Roadapple1, the empire Beowulf is an excellent crossbow and a it comes with a rope cocking aid. SA Sports also offers an empire cranking device for it which works quit well. I am not disputing the fact that there are more reputable companies out there but I can attest that the SA Sports cross bows are just as good and in some instances better. our family shoots horizontal and vertical bows and we own just about every major brand between us. we often have family competitions. I recently destroyed my ghost 385crt and didn't have the money to purchase another "more reputable crossbow" so I searched and found the SA Sports Empire Beowulf looking at the reviews, the only problem I read about was the poor light abilities of the scope. it shoots great with 375 to 400 grain bolts (20") and I compete with everybody including my brother with his wicked ridge and my dad with his Excalibur and host of others. the best part is my bow is quieter then theirs and lighter than theirs not to mention smaller and more compact. So far i have killed 2 does, one at 30 yard and the last one at 70 yards ( i don't recommend taking a shot that far out) but both shots went straight through and the deer didn't go but maybe 10 or 15 yards on both kills. don't hesitate on this bow, you wont be disappointed i assure you. This is not a bash on the other companies as i to felt you should always go with a more reputable company, but every reputable company wasn't automatically reputable when they started pushing their products and after further research, you will often find that some of these companies sell the exact same thing just a few cosmetic changes and a name change i.e. Ford vs Mazda, Toyota vs Lexus and Nissan vs Infinity. hope this helps.