Crossbow Cocking (Pulling It Back)…and De-Cocking: What to Consider Before You Buy
/ May 15th, 2025So, you are thinking about buying a crossbow?
Well, you came to the right place! We know there are a lot of crossbows on the market and there are many important considerations, features,c and factors involved in picking out the best crossbow FOR YOU!
In this article, we take a closer look at the cocking and de-cocking of a crossbow, but don’t miss these other articles that detail other important factors to consider before buying:
Crossbow Speed: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Size: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Weight: What to Consider Before You Buy
Crossbow Style: What to Consider Before You Buy
Cocking
First, we will discuss cocking. All crossbows need to have the string cocked (pulled back), and this is an important consideration when buying a crossbow!
When hunting crossbows first came to the hunting market in the 1970s, they had comparatively low draw weights (150lbs or less), and they all required the user to manually cock the crossbow. As crossbows have evolved and become narrower and faster (with higher draw weights), they have become more difficult to pull back.
Manual Cocking
This is where the hunter utilizes a “cocking rope,” which has hooks on it to manually pull back (cock) the crossbow. Because the cocking rope wraps around the rear of the bow and contains a system of pulleys, it reduces the amount of effort required to draw the crossbow back by 50%. For example, a crossbow with a 270lb draw weight would require 135 lbs of effort to cock the crossbow back. It is important to note that there is a substantial difference in the effort required to manually cock a compound crossbow vs. a recurve crossbow. Due to the cams and “let off” in the compound crossbow design, the last third of the cocking cycle becomes much easier with lower weight vs the continually increasing weight of recurve crossbow.
Crank Cocking
This is where a crank cocking system (think a boat winch) is used to cock back the string on the crossbow. Crank cocking systems dramatically reduce the amount of effort or strength required to cock a crossbow (in some cases, only 5-10 lbs of effort is required!).
As crossbow speeds and the corresponding draw weights continue to increase, more and more crossbows now have crank cocking systems.
There are 2 Types of Cranking Systems:
Removable Crank Cocking
Some crossbows utilize a crank cocking system that must be attached for cocking and then removed prior to shooting. While this results in a crossbow that may be lighter to carry it also means that the system must be carried separately in a pack. If the user forgets their cocking mechanism, they cannot hunt. Additionally, removable cocking mechanisms require more steps and time to utilize.
Integrated “Built-In” Crank Cocking
These cocking systems are built right into the stock of the crossbow, offering a fully integrated “self-contained” setup. Because these systems are built into the crossbow, they are less complex and take less time to operate with nothing to lose or forget.
De-Cocking
Ok, so we have talked about how to cock the bowstring back, and while we all HOPE to have a shot during the hunt, the reality is that most hunts do not end with a shot. Crossbows have very high draw weights between 200-350lbs, and leaving a crossbow cocked for more than a day will cause premature stretching to strings/cables AND will cause damage to the limbs. It is IMPORTANT to shoot your crossbow at the end of the hunt to release this tension. Some hunters carry along a de-cocking arrow with a blunt tip to shoot into the ground, or they may carry a target in the back of their vehicle to shoot a practice arrow into.
Recently, de-cocking crossbows have come to market, which allows the hunter to “let their crossbow string down” after the hunt. De-cocking crossbows have a modified cranking system that allows the hunter to “unwind/decock” the winch instead of shooting the crossbow. Note that just because a crossbow can be cocked with a crank cocking system does not mean that it can be de-cocked (in fact, most crossbows cannot be de-cocked). Also, some de-cocking systems are easier to use than others, and TenPoint’s ACUslide system features a braking system that ensures safe decocking. Systems like this stop the handle, preventing injury or bow damage if the handle slips during the de-cocking process.
