The Wicked Ridge Commander 400 puts TenPoint's ACUdraw crank inside the stock of a 400 FPS crossbow and sells the whole hunting package for under $600. I score it 4.3 out of 5. At $559–$599 it matches the rated speed and energy of the Titan X De-Cock for $200–$300 less, but the crank only cocks, it does not de-cock, and the frame is long at 35.75 inches.
The Commander 400 (listed as the Wicked Ridge by TenPoint Commander 400, Peak XT) is a forward-draw compound crossbow built in Mogadore, Ohio, on the same narrow MDX cam bow assembly as Wicked Ridge's 2026 Warrior 400. It ships with a Pro-View 400 lighted scope, the built-in ACUdraw crank cocking device, three Match 400 carbon arrows and a quiver. It suits hunters who want a crank for the least money and are happy to unload into a target at the end of a sit.
Below are the specs, what the ACUdraw changes, cocking and handling, the box contents, the problems to plan around and how it compares with the Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock and the TenPoint Titan X De-Cock. Speed, energy and dimension figures here are Wicked Ridge's rated numbers; I label them that way.
Wicked Ridge Commander 400 Specifications
These are the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 specs as Wicked Ridge lists them for the ACUdraw package.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Rated Speed | 400 FPS (410-grain Match 400 arrow) |
| Kinetic Energy | 146 ft-lbs (rated, same arrow) |
| Draw Weight | 190 lbs; about 5 lbs felt with the ACUdraw |
| Power Stroke | 12.5" |
| Axle-to-Axle | 11" cocked / 14.5" uncocked |
| Overall Length | 35.75" (without the foot stirrup) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs with ACUdraw |
| Draw Style | Forward draw |
| Cam and Limbs | MDX cam system, Gordon Glass double-laminated limbs |
| Trigger | 3.5 lb pull, dry-fire inhibitor, enclosed trigger guard, safety wings |
| Cocking Aid | Built-in ACUdraw crank (cocking only; no crank de-cock) |
| Scope | Pro-View 400, 4x32, red or green lighted reticle, aim points to 70 yards; pre-sighted at 20 yards |
| Included Arrows | Three Match 400 carbon arrows, plus a quiver |
| Other | Picatinny rail under the barrel; adjustable comb height, length of pull and grips |
| Finish | Peak camo stock, tactical black limbs |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Operational Warranty; optional five-year Elite Warranty within 30 days of purchase |
| Price | $559–$599 |
What I Like
The Commander 400 is a value package first, and most of what it gets right comes from TenPoint parts at a Wicked Ridge price.
- A crank built into the stock. The ACUdraw reels the string back with a hand crank and drops the felt pull of a 190 lb draw weight to about 5 lbs. There is nothing to clamp on, lose or forget at the truck.
- Titan X speed for less. Its rated 400 FPS and 146 ft-lbs are the same figures TenPoint gives the Titan X De-Cock, which costs $799–$899.
- A full package. The scope, three arrows and quiver mean the only extras you need before a hunt are a target, broadheads and practice time.
- A light trigger for the price. Wicked Ridge rates the trigger at 3.5 lbs, with a dry-fire inhibitor and an enclosed guard.
- Fit adjustments. Comb height, length of pull and grips adjust, which helps when one crossbow is shared by shooters of different sizes.
- Real warranty terms. A published Limited Lifetime Operational Warranty, with a paid five-year Elite option, is more than some rivals state.
So far in testingIf a 400 FPS crossbow with a built-in crank and a lighted scope fits your budget, check the current package price and contents.
Potential Drawbacks
Three trade-offs come with the lower price. The first matters most to anyone who hunts often.
- No crank de-cocking. Standard ACUdraw cocks the crossbow but cannot let the string down. To unload, you shoot a discharge or field-point bolt into a target. If that is a deal-breaker, the Invader M1 De-Cock or the Titan X De-Cock adds crank de-cocking.
- A long frame. At 35.75 inches without the stirrup it is 2.75 inches longer than the Invader M1 and the Titan X De-Cock. That is fine in a treestand, but tighter in a ground blind.
- Width and noise. At 11 inches cocked it is wider than most of the rivals below, and no dampening system is listed. Add string suppressors if your deer are skittish.
Key Features Explained
What does the built-in ACUdraw do?
The ACUdraw is TenPoint's crank cocking device housed in the stock. You hook the string, turn the handle and the crank pulls the string back until the trigger latches. It turns the draw weight into a slow, low-effort crank, which is the reason the Commander 400 scores 9.6 for ease of cocking.
Is ACUdraw the same as ACUdraw De-Cock?
No. ACUdraw De-Cock, used on the Invader M1 and the Titan X De-Cock, can also lower the string under control so you can de-cock without firing. The Commander 400's standard ACUdraw is cocking only. If you are weighing the two, my TenPoint ACUdraw review covers how the system works in detail.
How long does cranking take?
Expect cranking to take longer than rope cocking, because you are turning a handle rather than making one pull. That is the price of a near-effortless draw, and it matters little if you cock once at the start of a sit.
What is the MDX cam and narrow bow assembly?
The MDX cam system sits on an 11-inch-wide bow with Gordon Glass double-laminated limbs. It produces a 12.5-inch power stroke, the distance the string pushes the arrow before release. The same bow assembly powers the cheaper Warrior 400, so the extra money for the Commander buys the crank and the standard stock.
What is the Pro-View 400 scope like?
The Pro-View 400 is a fixed 4x32 scope with a red or green illuminated reticle and aim points out to 70 yards. Wicked Ridge pre-sights it at 20 yards, but you should still zero it yourself with field points before hunting. The same scope comes on the Invader M1, where it held zero through my testing.
What are the Match 400 arrows?
The package includes three Match 400 carbon arrows. Wicked Ridge rates the 400 FPS speed with a 410-grain Match 400 arrow. My Wicked Ridge Match 400 bolt review covers the 20-inch carbon shaft, the 46-gr aluminum insert and the Alpha-Nock HP, so buy spares of the same spec.
Performance & Usability
How fast is the Wicked Ridge Commander 400?
Wicked Ridge rates the Commander 400 at 400 FPS and 146 ft-lbs of kinetic energy with a 410-grain Match 400 arrow. That is 20 FPS more than the outgoing Commander M1 and 10 FPS more than the Invader M1's 390 FPS rating. Plug your own arrow weight into the kinetic energy calculator to see what changes with heavier bolts.
Is 400 FPS enough for deer?
For deer-sized game at normal crossbow distances, 146 ft-lbs is well above what most hunters need. States set their own equipment rules, so check crossbow hunting laws by state and confirm with your wildlife agency. This is not legal advice.
How accurate is it?
The 8.6 accuracy score reflects a 3.5 lb trigger, a stable 35.75-inch frame and a scope that is easy to read. The Pro-View 400 marks aim points out to 70 yards, but sensible hunting shots are much closer. Use the bolt drop chart with 400 FPS to see how fast the arrow drops past your zero.
How easy is it to cock?
This is the Commander's strongest area. The ACUdraw makes the 190 lb draw feel like about 5 lbs, so smaller-framed shooters, older hunters and anyone with shoulder trouble can cock it without strain. Run 190 lbs through the cocking effort estimator to see what you would pull by hand or by rope instead, and read how to cock a crossbow for the crank routine.
How does it handle in the field?
At 7.3 lbs it is light for a crossbow with a crank built in, and it carries the same weight as the Titan X De-Cock. The length is the catch: 35.75 inches is easy to shoulder in a treestand or from a field edge, but it is less nimble inside a ground blind than a 28-inch compact crossbow.
How loud is it?
Wicked Ridge publishes no decibel figure, and no dampening system is listed. Treat it as a normal 400 FPS compound, and fit string suppressors if you want it quieter.
How do you unload it?
Because the ACUdraw does not de-cock, you unload by firing a discharge or field-point bolt into a target rated for crossbow speeds. Never fire it without an arrow. How to de-cock a crossbow safely covers the general routine; follow the Wicked Ridge manual for the exact steps.
Who Is the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 For?
The Commander 400 suits hunters who want a crank without paying for de-cocking, and who hunt where the long frame is not a problem.
Best suited to:
- Treestand and field-edge hunters who want effortless cocking
- Shooters who cannot or would rather not pull 190 lbs with a rope cocker
- First-time buyers who want a complete package from a TenPoint-owned brand under $600
Consider something else if:
- You want to de-cock with the crank at the end of every sit
- You hunt mostly from a ground blind and want a short, narrow crossbow
- Noise is your main concern
See the compound crossbows hub for more options, or best crossbows for beginners if this is your first crossbow.
Wicked Ridge Commander 400 vs Alternatives
Rival figures come from their own reviews on this site.
| Crossbow | Price | Rated speed | Draw weight | Crank | Weight | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked Ridge Commander 400 | $559–$599 | 400 FPS | 190 lbs | ACUdraw (cock only) | 7.3 lbs | 4.3 | |
| Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock | $769–$799 | 390 FPS | 175 lbs | ACUdraw De-Cock | 7.1 lbs | 4.4 | Check price on Amazon |
| TenPoint Titan X De-Cock | $799–$899 | 400 FPS | 190 lbs | ACUdraw De-Cock | 7.3 lbs | 4.5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410 | $425–$485 | 410 FPS | 190 lbs | None | 7.6 lbs | 4.3 | Check price on Amazon |
| Killer Instinct NEO-X | $649–$699 | 415 FPS | 195 lbs | None (hand de-cock) | 8.2 lbs | 4.1 | Check price on Amazon |
Commander 400 vs Titan X De-Cock
On paper they make the same rated 400 FPS and 146 ft-lbs from a 190 lb draw, and both weigh 7.3 lbs. The Titan X costs $240–$300 more at the low end and adds crank de-cocking, a TenPoint badge and a frame 2.75 inches shorter. Choose the Commander if you can live with unloading into a target; choose the Titan X if you de-cock after every hunt.
Commander 400 vs Invader M1 De-Cock
The Invader M1 costs $210 more at the low end ($769 minus $559) and is rated 10 FPS slower, but it de-cocks with the crank and is shorter. For a hunter who sits most days of the season, de-cocking is worth paying for. For a few weekends a year, the Commander keeps the money in your pocket.
Commander 400 vs Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410
The Barnett is cheaper and rated 10 FPS faster, but it has no crank. If cocking effort is the reason you are shopping, the Commander is the better fit. Read Wicked Ridge vs TenPoint to understand how the two TenPoint-owned lines differ.
Read nextCompare crossbows by budgetSee where the Commander 400 sits among crossbows from $500 to $1,000.What Is in the Box and What Else You Need
| Item | In the package | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Cocking aid | Built-in ACUdraw crank | Cocks only; unload by shooting |
| Scope | Pro-View 400 4x32, lighted | Pre-sighted at 20 yards; confirm your zero |
| Arrows | Three Match 400 carbon | Buy spares of the same spec |
| Quiver | Included | Mount before zeroing if you hunt with it on |
| Target | Not included | Use one rated for 400 FPS |
| Broadheads | Not included | Match them to your field-point weight |
| Discharge bolt | Not included | Useful because the crank cannot de-cock |
| Case | Not included | A long case is needed for 35.75 inches |
Before your first session, read the manual, practise cranking with the crossbow unloaded and zero the scope. How to sight in a crossbow scope covers the steps, and how to choose crossbow bolts explains how to match spares.
Ownership and Care
The ACUdraw saves your back, but it still needs looking after along with the rest of the crossbow.
- Wax the string and lubricate the rail as the manual directs, and check the string, cables and ACUdraw strap for wear before each session. How to maintain a crossbow covers the routine.
- Unload at the end of every hunt by shooting into a target, and store the crossbow uncocked.
- Register it with Wicked Ridge. If you want the five-year Elite Warranty, buy it within 30 days of purchase.
Value for Money
At $559–$599, the Commander 400 is the lowest-priced crossbow on this site with a built-in crank. The low-end saving against the Titan X De-Cock is $240 ($799 minus $559) for the same rated speed, energy, draw weight and weight. What you give up is crank de-cocking and 2.75 inches of length.
If you hunt from a treestand and do not mind shooting a discharge bolt at the end of the day, that is a strong value case. If you de-cock after every sit, the extra $210 for the Invader M1 De-Cock is money well spent.
At its rated 400 FPS, the kinetic energy calculator shows what the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 delivers with the bolt weight you plan to shoot, and the bolt drop chart estimates how far each reticle mark falls at that speed. The cocking effort estimator compares its 190-lb draw weight by hand, rope and crank. If you plan to replace the scope, the scope speed matcher lists reviewed scopes calibrated for 400 FPS. Every other model I have tested in this class is compared on the compound crossbows page.
Where the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 ranks
The Wicked Ridge Commander 400 earned a place in Best Crossbows for Women in 2026 (#4), where it is scored against every other model I tested for that use.
Wicked Ridge Commander 400 Review: Final Verdict
Wicked Ridge Commander 400
4.3 / 5 — Is it worth buying?
The Wicked Ridge Commander 400 review comes down to one trade: you get a rated 400 FPS, a built-in crank and a lighted scope for $559–$599, and you accept a long frame and no crank de-cocking.
Best for
Treestand and field hunters who want effortless cocking and a complete package on a budget
Skip if
You want to de-cock with the crank or need a short crossbow for a ground blind
Score breakdown
- Speed (FPS)4.3/5
- Accuracy4.3/5
- Build Quality4.4/5
- Ease of Cocking4.8/5
- Value for Money4.7/5
- Noise Level3.5/5
- Speed
- 400 FPS
- Draw weight
- 190 lbs (about 5 lbs felt via ACUdraw)
- Weight
- 7.3 lbs
- Length
- 35.75" overall (without stirrup)
Typical price
$559–$599
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 worth it?
For hunters who want a built-in crank and a complete package under $600, yes. It matches the Titan X De-Cock's rated 400 FPS and 146 ft-lbs for $240 less at the low end, but it cannot de-cock with the crank.
How fast is the Wicked Ridge Commander 400?
Wicked Ridge rates it at 400 FPS and 146 ft-lbs with a 410-grain Match 400 arrow. Heavier arrows will fly a little slower but carry similar energy, so check your setup with a kinetic energy calculator.
Can you de-cock the Commander 400 with the crank?
No. Its standard ACUdraw cocks the crossbow but does not let the string down. You unload by firing a discharge or field-point bolt into a target. The Invader M1 De-Cock and Titan X De-Cock add crank de-cocking.
How much does the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 cost?
It sells for $559–$599, and Wicked Ridge lists the package at $599.99. That includes the built-in ACUdraw, the Pro-View 400 lighted scope, three Match 400 carbon arrows and a quiver.
What is the difference between the Commander 400 and the Warrior 400?
They share the same 400 FPS bow assembly, scope and safety features. The Commander 400 adds the built-in ACUdraw crank and a standard stock for $599.99; the Warrior 400 uses a rope cocker and a tactical AR-style stock, weighs 6.4 lbs and lists at $499.99.
How much does the Commander 400 weigh, and how long is it?
It weighs 7.3 lbs with the ACUdraw and measures 35.75 inches long without the stirrup, with an 11-inch cocked width. That length suits treestands better than tight ground blinds.
What warranty does the Wicked Ridge Commander 400 have?
It carries Wicked Ridge's Limited Lifetime Operational Warranty. An optional Elite Warranty extends repair coverage to five years, including damage from improper use, if bought within 30 days by the original owner.
Is the Commander 400 hard to cock?
No. The built-in ACUdraw crank reduces the 190 lb draw to about 5 lbs of felt effort, so most shooters can cock it seated or standing without strain. Cranking takes longer than a rope cocker.
Related Reviews
4.4Wicked Ridge Invader M1
Compound crossbow measured at 384–393 FPS, with integrated crank cocking and ACUdraw De-Cock safe unloading at a lower price than TenPoint's own models.
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4.1Killer Instinct NEO-X
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4.3Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410
Hunting-ready compound crossbow package that matched its 410 FPS rating. Scope, bolts and cocking aid included; groups hold up best inside 40 yards.
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