The Lift 29.5 is a notably lightweight hunting bow, thanks in large part to an intricately designed, skeletonized riser that eliminates as much aluminum as possible while still maximizing strength and stiffness to create a stable, accurate shooting platform.
October 04, 2024
By Jon E. Silks
No Fear! Mathews is known for making some of the best bows in the world, and sometimes — especially if you produce top-notch results year in and year out — that means re-thinking things from the ground up, walking away from the familiar and taking the plunge into unknown waters. That is what Mathews did in creating its new-for-2024 Lift and showed up to the party with a lightweight bow that has very little bark and a vicious bite.
Available in two axle-to-axle length models — the Lift 29.5 (the subject of this test) and Lift 33 — the Lift features all-new limbs, cams, limb cups, riser and strings. Powered by the SwitchWeight X (SWX) Cam and reimagined RPD Limbs, this bow is advertised to generate ATA speeds up to 348 fps. The skeletonized, reflex riser features BridgeLock Technology, the Centerguard cable-management system and the Engage Grip that is Shot Sense Compatible. Noise and vibration are attacked with Monkey Tails, Resistance Phase Damping, 3-D Damping, Nano 740 Harmonic Damper, String Stop and the past-parallel position of the limbs.
Lighter and Loaded Using a series of cutouts, bridging, struts, trusses, webbing, chamfers and all manner of detailed machining, Mathews built the Lift’s skeletonized riser to eliminate unnecessary weight while increasing stiffness and strength — qualities of a good shooting platform. The riser redesign efforts played a major role in keeping the total weight of the Lift 29.5 below 4 pounds. Functionally, this riser also works to bring accessory weight closer to the centerline of the rig through BridgeLock Technology for the sight and stabilizer and a dovetail mount for QAD Integrate rests. Centering accessory weight creates better bow balance and stability, allowing for steadier aiming and follow-through for improved accuracy. Standard mounting holes for stabilizers, sights and rest are also included.
Mathews’ Engage Grip, designed to shield the shooter’s hand from the metal riser handle and produce a neutral wrist position, is Shot Sense compatible. Integrated into the grip, the optional Shot Sense module collects and records shot analytics data and provides real-time feedback via a companion app to help archers improve performance and shooting consistency. The Centerguard cable-containment system is attached to the riser at an angle that places the rollers in line with the rest-mounting hole and in the center of the bow. This equalizes the angle of the bowstring for optimal cam timing and maximizes vane clearance. Centerguard’s Reverse Assist decreases tension at full draw for reduced system torque.
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Customized Power Mathews’ SwitchWeight X Cam system is built to excel in performance and customization. Using Advanced Vectoring System (AVS) Technology, the SWX is designed to produce a consistent draw cycle and solid back wall while generating advertised ATA arrow speeds reaching 348 fps. Unique to Mathews is the ability to change draw weights through modules, rather than via different limb sets. SwitchWeight modules are available in 55-, 60-, 65-, 70-, 75- and 80-pound peak draw weights. You can also select your preferred letoff, either 80 or 85 percent. Of course, the typical use for mods also comes into play, as mods can be selected for draw lengths from 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments.
A new, top-mounted axle system is designed to maximize the limb’s working surface while reducing weight and increasing platform stability. Mathews outfits the Lift with new, premium, MATCH bowstrings. Built with BCY Ultra-Low Wax 452X fiber, these strings/cables are designed specifically for Mathews bows and pre-conditioned to eliminate stretch, serving separation and peep rotation.
Quiet On Set Lift limbs incorporate Mathews’ Resistance Phase Damping (RPD) Technology that employs eight individual pieces, essentially splitting each typical limb piece into two halves, with a thin layer of vibration-dampening material between them. Mathews’ testing has shown this system has a significant impact on post-shot vibration and noise. Lift limbs are shorter and thinner than previous models and are made of industry-standard Gordon Glass materials advertised to be stronger and more efficient than other options.
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In addition to RPD Technology, Mathews outfits the Lift with Monkey Tails string silencers, a riser-mounted String Stop, 3D Damping Technology, Nano Harmonic Damper and a past-parallel limb position at full draw to kill vibration and noise. 3D Damping uses the Nano 740 Harmonic Stabilizer to greatly reduce or eliminate post-shot vibration around all three axes coming from the point of contact (grip). The 740’s stabilization is enhanced by its lower and more forward position.
At The Range Mathews pushed the envelope hard and claimed a big win with the Lift. This is a truly lightweight bow that produces impressive arrow speed with little shock, vibration or noise. The Lift is exactly the direction I had hoped Mathews would move for 2024.
The Lift’s grip is comfortable and demonstrates utility; however, a slightly flatter rear contact surface would suit my personal preference. The Lift’s draw cycle is stout but consistent, with a narrow valley and solid back wall. Once at full draw, the Lift settles effortlessly on target and moves slowly away from the shooter after the shot.
The Specs Manufacturer: Mathews Archery, 608-269-2728; mathewsinc.com Model: Lift 29.5Riser: Reflex, skeletonized, machined aluminumGrip: EngageLimbs: Resistance Phase Damping, SplitDraw Weights: 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 & 80 pounds peakDraw Lengths: 24.5-30 inches, in half-inch increments; modularCam System: SwitchWeight XLetoff: 80 or 85%, 77% as testedString: MATCH, BCY 452X, 62.5 inchesCables (x2): MATCH, BCY 452X, 28.3125 inchesBrace Height: 6 inchesAxle-to-Axle Length: 29.5 inchesWeight: 3.99 pounds, advertised and as testedFinish: Earth Fade-To-Black (pictured), plus 11 other camo and solid-color optionsAdvertised ATA Speed: Up to 348 fpsMSRP: $1,329Comments: A light, quiet rig that raises the bar for hunting-bow performance.EDITOR’S NOTE: All of our Bow Tests are conducted using the same standardized procedures and professionally calibrated testing equipment. Bows are tested with a draw length of 29 inches and a draw weight of 65 pounds, unless otherwise noted. Speed & Energy Arrow Speed: 310 fps (375-grain arrow), 293 fps (425-grain arrow)Kinetic Energy: 80.04 ft./lbs. (375-grain arrow), 81.04 ft./lbs. (475-grain arrow)Dynamic Efficiency: 84.97% (375-grain arrow), 86.02% (475-grain arrow)Average Noice Level: 89.53 dBA (375-grain arrow), 87.87 dBA (475-grain arrow)