The Upgraded BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device review is straightforward: this is a utility accessory for Barnett crossbow owners who want a much easier cocking process.
If you are shopping for a crossbow crank cocking device review, this model is best judged on fit, effort reduction, and how cleanly it matches the right Barnett platform.
BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device Review Summary
The Upgraded BAR20020 is for buyers who already know they need help cocking a compatible Barnett crossbow and want a simple, ambidextrous accessory rather than a more complicated upgrade path.
Based on the listing evidence, its main appeal is not novelty but practicality: it is built to reduce the physical strain of cocking, install with standard hooks, and serve left- or right-handed users without forcing a separate variant.
That makes it a sensible pick for hunters or recreational shooters who want less effort and more consistency from the cocking step.
The biggest reason to buy it is also the biggest reason to be careful: fit matters.
The listing explicitly says it is compatible with Barnett series crossbows but not Barnett Tactical series models such as TS370, TS380, and TS390, so the value is strongest when you already know your bow is in range.
Review Scorecard
| Category | Score | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility focus | 9/10 | Built for Barnett series crossbows, with a clear warning about Tactical series exclusions. |
| Effort reduction | 10/10 | Listing claims up to 93% draw weight reduction, which is the core reason to choose a crank system. |
| Ease of use | 8/10 | Ambidextrous design and standard-hook installation point to a simple user experience. |
| Build practicality | 8/10 | Black finish and straightforward accessory design suggest durability without unnecessary complexity. |
| Buyer clarity | 9/10 | The fit warning is specific, which helps avoid the most common purchase mistake. |
| Overall value | 8/10 | Strong fit for the right owner, but only if the crossbow model matches the listing. |
Key Features and Specifications of BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device
The clearest product identity here is a crossbow accessory built around one job: making cocking easier on compatible Barnett bows.
The listing describes it as a crank cocking device with ambidextrous support, a black finish, standard hook installation, and a stated reduction in draw effort of up to 93%.
Here is the useful evidence in plain terms:
| Feature | Evidence from listing | Buyer meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Crank cocking device | A mechanical aid for cocking a crossbow with less strain. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Barnett series crossbows | Best suited to Barnett owners, not generic crossbow buyers. |
| Exclusions | Not compatible with Barnett Tactical series TS370/380/390 | Model checking is essential before purchase. |
| Handedness | Ambidextrous | Works for both left- and right-handed users. |
| Effort reduction | Up to 93% draw weight reduction | The main functional advantage for ease and repeatability. |
| Installation | Standard hooks, easy to install | Less friction for users who want a quick setup. |
| Finish | Black | Neutral, practical look for a hunting accessory. |
The title also positions this as an upgraded accessory, which suggests the seller wants buyers to think of it as a refined alternative to a basic cocking aid.
Even so, the listing evidence does not support any exotic claims beyond the core features above, so the strongest review angle is still compatibility and usability.
For shoppers comparing accessories, the most important spec is not the color or the generic “high quality” phrasing.
It is the compatibility language.
This is a model-specific purchase, and the product only makes sense if your Barnett crossbow falls inside the supported range.
Pros and Cons of BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device
Pros
- Strong effort reduction claim. Up to 93% draw weight reduction is the feature most buyers will care about.
- Ambidextrous use. Left- and right-handed shooters do not need to shop around for a separate version.
- Simple installation language. Standard hooks and an easy-install pitch reduce setup anxiety.
- Clear fit guidance. The exclusion of Barnett Tactical series models helps prevent the wrong purchase.
- Practical, focused design. This looks like a purpose-built accessory, not an overcomplicated add-on.
Cons
- Compatibility is narrow. It is not a universal crossbow crank, so model checking matters.
- No broad spec sheet. The listing gives function-focused claims but very little technical depth.
- Not for every Barnett owner. Tactical series users are specifically warned away.
- Utility first, excitement second. This is a tool, not a feature-rich accessory bundle.
The short version is that the pros are strong if you are in the target group.
The cons are mostly about limits, not flaws.
That is usually a good sign for a specialized accessory, but it also means buyers should not treat it as a casual impulse buy.
Who Should Buy BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device?
Buy this if you own a compatible Barnett crossbow and want a way to make cocking less physically demanding.
It is also a good fit for shooters who prefer a simple mechanical aid over relying on strength alone, especially if they shoot often enough that strain or inconsistency becomes noticeable.
It also makes sense if you want one accessory that can be used comfortably by either hand.
The ambidextrous design is not a headline feature on its own, but it does matter for households, shared gear, or anyone who wants a little flexibility in how they handle the bow.
You should probably skip it if you do not already know your exact crossbow model.
The listing is explicit about Barnett Tactical series exclusions, so a buyer who is unsure about fit is taking the main risk here.
If you need a more universal cocking solution, this is not the right product category to force into that role.
It is also not the best choice for buyers who want a detailed, spec-heavy accessory listing.
This product is about function and compatibility, not a long list of extras.
How the BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device Fits Real Use
Compatibility Matters Most
The first and most important use case question is whether your crossbow is actually supported.
The listing points to Barnett series compatibility while excluding Tactical series TS370, TS380, and TS390 models, so the decision is less about whether the accessory is useful and more about whether it is the right version for your setup.
Cocking Effort and Repeatability
The stated 93% draw weight reduction is the headline benefit because it reframes the cocking step from a strength-based task into a controlled mechanical process.
For buyers who have felt fatigue, inconsistency, or hesitation during setup, that kind of reduction is the exact reason a crank system is worth considering.
Ambidextrous Handling
Ambidextrous support is a quiet but meaningful advantage.
In practice, it lowers friction for different users and makes the accessory easier to share or adapt to personal preference.
That matters more than it may seem when you are working in the field or managing gear quickly.
Installation Simplicity
The listing says the device uses standard hooks and is easy to install, which is important because crossbow buyers often want tools that stay out of the way until needed.
A simple setup is part of the value proposition here: if the accessory takes too long to mount or understand, it loses the convenience advantage it was bought for in the first place.
Alternatives to BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device
If you want to compare the BAR20020 against other options, the most sensible alternatives are other crossbow cocking aids from well-known names.
Start with a search for Barnett crank cocking devices, since staying inside the same ecosystem may reduce fit risk.
You can also look at Ravin crank cocking devices if you are shopping in a different premium crossbow family.
For buyers who want a more general search, crossbow cocking devices is the broadest comparison point and helps you see whether a crank, rope aid, or another mechanism better matches your needs.
If you are comparing by brand reputation and accessory availability, TenPoint crossbow cocking device is another practical Amazon search to check.
The right alternative depends on whether your priority is compatibility, ease of cocking, or a more universal fit.
Because the BAR20020 is model-sensitive, alternatives matter most when your bow falls outside the supported Barnett range.
Is BAR20020 Crank Cocking Device Worth It?
Yes, if you own a compatible Barnett crossbow and want a simpler, lower-effort cocking process. The Upgraded BAR20020 is worth considering because it focuses on the core job, advertises a major reduction in draw effort, and clearly states its fit limits.
It is less compelling if you are not certain about your model or if you need a crossbow aid that works across a wider set of bows.
For the right Barnett owner, though, this is a practical accessory with a clear job and a clear buyer profile, which is exactly what makes it worth buying.