TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger Review (In-Field) – Compound Crossbow

Model	Draw Weight	Stroke	Velocity	Suggested Arrow Length	Crossbow Length / Weight
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger Check price on Amazon.com	150 lbs.	10.8"	300 FPS Crossbow Academy: ballistics, sighting, tuning	18"	33.9" / 5 lbs. 10 ozs.

TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger Package Contents

The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger is available in two package configurations. Ours, the Premium, came with:

• A camo stock
• A TenPoint 3X Multi-Line™ scope
• A Wicked Ridge instant release quiver
• Three Wicked Ridge 18” Ranger carbon crossbow arrows
• Three 100-grain field points
• An ACU-52 cocking device

There is also the Standard package which comes with:

• A black stock
• A TenPoint 3X Multi-Line™ scope
• A Wicked Ridge instant release quiver

Given that this is primarily designed as a youth model, or a model for small framed shooters, we would recommend you look at the Premium package to get the ACU-52 cocking aid. This makes a big difference in allowing the smaller shooter to cock the Ranger themselves.

First Impressions: Design, Safety, Comfort and Accuracy

TenPoint has done a lot of research before introducing the Wicked Ridge Ranger . As their first youth offering, they truly spent a lot of time studying kids in the 8 – 14 age range to look at how they held a crossbow and the best LOP for their smaller frames. Given the intended users, it is good to see the safety features they incorporated into the Wicked Ridge Ranger.

The semi-skeletonized stock sheds weight overall and the anodized riser keeps the forward weight down as well. The pass through grip gives shooters a solid forehand grip while minimizing the risk of fingers in the string path. A feature we really liked is the oversize reinforced nylon safety wings. These are actually much longer than on most crossbows and should further cut any chance of wandering fingers or thumbs from a novice shooter in the string path.

The Dry Fire Inhibitor will ensure the Ranger cannot accidently be fired without an arrow in place and the auto safety means that the shooter will always have the safety in the ‘on’ position after cocking, and must manually disengage the safety to fire. Again, a great feature for young shooters.

You may also hear about the Wicked Ridge Lady Ranger…this is essentially the Ranger decorated in the Muddy Girl pink camo pattern. Everything else is identical, TenPoint just wanted to offer the ladies something to call their own in a crossbow designed for smaller frames.

Kinetic Energy of the Wicked Ridge Ranger

TenPoint has created a crossbow with enough power to hunt a white tail while not unnecessarily overpowering the Ranger. Shooting a 350-grain projectile at 300 fps, the Ranger produces about 70 ft. lbs. of energy at the muzzle. While this isn’t a monster in terms of power, a youth crossbow really shouldn’t be putting out ridiculous energy with a novice user on the trigger. The Ranger gives a good blend of punch and control for those learning to shoot.

Use our arrow ballistics calculator for more valuable information.

Ballistic Data For The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger

Your actual results will vary slightly depending on weather, and significantly with arrow weight change. See our Crossbow Ballistics Guides section for a complete understanding of how we conducted our tests and why this data matters.

Hunting with the Wicked Ridge Ranger

The Wicked Ridge Ranger is capable of helping that young shooter build confidence and actually bag a deer. Its light weight combined with its shorter overall length will translate to greater portability for a smaller framed shooter. At just under 20” ATA when cocked, the Ranger will also allow a young shooter to sit in a ground blind with his or her mentor without being overly crowded.

How Quiet is the Wicked Ridge Ranger

The Ranger is reasonably quiet due to the lower draw weight of the limbs. There is no integrated suppression system, so looking in to a set of string stops wouldn’t be a bad idea if you plan to hunt with it. Also, adding limb and frame suppressors will further cut the sound. As always, if you add suppressors, we recommend that you don’t overlook the stirrup, as much of the sound and vibrations end up focused on the furthest point forward of the crossbow.

Cocking the Wicked Ridge Ranger

Cocking the Ranger was no issue at all, which is what we would expect and hope for in a youth crossbow. This is actually a crossbow that can be cocked by hand, but that is something that is best left to much stronger, more experienced shooters. The ACU-52 cocking aid that comes standard on the Premium model truly makes cocking both safe and easy. We tried cocking by hand and then using the ACU-52 and the verdict wasn’t difficult…let the young ones use the ACU-52!

Quality of the Optics

The included 3x scope is a good scope for the entry-level shooter, and even for more experienced shooters. Its multiple aim points (20, 30, and 40 yards) made shooting at various ranges very comfortable, which is something you want for a novice shooter. We would have liked for this to have been an illuminated scope, but given the reasonable price point of the package, we can understand that some features just couldn’t be offered.

See our detailed guide on how to sight-in your crossbow

What Arrows to use with the Wicked Ridge Ranger

The Wicked Ridge Ranger comes standard with three 18” Wicked Ridge Ranger carbon arrows. When combined with a 100-grain point, the total weight is right at 350 grains. If you choose to look into aftermarket arrows, be sure you don’t go any longer than 18”, as the point may protrude too far off the end of the barrel and get hung up in tight quarters when loaded. Given the modest draw and speed, you won’t need to go with anything that is too stiff.

You can also learn more about crossbow arrows and take a look at our broadhead recommendations

Overall Thoughts

The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Ranger is a great youth model hunting crossbow. It has plenty of power to take care of business while not employing so much force as to be unmanageable. There are a number of safety considerations that were well thought out in the design, and the overall fit and feel is one that should suit young or smaller framed shooters well. The price is reasonable for the quality…just remember, the ACU-52 cocking aid is definitely worth the few dollars extra. Take a look at today's amazon.com price on this crossbow and check out our top 10 crossbows rankings for more.