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Crossbows with built in crank

32K views 44 replies 20 participants last post by  Firenock  
#1 ·
Might be looking into buying one with crank built in because of my back, shoulders and hernia trouble lately. Really looking for some feed back and to see what's out there. Speed and accuracy are a must have. I might even add a crank to the Vent stock.

I can cock the 175 extreme no trouble but it isn't helping things.
 
#2 ·
Excalibur's built in crank bow is the Assassin. In other Excaliburs you can opt for a relatively small crank called a Charger that pulls off with a pull of a button.
 
#4 ·
A crossbow with a crank cocking system is: 1)much easier to cock the crossbow,
2)much more accurate than the rope cocker.
I have two Barnett Ghost 410's and a Barnett Buck Commander BCXtreme 365
Ultra Lite set up with the build in style Barnett Crank Cocking System. Being I
have these crossbows mounted in high quality rifle jigs for target shooting, I do
not have to remove them to cock the crossbows.
All the best with what ever you choose.
 
#6 ·
Taking him long enough. LOL!

I been holding off shooting as much as I used to. I thought about putting light limbs on the older Vent just for shooting in the yard but i still think just the repetitive motion is going to cause some problems. Cocking the bow just for hunting I don't think is much of a problem but I'd like to get where I don't have to pull the weight at least until I get healed up. I can change the cams out on the 175 and mount a parker crank to an extra stock that I have but I am undecided and will need another set of cables.
 
#10 ·
Their crank seems to be one of if not the best but I would be concerned with accuracy. Been reading some topics on the Ravin and some of the members I trust here on at are saying they aren't as accurate as their other crossbows. Consistancy, reliability and speed are most important to me. It just has to have a crank that works without trouble and without being a pain in the rear.
 
#12 ·
I have had a Ravin and Mission both with cranks, still have the Mission bow but sold the crank and sold the Ravin . The Ravin's is very well integrated and works well but IMO the Mission is a much better system for a few reasons. It is removable and transferable for all the Mission crossbows and looks like an easy adaptation to fit other bows. The Mission system allows you to use it when you need it, like target shooting, and leave it off for hunting so you use the rope cocker. Can't remove the Ravin system and if you do have a problem with the crank mechanism you can't shoot the bow (which happened to me).
Either system would satisfy your needs perfectly, you just need to decide what is important to you.
 
#13 ·
Personally I'm not a fan of all the moving parts in the Ravin crank system and have used the ACUdraw for years with no issue. Without question it's the most tried and proven xbow crank system that simply works. The standard ACUdraw is also the lightest cranking system. I agree with your choice to find a built-in crank system. Removable cranks are another piece to keep track of and IMO not convenient to use in tight spaces (climbers particularly) so carefully consider those vs integrated systems.

The new TP ACUdraw Pro system is an improvement on their standard ACUdraw and ideal for their NXT line of xbows. The TP Shadow NXT with standard ACUdraw makes a nice package and is reasonably priced. Good luck with your search!
 
#14 ·
there simply is nothing better then the a Ravin crank, no matter what angle you look at from....... 94 million dollars proves that................:wink:

As far as fingers and rifle like advertising...suit your self its your money and foolish pride.

If i have to really crank it........ i want the crank as part of the bow. I do not want to fart around with attaching and detaching a a crank module each time. I can live with attaching a sled each time like the accudraw.

IT would be easier to just shoot a Slower easier to draw bow if i have to always do that.

I stepped out of denial and accepted that if i stay in the game, i am going to be shooting bows with a crank sooner or latter. That makes now a good time to become acclimated.

Sooner became latter a lot faster then i had anticipated. For me shoulder surgery is not worth it.

Ravin has silent cocking and decocking too. I nice bonus for those that want that.
 
#16 ·
there simply is nothing better then the a Ravin crank, no matter what angle you look at from....... 94 million dollars proves that................
Image


As far as fingers and rifle like advertising...suit your self its your money and foolish pride.

If i have to really crank it........ i want the crank as part of the bow. I do not want to fart around with attaching and detaching a a crank module each time. I can live with attaching a sled each time like the accudraw.

IT would be easier to just shoot a Slower easier to draw bow if i have to always do that.

I stepped out of denial and accepted that if i stay in the game, i am going to be shooting bows with a crank sooner or latter. That makes now a good time to become acclimated.

Sooner became latter a lot faster then i had anticipated. For me shoulder surgery is not worth it.

Ravin has silent cocking and decocking too. I nice bonus for those that want that.
Silent is a great thing. Is the Ravin picky? From what I gather they seem to be temperamental. I'm not sure about the company either. Selling out like they did tells me that there might be problems in the future getting replacement parts if needed. Just something that would worry me about buying.
 
#17 ·
Seems i modify about every thing i have lol. But iv'e never modified the Mission crank. A few years ago after my surgery i needed it. These cranks are dead silent to my ears. I found this extremely nice cocking the bow before day light in my blind turkey hunting. All you hear is the click when it cocks and you get that with the rope cocker too.

Last year during Turkey season it wasn't about need. I just remembered how handy it was setting in my seat quietly cranking the bow back. So i used it every time i went. This fall im not using it and its harder cocking the bow in the blinds and the days of me cocking it setting down with the rope cocker have past :). Yes i can cock it out side or at the truck. But having 43 years of bow hunting under my belt. Is telling me you might need another shot so you need to think about cocking in the blinds.

Shooting the bow off the porch its easy for me to cock slow. So i never use the crank for that i've never seen any advantage in accuracy using the mission crank vs the rope cocker. For me its about if its needed or just easier. Like i said i modify every thing just about. I can silently let my bows down with a rope cocker or the crank. I can leave the crank on full time or i can like now take it off.
This gives me the choice of ok im hunting the tripod stand or that DB blind that crank will be handy there so ill pop it on. Or i'm hunting the box blind or outside on a ridge hunting a lower flat. I really don't need it and it doesn't make it easier. So i leave it at home.

Ive used other cranks the old excal crank on the 405 and the parker crank on the strikeforce. They worked but were loud and you had to put it on then take it off. Im not in a hurry to go back to that :).

Just some of my thoughts and experiences. Good Luck finding what puts a smile on your face. And makes life easier and a more enjoyable hunt.
 
#19 ·
Seems i modify about every thing i have lol. But iv'e never modified the Mission crank. A few years ago after my surgery i needed it. These cranks are dead silent to my ears. I found this extremely nice cocking the bow before day light in my blind turkey hunting. All you hear is the click when it cocks and you get that with the rope cocker too.

Last year during Turkey season it wasn't about need. I just remembered how handy it was setting in my seat quietly cranking the bow back. So i used it every time i went. This fall im not using it and its harder cocking the bow in the blinds and the days of me cocking it setting down with the rope cocker have past
Image
. Yes i can cock it out side or at the truck. But having 43 years of bow hunting under my belt. Is telling me you might need another shot so you need to think about cocking in the blinds.

Shooting the bow off the porch its easy for me to cock slow. So i never use the crank for that i've never seen any advantage in accuracy using the mission crank vs the rope cocker. For me its about if its needed or just easier. Like i said i modify every thing just about. I can silently let my bows down with a rope cocker or the crank. I can leave the crank on full time or i can like now take it off.
This gives me the choice of ok im hunting the tripod stand or that DB blind that crank will be handy there so ill pop it on. Or i'm hunting the box blind or outside on a ridge hunting a lower flat. I really don't need it and it doesn't make it easier. So i leave it at home.

Ive used other cranks the old excal crank on the 405 and the parker crank on the strikeforce. They worked but were loud and you had to put it on then take it off. Im not in a hurry to go back to that
Image
.

Just some of my thoughts and experiences. Good Luck finding what puts a smile on your face. And makes life easier and a more enjoyable hunt.

How do you carry your Mission in and out of the woods? I never looked into the Mission bows only because I'm not a fan of the tactical stocks for hunting but, you have peaked my interest with your take on their crank and their crossbows seem to be pretty solid in performance. Looks like there isn't much to grab onto to carry them.
 
#23 ·
As far as bows with a crank; Ravin is super simple, can cock(or Decock) quietly if you like! Handle stores easy, and no fuss with pulling over Scope/setting on strings! After about using 4 times; really got my vote! Great hunting set up in My Opinion!
 
#25 ·
I’ve posted this before, but it’s worth showing again....Have limited use of my arms and hands, these 3 arrows were shot at 3 targets, 50 yds, 75 yds, & 100 yrds.

Decocking is just as simple, can cock and decock in my wheelchair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdDRV0UHRkg
 
#26 ·
Thank you. I do remember seeing you post. I'm going in circles trying to decide on what would fit me best. I have shot the r9 and r15 last year. They to me were just ok at the time. I know the Aculeus I will like for sure other than the weight and the noisy crank. I haven't shot the Mission or the tenpoint yet.
 
#31 ·
Might be a kid's bow but I have been having more trouble with my back and shoulders. I can cock the 175 with ease just too many times and I'm hurting myself for days. It's not from being wimpy, just in pain. If I can figure out how to get my hips, 2 discs and my shoulders to stay in place I'd be golden until than I be hurting every dang target session.
 
#30 ·
why i need a crank is that I can cock my sz380 at 155 pounds really easy and a few time with no issues.

Jumping up in weight to 180 pounds etc., I can still cock it easy but then i suffer from shoulder and joint issues for a month or so after if i cock a it for normal shooting session.

I was very surprised how this happened in ones years time. I always thought is was because these guys on here were just in real poor health or something or just suffering from old age.

Now i am one of them at 56. Mu advice is as you age up start using a cocker before you go past the point of no return. Or keep the draw weight down to 165 or less.

I am thinking thats about a normal safe pulling weight.
 
#34 ·
yelpy i fully understand yer needs n mine, bein how we are in the physical shape. People here that are not broken down an disabled really don't have a glue to the pain involved jus to cock these crossbows. I left my stick Bows behind many yrs ago. All of these long draw n heavy poundage have about done me in. That is why i have been sellin off any crossbow i have that can not use a crank. Its all i can do to rope cock my MXB400, i will have a crank fer it no later than this Spring. I have managed to long sled cock my DS, but i knowed the day will be comin soon. I am not goin to pull out my shoulders to keep it. I will sell it n move on, also any heavy to tote models will be goin also
 
#35 ·
That is exactly what i am thinking. I can cock them not a problem. Plenty of muscle to do it. It's the darn joints don't want to stay in place than the nerves get jazzed up. I'm in for a lighter weight crossbow too. The easier to carry the better. I love these Scorpyds but not sure I want one with that heavy/bulky tenpoint crank on it. I picked up an r15 today at the gun shop and could tell there was a big difference in weight compared to the set ups I have. Probably close to 3lb. To me that's huge when carrying a good way in and out. I want to handle a Mission yet with the crank on it.
 
#36 ·
I like the MXB well enuff to keep it because i can get a crank fer it. I really like the weight n balance on my DS, jus wish there was a removable crank to fit it. If'en there was i would never give it up. In fact i was shootin at my 60 yd target n enjoyin it. Group size i can keep them in the bottom of a sody pop can :) That = meat in the pot !
 
#38 ·
Always enough time top do the right thing.

I have many version made (total eight so far)... but keep finding imperfections. So I decided to redesign the body, the sled, and in the meantime, 3 more US utility patents got filed. I know better than anyone how annoying that is to have delays. But I always remember my mentor (Mr. William Brewer) taught me. You always have enough time to do the right thing. And the fact remains there is a product out there that will do the job for now... just not as refined. Now think if you have multiple crossbows and if you only use one crank, and the stock is closed, how do you change the entire crank from crossbow to crossbow and be able to thread the string? How about the different width of the barrels? How about crossbows with different power strokes, that has different cams use by customers with significant different arm strength to crank the device. I was ready to ship this version as scheduled on 9/31/2018 but decided it is not perfect so new sled and body are being machined. I talked with a few dealer and customer of mine, and they all said, they would prefer to wait for a perfect one as they already have to use or sell for this season... even if not perfect. Pictures of AeroCrank b8.0 on 9/31/2018 which I post on Facebook on 10/10/2018
http://org.firenock.com/images/AeroCrank/AeroCrank_1.jpg
http://org.firenock.com/images/AeroCrank/AeroCrank_2.jpg
http://org.firenock.com/images/AeroCrank/AeroCrank_3.jpg