The Bednar family has been dealing in crossbows since 1994. What began as Hunter’s Manufacturing in 1994 morphed into TenPoint Crossbows around 2000, and the company has been a trusted household name in the hunting industry ever since. 

While TenPoint has had (and still does have) more affordable models, it eventually saw the need for a brand positioned specifically in the budget market. That’s how Wicked Ridge came to be in 2010. Crossbows earmarked with “Wicked Ridge” are ideal for hunters who demand get-it-done performance without spending thousands of dollars. 

TenPoint/Wicked Ridge is family owned. More impressively, though, is that its crossbows are made in the USA.

I recently tested Wicked Ridge’s Raider 400 De-Cock. A well-read consumer magazine declared it as the best-value crossbow package for 2023. If you like where this is going, then follow along as I outline the crossbow’s strong suits and my two cents.

Test Crossbow Specs

• Make/Model: Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-Cock (Tactical Stock w/Rope-Sled)
• Available Finishes: Peak Camo
• Mass Weight: 5.8 pounds (bare bow); 7.34 pounds (accessorized)
• Overall Width: 19 inches (un-cocked); 15 inches (cocked)
• Overall Length: 31.5-34 inches (doesn’t include stirrup)
• Draw Effort: Not listed
• Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
• Bolt Length and Weight: 20 inches; 400 grains
• Manufacturer Listed Velocity: 400 fps (measured with a 400-grain bolt)
• Actual Velocity: 373 fps (found with Caldwell Ballistic Precision chronograph)
• Manufacturer Listed Trigger Pull: 3.5 pounds
• Cocking Device: Rope-Sled 
• Scope: TenPoint Pro-View Scope
• MSRP: $749.99
• Contact: www.wickedridgecrossbows.com 

First Impressions

The Raider 400 De-Cock comes in two versions. One has an integrated ACUdraw De-Cock and XS stock, which retails for $899.99. The version I tested features a tactical stock and Rope-Sled cocking aid, and it retails for $749.99. The package includes an illuminated Pro-View Scope (red and green illumination), and it also has aiming dots from 20 to 50 yards once it’s sighted in. 

The package also includes three Match 400 crossbow arrows rigged with the Alpha-Nock — all TenPoint and Wicked Ridge crossbows require these — which is a TenPoint-exclusive component. Finally, Wicked Ridge includes a three-arrow quiver, which conveniently connects and disconnects with the stock via a Picatinny rail.

As I mentioned, the Raider 400 De-Cock I tested has a tactical AR-style adjustable stock — pick from six different positions to get 2.5 inches of adjustability. To adjust it, simply depress the orange tab located just in front of the butt pad, slide to a preferred setting and then release the orange tab. Not only is this beneficial for different size hunters, but it’s also nice when you’re bundled up for sub-zero conditions and need a slightly shorter, more maneuverable stock length. 

Next, I took note of the skeletonized stock, which makes the crossbow lightweight and exceptionally well-balanced, not to mention aesthetically pleasing. It’s easy to control and handle — both pluses for hunting scenarios. Being a small-framed woman, I was unable to cock the Raider with the Rope-Sled. It wasn’t a strength thing but the fact that my arms are too short to pull to the cocked position. My husband Darron cocked the crossbow for me, so if you’re a smaller person like me, I’d suggest the model rigged with the ACUdraw crank system. 

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting the Raider 400 De-Cock. One reason is because of the Pro-View Scope. It is easy to look through and acquire the target, and its optics are crystal-clear. The illumination with adjustable brightness complete with red and green options is also on-point, and the color-selection and brightness-control knob operates smoothly. 

I was genuinely impressed after I shot the first few arrows through the Raider and saw how accurate it is, especially for a budget-friendly rig. Darron and I both shot it out to 50 yards, and it was easy to keep arrows in the kill zone. The entire shot sequence felt natural and boosted my confidence. Whether your customers are chasing whitetails or other big game, even turkeys, I believe the Raider 400 De-Cock will deliver the accuracy needed to make clean hits.   

On the Range

Of course, I had to test out the de-cocking feature. Rather than discharge an arrow into a target following an unsuccessful hunt, simply engage the “De-Cock” button next to the safety, then install the Rope-Sled and pull up slightly then lower the string back to the un-cocked position. It’s really easy to do and is a sweet addition to this affordable crossbow. 

To be fair with my evaluation, there are just a few slightly negative points that I want to address. First of all, Wicked Ridge rates the D1 trigger at 3.5 pounds with two stages. I don’t have a trigger-pull gauge, but the trigger was noticeably heavier than previous crossbows that I’ve tested with similar trigger-weight specs. I noticed that one Raider owner left a review on the Wicked Ridge website stating similar findings. I’d be curious to put a trigger gauge on it and see, but regardless, Darron and I agreed that it’s heavier than the last few competing crossbows we’ve tested.

One note regarding speed: We pulled out a Caldwell Ballistics Precision chronograph and sent a couple of arrows through it. While Wicked Ridge gives the Raider 400 a 400-fps velocity rating, the chronograph told a different story, revealing an average of 373 fps. So, our test model was a little slower than advertised.  

These might be nit-picky things, but I’m pointing them out because I feel they are factors that customers might notice as I did.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, the Raider 400 De-Cock is a great crossbow that’s very accurate. Along with the solid accuracy and sweet accessories, your customers get the assurance of an American-built product from a family-owned company backed by a limited lifetime warranty. All of that for $749.99 seems like quite a deal to me.

In-the-field photos by Darron and Becca McDougal