RX-8 Ultra vs Lift 33
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Compound Bows, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
Choosing a flagship hunting bow often comes down to deciding which design compromises you are willing to accept. In the long-axle category, the Hoyt RX-8 Ultra and Mathews Lift 33 represent the pinnacle of modern archery engineering, yet they approach the hunt from distinct philosophies. Hoyt doubles down on its hollow-core carbon construction, pairing a forgiving 34.7-inch axle-to-axle stance and a 7-inch brace height with its ultra-smooth HBX Xact cam system. It is engineered for rock-solid stability, all-weather comfort in freezing late-season sits, and exceptional forgiveness for archers with longer draw lengths. Conversely, the Mathews Lift 33 redefines what aluminum can achieve by shedding mass down to an astonishing 4.26 pounds while spitting arrows at up to 343 feet per second via the aggressive SwitchWeight X cam. Bowhunters face a clear choice: pay a premium for Hoyt's warm-to-the-touch carbon dampening and forgiving geometry, or invest in Mathews' lightweight, blisteringly fast, and highly customizable modular platform.
RX-8 Ultra
Hoyt
Long axle-to-axle carbon riser with the steadiest hold in the class — a target-grade bow you can hunt with.
Visit HoytLift 33
Mathews
Bridge-lock sight integration and a draw cycle that stays smooth even at heavy poundage.
Visit MathewsSpec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 RX-8 Ultra | #2 Lift 33 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.4 lbs | 4.26 lbs |
| Axle-to-Axle Length | 34.7 inches | 33 inches |
| Brace Height | 7.06 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Materials | Hand-laid hollow-core carbon riser | Skeletonized machined aluminum riser |
| IBO Speed Rating | Up to 332 fps | Up to 343 fps |
| Price Tier | Super-premium ($1,949 - $2,049) | Flagship premium ($1,429 - $1,499) |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited to original owner | Lifetime limited to original owner |
| Best Use | Western spot-and-stalk, 3D target, late-season cold hunts | All-around big game hunting, backcountry packing, tree stands |
| Portability | Longer profile; requires wider bow case and careful brush navigation | Exceptionally light for a 33-inch bow; streamlined packing profile |
| Durability | Virtually indestructible carbon riser; resistant to impact and cold | Rigid aluminum build; limb-integrated dampeners reduce wear |
| Cam System | HBX Xact Cam | SwitchWeight X (SWX) Cam |
RX-8 Ultra
Best for: Long-draw and cold-weather hunters seeking maximum forgiveness, rock-solid hold, and carbon comfort.
Pros
- Warm-to-the-touch carbon riser is ideal for frigid late-season hunting
- Generous 7-inch brace height provides class-leading forgiveness and stability
- Exceptionally smooth draw cycle with micro-adjustable let-off settings
- Accommodates longer draw lengths up to 32 inches comfortably
Cons
- Substantially higher price tag approaching the $2,000 threshold
- Heavier overall mass weight than its aluminum Mathews competitor
- Slower rated speeds compared to most modern flagship competitors
Lift 33
Best for: Backcountry and tree-stand hunters demanding maximum speed, lighter packing weight, and modular versatility.
Pros
- Significantly faster arrow velocity rating reaching up to 343 fps
- Lighter bare-bow weight despite using an aluminum riser design
- SwitchWeight technology allows draw weight and let-off adjustments via mods without a bow press
- Around $500 less expensive than the carbon alternative
Cons
- Shorter 6.5-inch brace height can be less forgiving of poor form
- Aluminum riser gets significantly colder to the touch in freezing climates
- Aggressive cam profile can feel stiff up front for casual shooters
The Verdict
While both rigs dominate the modern flagship landscape, the Mathews Lift 33 edges out the win as the superior all-around bow for most hunters. Mathews pulled off a major engineering feat by making a 33-inch aluminum bow lighter than a 34-inch carbon competitor while delivering significantly more downrange kinetic energy and arrow speed at a much lower cost. Its SwitchWeight mods also make draw weight swaps painless without needing a bow press. However, the Hoyt RX-8 Ultra remains an unmatched choice for archers who value pure forgiveness, hold stability, and cold-weather comfort above raw velocity. If you routinely take long-range shots on open western plains or brave freezing tree-stand sits where freezing fingers dread cold aluminum, the RX-8 Ultra justifies its steep price tag.