Mathews Lift 33 vs Hoyt RX-8 Ultra

When it comes to choosing a long axle-to-axle bows, the competition is heavy. Today we’re putting the Hoyt RX8 Ultra and the Mathews Lift 33 head-to-head in a full comparison, including speed tests, draw cycle impressions, and overall performance. Bottom line – if we have to pay full MSRP we’re buying the Matthews. If you can get the Hoyt cheaper than the Matthews in your draw length, get it.

Hoyt RX8 Ultra Overview

The Hoyt RX8 Ultra features an axle-to-axle length of 34 11⁄16 inches and a brace height of 7 1⁄16 inches, making it a forgiving and stable platform. This bow is fully carbon, continuing Hoyt’s tradition of lightweight and durable risers.

Key specs:

• Draw weight options: 40–80 lbs (available in 50, 60, 70, and 80 lbs)
• Draw length range: 27–32 inches
• Weight: Approximately 4.4 lbs (bare bow), around 5 lbs with accessories
• Cam system: HBX Exact Cam with quarter-inch draw length adjustments
• Let-off settings: 75%, 80%, and 85%
• Price: $2,050 (bare bow) MSRP

The RX8 Ultra also incorporates Hoyt’s Picatinny mount system, integrated rest system, and compatibility with their Ghost STI 2.0 system, making it a highly customizable bow. Features include its incredibly smooth draw cycle, dead-in-the-hand feel, and silent shot execution.

Performance and Speed Test

At 29 ½ inches draw length and 70 lbs draw weight, we tested the RX8 Ultra with a 455-grain arrow:

• Speed: Over 20 shots we averaged 280 fps

The RX8 Ultra excels in draw cycle smoothness and stability, with minimal hand shock and an extremely quiet shot. However, the price tag is steep, and while carbon has its benefits—such as retaining warmth in cold weather—it adds significantly to the cost.

Mathews Lift 33 Overview

The Mathews Lift 33 is the latest addition to Mathews’ lineup, offering a 33-inch axle-to-axle length and a brace height of 6 ⅜ inches. Unlike the RX8 Ultra, this bow is made from aluminum, making it more affordable while still maintaining impressive performance.

Key specifications:

• Draw weight options: 55–80 lbs (adjustable in 5-lb increments with SwitchWeight X mods)
• Draw length range: 26–31 ½ inches
• Weight: 4.26 lbs (bare bow), approximately 4.5 lbs with accessories
• Cam system: SwitchWeight X Cam (requires specific mods for draw length and weight)
• Price: $1,429 (bare bow) MSRP

The Lift 33 features a redesigned cam system with top-mounted axles for easier tuning and better limb efficiency. Despite being lighter, it maintains a dead-in-the-hand feel and exceptional stability.

Performance and Speed Test

At 29 ½ inches draw length and 70 lbs draw weight, using the same 455-grain arrow, the Lift 33 achieved:

• Speed: Over 20 shots we averaged 289 fps

The Lift 33 impressed us with its steady draw cycle, lightweight build, and quiet, vibration-free shot. The main difference in the draw cycle compared to Hoyt is that the Mathews requires a continuous pull before locking into the back wall, whereas the RX8 Ultra has a more distinct break-over into the valley.

Final Comparison: Which One Wins?

Key Takeaways:

• Hoyt RX8 Ultra has an incredibly smooth draw cycle, that carbon warmth for winter, and a dead-in-the-hand feel. It’s high cost is bananas, though.
• Mathews Lift 33 is significantly more affordable, lighter, and faster by 9 fps in our tests, making it a strong contender for those looking for high performance at a lower cost.
• If draw cycle smoothness and carbon is your top priority, the RX8 Ultra might be the better choice.
• If speed, weight savings, and affordability matter most, the Mathews Lift 33 easily wins.

Final Verdict

Both bows are exceptional choices for those looking for a long axle-to-axle hunting or target bow. While the RX8 Ultra shines in its draw cycle and carbon construction, the Lift 33 offers better value, is lighter, and shoots faster. The winner? For us it’s the RX8 just for the draw cycle and carbon but we aren’t willing to shell out $2k for it. If you can pick up the RX8 cheaper or close to the cost of the Matthews, it’s a no brainer. Otherwise, stick with the Matthews.

Ultimately, you need to test both bows yourself and see which one feels best in your hands, but you knew that already, right?