| Spec | Mathews Lift 29.5 Winner | Hoyt Carbon RX-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Typical price | $1,299 | $1,549 |
| Best for | Quietest, best balance | Warm grip, cold weather |
| Riser | aluminum | carbon |
| Speed | 348 fps | 342 fps |
| Mass | 3.99 lbs | 3.9 lbs |
| Weight system | SwitchWeight mods | limb swap |
| Check price | Check Price | Check Price |
💡 Value note: The Lift delivers flagship everything for $250 less.
The Lift wins on noise, balance and price. The RX-9 wins for cold-climate hunters (carbon doesn't pull heat from your hand) and shooters who simply fit Hoyt's grip geometry better. Nobody loses; one wallet just hurts more.
The two definitive flagship hunting bows, separated by riser material, $250, and decades of brand loyalty. We shot both for a month.
Head-to-Head
The comparison table below breaks down every spec that matters side by side.
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Lift wins on noise, balance and price. The RX-9 wins for cold-climate hunters (carbon doesn’t pull heat from your hand) and shooters who simply fit Hoyt’s grip geometry better. Nobody loses; one wallet just hurts more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carbon worth the extra money in a riser?
Carbon buys warmth in hand and marginal weight savings, not accuracy. In blind testing our shooters could not out-shoot the price difference.