Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock Review

It’s easy to get lost in a lineup with ten other crossbows, but the Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock, screamed value with performance that matched bows more than double the price. The newest Wicked Ridge model was one of the new crossbows introduced in 2025 that underwent a thorough review and close examination for performance, including consistency, accuracy, safety, ease of use, handling, and overall performance.

The Invader M1 has been in the Wicked Ridge lineup for several years and has proven to be a consumer favorite. Adding the options of an ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock, or the convenience of an ACUdraw De-Cock, the crossbow stood out as an excellent option for hunters or recreational shooters.

History

I have used and hunted with Wicked Ridge crossbows for years and appreciate the technology and features that make it a winner for filling hunting tags. Last year, I used the Invader M1. I touted it as a value-priced option with modern components and technology, including the ACUdraw cocking device for cocking and de-cocking, making it an intuitive design that is easy to use and operate.

I harvested a giant black bear boar with a Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 a few years back, which started my appreciation for the company’s value and precision. The extreme value offered by technology was the best way to describe the Wicked Ridge Blackhawk 360 during its heyday. It had forward-drawing limbs 15 inches wide when cocked, and the bow’s total length was 35.5 inches. It was lightweight, weighing an even 6 pounds—a power stroke of 13.5 inches generated 350 fps/109 FP KE with a carbon arrow. The bow is no longer available, but the description makes it sound deadly, even today. However, the Invader M1 De-Cock elevates the Wicked Ridge line to a new dimension, enabling it to stay ahead of an ever-changing market.

Unboxing

When I opened the box of the new 2025 Invader M1 De-Cock it only took minutes to assemble and head to the range. The integrated ACUdraw De-Cock system was the standout feature that made the crossbow extremely easy to cock. It was fast, silent, safe, and exceeded my expectations.

The new PEAK camo finish gives the crossbow a sharp, modern look, adding concealment for hunters. The lighter colors blend seamlessly with any environment, allowing for discreet movement to get on target without being noticed. The light gray makes it an excellent option for treestand hunters who want to blend into the sky.

Out of the box, the 4×32 Pro-View 400 Lighted Scope mounts easily to the full-length Picatinny rail. The reticle offers aiming points out to 70 yards, and they’re accurate. The optic was clear and easy to focus.

Comfort and handling

The Invader M1 De-Cock was lightweight and easy to handle. I shot the bow for hours and was able to stay sharp and on target. My 12-year-old grandson came for a visit and shot the bow with pinpoint accuracy for an hour. The ability to have different-sized shooters use the same crossbow and maintain consistent accuracy was an eye-opener.

The length is compact at 32 inches (33 inches with a stirrup), making it ideal for blinds or treestands, and as tested, suitable for both youth and adults. The weight is impressive, at just 5.8 lbs (barebow), keeping it light and maneuverable. The stock design was durable, helped explain the overall lightweight, and offered superb ergonomics with a flush-fitting ACUdraw claw. The safety wings on the drop-down forend and finger guards are smartly designed and functional, and should not be overlooked as an essential feature for beginners or those with little crossbow experience.

Trigger

The trigger is a critical component for any crossbow, as it serves as the foundation for consistency and accuracy. The trigger assembly on the crossbow is a large D-1 Trigger box that includes the De-Cock button, safety, and Return-to-Safe lever, all within intuitive reach. The D-1 trigger is one of the nicest at this price point—crisp, clean, with a perfect curve and a 3.5-lb break. It’s consistent and enhances overall accuracy.

The crank handle stores under the left safety wing, and its integration is seamless—it doesn’t interfere and is easy to access. Even the Picatinny rails (top and front-mounted) are well-positioned for optics and accessories.

Cocking & De-Cocking

Using the ACUdraw De-Cock system is an absolute breeze. Cocking the 190-lb draw weight feels like 5 lbs, and the Auto-Brake Gear System ensures the crank locks in place if you release your grip, which is an underrated but vital safety feature.

De-cocking is equally smooth and initiated by releasing and engaging the claw. Press the De-Cock button and turn the crank counterclockwise to walk the string down the rail. There’s no need to shoot an arrow or carry a discharge target. Once you’ve used this system, returning to a traditional setup feels archaic. There were several crossbows in our roundup that still operate with a rope cocking device, and everyone agreed that the simplicity of cocking and de-cocking with the ACUdraw made the Invader M1 De-Cock stand out among value-priced competitors.

The Invader M1 De-Cock is also available with a built-in ACUdraw De-Cock or ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock.

Speed

A crossbow needs to be consistent to deliver reliable accuracy, so I used a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph to determine how fast an arrow was coming off the rail. The Xero C1 Pro uses Doppler radar for extreme accuracy when measuring speed. The chronograph was set on the shooting bench, below the crossbow limbs, at a distance instructed by Garmin. Three shots were measured to determine if there was a variance, and an average was calculated for reporting purposes. The speed was compared to the advertised speeds to see if performance could match the marketing claims.

The Invader M1 De-Cock had a chronographed speed of 375.0 fps. The repeatable results and accuracy were quickly explained with a speed variance of three shots at just 0.3 fps. Every arrow came off the rail at the same speed, placing them with extreme accuracy downrange. The advertised speed is 390 fps, meaning the actual speed is very close.

Noise

An iPhone decibel app was used to capture sound readings from beneath the limbs on the shooting bench. While not an actual field measurement, it highlighted the quiet and stealthy performance of this crossbow. The crossbow’s average for three shots is 112.2 decibels. Overall, the bow is quiet, with zero felt recoil and only mild post-shot noise.

Accuracy

The crossbow was sighted in at 20 yards and took three shots to dial it in for a dead-on point of impact. A three-shot arrow group produced a 3/8-inch group, where the shafts were touching each other. I considered myself lucky to have not damaged any arrows. Moving targets to 30, 40, and 50 yards, the accuracy was maintained, proving the Invader M1 De-Cock would be ideal for hunting.

Price-Point Competitors Comparison

When looking at crossbows that fall into the same price bracket as the Wicked Ridge Invader M1 (around $699–$749), several models stand out:

Wicked Ridge Invader M1

• Speed: ~390 fps

• Features: Built-in ACUdraw cocking crank, compact 32″ length, 9.5″ axle-to-axle, lightweight (≈5.8 lb)

• Price: ~$699 (rope-cock version), ~$749 (ACUdraw)

CenterPoint Wrath 430

• Speed: ~408 fps with 400-grain bolt

• Handling: Compact bullpup design; 3.27″ average grouping at 50 yds

• Price: $800 (or on sale under $700–$800)

• Speed: ~378 fps

• Advantages: Lightweight (6.8 lb), easy rope cocking/decocking mechanism

• Downside: Heavier trigger, noticeable post-shot vibration; group size ~3.5″ at 50 yds

• Price: About $720; $900 with ACUdraw crank

Barnett Hyper Raptor (Raptor BCX)

• Speed: ≈ 410 fps, 142 ft‑lb energy

• Highlights: Compact chassis (≈7.25″ axle-to-axle), lightweight (~7.1 lb), parabolic limbs with pivoting pockets for reduced recoil

• Features: Halo cam system, TriggerTech roller trigger, micro-diameter HyperFlite arrows, rope-moving cocking device (crank-compatible)

• Price: $599–$699 MSRP

Side-by‑Side Snapshot

Verdict

The Invader M1 offers best-in-class value in its tier, blending competitive speed (~390 fps) with premium features—especially its ACUdraw crank and compact reverse‑draw setup—at a mid–$700 price. It clearly outpaces bottom-tier competitors like the Barnett STR in both build and handling, while trading only marginally off speed compared to the faster CenterPoint Wrath, yet delivering more utility and comfort. Meanwhile, the Raider 400 holds appeal for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight and cocking ease, albeit at the cost of ballistics.

In summary, if you’re after versatile, high-value performance with modern conveniences, the Wicked Ridge Invader M1 stands strong at its price point.

Final Thoughts: The New Standard for Affordable Crossbows

The Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock is what budget-minded hunters have been waiting for: a compact, fast, user-friendly, American-made crossbow with premium features, including true de-cocking, all for under $900.

It is an ultra-accurate, lightweight, hunter-friendly crossbow that brings de-cock safety and premium features to the mid-range market. Ready to hunt, the package includes the scope, three carbon arrows, and a quiver. If you’re in the market for your first crossbow or want one that will stand the test of time, the Invader M1 De-Cock is a wise, reliable choice that delivers real value without compromise. The package includes:

Built-In ACUdraw De-Cock or ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock

• 70-yard Pro-View 400 Lighted Scope
• 3 Match 400 Carbon Arrows
• Quiver
• MSRP: $799.99 (with ACUdraw 50 SLED De-Cock) and $899.99 (with ACUdraw De-Cock)