Crossbow Cocking Effort Estimator
Draw weight on the box is not the effort you feel. Enter a crossbowâs draw weight to compare roughly how hard it is to cock by hand, with a rope aid and with a crank.
Calculator
By hand (no aid)
â 175 lb
Rope cocking aid
â 88 lb
Crank (e.g. ACUdraw-type)
â 5 lb
A rope aid roughly halves the effort; as measured in the Barnett rope-aid review. Estimated pull: about 88 lb.
Estimates. Rope aids only work with crossbows they are compatible with, and many high-draw-weight crossbows require their own crank or integrated system.
Where the numbers come from
The rope figure uses the roughly 50 percent reduction measured in the Barnett rope cocking device review. The crank figure uses the roughly 5 lb effort measured in the TenPoint ACUdraw review. Other devices will differ. See cocking aid, cocking rope and crank cocking device in the glossary.
Choosing a crossbow you can cock
If the hand figure is more than you can pull comfortably and repeatably, plan for a rope aid or a crank before you buy. Crossbow draw weight by body size and how to cock a crossbow cover the trade-offs, and how to de-cock a crossbow safely covers the end of the day.
What to do with your result
Read nextHow to cock a crossbowRope or crank: step-by-step methods and how much each one reduces effort.Read nextBest crossbows for beginnersTested picks that are easy to cock safely.Frequently asked questions
How hard is it to cock a crossbow by hand?
Hand cocking means pulling up to the full draw weight, often 150 lb or more on a modern compound. Many adults can do it on lighter models but find it hard to repeat consistently, which is why cocking aids are common.
Does a rope cocking aid really halve the effort?
A rope aid works like a pulley, so it roughly halves the effort. Measured on a compatible Barnett crossbow it came in at about half of manual cocking, in line with the makerâs claim.
Is a crank worth it?
A crank takes effort down to a few pounds and gives consistent string alignment, at the cost of price, weight and slower cocking. It is the practical option for high draw weights or limited strength.
More tools
See every calculator on the crossbow tools page.