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HELP! I can’t cock my crossbow!
You’ve unpacked your new crossbow, followed the instructions and got everything ready. Then you try to cock it… and suddenly discover muscles you didn’t know you had.
Crossbows can take a fair amount of effort to cock. The draw weight quoted in pounds describes the force required to draw the string; as you pull it back, the limbs flex and store energy ready for the shot.
So, if you’re struggling, you’re certainly not the only one.
The good news? Depending on your crossbow, there are a few options that may make things easier.
1. Use a rope cocking aid
Thanks to the magic of pulleys — all right, mechanical advantage — a conventional rope cocking aid can roughly halve the pulling force required.
That means a crossbow with a 150lb draw weight might require approximately 75lb of pulling force with a suitable rope aid. It’s still a workout, but a considerably more manageable one.
Compatibility and correct setup matter, so use the aid specified for your crossbow and follow its instructions.
2. Use a crank cocking device
Sometimes called a winch, a crank cocking device lets you wind the string back with considerably less physical effort.
Some crossbows have one built in. Others can accept a compatible accessory. Some cannot use one at all.
The effort required varies between devices, so check the specification for your particular setup. Always confirm compatibility before buying — they aren’t universal.
3. Choose a lower draw weight
Some crossbows have manufacturer-approved interchangeable limbs, giving you the option of a lower draw weight.
If your model supports this, a lighter limb could make your crossbow much more manageable. Check the approved limb, fitting requirements and suitable bolts before making any changes.
There’s no prize for choosing the heaviest limb. A crossbow you can use comfortably and safely is a better choice than one you struggle with every time.
4. Use an extended cocking lever — where available
This one is very model-specific.
The EK Archery Cobra Adder uses a lever-action cocking mechanism. A compatible extended cocking lever gives you more leverage, reducing the force you need to apply.
Think of using a longer spanner to loosen a stubborn nut: the extra length makes the job easier.
5. Get to the gym!
You thought you’d bought a crossbow. Turns out you’d also signed up for back day.
Strength can make a difference, but you shouldn’t need to strain, jerk the string or lose your balance to cock your crossbow. If you can’t do it under control, stop and look at a suitable cocking aid or a lighter setup.
And if it feels stuck, won’t latch or has suddenly become harder to cock, don’t assume you need bigger muscles. Stop and have it checked.
What options are available for YOUR crossbow?
That’s the general advice. Now let’s look at the options for your particular model.
Find your crossbow in the table below to see which cocking aids and alternative draw weights are available.
If yours isn’t listed, send us an email with the make, model and draw weight. We’ll check the options and add it to the guide.
Remember: follow your crossbow’s manual, never dry-fire it, and don’t cock it without a safe, manufacturer-approved way to unload it.
Thanks for reading!
MODEL GUIDE
Find your crossbow.
Check what’s included, explore cocking aids and browse limb options for your model.
MODEL
Jaguar I – 150lb
LIMB OPTIONS
MODEL
Jaguar I Deluxe – 175lb
LIMB OPTIONS
MODEL
Jaguar I – 40lb
LIMB OPTIONS
MODEL
Jaguar II Pro – 175lb
LIMB OPTIONS
MODEL
Revo 7
MODEL
Cobra RX Adder
Other cocking aid
Extended lever for the Adder
