The Wicked Ridge Invader M1 is easy on the budget while quietly generating bolt speeds of up to 380 fps thanks to its VX-5 Reverse Cams and TPX split limbs.
December 03, 2024
By Jon E. Silks
Wicked Ridge Crossbows are designed, engineered, built and tested in Mogadore, Ohio, by industry icon TenPoint Crossbow Technologies. Wicked Ridge is aimed squarely at hunters looking for a high-quality rig at a price in the $499-$1,099 range.
The company builds its crossbows with a combination of useful features, a high-quality standard and solid performance intended to separate Wicked Ridge offeringsd from imported crossbow models that are common in this price range. The bottom line is that Wicked Ridge prides itself on offering top-notch, budget-friendly crossbows built right here in America.
For this month’s crossbow test, we took a look at the new Invader M1 , the latest addition to Wicked Ridge’s best-selling Invader line. The Invader M1 is a no-nonsense, get-it-done rig that generates advertised speeds up to 380 fps if you use Wicked Ridge’s 410-grain Match 400 Alpha-Nock Carbon bolts. The crossbow is powered by VX-5 Reverse Cams and a set of split, dual-laminated limbs with a 190-pound draw weight that are easily brought to the full-draw position thanks to the integrated ACUdraw cocking device. The tactical stock and aluminum riser reduce weight and vibration, while the Pro-View 400 4x32 lighted scope presents a clean and clear target view.
Dependable Design Wicked Ridge builds the Invader M1 on an injection-molded, polymer structure that includes a stock, attachment rail, flight rail, pistol grip and built-in attachment points. The entire structure is finished in Peak XT camo. A separate buttstock assembly slides over and attaches to a rear-protruding tube on the standard stock. It includes a flared, rounded and raised comb to rest your cheek on while aiming and is designed to comfortably bring your eye into alignment with the scope.
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The butt plate is built in and has checkered grooves that create a rough contact point intended to improve seating on your shoulder. Just ahead of the butt plate is an area designed to receive and anchor the ACUdraw system. Two docking options are available to secure the cocking sled — one within the butt plate and the other on the standard stock. The standard stock unit is home to a contoured pistol grip that has a narrow throat, slight forward angle and checkered grooves to improve control and comfort. Directly in front of the grip is an oversized trigger guard that has plenty of room to accept even the heaviest insulated, gloved trigger finger.
The Invader M1 comes with the integrated ACUdraw cocking system, allowing the user to cock the bow with only 5 pounds of effort. A separate foregrip unit with a pass-through structure and large, flared safety wings is attached to the underside of the stock with two screws. These safety features are designed to keep the shooter’s fingers and thumb below the flight deck. A Picatinny-style attachment rail on the underside of the stock can be used to mount the included quiver, or other accessories if you prefer to carry your quiver separately. A metal mounting rod is pressed into and adhered to the front of the stock to serve as the one-bolt attachment for the bow assembly.
The flight rail portion of the injection-molded, polymer structure includes a deep groove for cock-vane clearance and chamfered edges to reduce friction and wear. Wicked Ridge mounts the trigger box at the rear of the rail and outfits it with the molded T-5 trigger that produces a 3.5-pound trigger pull. When cocked, the trigger safety auto engages and the Dry-Fire-Inhibitor will not allow the bow to be shot until an Alpha-Nock bolt is properly loaded. A Picatinny rail attached atop the trigger housing serves as the scope mount and also includes a bolt-retention brush on its underside that holds the bolt in place before the shot.
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Bow Assembly Built on a compact, cast-aluminum riser, the bow assembly has a no-nonsense design filled with useful components. A large broadhead scoop built into the riser allows broadheads to be drawn further back into the structure, while an attachment block on the bottom serves to anchor the foot stirrup and the one-bolt stock-to-bow connection. A set of 11-inch TPX split limbs works with the VX-5 Reverse Cams to generate advertised speeds up to 380 fps with the 410-grain Match 400 Alpha-Nock Carbon bolts. Drawing the string from the far side of the cams increases power stroke and, in turn, bolt speeds. Force 10 string and cables complete the package.
In the Box The Invader M1 comes with the integrated ACUdraw, a Pro-View 400 Illuminated Scope, 3-bolt quiver with rubber hanging loop and three Match 400 Alpha-Nock Carbon bolts.
At the Range The M1 generated one of the lowest shot-noise levels we have tested in years. Although they are not TenPoint TX 440 fast, the Invader M1’s bolt speeds will get the job done on just about any game animal you pursue. Plus, keep the crazy, low retail price in mind!
The ACUdraw cocking system works flawlessly and makes the job easy. We also consider the M1 to be relatively easy to maneuver in a stand or blind as a result of its narrow width and relatively light weight.
The Specs Manufacturer: Wicked Ridge Crossbows, 330-628-9245; wickedridgecrossbows.com Model: Invader M1Safety Features: Dry-Fire-Inhibitor, auto trigger safety, safety wingsRiser: Compact, cast aluminumCam System: VX-5 Reverse CamsOverall Length: 32 inches, without stirrupAxle-to-Axle Width: 14 inches (at rest), 9.5 inches (cocked)Weight: 5.8 pounds (advertised); 7.25 pounds (as tested, with ACUdraw)String: Force 10, 31.625 inchesCables: Force 10, 15.75 inchesLimbs: TPX, split, dual-laminated, Gordon CompositesDraw Weight: 190-pound limbs; 5-pound cocking effortPower Stroke: 13.8 inchesStock/Forearm: Injection moldedFinish: Peak XT CamoAdvertised Speed: 380 fps w/410-grain boltMSRP: $749.99Comments: Super quiet at the shot, with a workhorse attitude!
