Cocking device for crossbows

I am thinking about buying a crossbow and really dont know much about them and am wondering if the bows with the cocking devices are quiet enough to hunt with?The reason I am thinking about a crossbow is bad shoulders and back,so looking for a less stressful way to bow hunt.

The cocking device has nothing to do with how loud/quiet the bow is. All it does is help get the string loaded on the trigger mechanism.

All crossbows sound loud compared to a vertical bow. Most any shooting 300 or so fps or faster will get the arrow to a deer at reasonable ranges (35 or so yards) before the deer reacts if deer is not alerted to your presence.

Lots of aninals have been killed with arrows moving much slower than modern crossbow speeds. It is about taking a proper shot at a relaxed animal.

I wouldn't worry to much about it if you [censored] it before you hit the trail.

Did a little research a year ago, and found Wicked Ridge brand.

This one got good review: Wicked Ridge Warrior HL

I'd recommend going to an Archery shop that carries X-bows and holding them. The WR had good balance and I liked the figure guard on the forearm.

I have the self reeling mechanism on the Wicked Ridge CLS that stores the string in the handle. It rattled a lot, and made a loud thud sound when I shot the cross bow.

So, I got the bright idea of removing it and carrying a separate cocking rope. That didn't last very long after I made a trip to the lease with out bringing the required cocking rope

I promptly re-installed the factory cocking mechanism and lived with the rattle.

Thanks for the tips guys.I was only refering to the noise made by the cocking mechanism not by the bow.I know they are noisier than a compound as I have several friends that shoot them,but none use anything but a cocking rope.

I just bought a Barnett Predator that came with the cocking rope. I had to shorten it by about 2 feet. The only noise it makes is when the string "locks in"

My crossbow is a Tenpoint Stealth XLT, Which has their Accudraw system mounted on the stock. This was the selling point for me since I am disabled. Th only bad thing on this crossbow was the price. Spent just north of a grand on it. Would do it again.

Have a blessed day

I just bought an Excalibur Matrix 380. It's a recurve, but somewhat narrower than their original bows. It is not quiet but it's not loud either. They just announced a Matrix Micro which is even narrower. Since we need two for next year I'll be looking at one of those particularly for hunting from box blinds.

I use a Tenpoint Stealth XLT that has their Accudraw installed. I purchased this crossbow after talking with a Cabelas Outfitter about my options with the medical disability I have. Was the right choice for me.

FYI Wicked Ridge is made by Tenpoint.

I've got a ten point with the accudraw. The draw absolutely makes noise but the thing is I draw it as soon as I get into the stand and load it. Since I get into the stand an hour or so before first light, everything has settled by the time a shot presents itself.

That is the key thing to do. I [censored] my crossbow before I get to my Stand. Once I'm set I'm my stand ( hunt from ground blind) then I load a bolt and am ready to go.

Last year I put a limb dampening system on my crossbow which does help decrease the noise some. My bow shoots at 320 fps.

I wild suggest you go to your favorite outfitter that sells crossbows, talk with them and try shooting the different models that have cocking systems like the Accudraw.

Then make a decision. Keep us posted on what you decide.

God Bless,

Terry