Intro
You’re probably wondering how we assess whether a crossbow is good value for money. It’s not just about having amazing power or accuracy, it is about creating a complete package that provides all the features a crossbow hunter needs.
In this round-up of the best Wicked Ridge crossbows for the money in 2023, we are going to be looking at their usability, features, specs, and how these combine to provide the best hunting experience for any experience level.
Fury 410 De-Cock: $929
Overview
The Fury 410 De-Cock is, without a doubt, one of the best-value crossbows on the market today. It rivals crossbows that cost twice as much while still being manufactured in the USA.
Features
As the flagship reverse-draw crossbow from Wicked Ridge, the Fury 410 De-Cock boasts some impressive numbers. It features a 410 FPS with a 15.5” power stroke to provide more stable arrow flight and improve accuracy.
Being reverse-drawn, the Fury 410 De-Cock has a compact shape measuring only 29” in length and 15” in width when uncocked making it easier to maneuver.
It also features ACUdraw De-Cock to provide simple, safe, and silent cocking and de-cocking of the bow. This helps to prolong the life of your strings and cables.
Specs
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Velocity: 410 FPS
- Finish: Peak XT camo
- Length: 29”
- Width (uncocked): 15”
- Width (cocked): 9”
- Power Stroke: 15.5”
Benefits
The Fury 410 De-Cock is the only Wicked Ridge crossbow to feature a speed-rated scope.
Why is this important? It allows hunters to fine-tune their targeting and point of impact by factoring in the crossbow FPS. In short, it is a complete game-changer for accuracy which is crucial when using a crossbow above 400 FPS.
Drawbacks
The only downside we have noticed is that the de-cocking handle can come loose with significant use and get lost. This is definitely something to keep in mind when storing it and before heading home from a hunt.
Raider 400 De-Cock: $749
Overview
The Raider 400 De-Cock is the most powerful forward-draw crossbow Wicked Ridge produces. It is also the cheapest crossbow available today featuring the ACUdraw De-Cock system.
Features
This forward draw crossbow includes features that are often reserved for much more expensive models, including the ACUdraw De-Cock system and 400 FPS wrapped up in a super light 6.5 lbs package (tactical stock version).
The stock Raider 400 De-Cock features a multi-line reticle scope. This may not be the best system available but for the money it is a great place to start. We would suggest upgrading to a speed-rated scope like the Rangemaster.
Specs
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Velocity: 400 FPS
- Finish: Peak XT camo
- Length: 31.5”
- Width (uncocked): 19”
- Width (cocked): 15”
- Power Stroke: 13.5”
Benefits
The Raider 400 De-Cock is the cheapest crossbow to feature ACUdraw De-Cock, priced at only $749.99. This makes it suitable for a broad audience, from beginners who want a step up in performance and ease of use for keen hunters on a budget.
Drawbacks
One of the downsides of the Raider 400 De-Cock is that the ACUdraw De-Cock is not included in the base model. The standard-priced crossbow from Wicked Ridge actually uses a rope sled with adjustable tactical stock ($699). The ACUdraw De-Cock system is only included in the package deal that is a bit more costly.
If this is your crossbow of choice, be sure to order it directly from Borkholder Archery to take advantage of the best price that includes ACUdraw De-Cock.
It should be noted, the adjustable tactical stock (only available if you choose the rope sled) might benefit some hunters—especially smaller-framed individuals—because it gives you more options to find the most comfortable fit. If you do need an adjustable stock, it might be worth considering the Rampage XS which is only a little less powerful but much cheaper.
Rampage XS: $524
Overview
The Rampage is an exceptionally powerful bow for the money designed to give first-time crossbow users or those on a budget the best balance of performance and value.
Features
The Rampage XS gives you two options for the stock, either an adjustable tactical stock (with the rope sled), or a fixed stock (with the ACUdraw system to enable easier cocking). It’s built around a superlight body meaning that it is among the lightest crossbows available today coming in at 5.8 lbs with the tactical stock or 6.5 lbs with ACUdraw.
For an entry-level crossbow, it packs a punch featuring 390 FPS but is still incredibly easy to use.
Specs
Weight: 5.8 or 6.5 lbs
Velocity: 390 FPS
Finish: Peak XT camo
Length: 31.5”
Width (uncocked): 19”
Width (cocked): 15”
Power Stroke: 13.5”
Benefits
If lightweight is your thing, you can select the option for an adjustable tactical stock and bring the total weight of your Rampage XS down to a mere 5.8 lbs. In this case, you will use a conventional rope sled to draw the crossbow. The second option is to add the ACUdraw cocking system that replaces the adjustable tactical stock. It will add a little weight, but the ease of cocking will be well worth it for many hunters.
Drawbacks
Honestly, if you can find a drawback with the Rampage XS we would love to hear it. At the price point, it represents incredible value and the perfect entry point into the world of crossbow hunting, especially considering it is made in America.
What Should I Choose?
The entire Wicked Ridge lineup is really solid and represents unbeatable value for money. This is especially impressive because they offer the ability to safely de-cock at a “midrange” price point which is a huge benefit to all hunters.
We also love that, being American-made, if anything goes wrong you will get a faster turnaround on replacement parts and it’s great to support American-made crossbows.
The only downside with Wicked Ridge is that the string life is not so great, especially compared with their parent brand TenPoint.
Hopefully, we have laid out enough clear information to help you find the best Wicked Ridge crossbow for your needs. But if you have any further questions or want to try out a specific model, you can send us a message or stop by our archery store in Milford, Indiana.
