Lift 33

Mathews stripped substantial weight from the Lift 33 without shrinking its footprint, delivering a 33-inch axle-to-axle hunting bow that registers under four pounds bare. By re-engineering the aluminum riser with aggressive skeletonization and redesigning the limb pockets, this platform targets backcountry hunters and long-draw archers who want target-bow stability on long pack-ins without the typical mass of traditional aluminum rigs.

At full draw, the SwitchWeight X cam system yields a firm back wall and a predictable, smooth cycle, though the draw stiffens noticeably near the peak before breaking into the valley. Downrange arrow delivery is exceptionally fast and flat. However, shaving this much metal from the riser alters the shot experience. While previous dampening-heavy builds were dead in the hand right out of the box, this platform transmits slightly more initial resonance, making proper accessory balance and stabilization essential rather than optional.

Build quality and limb integrity remain standard Mathews fare, built to endure rough timber and abrasive pack scuffs season after season. Against flagship carbon competitors costing hundreds more, it delivers comparable weight savings while maintaining the rigid torsional stiffness of an aluminum frame. For archers prioritizing forgiveness over extreme compactness, it represents one of the most balanced western-hunting setups available, provided you take the time to tune its stripped-down frame.