7 replies to this topic

[Old Chuck]

Just started looking around and have a very basic Xbow question. I know that with a longbow,  recurved or compound bow that during the draw that you must pull the weight of the draw. Is it the same on the Xbow? I mean, it would seem that if a Xbow has 175lb. draw weight that you would need to put 175 lb. of pull weight to cock it.   Is this an accurate assumption?

[Cossack]

Basically true. However, draw wright is dramatically reduced by using a cocking rope which functions as a pulley system. Two hooks on a rope attach to the sting that runs over back of bow to two handles reduces the draw weight  in half, which is spread  over two arms. Thus, even at 72 yrs of age, with a twice-cut back, and both shoulders too, I can easily cock my 200 lb draw weight bow. Mechanical devices using a crank - or even a cordless drill -  are also available. Aside from making cocking much easier, the cocking rope/mechanical device centers the string more precisely for increased shot to shot accuracy. Obviously, even if one is able to cock a 175 lb bow by hand - which many able-bodied do - it does not have to be physically held at draw for the shot.

Edited by Cossack, 20 May 2012 - 09:44 AM.

[Old Chuck]

Thanks for the answer. I figured that the cocking cord would reduce the force needed due to mechanical advantage but was not sure how much. I too have had neck surgery, a torn bicept and shoulder bone spurs and can not longer pull a compound bow without much pain. Looking at Xbow and was wondering just how hard it would be to pull. It is tough when age catches up with you....I guess I need to find a dealer and find out just how hard it would be for me.  Thanks again for taking the time to answer a very basic question.

[buckskins]

old chuck, Tenpoint makes a sweet cocking system called acudraw which actually uses a crank and only takes 5# worth of effort to crank the heaviest of bows. The cocking ropes are retracrable and go back into the stock. Slip the crank into your pocket and your good to go. Give it a try.  Rick

[vixenmaster]

Another thing to knowed is some models are less than 175 lbs & that makes them easier using cocking rope. My Vixen is 150 my soon to be SZ350 is 135

[Old Chuck]

Thanks for all the help. Am learning a lot. I need to try a couple of models back to back to see if the length, weight and length of pull is right and how difficult it is to cock a given bow....

[MAB]

Just a thought, Parker makes a gas powered cocking system for one of their bows....Don't know much about it but maybe worth looking into.

[Wrangler95]

Cossack, on 20 May 2012 - 09:41 AM, said:

Basically true. However, draw wright is dramatically reduced by using a cocking rope which functions as a pulley system. Two hooks on a rope attach to the sting that runs over back of bow to two handles reduces the draw weight  in half, which is spread  over two arms. Thus, even at 72 yrs of age, with a twice-cut back, and both shoulders too, I can easily cock my 200 lb draw weight bow. Mechanical devices using a crank - or even a cordless drill -  are also available. Aside from making cocking much easier, the cocking rope/mechanical device centers the string more precisely for increased shot to shot accuracy. Obviously, even if one is able to cock a 175 lb bow by hand - which many able-bodied do - it does not have to be physically held at draw for the shot.

X2