| Model | Draw Weight | Stroke | Velocity | Suggested Arrow Length | Crossbow Length / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Check price on Amazon.com | 165 lbs. | 13.5" | 330 FPS Crossbow Academy: ballistics, sighting, tuning | 20" | 37.75" / 6 lbs. 9 ozs. |
| Pros: - Magnesium riser provides durability while reducing overall weight - Redundant safety systems prevent misfires and dry fires - Highly accurate tack driver Cons: - Included scope is not illuminated - No rope cocking device included - Shorter-than-average warranty period | Small Game Hunting? |  |
| Deer, Elk Hunting? | |
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| Moose, Bear Hunting? | |
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| Target Shooting? | |
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| Also Recommended: | Best Wicked Ridge Crossbows |
TenPoint Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Package Contents
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Invader G3 arrives as a full package, including:
- A camo stock
- A TenPoint 3X Multi-Line™ scope
- A Wicked Ridge instant release quiver
- Three Wicked Ridge 20” carbon crossbow arrows
- An ACU-52 self retracting rope cocking system
First Impressions: Design, Safety, Comfort and Accuracy
TenPoint has really upped the game with the introduction of the Invader G3. They have based the Invader G3 on the Invader HP, but have really integrated some great new features. The stock is designed to be semi skeletal, so there is a great savings in weight. The machined aluminum risers also have cutouts specifically engineered to shed a few more ounces as well.
The pass through foregrip gives shooters a solid forehand grip while minimizing the risk of fingers in the string path. Another feature we really liked is the oversized reinforced nylon safety wings. These are quite a bit longer than on most crossbows and really eliminate the chance of fingers or thumbs ending up in the string path.
The Dry Fire Inhibitor ensures the Invader G3 cannot accidently be fired without an arrow in place and the auto safety means that the shooter will always have the safety in the ‘on’ position after cocking, and must manually disengage the safety to fire. Again, great features for both novice users as well as more advanced users.
Ballistic Data For The Wicked Ridge Invader G3
- Speed Reduction
- Kinetic Energy
- Hunting Requirements
Your actual results will vary slightly depending on weather, and significantly with arrow weight change. See our Crossbow Ballistics Guides section for a complete understanding of how we conducted our tests and why this data matters.
Kinetic Energy of the Wicked Ridge Invader G3
TenPoint has brought a crossbow to market that offers plenty of power to take animals up to the size of deer with ease. The 400-grain projectiles being launched at 330 FPS results in a whopping 96 FPKE at the muzzle. This translates to almost 85 – 90 FPKE at realistic hunting ranges…certainly enough to get the job done in a real world setting.
Use our arrow ballistics calculator for more valuable information.
Hunting with the Wicked Ridge Invader G3
The Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is a very capable hunting tool. Given its moderate price point, one might expect to have to give up a lot of the features that have made TenPoint’s line of crossbows such desirable weapons, but we really did not see that. The trigger has a sharp 3.5 lb. release and is the T2 trigger, one found on many more expensive crossbows. The crisp release allows for accurate shot placement time after time, and the ergonomic design of the safety ensures you can stay on target as you release the safety.
The Invader G3 has a 22.6” ATA when not cocked and a mere 19” ATA when cocked. This translates to allowing shots from tighter areas than other crossbows might allow. It is a simple formula, the more shots allowed, the more meat for the freezer!
How Quiet is the Wicked Ridge Invader G3
The Invader G3 is reasonably quiet, especially for a crossbow with a realistic price point for most budgets. There is no integrated suppression system, so looking into a set of string stops wouldn’t be a bad idea if you plan to hunt with it, especially given that TenPoint offers a set to fit the Invader G3 that is not very expensive at all. Also, adding limb and frame suppressors will further cut the sound. As always, if you add suppressors, we recommend that you don’t overlook the stirrup, as much of the sound and vibrations end up focused on the furthest point forward of the crossbow.
Cocking the Wicked Ridge Invader G3
We found cocking the Invader G3 to be straight forward and simple, and without too much effort. The ACU-52 rope cocking aid actually self retracts into the stock, which is a great system as it means you are never looking for your rope cocking aid. As anyone that has spent much time in the field can attest to, there is rarely a time when you will lose your rope cocker that will be convenient!
The ACU-52 cuts felt draw weight by 50%, meaning that you will only be pulling up with about 82 lbs of force. Given the 13.5” draw length, we didn’t find any difficulty cocking the Invader G3 when using a quick smooth pull.
Quality of the Optics
The included 3x scope is a good scope for both entry-level and even for more experienced shooters. Its multiple aim points (20, 30, and 40 yards) made shooting at various ranges very comfortable, and didn’t take much tuning to get the aim points just right. Having an illuminated scope would be desirable if you plan to hunt in low light conditions with the Invader G3, but given the moderate price point of the package, and the quality of the scope, it is a small overall sacrifice to make.
See our detailed guide on how to sight-in your crossbowWhat Arrows to use with the Wicked Ridge Invader G3
The Wicked Ridge Invader G3 comes standard with three 20” carbon arrows. When combined with a 100-grain point, the total weight comes in very close to 400 grains. The arrows have plenty of spine to hunt with, but you will want to make sure you order a few extra as by the time you spend a few days at the range shooting away, you will want to have a few more to be ready to hunt with. These three will get you started, but we would think having at least 6 – 12 arrows on hand that you are used to shooting would be a wise move.
You can also learn more about crossbow arrows and take a look at our broadhead recommendations
Overall Thoughts
The TenPoint Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is a great introduction for those shooters looking for a quality crossbow that isn’t over the top in terms of pricing. The invader G3 is a lightweight yet powerful crossbow that will allow for excellent accuracy without being difficult to draw.
Many of our readers we have spoken with that have shot the Invader G3 describe it as being very comfortable, light and very accurate. We really haven’t heard any bad reports which isn’t something we can say about all crossbows!
All in all, the Invader G3 is certainly a crossbow we would recommend taking a good close look at. It would be hard to beat the quality, accuracy and power of the Invader G3 for its price. Make sure to check today's amazon.com price on this crossbow if you’re interested.
I am currently looking for a crossbow, and the Invader G3 is one of the ones I am looking at, the other being a Barnett DOA Gen 2. Do you have any feel for how these two might compare?
I purchased the G3 19 Nov. 3×3 buck 25 Nov. Using Easton Raider 2219 arrows. My bow was bought @ Dicks Sporting Goods for $299 on sale. No arrows with pkg. This is my 1st crossbow. My elbows no longer allows me to shoot traditional. I did expensive reading prior to purchase.
Having had zero crossbow experience prior to purchase I can say this, the above review is pretty much spot on. Also if you have issues you will be dealing with Ten Point customer services.
Starting out my field tips were 100gn. So I purchased the 100gn Shockwave mechanical broadhead. I was quite pleased as it was only about 1/2″ off to the right on avg as compared to field tips. As stated above, I dropped a 3×3 white tail at 35 yds. It was a through and through. Buck travelled about 50 yds.
Performance notes: Sight in was easy. Arrows grouped 1″ out to 30 yds for me. 2″ @ 40 yds. Have not shot further. On 09 Dec I went to an indoor archery range. Chronied 3 shots, 3 different arrows at 303fps. Arrows weight – 2 were 444 gn. 1 445. So even if I were to drop down to 400 grains, I believe my fps would still be about 313+-a cpl fps. I haven’t discussed this with Ten Point yet. Actually a non issue for me.
I will be adding the silencing pkg. Having not shot anything except compounds before it is much louder than a dampened compound. Compared to other crossbows I will stick with the author’s comparison.
Overall, at the price point I am extremely pleased with this bow. Especially as an entry point for me. I honestly do not feel I could have found the performance and quality any cheaper.
Semper Fi
GySgt USMC ret
I have a wicked ridge crossbow I purchased about 7 or 8 years ago.i recently discovered after wounding a deer and missing low a couple others that my broadhead were shooting 4″ lower and to the right with my broadhead and it was dead on with my field tips. I use 100 grain field tips and 100 grain muzzys 3 blade. They are the standard wicked ridge arrows .what broad head would you recommend for these arrows or should I change arrows and broadhead? Thanks!
Wicked ridge crossbows are junk as well as their cocking aids and cheap scopes. Put your hard earned money towards a better one.
I have my invader g3 only compliant is it dosnt draw the strings back on one side when you are done pulling back for the arrow it gets loose and clanky and can get loud very annoying im a lady by the way lol but light weight drives the arrows hard in and i can pull it back i absolutely love it my boyfriend has a tenpoint vipor i cant pull it back
This crossbow works great for me. I shoot the carbon bolts it came with and 125 grain Muzzy 3 blade bh. Last two years took 4 deer, 8 point and 2 does in 2019 and 9 point in 2020 did not have a chance for another in 2020. All shoots went straight through and deer only went 10- 80 yards at the most. Like the acu draw system no looking for string to draw bow always right there. Brother purchased a Raven crossbow with a gear cranking system to draw bow, I can draw mine in seconds he is still putting his crank handle on. Lol Never needed a second shot but is good to know I can reload now fast.