Built off the same platform that made the RDX 400 such a hit, the new-for-2024 RDX 410 from Wicked Ridge Crossbows is sleeker, slimmer, more compact, and hits a branded top-end speed of 410 fps.
My first-ever crossbow harvest was with a Wicked Ridge crossbow in the swamps of Florida. A lone black hog wandered close, and the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 De-co*ck sent an NAP-tipped bolt through his lungs.
I’d sent my first dozen bolts downrange at the lodge only four hours earlier. I was astonished by the crossbow’s power, smoothness, and generally quiet nature. I was also surprised at its accuracy and how quickly one could learn to shoot it.
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Since that Sunshine State experience, I’ve triggered many crossbows makes and models. Many of my favorites are from Wicked Ridge Crossbows, a sister company of crossbow kingpin Ten Point. Naturally, I was thrilled when one of Wicked Ridge’s new-for-2024 crossbows arrived on my doorstep.
Enter The Wicked Ridge Crossbow RDX 410 (Click to Shop)
Last seen for $809.99 at Sportsman’s Guide
From the stock to the front end to the rail and foot stirrup, the reverse-draw RDX 410 comes fully assembled. A fully assembled crossbow means less time with setup and more time on the range. I like that.
Built off the same platform that made the original RDX 400 such a hit, this compact horizontal shooter measures three inches shorter (29 in.) and propels bolts 10 fps faster than its predecessor.
I also immediately noticed the new Pro-View 400 lighted scope (more to come) and the new ACUdraw Silent feature. Requiring no rope co*cking device, the ACUdraw Silent System integrates into the stock’s right side, and the crank slips into the forearm under the expanded wings that prevent fingers from creeping above the flight deck. There are two slots — one on the left and one on the right that can hold the crank. The claw portion of the ACUdraw Silent System, which attaches to the string, sits in a cradle in front of the stock between the gridded comb and Picatinny rail. It’s an impressive system that makes co*cking easier than ever.
With this co*cking system, the crossbow goer has everything they need to co*ck their crossbow attached to the bow. After inserting the crank tool, the ACUdraw Silent System ensuresclick-free cranking, and should your hand slip off the crank, it holds in place. This is a considerable safety feature and one I’ve come to appreciate. I also tip my hat to the fact that with the ACUdraw Silent System, co*cking effort is a mere five pounds. Anyone can co*ck this crossbow.
Other First Impressions
I was surprised at how compact and maneuverable the crossbow felt in hand. At only 29 inches long and 9 inches wide when co*cked, this crossbow will be excellent for spot-and-stalk and sit-and-wait missions. It moves well with the hunter, and from inside a lesser-sized ground blind or tight treestand, maneuverability won’t be a problem.
I love the camo pattern and the reverse draw system. The reverse draw system boosts power and keeps the crossbow narrow. The trigger guard is spacious, and the trigger’s curvature ensures repeatable finger placement. I did detect a slight rattle of the trigger during testing but have experienced no failures, and the trigger is crisp. I also want to give a nod to the pistol-style grip and 7.25-pound weight rating. This crossbow is woods-ready out of the box.
Pro-View 400 Scope
The only assembly required, other than the quiver attachment, was the Pro-View 400 Scope. The RDX 410’s multi-mount position Picatinny rail made the task easy, and after playing with a few different mounting positions, I achieved perfect eye-to-scope alignment.
Of course, the Picatinny rail helped ensure a halo-free eye-to-scope setting, but so does the stock’s build. I appreciate the high back and gridded check-weld section.
The illuminated red or green reticle is crystal clear and provides aim-points out to 70 yards. The scope comes pre-sighted at 20 yards and accommodates crossbows shooting between 380 and 420 fps. The 4×32 scope is impressive, and I was excited to test the reticle aim points.
On The Range
I’m no crossbow rookie, and I’ve fingered the triggers of many crossbows fitted with scopes with reticles that were guaranteed pre-sighted from the factory. Know this: Most aren’t.
After co*cking the crossbow using the ACUdraw Silent System, which is pure joy because the system creates zero game-spooking noise and is buttery smooth, I loaded an Alpha-Nock Match 400 Carbon Arrow. This crossbow package comes with three of these arrows, and after reading the manufacturer’s instructions, which I always recommend, these are the only bolts this crossbow accommodates. The nocks feature a deep bowstring groove for precise nock-to-string contact, and the nock’s design minimizes serving wear while ensuring straight, consistent nock travel.
Again, Wicked Ridge ink notes the bow comes pre-sighted at 20 yards. When firing my first-ever bolt from a crossbow, I stand at 10 yards and shoot into an oversized range target. Shooting at a large target means that if the crossbow proves “off,” I’m not out a bolt.
The long, silver, skeletonized trigger felt great, and I was surprised at how balanced the crossbow felt offhand. The trigger pull is crisp, and I appreciated the zero-creep break of the 3.5-pound trigger.
At the shot, the RDX 410’s 11.7-inch limbs powered by the Reaper Cam System unleash fury. The crossbow feels fast, but post-shot noise and recoil are minimal. The bolt is simply gone.
Shooting offhand, I loved the oversized flight deck wings, ensuring my hands stayed clear of any moving parts, and the Tactical X stock molded from glass-filled polypropylene felt excellent in the shoulder pocket.
I was surprised that my first shot from 10 yards was just a tick high of the one-inch diameter black dot on my target. Moving back to 20 yards, and with my crossbow on shooting sticks, my next bolt hit a tad right of the dot, but my elevation was good.
A quick speed test through the chronograph produced a three-bolt average of 402 fps, close to the crossbow’s marketed 410 fps rating.
After getting a speed rating and making a quick scope windage adjustment, I moved to 30 yards. The scope’s reticle is impressive — three easy-to-see dots for 20-40 yards — miniature + symbols for shots between 50-70 yards.
I shot the crossbow offhand and from shooting sticks from distances between 20 and 70 yards, and bolts smacked dots and dotted the lungs of my 3-D targets. The RDX 410 is scarily accurate, and after only 20 minutes of shooting, if on rest, I felt confident I could put a bolt where it needed to go out to the tested distance of 70 yards.
Reload
I’ve tested many crossbows that, after a handful of bolts, had me worn out. The co*cking effort was too much, and reloading took too much time. That’s not the case with the RDX 410. The crossbow’s slim, sleek nature makes it a joy to shoot, and the ACUdraw Silent System promises effortless co*cking, and the system is generally fast.
For the sake of testing, I timed how long it took to deliver a 70-yard bolt accurately, reload the crossbow, and send another bolt into foam. I wasn’t going overly fast but rather trying to stay smooth and controlled, just like I would in a hunting situation. The total time from shot to reload to shot was 41 seconds.
This is the type of crossbow that builds shooting confidence, and because it comes with the ACUdraw Silent co*cking Device, 70-yard Pro-View 400 Scope, three Match 400 Carbon Arrows, Integrated String Stop, and Quiver, you’re field ready from the get-go.
Take some time to learn how to shoot this crossbow. Put in the practice and do your best to simulate hunting situations, and it will treat you well in 2024.
Wicked Ridge 410 – Click to Shop
The above review of the Wicked Ridge RDX 410 is an unbiased review written by Jace Bausermann. We do not advise author’s what to write and how to feel about a product. If you found the review helpful and plan to purchase the crossbow, please use the above link where we earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you, the reader.
