From what I have heard from BowTech, the Stryker is only a 175# Xbow, so it shouldn't be any harder to get cocked than most any other Xbow. I shoot a 200# Excalibur, so I wouldn't think it would be as hard to cock as that, although it must have a longer power stroke to be capable of getting 405 fps. I would have to see that through a chrony to believe it. Also, this xbow is sold only w/complete package. It is unavailable as a " Bare Bones " Xbow. I personally like the hell out of my Excalibur, and don't need anything more!