjusts for right or left-handed use, and package includes the crank and all installation hardware
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- Material upgrades: The crank cocking device is made of high-strength rope and metal crank arms that can withstand 460 pounds of pulling force without deformation, ensuring that the device is built to last. Whether you're hunting, competing, or recreating, it will provide you with excellent cocking capabilities
- Efficient and labor-saving: The Crossbow Cranking Device BAR20020 utilizes a unique high ratio design makes the cocking process extremely easy and efficient. It reduces locking resistance by 93%, which will not make you feel overly fatigued even after prolonged use, and effectively reduce the burden on your shoulders and waist
- Easy installation: we provide you with a complete installation kit with detailed installation instructions and supporting tools. So that you can easily complete the installation operation. If you encounter any problems during the installation process, feel free to give us feedback, we will be happy to help you
- Applicable models:Avenger、Blackspur/TT、Black Raptor FX/FX2、Brotherhood/ M4、BCX、Buck Commander、BC Droptine XT、Droptine /XT/STR/STR Eclipse/STR Strata/ Droptine STR Terra、DOA < 2016、Finality 360 /390、Ghost 360/375/385/410 Carbon/410 Camo/415 Mono/415 Mossy/420、G350C、HeadHunter Reverse、Kryptonite、Lady Raptor、Lady Whitetail Hunter
- Applicable models:Raptor /FX/FX2/FX3/FX3 Pro/FX3 MO Brush/Pro STR、Recruit Complex、Recruit Youth 30/60/100/100 Pink、Recruit Tactical、Recruit Terrain /XT /CXB、Razr Ice、Razr、 Reverse、Vicious、Veloci Raptor、Vindicator、Wildcat C6 Black/C6 Camo/C7/Q6、Whitetail Hunter II/II DSG/II Kanati/Pro/Pro FX/ STR、Whitetail Pro STR
- USER-FRIENDLY - The patented ACUrope is a lightweight, portable, retractable crossbow rope-cocker that draws the bow accurately every time—without any dangling ropes or handles.
- COMPACT & CONVENIENT - When the bow is cocked, the ACUrope’s draw cord completely retracts inside one of the two grips. Then, the grips dovetail neatly together to form a compact unit that can be slipped inside a belt-mounted holster or pouch.
- STRONG, SLENDER DRAW CORDS - The unit’s draw cords are, pound-for-pound, 15-times stronger than steel, and made of heat- & abrasion-resistant SPECTRA 1000 fiber.
- COMPATIBILITY - The ACUrope will work on most crossbow brands on the market, but is not for use on ultra-narrow or reverse-draw crossbows.
- DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS - Choosing the right crossbow cocking device is just as important as finding the right crossbow. TenPoint offers safe, innovative devices that have been custom created to work specifically with your hunting crossbow.
- Classic Handles with Black Rope
- Lets you manually cock your bow while reducing draw weight by 50%
- Molded string hooks will not damage the rail,Roller in string hook reduces friction, improves function
- Proven double handle design, makes cocking your crossbow easy
- Ensures bow is evenly cocked for maximum accuracy,compatible with most standard draw crossbow
- 🏹 This crossbow pull rope allows you to cock your crossbow effortlessly, advanced rolling system decreases cocking effort by 50%, so that you are always ready for the hunt
- 🏹 The heavy-duty nylon crossbow rope provides the strength you need to quickly and easily cock your crossbow with the less effort
- 🏹 Molded string hooks will not damage the rail, roller in string hook reduces friction, improves function
- 🏹Ensures bow is evenly cocked for maximum accuracy, About 1.65 m/65 inch, compatible with most standard draw crossbow
- 🏹Cocking device with classic handles, for better grip and control, black mix cocking rope
- BARNETT PREMIUM ROPE COCKING DEVICE - SLED STYLE: Archery cocking aid made to reduce physical strain and get you ready to shoot faster. Easy to install, this crossbow accessory attaches to the stock of the crossbow to reduce cocking tension by 50%
- ADJUSTABLE: Rope cocking device be adjusted to fit both the crossbow and the user. This RCD is not compatible with Hyper Raptor Crossbows
- ACCURACY: Ensures bow is evenly cocked for maximum accuracy
- SOFT GRIP: This crossbow hunting accessory has a diamond knurl soft grip and magnet lock for maximum comfort. Package includes RCD Instruction Manual and Rope is 50 inches in length
- BARNETT: The most trusted name in crossbows since 1962
- Structural Composition: The crank cocking device is mainly composed of handle, pulley and fixing device. The handle is the point of force, which is convenient for the user to apply force; the pulley utilizes mechanical principles to transform force and help pull the bowstring; the fixing device ensures that the cocking device is firmly fixed on the crossbow and prevents it from shifting during operation.
- How it works:Crossbow Crank Locking Device Based on the principle of leverage and pulley, the user applies force through the handle to turn the pulley, which in turn pulls the bowstring from a slack state to a taut state and completes the cocking action, reducing the locking resistance by 94%. This dramatically increases the stringing speed and reduces the difficulty of stringing, even for users with less strength.
- Craftsmanship: Crank Cocking Device for Barnett Made of metal crank arms and high-strength rope With its excellent corrosion resistance and high strength, it can maintain a solid connection in various complex environments, preventing rust or deformation from affecting the use of the handle, and the surface of the handle has been finely frosted, which not only increases friction and prevents slippage of the hand, but also brings a comfortable touch.
- Applicable models:Raptor FX3 MO Brush/ Pro STR, Whitetail Hunter Pro/ Pro FX, Whitetail Pro STR, Razr Ice ,Razr, Raptor, Reverse, HeadHunter Reverse、 Vicious, DOA < 2016 Finality 360 /390、Ghost 360/375/385/410 Carbon/410 Camo/415 Mono/415 Mossy/420、G350C、Whitetail Pro STR
- Applicable models:Recruit Compound/ Terrain / Tactical 、Recruit Youth 30/ 60/100/100 Pink/ Terrain XT/ Terrain CXB/ Brotherhood M4、Raptor FX/ FX2/FX3/FX3 Pro Avenger、Veloci Raptor、Black Raptor FX/FX2、Blackspur/TT、Lady Raptor、Whitetail Hunter/ II/ II DSG/ II Kanati、Droptine XT/ STR/ STR Strata、Droptine STR Terra/ Eclipse、Wildcat C6 Black/ Camo、Wildcat Q6/ C7、Kryptonite、G350C、Ghost 360/ 375、Finality 360、Vindicator
Best Archery Cocking Devices Buying Guide
Before choosing the best archery cocking device you should consider following options:
1. Traditional Archery Cocking Devices: Traditional archery cocking devices are also called as windlass or crank cockers. These are the most traditional and widely used archery cocking devices.
They are available in different designs and shapes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.
They are quite easy to use, just slide the cable into the eyelet of the bow and turn the handle to draw the string back. One of the biggest advantages of using a traditional archery cocking device is that it helps you to shoot a traditional bow efficiently.
Whether you are going for traditional or modern archery, you need to draw the string back to complete the shooting process.
Traditional archery cocking devices are designed in such a way that they provide a smooth draw even when you are shooting with a heavier arrow.
The only disadvantage of this type of cocking device is that it is quite heavy. If you are planning to carry it with you on a hunting trip, you will find it very difficult to carry.
2. Bow Jax: A Bow Jax is a type of archery cocking device that is designed in such a way that it can slide easily on your belt.
You can attach it to your belt loops, and it will remain there during the entire hunting trip. This makes it easy to carry, but there is a disadvantage of this type of archery cocking device, it is not suitable for people who are new to the sport.
They are quite difficult to use, but once you get used to using them, they will be easier to use. Another disadvantage of using a Bow Jax is that they are not suitable for big game hunting.
3. Bowwers: Bowwers are also known as Bow Jammers. They are designed in such a way that they can easily be attached to the bowstring.
They are made of rubber and are quite flexible. They are the best option for people who are planning to shoot heavy arrows. They are quite easy to use.
The only disadvantage of using a Bowwer is that it does not provide a smooth draw, and you have to shoot holding the rubber with an arrow nocked.
4. Cable Cocking Devices: Cable cocking devices are also known as slide or tab cockers. These are the most popular type of archery cocking devices used by people from all over the world.
They are easy to use, they provide a smooth draw, and they are suitable for people who are new to the sport. The only disadvantage of using cable cocking devices is that they can break.
They are quite fragile, and if you are not using them properly, you can end up breaking them and damaging your bow.
5. Twist or Bowstring Twist Cocking Devices: Twist cocking devices are also known as Bowstring twist. They are easy to use, they provide a smooth draw, and they are suitable for people who are new to hunting.
The only disadvantage of using a Twist is that you have to shoot holding the twist with an arrow nocked.
6. Crossbow Cocking Devices: Crossbow cocking devices are also known as Bowe. They are designed in such a way that they can be attached to the string of a crossbow.
They are quite easy to use, and they provide a smooth draw. The only disadvantage of using this type of archery cocking device is that you have to shoot holding the bow with an arrow nocked.
What else you should know about archery cocking devices
1.What are the different types of cocking devices?
There are several types of cocking devices, including manual, electronic, and pneumatic.
2.How do you choose the right one for you?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the right type of juicer will vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Some factors that may influence your decision include the types of fruits and vegetables you want to juice, the amount of space you have for a juicer, and your budget.
3.How do you use a cocking device?
A cocking device is typically used to cock a crossbow. To do this, the cocking device is attached to the crossbow string and then used to pull the string back into the cocked position.
4.What are the benefits of using a cocking device?
Some benefits of using a cocking device are that it can help to increase the accuracy of your shots, as well as the speed at which you can shoot. Additionally, it can help to reduce the amount of wear and tear on your bow string.
5.Are there any drawbacks to using a cocking device?
There are a few drawbacks to using a cocking device. First, it can be difficult to cock the device if you are not strong enough. Second, the device can be difficult to use if you are not coordinated. Third, the device can be dangerous if you are not careful.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best archery cocking devices. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best archery cocking devices will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.