The evolution of the crossbow over the centuries has seen the power factor increase significantly. The gradual increase in the pulling weights provided more power, resulting in more distance and more impact on the target, etc. As the power increased, the strain of pulling the rope became too much for most people. As a result, several different types of arming devices were used to allow arming a crossbow to be handled with much less effort. Broken down to their most basic form, these cocking devices include manual or manual cocking of the bowstring; method of cocking the rope; and boot device method. I will deal with each method below and mention some of their advantages and disadvantages.

Manual or manual cocking was, of course, the initial method used and is still used today for lighter crossbow shooting weights. This required the archer to place his foot on the stirrup, crouch down with both hands, and pull the rope to its cocked position. Sounds simple! However, if the draw weight of a crossbow is 125 #, it takes the same effort to tension the rope as it does to lift a 125 # weight up. Much like lifting a barbell from a standing or leaning position. Hard to do and hard on your back!

Yet another problem with the manual method of cocking a crossbow is the need to stretch the string back very straight. If it does not retract properly, its accuracy will be adversely affected. Pulling one side harder than the other will allow the string to pull the arrow or bolt to one side or the other when released. With more powerful modern crossbows, up to 200 # shot and up, this is not the preferred method for most people (unless, of course, you’re a fan of lifting heavy weights while hunting). However, there is an advantage. If you can handle the weight of your shot, you can raise your bow and be ready to fire in as little as 10-15 seconds. Another advantage is that you do not have to buy any additional equipment or cocking device, or take it to the forest. You may want to consider the following suggestion. If you plan to use the manual method of cocking your crossbow, make a mark in the exact center of your string to help ensure consistent accuracy in your shots.

The second method of cocking your crossbow is to use a specially designed rope cocking device. These cocking devices use two handles and two rope clips attached to the pull rope. In addition, a pulley system is employed to increase mechanical advantage. This allows the force required to cock the crossbow to be cut in half. Instead of pulling the rope up with, say, 150 # of force, it is reduced to 75 # of pull. This still requires strength, but only half. However, due to the mechanical advantage of using cocking devices with a pulley system, you will have to pull the pull string twice the distance traveled by the bowstring.

An advantage of the various rope assembly devices is their relatively low cost. Usually between $ 25 and $ 40 you will buy a very useful unit. Another advantage is that it takes half the force to cock the crossbow. It also centers your rope on the full shot, which improves the accuracy of your throw. It is still a good idea to mark the center of the bowstring to be sure that a uniform force will be exerted on the arrow when released. With your foot on the stirrup, you can cock your crossbow with a motto of cock the rope in about 30 seconds and be quickly ready for your next shot.

I guess the few real downsides to using a string cocking device is the added cost of buying it, the few more seconds it takes to cock the bow and having to have it on your person for quick access while hunting. We highly recommend that this simple and inexpensive cocking device be a part of all crossbow hunter equipment. It works well and one can become very adept at using it with a little practice.

There are also several types of crank-type cocking devices on the market designed to reduce the effort required to bring the rope to the firing position. Some of these cocking devices are permanently attached to the stock of the crossbow, while others must be fixed in the field as needed. Both types require a winch or crank mechanism to bring the rope back into position for firing. The mechanical advantage of this type of device is very significant. It usually takes around 10 # of pressure or less to lift a powerful bow. That means a 175 # or even 200 # bow can be cocked by someone of much less strength or with some physical limitations.

As noted above, a significant advantage of the crank-type cocking device is the fairly small amount of force that is required to load the crossbow. These cocking devices do a very good job of keeping the rope centered when cocked and increase precision as a result. A more important advantage is that it allows shooters and hunters with restricted physical abilities to enjoy the pleasure of using a crossbow.

Finally, one should be aware that while there are some very important advantages to a starting device for cocking a crossbow, there are also some disadvantages. The cost of these devices can exceed $ 120. They are usually somewhat heavy and bulky to carry in the field. Although little force is required to use a starter, it could easily take 2-3 minutes to complete the cocking procedure. Those models that are not permanently attached to the stock or handle of a crossbow must be mounted, used, and removed after use. This can clearly make a quick second shot virtually impossible.