Wicked Ridge’s new-for-2024 RDX 410 is a sleek and compact shooter that’s ready for the woods. The crossbow is an out-of-the-box stunner that promises a hushed draw, maximum bolt speed, and pre-sighted accuracy.
by Jace Bauserman
Wicked Ridge is a shining example of a manufacturer that prides itself on giving those who put their trust in its name exceptional products at an even better price point.
I’ve been a Wicked Ridge fan for years and have slung many bolts downrange from top-end horizontal bow models like the Raider 400 De-Cock, Rampage XS, and others.
As a consumer, I appreciate that when shopping for a new Wicked Ridge, I get a crossbow topped with an excellent optic that is fast, smooth, and ready for the field for under $1K.
Enter the new-for-2024 Wicked Ridge RDX 410.
First Impressions
The crossbow arrived fully assembled, which is an off-the-bat win. The foot-stirrup, Picatinny rail … everything was ready to roll.
A reverse-draw crossbow based on Wicked Ridge’s best-selling RDX 410, the 2024 model is three inches shorter and 10 feet per second faster than its predecessor.
The narrow, compact design took me by surprise, and after handling and shouldering the crossbow to get a feel for it, a smile spread across my face. I love performance in a sleek, compact package. From the get-go, that seemed to be the 411 behind this 15-inch wide (not cocked), 29 inches long crossbow.
I applaud the ease of cocking and overall functionality the ACUdraw Silent system provides. The new system is click-free, and the crank tool allows for effortless cocking. I also appreciate the storage unit for the crank tool in the forearm under the expanded wings that prevent your digits from wandering above the forearm. Wicked Ridge has always been high on safety and functionality, and the RDX 410 delivers both in spades.
The claw portion of the coaching device is stored conveniently in front of the stock between the gridded comb and the Picatinny rail. With no ropes and tools to forget, your crossbow is always at the ready.
I love the long pistol-style grip and spacious trigger unit. You’ll have zero problem firing this crossbow with gloves on.
Pro-View 400 Scope
Aside from the elementary-to-mount quiver, the only other object that needed added to the crossbow was the new 70-yard Pro-View Scope. I used the long Picatinny rail to achieve perfect eye-to-scope alignment and get a whole field of view. Wicked Ridge heralds its new crossbow topper as a winner. The scope offers aim-points out to 70 yards and sports an updated reticle for a cleaner view and ultimate downrange accuracy. The scope also illuminates red or green and comes pre-sighted at 20 yards. More to come on this.
Bolts
The crossbow comes with a trio of Alpha-Nock Match 400 Carbon Arrows, which feature a deep bowstring groove for exact nock-to-string contact. The design minimizes serving wear while ensuring straight-nock travel.
How It Shoots
Over the years, I have shot many crossbows that claim to come pre-sighted at specific distances. However, it’s important to remember that the person who sighted the scope isn’t you, and though close, likely isn’t spot-on.
I always take my first shot from a pre-sighted scope on a large target at less than 10 yards. Then, I adjust accordingly. This is the first pre-sighted optic that hit the center of my aiming point the first time I squeezed the trigger.
The long, silver, skeletonized trigger has perfect curvature and falls into the finger, promoting ideal squeeze. Trigger creep is zero, and I found shot-to-shot consistency repeatable thanks to the crossbow’s overall design and the preciseness of the trigger.
At the shot, the bolt is just gone. There is no recoil, and aside from an audible click, the crossbow is reasonably quiet. I shot the crossbow off-hand, standing, kneeling, prone, and from shooting sticks. It feels fantastic and weighs 7.5 pounds without accessories, so it carries well with the shooter.
I applaud the flight deck wings, the slim, gridded butt-stock melts into the shoulder, and the extended flat forearm ensures maximum stability. The location of the safety is perfect. It’s marked, and though the silver lever doesn’t extend out too far, I found it easy to manipulate with a bare hand and one covered in thick gloves.
Another fantastic feature is how quickly and easily you can load another bolt. Pull the cocking tool from the forearm, insert it in the stock, and turn counterclockwise to let the cocking device rope out.
Next, slide the clamp over the Picatinny rail and clip it onto the served section of the string.
Now, start cranking forward, and with only five pounds of cocking weight, the string comes back smooth, quick, and quiet. Plus, if you’re hand slips off the handle or you need to swat a bug suddenly, the cocking system stops. It doesn’t spin wildly out of control.
So Accurate
I was shocked when my first Alpha-Nock bolt slammed home at 20 yards. I applaud the scope’s reticle. It is clear, and I love that each yardage indicator is labeled to avoid confusion. The first three reticle marks are for 20, 30, and 40 yards. An easy-to-distinguish dot represents each yardage. Aiming points for 50, 60, and 70 yards are small + signs, and I found them ultra-precise.
Through my chronograph, a three-bolt group produced an average bolt speed of 402, close to its branded 410 fps rating. Due to this exactness, reticle yardage points were extremely close, and though I did end up tinkering with my windage and elevation dials slightly, this crossbow was out-of-the-box ready.
The more I shot the RDX 410, the more I loved it. It’s important to remember to use the included rail lube and to keep your string and cables waxed. Basic maintenance goes a long way and allows you to shoot bolt after bolt carefree.
This is the type of crossbow that builds maximum shooting confidence quickly. After a quick adjustment, my first shot at 70 yards hit my 3-D bighorn sheep target square in the lungs. I also wore out the 2-inch white dots on my Morrell High Roller.
So Compact
Cocked, the crossbow measures just 9 inches wide, and at 29 inches long, it’s super maneuverable. Perfect for spot-and-stock and sit-and-wait adventures in ground blind or treestand, this crossbow should make every “best-of” crossbow article in 2024.
Final Thoughts
With a price tag of $899.99 and loaded with purposeful, industry-leading features, the redesigned RDX 410 will make the ultimate in-the-field and on-the-range companion.
It’s a new year, and you likely have new goals. Grab the RDX 410 and make those 2024 goals a reality.
