A top-tier crossbow that’s maneuverable, accurate, and sports a de-cock feature, Wicked Ridge’s Invader M1 De-Cock is a crossbow win.
by Jace Bauserman
It’s different every time I prep for a bow or crossbow test. Sometimes, I get the item weeks before I get any ink explaining its build, features, technologies, etc. Other times, I get emails that contain lengthy press releases that tell all about the new product.
Typically, I prefer the product before the press release. This way, I can start from scratch with no preconceived expectations. However, that wasn’t the case with Wicked Ridge’s new-for-2025 horizontal wonder. I got the press release, downloadable photos, specs, etc. first.
Guess what?
It didn’t matter. Last year, I spent two weeks behind Wicked Ridge’s Commander M1. I loved it. It was a budget-friendly crossbow that was easy-to-cock, ultra-accurate, and at 35.5 inches long, easy to maneuver. I knew what the new features on the all-new Invader M1 De-Cock would be, and they mirrored what I was already hoping for.
I remember telling Born Hunting’s Toby Shaw, a week after reviewing the crossbow, that my only wish was that it came with a De-Cock. I’d fired several TenPoint makes over the years and got spoiled. I appreciate not having to discharge my bolt or remove the bolt and add some sort of discharge item. De-Cock Technology lets you push a button on the upper trigger assembly and use the ACUdraw system to safely let the string down and return the string to static. It’s a fantastic technology; once you experience it, it’s challenging to return to anything less.
Early intel from Wicked Ridge told the story. CEO Phil Bednar said, “Once you have experienced the convenience of de-cocking, no one ever returns to a non-decocking crossbow. With the Invader M1 De-Cock, we have put compact de-cocking at a lower price than ever.”
Bednar’s quote made me smile, and that smile was further enhanced when I unboxed Wicked Ridge’s new-for-2025 Invader M1 De-Cock.
Wicked Ridge M1 De-Cock First Impressions
The PEAK camo pattern was stylish, but my eyes instantly went to the stock. Sure enough, there it was: the ACUdraw De-Cock system integrated into the left-hand side of the stock. On the upper trigger assembly was the De-Cock button. Wicked Ridge also offers the M1 De-Cock with the Acudraw 50 SLED De-Cock.
Another victory, especially from a time standpoint, was other than the quiver and TenPoint Pro-View 400 Lighted Scope, the crossbow comes fully assembled.
Other immediate notices were weight and length. A quick run of the tape measure confirmed the 32-inch length. The stirrup adds about an inch, but it is removable via a pair of set screws. The M1 De-Cock felt light and airy in my hands, and I appreciated the flat drop-down forend with large wings. These wings add safety and prevent fingers from wandering towards the flight deck. I also love the position of the crank handle. Wicked Ridge integrated it under the left wing. The handle doesn’t impede a thing, and a firm downward pull removes it from its slot.
The pistol-style grip is comfortable, and the trigger box is large. This is an essential feature for those who wear heavy gloves. The stock is airy, and the ACUdraw claw sits almost flush into its gridded back. Claw removal is easy, and the stock’s backend fits perfectly into the shoulder pocket.
The upper D1 Trigger Assembly showcases the safety, branded Return To Safe Lever, and De-Cock button. A long Picatinny rail sits atop the upper trigger assembly, allowing multiple scope mounting positions so shooters can achieve exact eye-to-optic alignment. Wicked Ridge also added a smaller Picatinny rail in front of the forearm for accessory attachment.
Powered by VX-5 reverse cams, Wicked Ridge was able to elongate the power stroke and increase rotation to give this economic de-cock crossbow more speed. The riser is aluminum, and the 11-inch TPX Limbs, BCY Mercury 2 string and cables, and slim, lightweight pockets round out the build.
How The Wicked Ridge M1 De-Cock Shoots
Any crossbow builder can add new technologies. The question for hunters should always be: Are the new technologies purposeful?
Before sending a single approved Match 400 Carbon Alpha-Nock Arrows downrange, I removed the claw, placed it over the bowstring, inserted the crank, and cocked the crossbow. This process is butter. The 190-pound crossbow cocks with a draw effort of five pounds.
You’ll know the crossbow cocks when you hear an audible click and the safety button pops out. Wicked Ridge is long on safety, and this is another shining example.
The arrows load quickly, and I appreciate that TenPoint branded the white cock vane with: THIS VANE DOWN. Again, TenPoint/Wicked Ridge wants to make the horizontal bow process easy and safe for every shooter.
After loading an arrow, I removed it and placed the claw back over the bowstring, which was in the cocked position. When doing this, ensure the fit is tight and snug. Then, I pressed the De-Cock button on the trigger box, turned the crank clockwise twice to make sure claw engagement on the string was tight, and then turned the crank counterclockwise and walked the string back to static.
Being able to safely de-cock a crossbow is a fantastic feature, and when it’s this easy and safe, why would you want a crossbow without a de-cock feature? I also appreciate while cocking and uncocking the crossbow, you can take your hand off the crank handle at any time. When your hand comes off the crank, it locks in place, which means it will never spin out of control, wildly. This is compliments of TenPoint’s Auto-Brake Gear System.
Attachment of the green/red illumination 4×32 Pro-Vieww 400 Lighted Scope takes seconds. The scope’s reticle has marked aiming points to 70 yards, and when I took my first shot from 20 yards, the arrow was 1-3/4-inches high and 1-inch right. After manipulating the elevation and windage turrets, my next arrow was 12-ring perfect. Accuracy was remarkable, and I found the pre-marked reticle distances accurate. My first arrow from 70 yards, using the 70-yard + mark in the reticle, was 2 inches high of the 12-ring. My next shot from 70 yards was a Robin Hood, and just like that, I was down an arrow. Don’t shoot groups with this crossbow.
The crossbow weighs 5.8 pounds without the scope. It feels light and maneuverable and shoots remarkably offhand, or using a shooting rest. It is generally quiet at the shot, recoil is zero, and though there is some post-shot noise, it’s minor. The trigger is wicked crisp. I love the long, perfectly curved trigger design and set from the factory at 3.5 pounds, it breaks clean.
Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock Speed
Wicked Ridge notes speeds up to 390 fps. And though the 9.5-inch wide when cocked crossbow feels remarkably fast, the best three-arrow average I could obtain was 363 fps, which shooting a 407.6-grain arrow provides a kinetic energy rating of 119.29 pounds, more than enough to take down any big-game animal in North America. Impressive.
Final Thoughts On The Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock
Hunting gear is expensive. Knowing I could go to my local TenPoint/Wicked Ridge dealer and drop $799.99 or $899.99, depending on what cocking device I want, makes me happy. It should make you happy too. The Invader M1 De-Cock is a crossbow that anyone can shoot comfortably and accurately.
