Pros
- Best-in-class noise and vibration
- SwitchWeight modules change peak weight in minutes
- Outstanding balance offhand
- Holds resale value like nothing else in archery
Cons
- Premium price before accessories
- SwitchWeight mods are a dealer item
- Short brace height demands decent form
Field Test Results
Scored against our published methodology
Key Specs
| Axle-to-axle | 29.5" |
|---|---|
| Draw weight | 55–80 lbs (SwitchWeight) |
| Draw length | 25.5–30" |
| Speed | 348 fps IBO |
| Let-off | 80/85% |
| Mass weight | 3.99 lbs |
The Lift is the most complete flagship Mathews has built — absurdly light, dead quiet, and more tunable than anything in its class. The price is the only con that survives a week of shooting it.
At some point every committed bowhunter wonders whether flagship bows are marketing or substance. We spent a season with the Lift 29.5 to find out.
Performance Testing
Our 70 lb, 28.5″ test rig sent a 450-grain arrow at 296 fps and the shot felt like closing a luxury car door — a dull, dense thud with zero ring. Broadhead tune took one yoke twist. At 60 yards our average group size beat our reference bow by just under two inches, which we attribute mostly to how well the bow holds.
Real-World Use
Carried for a week of November whitetail sits, the 4 lb bare weight and grip-up balance matter more than any spec sheet suggests. Cold-weather draws stayed smooth at 70 lbs, and the bow shrugged off a treestand rainstorm.
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Hoyt Carbon RX-9 — the carbon-riser rival, warmer in hand, louder at the shot
- Bowtech Carbon Hunter — better-priced carbon option
- Hoyt Torrex — 90% of the hunt-ability for 65% of the price
Final Verdict
If the budget exists, the Lift 29.5 is the best hunting bow we have tested. If it doesn’t, nothing here will make a mid-range bow feel inadequate — that is how good modern mid-range bows are. But the flagship difference is real, measurable and audible.
Who This Bow Is Best For
The Lift 29.5 is built for the dedicated bowhunter who shoots year-round and keeps a bow for many seasons. If you log hundreds of arrows in practice, hunt hard in tough weather, and care about a dead-quiet shot and rock-steady hold, the flagship refinement here pays for itself in confidence and consistency. It is also a natural fit for the shooter who appreciates resale value, since premium models from this maker hold their price well.
It is harder to justify for the occasional shooter who fires a few dozen arrows before season and is happy with mid-pack performance. That archer will get most of what matters from a bow costing far less, and the gap the Lift opens up only becomes obvious at distance and after long practice sessions.
Key Features Explained
Flagship spec sheets can blur together, so here is what each headline feature actually delivers when you shoot the Lift in the real world.
- Compact 29.5 inch axle-to-axle: maneuverable in a treestand or ground blind while still holding steady at full draw.
- Dead-quiet shot: the dampening and balance produce a dull thud with almost no ring, which matters when a deer is in range.
- Easy broadhead tune: in testing it tuned with a single yoke twist, saving frustration at the range.
- Lightweight build with grip-up balance: roughly 4 lbs bare, so it carries easily on long sits and holds itself on target.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Even a flagship has trade-offs. Here is the honest balance after a full season of use.
- Pro: exceptional hold and balance that tightens groups at distance.
- Pro: one of the quietest shots in its class.
- Pro: easy to tune and reliable in harsh weather.
- Con: flagship pricing that is hard to justify for casual shooters.
- Con: the performance gap over mid-tier bows is subtle until you shoot a lot.
How It Compares to the Competition
Against the Hoyt Carbon RX-9 the Lift trades a slightly warmer carbon-riser feel for a more neutral aluminum platform and a famously quiet shot, while landing in a similar premium price tier. Compared with mid-range hunting bows it gives up nothing in capability and adds meaningful refinement, but those bows deliver the bulk of the practical performance for hundreds of dollars less.
The deciding question is how much you shoot and how much a dead-still hold and silent release are worth to you. For a serious, high-volume bowhunter the Lift justifies its place; for an occasional shooter the value math tilts toward something more affordable.
Is It Worth It?
After a full season the verdict is that the Lift 29.5 earns its flagship price for committed bowhunters who will use every bit of its refinement. If you shoot year-round, hunt in demanding conditions, and value resale, it is a buy-once rig that rewards the investment. If your needs are lighter, spend less elsewhere and put the savings into arrows and practice.
How the Mathews Lift 29.5 compares
| Product | Rating | Key spec | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathews Lift 29.5 Reviewed here | 9.7/10 | 348 fps | $1,299 | Check Price |
| Hoyt Torrex | 9.3/10 | 327 fps | $849 | Check Price |
| Bear Archery Cruzer G3 | 9.0/10 | 300 fps | $399 | Check Price |
| Bear Archery Royale Youth Bow | 8.9/10 | 5–50 lbs | $299 | Check Price |
| Diamond Infinite 305 | 8.8/10 | 305 fps | $449 | Check Price |
Mathews Lift 29.5
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Is the Mathews Lift worth it?
For hunters who shoot year-round and keep bows for many seasons, yes. The quiet shot, balance and resale value justify the premium, while casual shooters get better value in a mid-tier bow.
How fast is the Mathews Lift 29.5?
In testing it sent a 450-grain arrow at about 296 fps at 70 lbs and a 28.5 inch draw, which is strong real-world hunting speed with a heavy arrow.
Is the Lift 29.5 quiet?
Yes, it is one of the quietest bows in its class, producing a dull thud with almost no ring on release.
How does the Lift 29.5 compare to the Hoyt Carbon RX-9?
The Lift uses an aluminum riser with a very quiet shot, while the RX-9 offers a warmer carbon-riser feel; both sit in a similar flagship price tier.
Is the Mathews Lift hard to tune?
No. In testing it achieved a clean broadhead tune with a single yoke twist, which is easier than many bows in its class.