Bow Review: Mathews LIFT X 29.5

Industry icon Mathews Archery doesn’t miss a beat. On the heels of the extremely popular 2024 LIFT that brought an all-new design to the Mathews lineup, the company immediately went to work making the LIFT platform even better. The result of that effort is the 2025 LIFT X.

In addition to the SwitchWeight X Cam system, skeletonized reflex riser, BridgeLock Technology, 3-D Damping, Nano 740 Harmonic Damper, String Stop and the past-parallel position of the limbs brought over from the LIFT, the LIFT X is home to new, more durable ARC7 split limbs, easy tunability via patented Limb Shift Technology and the company’s Bond Grip system. The LIFT X is available in two models based on your preferred axle-to-axle length — the LIFT X 33 and LIFT X 29.5 (the subject of this review).

Continuous Improvement

Mathews’ patented Limb Shift Technology (LST) is a DIYer’s delight, as it only requires the simple turn of a wrench to micro-adjust limb-tip position without the use of a bow press. Replacing the Top Hat tuning system, LST is built into the new, top- mounted axle system and works to match limb position and cam angle to the shooter’s form, resulting in better alignment and enhanced performance. The top-mounted axles result in more working surface area of the limbs while reducing weight and adding stability to the platform.

Mathews set out to make an even better bow for 2025, and it starts with the ARC7 limbs made through a new, multi-step build process. The process is designed to bring strength and consistency across the production line and result in a more durable limb that brings improved efficiency throughout the load sequence. Mathews tested more than 100 limb formulas and configurations to land on the limbs used on the LIFT X. ARC7 limbs also employ Resistance Phase Damping (RPD) Technology that uses eight individual pieces — two per split limb — and a thin layer of vibration-dampening material between them. Mathews’ testing has shown this significantly reduces post-shot vibration and noise.

Switching It Up

Mathews SwitchWeight X (SWX) Cam system uses the company’s Advanced Vectoring System (AVS) Technology that employs two small discs on each cam, mounted offset to the axle. The discs rotate non-concentrically, thereby shifting the force vector, storing more energy on the front end of the draw and increasing letoff on the back side. Mathews SwitchWeight Technology uses modules to work through draw-weight options rather than using different limb sets. Modules are available in draw lengths from 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments, and peak draw weights of 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 pounds, with either 80 or 85 percent letoff.

Mathews outfits the LIFT X with all-new, premium MATCH bowstrings. Built with BCY Ultra-Low Wax 452X, these factory strings/cables are designed specifically for Mathews bows and pre-conditioned to eliminate stretch, serving separation and peep rotation.

Skeletonized Base

Mathews created a skeletonized riser for the LIFT X with a host of cutouts, bridging, struts, trusses, webbing and chamfers. Unnecessary weight is eliminated to keep overall bow weight below 4 pounds, while still optimizing the platform’s stiffness and strength. BridgeLock Technology works to bring sight and stabilizer weight closer to the overall centerline of the bow, while the Integrate dovetail mount does the same for the arrow rest. Centering accessory weight boosts balance and stability, encouraging better follow-through for improved accuracy. Standard sight-, stabilizer- and rest-mounting options are also included.

The LIFT X riser is also home to Mathews’ BOND Grip system, designed to produce excellent ergonomics and a textured rubber surface for enhanced traction and control. Three versions of the grip — Engage, Contour and Taper — feature angles of 12, 14 and 17 degrees, respectively, and snap into place on the riser with no adhesive needed. BOND Grips are made from a durable polymer material, with the Engage version coming standard and the other options available as aftermarket accessories.

Cables are managed via the Centerguard Cable-Containment system, attached to the riser at an angle that places the rollers in line with the Berger Button and in the center of the bow. This equalizes the angle of the bowstring for optimal cam timing while also increasing vane clearance.

At The Range

The test bow looked great with its fade-to-black riser finish and was notably lightweight, compact and maneuverable. The narrow grip combined a fair level of comfort with utility; the ability to draw the bow with little or no riser torque.

A stout yet consistent draw cycle gave way to a narrow valley and solid back wall. At full draw, the LIFT X works with the shooter and clings to the bull’s-eye, while only a slight jump in the handle, along with very short-lived, almost imperceptible, vibration were felt at the shot.

The Specs

• Manufacturer: Mathews Archery, 608-269-2728; mathewsinc.com
• Model: Lift X 29.5
• Riser: Reflex, skeletonized, machined aluminum
• Grip: BOND Grip System
• Limbs: ARC7, Resistance Phase Damping (RPD), Split
• Draw Weights: 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 pounds peak
• Draw Lengths: 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments; modular
• Cam System: SwitchWeight X (SWX)
• Letoff: 80 or 85 percent; 76.9 percent as tested
• String: MATCH, BCY 452X, 62.5 inches
• Cables (x2): MATCH, BCY 452X, 28.3125 inches
• Brace Height: 6 inches
• Axle-to-Axle Length: 29.5 inches
• Weight: 3.99 pounds (advertised); 4.01 pounds (as tested)
• Finish: Green Ambush Fade-to-Black (pictured), plus 10 other camouflage and solid-color options
• Advertised ATA Speed: Up to 348 fps
• MSRP: $1,359
• Comments: Lightweight, compact, quick and quiet — a bowhunter’s bow.

Speed & Energy

• Arrow Speed: 310 fps (375-grain arrow), 292.6 fps (425-grain arrow)
• Kinetic Energy: 80.04 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 80.8 ft./lbs. (425-grain arrow)
• Dynamic Efficiency: 84.91% (375-grain arrow), 85.7% (425-grain arrow)
• Average Noise Level: 90.14 dBA (375-grain arrow), 88.3 dBA (425-grain arrow)

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