Mathews Lift X 29.5 review
Verdict: The Lift X 29.5 is the lightest, quietest short-axle flagship on the market. It is not the fastest, but it is the bow that treestand hunters keep at hand-hold ready for six-hour sits without complaint.
What real users are saying
Below are pulled quotes from Archery Talk, Rokslide, and hands-on reviews. Attribution links to the original thread or article.
The Lift X 29.5 was the most accurate bow between 20 and 40 yards in this year’s F&S bow test. Three-arrow speed average of 311 fps at 70.6 lb and 29 in draw.
Field & Stream 2025 Lift X test (fieldandstream.com)
The Lift is the first bow that really feels worth it to me. I’ve been shooting Mathews for years and the draw cycle is a step above.
Long-term owner on Archery Talk, thread 6258371 (archerytalk.com/threads/mathews-lift-29-5-long-term-review-video)
Stiff but fairly linear draw, a little dump into valley. Feels very torquey if you don’t have your grip dialed.
Archery Talk owner, thread 6225169 (archerytalk.com/threads/mathews-lift-29-5-review-with-draw-force-curve)
Real specs
| Type | Compound (aluminum flagship) |
| Axle-to-axle | 29.5 in |
| Brace height | 6 in |
| IBO / speed | 336 fps |
| Draw weight | 60-75 lb (three peak-weight options) |
| Draw-length range | see manufacturer |
| Physical weight | 3.99 lb |
| Cam system | Crosscentric SwitchWeight |
| Let-off | 80% or 85% |
| MSRP | $1,299 |
What it is good for
- Whitetail hunters logging long sits who value a 3.99 lb bare weight
- Ground-blind bowhunters who need a short axle-to-axle for tight quarters
- Hunters who prioritize a dead-quiet shot over top-end IBO speed
Honest complaints from owners
Every bow has trade-offs. These come from forum threads, not marketing pages.
- Grip is polarizing. The stock Bond grip torques easily for shooters used to a fatter Hoyt or PSE grip
- Not a distance bow. Owners on Archery Talk report groups opening past 50 yd compared to 32 in and 34 in flagships
- Draw cycle described as ‘wanting to take off’ with no lazy valley, punishes over-draw and short holds
Who should consider it
The whitetail hunter who wants a lifetime bow, sits still for hours, and shoots inside 40 yards. Also strong for smaller-framed hunters with 27-29 in draw lengths.
Similar bows to compare
- Mathews Phase 4 33 ($1,299 (older))
- Hoyt Ventum Pro 30 ($1,299 street)
- Elite Envision ($1,199)
This is a consumer-sentiment review, not a purchase recommendation. Prices reflect MSRP or typical street pricing at time of publication and vary by dealer, region, and season. Verify current specs on the manufacturer’s site before buying. See the Best Hunting Bows hub for how Mathews Lift X 29.5 compares to nine other consumer favorites.