As an avid crossbow enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of putting the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 through its paces.
This crossbow has been making waves in the archery world, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
After spending some time with the Raider 400, I'm excited to share my thoughts and experiences with you.
In this review, we'll delve into the features and performance of this powerful, versatile, and user-friendly crossbow.
But first, let's take a moment to appreciate its sleek design and compact form factor, which make it an attractive option for both novice and experienced archers alike.
So, let's get started and explore what the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 has to offer.
Specs:
- Price: $799.99
- Brand and Model: Wicked Ridge Raider 400
- Length (w/o foot stirrup): 31.5″
- Width Axle-to-Axle (uncocked/cocked): 19″ / 15″
- Power Stroke: 13.5″
- Weight (w/out accessories): 5.8 lbs. (Tactical Stock) / 6.5 lbs. (XS Stock)
- Draw style: Forward Draw
- Speed: 400 FPS
- Draw Weight: 185
- Safe De-Cocking: ACUdraw De-Cock
Features:
- ACUDRAW DE-COCK: The ACUdraw De-Cock system is a game-changer in the crossbow world. It allows for simple, silent, and safe cocking and de-cocking of the Raider 400. With just 5 pounds of force, you can cock the crossbow, while the backwinding handle enables you to safely de-cock it without any hassles.
- NEW TACTICAL STOCK: The Raider 400 boasts an AR-style adjustable Tactical Stock, which comes with a Rope-Sled for manual de-cocking. With six positions and up to 2.5 inches of extra adjustability, this stock caters to a wide range of users, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience.
- D1 TRIGGER: The 2-stage, zero-creep design of the D1 Trigger, coupled with a Dry-Fire-Prohibitor (DFP), ensures a consistent and crisp 3.5-pound pull. This feature enhances accuracy and provides a smooth shooting experience.
- PRO-VIEW LIGHTED SCOPE: The compact 8.5-inch Pro-View Lighted Scope offers fully-coated 3x optics and three duplex crosshairs calibrated for 20, 30, and 40-yard shots. There's also a fourth partial line for 50-yard shots, allowing for precise targeting at various distances.
- ULTRA-LIGHT 5.8-POUNDS (W/TACTICAL STOCK): The Raider 400, with its Tactical Stock, weighs a mere 5.8 pounds, making it an ultra-light and easy-to-handle crossbow. With just a simple 1-bolt assembly, you can have the crossbow ready for action and sighted-in in no time.
The ACUdraw De-Cock system simplifies the cocking and de-cocking process, while the adjustable Tactical Stock and D1 Trigger provide customizable comfort and enhanced accuracy.
Moreover, the Pro-View Lighted Scope ensures precise targeting, and the ultra-lightweight design makes the Raider 400 a breeze to handle.
Overall, this crossbow is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to elevate their archery game.
My Personal Experience
During my time with the Wicked Ridge Raider 400, I had the opportunity to take it out for a weekend hunting trip.
As someone who has used various crossbows in the past, I was genuinely impressed with how easy it was to set up and get sighted-in.
With just a single bolt, I had the crossbow assembled and ready for action in no time.
One memorable experience occurred on the second day of the trip. I was stalking a deer that had caught my eye early in the morning.
As I approached the animal, the lightweight design of the Raider 400 really shone.
At just 5.8 pounds with the Tactical Stock, the crossbow was easy to carry and maneuver, allowing me to move silently through the woods.
When the moment of truth arrived, and I finally had a clear shot, the D1 Trigger proved its worth.
The zero-creep design and consistent 3.5-pound pull allowed for a smooth, accurate shot.
I could feel the difference it made in comparison to other crossbows I've used, where the trigger pull wasn't as consistent.
As the deer bolted, I was amazed at the speed and power of the Raider 400.
With a velocity of 400 FPS, the bolt struck the deer quickly and effectively.
The precision offered by the Pro-View Lighted Scope also played a significant role in my success that day, allowing me to make a clean, ethical shot at 40 yards.
After successfully retrieving the deer, I was reminded of another Raider 400 feature that had come in handy – the ACUdraw De-Cock system.
As a safety-conscious hunter, I appreciate the importance of de-cocking the crossbow when not in use.
The ACUdraw system made this process simple, silent, and safe, allowing me to focus on tracking my quarry without worrying about any accidental discharges.
Overall, my experience with the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 has been nothing short of fantastic. Its combination of innovative features, ease of use, and impressive performance make it a crossbow I will continue to use and recommend to fellow archers.
Price and Value for Money
The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is priced at $799.99, which places it in the mid-range category of crossbows.
When considering the value for money, it is essential to weigh the features, performance, and build quality against the price.
In terms of features, the Raider 400 is packed with innovations that elevate the user experience.
The ACUdraw De-Cock system, adjustable Tactical Stock, D1 Trigger, Pro-View Lighted Scope, and ultra-lightweight design all contribute to a high-quality and efficient shooting experience.
These features are often found in more expensive crossbows, which makes the Raider 400 an attractive option at its price point.
Performance-wise, the Raider 400 delivers a powerful and accurate shooting experience with a speed of 400 FPS.
This level of performance is on par with, if not superior to, many higher-priced crossbows in the market. For both hunting and target shooting, the Raider 400 proves itself as a reliable and efficient tool.
The build quality of the Raider 400 is also noteworthy. Its durable construction and attention to detail ensure that the crossbow can withstand the rigors of regular use.
The crossbow's design is well thought out, making it comfortable and user-friendly for archers of all skill levels.
Taking all these factors into account, the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 offers excellent value for money.
While there may be cheaper crossbows available, the combination of features, performance, and build quality make the Raider 400 a wise investment for anyone looking to enhance their archery experience without breaking the bank.
The Drawbacks
While the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is undoubtedly an impressive crossbow, it is essential to mention a few minor drawbacks that I encountered during my time using it.
One such issue I noticed was the noise level.
Although it is not exceedingly loud, it is slightly noisier than some other crossbows I've used in the past.
This could potentially make a difference in a hunting scenario where stealth is crucial.
Another minor drawback is the manual rope sled that comes with the Raider 400 for manual de-cocking.
While it is functional and does its job, some users might find it a bit cumbersome compared to integrated de-cocking systems found in more expensive crossbows.
I remember fumbling with the rope sled a couple of times before getting the hang of it. However, once I was accustomed to the process, it became less of an issue.
It's important to note that these drawbacks are relatively minor and can be easily addressed with some practice or additional accessories.
They do not significantly impact the overall performance and value offered by the Wicked Ridge Raider 400.
In the grand scheme of things, the Raider 400 remains a top contender in its price range and provides an excellent user experience for archers of all skill levels.
What are people saying?
Here are some key points from positive Amazon reviews:
Val, a satisfied customer, appreciates the ability to cock and decock the crossbow using the crank system.
She also highlights the excellent customer support and the ease of sighting in the Raider 400.
Val's husband, a long-time Barnett user, prefers the Wicked Ridge Raider 400, and she recommends it as a great crossbow for beginners.
Jim S. praises the Raider 400 as a “solid and engineering masterpiece.”
He found the assembly process to be straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions.
When he encountered a minor issue with missing screws, the company quickly sent replacements, showcasing excellent customer service.
Jim also appreciates the hand-cranking device for its ease and speed compared to a rope crank, and recommends using a “shooting stick” for steadier, more accurate shots.
He considers the Raider 400 a great buy with features and benefits comparable to more expensive crossbows.
Should You Buy? Concluding the Review
After thoroughly testing and reviewing the Wicked Ridge Raider 400, it is clear that this crossbow offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and value for money.
With its innovative ACUdraw De-Cock system, adjustable Tactical Stock, D1 Trigger, Pro-View Lighted Scope, and ultra-lightweight design, it caters to archers of all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both novices and experienced hunters alike.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the noise level and the manual rope sled for de-cocking, these issues are relatively insignificant when compared to the overall benefits and performance of the Raider 400.
The positive feedback from other users, along with my personal experience, further reinforces the value and reliability of this crossbow.
In conclusion, if you're in the market for a mid-range crossbow that offers a great blend of features, performance, and build quality, the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is an excellent choice.
It is a solid investment that can enhance your archery experience, whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup.
The Raider 400's positives far outweigh its minor negatives, making it a crossbow that is easy to recommend. Happy shooting!
Click here to learn more about the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 and get the best price on Amazon.
