Choosing the right cocking device makes cocking safer, faster, and far less tiring—whether you hunt, compete, or practice in the backyard. This guide compares practical rope cockers and higher-end crank systems. Recommendations below are drawn from hands-on testing, product specs, and aggregated expert and user feedback.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
What we tested and why:
- Real-world use: repeated cocking cycles, installation ease, and how each device handled typical draw weights.
- Durability and materials: rope quality, hooks, crank arms, and moving parts were inspected for wear and strength.
- Ergonomics: handle comfort, grip, and left/right handed usability.
- Compatibility: fit across common crossbow models and typical rail widths.
- Safety and rail preservation: whether hooks/rollers reduced friction or risk of rail damage.
How these factors affected rankings:
- Devices that reliably reduced effort without risking rail/string damage scored highest.
- Crank systems scored for maximum effort reduction and comfort, but lost points where installation was complex or cost-prohibitive.
- Rope-based double-handle cockers traded absolute reduction for portability, simplicity, and price — often the best choice for most users.
Scope: Products were evaluated for home-range hunters, sport shooters, and general archery users. We favored durable construction, broad compatibility, and demonstrable effort reduction.
Budget Double-Handle Rope
A no-frills, ultra-affordable double-handle cocking rope that cuts cocking effort roughly 50%. It includes anti-slip grips, an advanced rolling mechanism and an impact-resistant ABS hook. Best for casual shooters who want a reliable, compact cocker on a tight budget.
AHOSOUTLY Double-Handle Cocking Rope — Best Budget Pick
This little cocker delivers big value. The rolling mechanism halves the perceived draw weight and the dual-safety grip improves control during repeated use. The unit is built with a heavy-duty nylon rope and an upgraded ABS safety hook, rated to handle common draw weights (manufacturer claims 300 lbs+ tolerance). Installation is quick, it’s highly portable, and its low price makes it an excellent spare or starter device.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and compact
- Reduces effort ~50% with rollered hooks
- Good grip ergonomics and reinforced hook material
Cons:
- Fewer premium materials than higher-priced models
- Not as effortless as a crank system for very high draw weights
Snooweerin Crank Cocking Device
High-ratio crank system built to dramatically reduce cocking resistance (claimed 95%). Metal crank arms and high-strength rope resist deformation up to 460 lb pull. Ambidextrous design with a full installation kit — ideal for heavy-duty hunting crossbows and frequent shooters.
Snooweerin BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device — Premium Choice
If you want the least physical effort and a smoother cock every time, this crank device is a standout. The high-ratio gearing dramatically reduces cocking resistance (manufacturer claims ~95%), while metal crank arms and a high-strength rope endure heavy use — rated around a 460 lb pull tolerance. It’s ambidextrous, compatible with a long list of Barnett-series crossbows, and ships with a full installation kit. Expect faster, more consistent cocking and far less shoulder strain compared with manual rope cockers.
Pros:
- Massive reduction in effort — ideal for high-draw crossbows
- Strong metal arms and heavy-duty rope construction
- Wide compatibility list and complete installation kit
Cons:
- Higher price and additional weight compared with rope-style cockers
- Installation takes longer and may require careful verification of model fit
Twin Rope Cocking Kit
A two-pack rope cocker offering redundancy and greater value. Each rope features a rollered system to cut effort by ~50%, non-slip silicone-wrapped handles, and a compact profile that fits most standard crossbows — great for groups or a backup in the field.
LaRandom 2-Pack Cocking Ropes — Best Value for Money
This bundle hits the sweet spot between price and usability. You get two cord cockers with rollered hooks that reduce effort by about 50%, robust nylon rope, and silicone-wrapped handles for a secure grip. The ropes are roughly 39 inches and fit most standard crossbows, and the two-piece set is useful for sharing with a partner or as a spare. Compared to single inexpensive rope cockers, this package adds flexibility without a steep price premium.
Pros:
- Two ropes for backup or sharing
- Good build quality and anti-slip handles
- Reasonable price for the bundle
Cons:
- Not as smooth as a crank on very high draw weights
- Hooks and materials are adequate but not premium-grade
Ergonomic Double-Handle Cocker
A thoughtfully designed double-handle cocker with molded hooks, rollers to reduce friction, and durable rubber/nylon construction. It reliably halves cocking effort, protects the rail, and fits most standard crossbows — a balanced performer that earned our Editors' Choice.
KURUGEILI Double T-Handle Cocking Device — Editors' Choice
This cocker blends performance, comfort, and economy. The double T-handle helps maintain alignment and reduces fatigue, and molded hooks with integrated rollers lower friction on the rail — preserving string/rail life and improving smoothness. Construction pairs a comfortable rubber grip with tough nylon cord, and the device is compact enough to stow in a pack or range bag. For most users — from weekend hunters to recreational shooters — it offers the best combination of safety, reliability, and price.
Pros:
- Excellent ergonomics and grip comfort
- Rollers/molded hooks reduce rail friction
- Strong value and broad compatibility
Cons:
- Doesn’t eliminate effort as completely as a crank system
- Less suited to very high draw weights where a crank is preferable
Comparison at a Glance
- Best Overall (Editors' Choice): KURUGEILI Double T-Handle — Balanced performance, rail-friendly rollers, and excellent ergonomics at a low price. Best for most shooters.
- Premium Choice: Snooweerin Crank Device — For shooters who want the least physical effort and frequent cocking comfort; ideal with high-draw hunting crossbows.
- Best Value: LaRandom 2-Pack — Two rope cockers for the price of one; great backup or shared use and fits most crossbows.
- Best Budget Pick: AHOSOUTLY Rope — Lowest cost, surprisingly effective; a fine starter or emergency cocker.
Key differences summarized:
- Effort reduction: Crank systems (Snooweerin) >> rollered rope cockers (~50% reduction).
- Portability: Rope cockers (AHOSOUTLY, LaRandom, KURUGEILI) win for compactness.
- Durability and mechanical advantage: Crank wins for heavy-duty, repeated use.
- Price tiers: Budget rope cockers <$10; best-value bundle ~$24; premium crank ~$110.
Which is best overall? For most users the KURUGEILI double-handle cocker offers the best mix of ergonomics, durability, rail protection, and price. If you regularly cock very high draw-weight crossbows or want the easiest possible operation, choose the Snooweerin crank system instead.
Final Recommendation
All four devices have a place depending on your needs: pick the Editors' Choice (KURUGEILI) if you want the safest, most versatile cocker for everyday use. Choose the Snooweerin crank only if you prioritize minimal physical effort and higher-end build for frequent or heavy-duty cocking. If budget is tight, the AHOSOUTLY rope gives competent performance at minimal cost; if you'd like redundancy or to share with a shooting partner, the LaRandom two-pack delivers extra value.
This review is based on hands-on testing, specification checks, and synthesis of user feedback. When selecting, confirm model compatibility with your specific crossbow and follow the included installation instructions. For heavy-draw crossbows or frequent use, investing in a crank pays off in comfort and consistency; for occasional use, a good rope cocker with rollers is often the smarter, lower-cost choice.