![two birds chatting: I'll teach you but then you gotta go. [bird 2] i like it when you do it all...](https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bird-TBB.jpg)
The Variables Are Endless
Take a look at a crowd of people, tell me what do you see? No we’re not looking for Waldo, though at times, I do believe I’ve spotted him on occasion. People are all different heights, weights and the variables go on and on. A man that is 6 ‘6 ” may only have a draw length of 25 because he has short arms, but a woman that’s 4’ 11” has one of 29, can you guess why?
People are not created equally, and either or crossbows. If you plan to do everything for the shooter, then the answer could be yes, one size does fit all. I’ll tell you right now if you’re going to coddle someone and not expect them to learn to do it themselves, you’re not sharing the sport, and they don’t want it anyway. You’ve got to teach that bird to fly and then send them on their way!
Cocking Rope?
Some crossbows have a simple cocking rope like the Bear Archery Constrictor LT it comes with an aluminum cocking sled. The draw weight is 200 lbs! Not everyone is going to have the ability to pull that rope back enough to cock that crossbow. There’s good reason it has the amount of draw weight, it’s producing a max velocity of 415 FPS, more tension, more force released! The suggested use for this one is hunting, I told you, good reason!
A lesser draw weight is required from the Excalibur Mag Air Crossbow, to cock the string on this one it requires 136 lbs. An effort that is still not attainable for everyone. It’s not time to give up, the crossbow manufacturers are not that cruel! They haven’t created an industry that only bodybuilders get to enjoy, they want you to shoot as well!
Crank System
That’s why there’s a crank system. Take a look at the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock Crossbow ; it has the built-in patented ACUdraw silent and safe cocking and de-cocking system. Rather than giving it all you’ve got Captain and not accomplishing a fully cocked crossbow, this system brings the actual effort down to five pounds of pressure. A big difference.
I Guess One Crossbow Can Fit All
With that type of cocking system, some would say yes, one size fits all. Crossbows most definitely have their pros, especially when trying to share the sport. A crossbow makes it possible to let a friend, child, grandchild, sister, mother, etc… get behind the trigger and enjoy sending bolts into a Morrell Yellow Jacket Kinetic Field Point Bag! The perfect target that has no FPS limit!
Though it is important to teach future shooters to handle the equipment from start to finish in a safe manner without assistance. Depending on the equipment you have to share, their dependance may be on you, for at least a little while until they get stronger or taller.
I guess the best piece of advice here is to be patient, kind, but also a little pushy. Get to know your shooter so you know when it’s time to let the little birdy fly. They’ve got to leave the nest one day and harvest their own meals!
