Mathews Lift 29.5: Specs and Review of a Quiet, Stable Hunting Bow

The Mathews Lift 29.5 is the compact half of the 2024 Lift family, and it is built for one job: being easy to carry, easy to hold and quiet when the shot breaks. If you are looking up Mathews Lift 29.5 specs, comparing IBO speed, or deciding between the 29.5 and the longer Lift 33, this guide puts the verified numbers in one place and explains what they actually mean in the stand.

We will cover the full Lift 29.5 spec sheet, how the 29.5-inch platform behaves, who should buy one, and how it fits next to the Lift 33 and the newer Lift X. At Better Outdoors we only publish manufacturer and retailer figures we can cross-check, so where listings disagree, we say so.

Try the free Arrow Speed CalculatorTurn an IBO rating into your real-world FPS.

Mathews Lift 29.5 Specs at a Glance

Here are the Mathews Lift 29.5 specs most buyers ask about. These are the figures published across Mathews dealer listings for the 2024 model.

The model name tells you the headline number: 29.5 is the axle-to-axle length. You will also see shorthand like “29.5/3” in forums and classifieds. That is simply a quick way of pairing the 29.5-inch length with other setup details in a listing, so always confirm the exact draw length, draw weight and let-off with the seller before you buy.

Mathews Lift 29.5 IBO Speed: What 348 fps Really Means

The Mathews Lift 29.5 IBO speed is rated up to 348 fps on most listings. Lancaster Archery notes that figure at the 80% let-off setting, and one retailer lists 343 fps. That small gap matters less than you think, but it is worth understanding why it exists.

IBO speed is a standardized lab test: a long draw length, a high draw weight and a light arrow. Very few hunters shoot that exact combination. Your real arrow speed depends on:

• Your draw length. A shorter draw stores less energy, so expect less speed than the rating.
• Your draw weight. Hunting at the low end of your limb class drops speed.
• Arrow weight. A heavy hunting arrow is slower but carries more momentum.
• Let-off. Higher let-off settings usually give up a little speed, which is one reason figures differ between listings.
• String accessories. A peep, D-loop and silencers all add weight to the string.

So instead of treating 348 as your number, plug your own draw length, draw weight and arrow weight into a calculator. That gives you a realistic estimate for sight tape and broadhead choice.

Try the free Kinetic Energy & Momentum CalculatorSee if your setup has the energy for your game.

Design Intent: Why the Lift 29.5 Exists

The Lift 29.5 was not designed to top speed charts. It was designed to feel calm. Mathews built the Lift line around a smooth draw, a solid wall and a shot that settles quickly, then offered it in two lengths so hunters could choose between maneuverability and stability.

Every bow stores energy at full draw and dumps it into the arrow at release. Whatever does not go into the arrow turns into vibration and noise. A bow that controls that leftover energy feels dead in the hand, holds still through follow-through and is quieter in the woods. That is the Lift 29.5’s whole personality.

Compact Axle-to-Axle Without the Usual Instability

At 29.5 inches, this bow sits firmly in compact territory. Short bows are easy to swing in a ground blind or around a tree trunk, but they can feel twitchy: steeper string angles, less resistance to torque and more sensitivity to small grip errors.

The Lift 29.5 offsets that with a moderate 6-inch brace height and a mass weight just under 4 pounds. That combination gives the bow enough heft to hold steady without feeling like a club at the end of a long sit. For most hunters who shoot inside 40 yards, the extra handling ease outweighs the small stability edge of a longer bow.

Draw Cycle and Full-Draw Control

The Lift draw cycle is built to ramp up evenly instead of stacking hard and then dumping into the valley. That matters when you are drawing slowly on a deer that is already alert. A predictable draw lets you keep your bow arm still and your eyes on the animal.

At full draw, you choose between 80% and 85% let-off. Here is how that choice plays out:

Neither is wrong. If your typical hunt involves long waits at full draw, the higher let-off is easier on your shoulders. If you mostly shoot targets and short-hold shots, 80% feels crisper.

Shot Reaction and Vibration Control

This is where the Lift 29.5 aims to stand out. The Lift line is positioned around a quiet shot that settles quickly, with little buzz in the grip. For a hunter, that is more than comfort: less noise means less chance an animal reacts to the sound before the arrow gets there, and less movement means you can watch the hit.

You can help it along with the right accessories. A short hunting stabilizer adds forward weight that damps leftover motion, and string silencers trim noise further. A compact hunting stabilizer is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to any short bow.

Balance and Grip Interaction

Balance decides what the bow does after the shot. A bow that tips back or rotates sideways adds motion that shows up as wider groups. The Lift 29.5 is generally described as neutral in the hand, and you can tune that with your sight and quiver choice.

• Relax your hand. Let the grip sit on the pad of your thumb, not across your palm. A tight grip adds torque.
• Watch the quiver. A loaded quiver on the bow changes balance. Practice with it on if you hunt with it on.
• Add a sling. A wrist sling lets you keep your hand open without worrying about dropping the bow.

Efficiency Instead of Raw Speed

A rated speed up to 348 fps puts the Lift 29.5 in a strong spot for a compact hunting bow, but the real value is how it spends its energy. A bow that wastes less energy as vibration feels smoother with heavier arrows, which is what most hunters shoot anyway.

If you are building a hunting setup, choose an arrow that matches your draw weight and draw length, then let the calculator tell you how much energy you will deliver. For deer and larger game, many hunters prefer a heavier arrow over a flatter trajectory. Good starting points are quality carbon hunting arrows paired with a fixed or mechanical broadhead that flies well from your bow.

Hunting-Focused Performance

The Mathews Lift 29.5 bow makes the most sense in tight places:

• Treestands where limbs and branches crowd your swing
• Ground blinds where a long bow can hit the roof or window frame
• Spot-and-stalk hunts where you carry the bow for miles
• Thick timber where shots are short and fast

A sub-4-pound mass weight helps on long walks, and a quiet shot helps at close range. If most of your shots are inside 40 yards from a stand or blind, this platform fits your hunting style well.

Ideal Shooter Profile

You will probably like the Mathews Lift 29.5 compound bow if:

• Your draw length falls between 24.5" and about 29" (the full range runs to 30")
• You hunt mostly from stands or blinds
• You value a quiet, smooth shot over maximum speed
• You want a light bow you can carry all day

You may want something else if you shoot long-range 3D or target, have a long draw and prefer gentler string angles, or want the newest model for its updated features. Not sure where you fit? The Better Outdoors bow finder walks through draw length, hunting style and budget in a couple of minutes.

Position Within the Lift Lineup: Lift 29.5 vs. Lift 33 vs. Lift X

The Lift family gave hunters a clear choice in 2024, and the Lift X carried the idea forward for 2025.

Lift 29.5 vs. Lift 33: it is the classic short-versus-long trade. The 33 gives you more stability and gentler string angles. The 29.5 gives you easier handling in tight cover. For mostly close-range hunting, the 29.5 is the more practical choice.

Lift 29.5 vs. Lift X 29.5: the Lift X replaced the Lift 29.5 in the 2025 lineup. Because the Lift is now the previous model, you can sometimes find it at a better value from dealers clearing stock or on the used market. Check current price before deciding, since the gap moves through the year.

If you are buying through a Mathews dealer, ask how they package the bow. Our guide to Mathews compound bow packages explains what is usually included and what you will add yourself. Shopping across brands? Compare it with our Bear Alaskan XT RTH review, a ready-to-hunt package at a different price point.

Long-Term Reliability and Ownership

A compound bow lasts as long as you look after it. To keep a Lift 29.5 shooting the way it did on day one:

1. Wax the string and cables regularly, especially after wet hunts.
2. Inspect the serving around the cams and the center serving for fraying or separation.
3. Check limb bolts and accessory screws before each season.
4. Store it in a case away from heat, such as a hot vehicle.
5. Have a pro shop check timing and replace strings when they show wear.

Draw length changes on the Lift are made in half-inch steps. If you are not comfortable working on cams, let a Mathews dealer handle it. They can also confirm draw weight on a scale afterward.

Mathews Lift 29.5 Pros and Cons

Final Perspective: Is the Mathews Lift 29.5 Worth It?

At Better Outdoors we recommend the Lift 29.5 to any hunter whose shots are mostly close and whose priority is a calm, quiet bow. Choose the right peak weight, set let-off to match how you hunt and tune it with a quality sight and rest. Then spend your time shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions