AeroCrank™-AD

The TenPoint AccuDraw is one of the most popular add-on crossbow cranks on the market. There are literally thousands of crossbows currently equipped with an AccuDraw on it; one of our partners, Scorpyd Crossbow, also offers them on their crossbows. After hearing from our customers however, we learned that current owners have some concerns. Learn about how we attempted to resolve those concerns via the AeroCrank-AD (ACAD) below. US Patent 10,421,637.

Below are video links for it:

  1. The installation instructions can be found ;here.
  2. From Aculus to the current Tremor includes the Death Stalker, these uses the kempftech-2 trigger .  The operating video can be found here.
  3. On older Scorpyd crossbow which uses the KempfTech-1 trigger like the Ventilator Extreme and before, The operating video can be found here.

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Concern #1: Instant Reverse

The AeroCrank AD is a silent anti-reverse system.  Learn more about what that means on our AeroCrank page.  Specifically however, the ACAD has [1] a full size 12mm x 16mm one-way clutch bearing as anti-reverse, [2] a huge 35mm x 7mm drag-housing bearing, [3] a 6mm thrust bearing, [4] an anit-anti-reverse (see #2 for more detail) and [5] two flange-bearings for spool support.

Concern #2: De-cocking

The AeroCrank AD at its heart is a 300lb system that houses four titanium and five graphite washers. With a 3:1 gear ratio, this design far exceeds any ultra big game fishing reel systems currently available. All eleven drag plates are smothered with DuPont™ Krytox®, a pure PTFE EP grade lubricant. This drag system is what can be used to safely de-cock any crossbow equipped with the AeroCrank AD.

To make the de-cocking process even safer, we created an anti-anti-reverse release system. Unlike other instant anti-reverse systems, ACAD cannot  immediately relieve extreme pressure after passing the maximum tightening threshold; with its anti-anti-reverse release system and together with the drag system one can relieve practically 100% of that pressure. But how? Via a custom octagonal collar which houses a one-way clutch bearing. At disengagement, this collar-clutch bearing combination allows the main shaft to turn freely. A slide-wedge mechanism, made of CNC machined 7071-T5 AL, is indexed via a coil-spring and ceramic ball detent to further eliminates play.

Concern #3 & #4: Weight & Bulk

To make it lightweight, all parts of the crank are CNC machined with maximum skeletonization in mind. All parts that will be stressed and require extra strength have fasteners and parts made of GR5 titanium for absolute long-term durability and good looks. The main body of the ACAD is made out of 7075 aircraft grade aluminum, which boasts 80%+ the strength of stainless steel but only a fifth of its weight. Both the left and right sides of the body weight in at only four ounces each.

An aftereffect of the skeletonization is the smaller size at about 25% smaller of an average sized crossbow crank.

Concern #5: Handle Length

The handle of a crossbow crank is the only thing that connects the user to the device. Dorge, Firenock’s owner and founder, is an avid fisherman and is one who understands that thoroughly; it’s why the AeroCrank handle was designed with all the advanced features of a high-end, big game jigging reel. Instead of a simple knob, it is made from close cell EVA hard foam with a saltwater grade spindle which houses two sealed, stainless ball bearings. Both ends of the handle are tightened with a stainless screw for extreme corrosion resistance. The beam is made of 7075-T5 aluminum with a type two level three natural finish. To allow the user to customize the leverage base, there is a total of five settings.  The nut is a standard driving 1/4” nut and an optional longer nut for clearing wide optics is also available.

For those who would prefer a little more leverage at times, AeroCrank extendable handle gives you the best of both worlds. It allows one to extend the handle at will up to two extra itches or to increment at 2/5” of an inch when needed. Additionally, compared to the weight of the standard handle (1.6 oz), the extended handle weights in at only add half an ounce (2.1oz).

Concern #6: String Replacement

The ACAD uses only the most advanced materials. Specifically, the ACAD spools are made out of 7075 AL and weight in at 11.3g/0.4 ounces.  Each has a simple thread-though hole to hold up to a 2.5mm Dyneema® solid core braided cord which is rated for 2000kg/4400 lb. This design is to provide a long-term, self-serviceable device, the AeroCrank-AD allows for quick and simple string replacement. Within five minute with just a T10 driver, a lighter, and a brad line scissors one will be able to change the string. After one reinstall the sled to the new string do the following to both spools step 1 to 7:

  1. Remove the spool cover retainers screws, then remove the spool cover
  2. Remove the spool retainer screw, then remove the spool itself.
  3. Cut the cord end next to the spool.
  4. Take the three-piece sled apart and pull the old cord out
  5. Thread the new strings via the two housing holes on the new sled
  6. Put the 3-piece sled together and tightened the six screws
  7. Thread the new string through each side of the housing, AND each spool (as the picture below) from the thin end
  8. Tie a dead knot and burn the end to form a bulk end so that it will snug fit inside the knot cavity of the spool
  9. Pull tight the cord from the sled end
  10. After both spools are each threaded with the new cord, without putting them into the body; push up the anti-anti-reverse slide button to relax the anti-reverse
  11. Put the handle onto the main shaft, tighten the drag, and rewind the handle counter-clockwise for 35 revolutions (caution: rewind the handle too many turns will destroy the spring by straighten out the end loop and render the retrieval spring useless)
  12. While holding the handle and prevent it from rewinding forward, reinstall the spools to each side of the housing spool cavity (make sure the right side of the spool shaft has a Teflon washer with a steel washer underneath it, while the left side there is only a steel washer)
  13. Remove the handle and let the cord rewind fully back to the spool 
  14. Put back the handle onto the driveshaft and tighten back the spool retaining screw on each side
  15. Put the spool covers back with the two retaining screws on each side
Concern #7: Installation

AeroCrank AD was developed to be a one for one replacement for the TenPoint AccuDraw and meant to be permanently mounted onto a crossbow. Note that although designed for efficient installation, we still recommend having the ACAD set up at a Firenock Certified and Trained Pro Shop.

Concern #8: Clutch Care

It is advised to relax the drag /clutch unit after use. It is critical to fully relax the drag/clutch before long term storage or drag seize/frozen drag may occur. If drag seized, the entire unit will be needed to be sent back to Certified and trained dealer or Firenock LLC to be repacked before it can work again. To relax the clutch, one should hook the sled onto the string, then fully relax the drag/clutch via the star drag knob and start cranking forward on the handle. When the handle can be crank ahead while the sled does not retrieve at all, the clutch is fully relaxed. Park the sled at normal storage position after the drag was relaxed. Your AeroCrank AD drag system is relaxed and ready for storage.