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

Manual or manual cocking was of course the initial method used and is still used today for lighter crossbow draw weights. This required the archer to place their foot in the stirrup, reach down with both hands, and pull the string back to its cocked position. Simple sounds! However, if the draw weight of a crossbow is 125#, it takes the same effort to cock the string as it does to lift a 125# weight straight up. Much like lifting a barbell from a standing or bent over position. Hard to do and hard on the back!

Yet another problem with the manual method of cocking a crossbow is the need to pull the string back very straight. If not removed properly, your accuracy will be negatively affected. By pulling one side harder than the other, the string will pull the arrow or bolt to one side or the other when released. With more powerful modern crossbows, up to 200# pull and more, this isn’t the preferred method for most people (unless of course you’re a fan of lifting heavy weights while hunting). Although there is an advantage. If you can handle the draw weight, you can cock the bow and be ready to shoot in as little as 10 to 15 seconds. Another advantage is that you don’t have to buy any additional equipment, or hammering 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 shot.

The second method of cocking your crossbow is to use a specially designed string cocking device. These cocking devices use two handles and two rope clips attached to the pull rope. In addition, a pulley system is used to increase the mechanical advantage. This allows the force required to cock the crossbow to be halved. Instead of pulling the string up with, say, 150# of force, it pulls down to 75# of force. This still requires strength, but only half as much. However, due to the mechanical advantage of using cocking devices with a pulley system, you will have to pull twice the length of the bowstring on the drawstring.

One advantage of the various rope cocking devices is their relative low cost. Usually $25 to $40 will buy a very useful unit. Another advantage is that it takes half as much force to cock the crossbow. It also centers your string on the full draw, which improves the accuracy of your shot. It is still a good idea to mark the center of the bowstring to ensure that an even force is exerted on the arrow when it is released. With your foot in the stirrup, you can cock your crossbow with a string cocking coin in about 30 seconds and quickly be ready for your next shot.

I guess the few real downsides to using a string cocking device are the extra cost to buy it, the few extra seconds it takes to cock the bow, and having to keep it on your person for quick access while hunting. We highly recommend this simple and inexpensive cocking device as part of every crossbow hunter’s kit. It works well and one can become very proficient in its use 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 string into firing position. Some of these cocking devices are permanently attached to the crossbow stock, while others must be attached in the field as needed. Both types require a crank or winch type mechanism to bring the string into its firing position. The mechanical advantage of this type of device is very significant. It usually takes about 10 seconds of pressure or less to cock a powerful bow. That means a 175# or even a 200# bow can be cocked by someone of much lower 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 needed to load the crossbow. These cocking devices do a very good job of keeping the string centered when cocked and increasing accuracy as a result. A more important advantage is that it allows shooters and hunters with limited physical abilities to enjoy the pleasure of using a crossbow.

Finally, one should be aware that while a hand-cranked crossbow cocking device has some very important advantages, it also has some disadvantages. The cost of these devices can be more than $120. They tend to be somewhat heavy and bulky to carry around in the field. Although little force is needed 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 clearly can make a quick second shot virtually impossible.