Mathews Lift RS vs Lift X 33: Which Bow Is Better for Your Hunting Style?

When it comes to choosing between the Mathews Lift RS vs Lift X 33, you’re not just comparing specs you’re choosing how your bow performs in real hunting situations.

This isn’t a minor difference either.

You’re deciding between:

• A compact, fast, aggressive hunting bow (Lift RS)
• A stable, forgiving, do-it-all platform (Lift X 33)

Both are excellent. But they’re built for different hunters. 

Let’s break it down so you can confidently decide which is better for you.

Quick Answer: Lift RS vs Lift X 33 (Who Should Shoot What?)

If you just want the bottom line:

Go with the Lift RS if you:

• Hunt whitetails from tree stands or blinds
• Want maximum speed and a compact setup
• Have a shorter draw length
• Prioritize maneuverability over forgiveness

Go with the Lift X 33 if you:

• Want better accuracy and stability
• Shoot longer distances or western hunts
• Prefer a smoother draw cycle
• Need one bow to do everything

Simple truth: RS is specialized. X 33 is versatile.

Lift RS vs Lift X 33 Key Differences (Side-by-Side)

Performance Breakdown: Which Bow Shoots Better?

Speed: Lift RS vs Lift X 33

If you're asking “which bow is faster?” it’s the Lift RS. Both bows were tested at 70lbs 28.5" draw length and these were the results with a 448gr arrow.

• Lift RS: ~287.9 FPS
• Lift X 33: ~278.1 FPS

That ~10 FPS difference is noticeable especially on flatter trajectory and margin for error.

Winner: Lift RS (speed and efficiency)

Draw Cycle: Which One Feels Better?

This is one of the biggest real-world differences.

Lift RS

• Stiffer on the back half
• More aggressive rollover
• Gets noticeably harsh at higher poundage

Lift X 33

• Smoother draw cycle overall
• Easier to manage at 70–80 lbs
• Less stacking and more controlled

Winner: Lift X 33 (smoother and more forgiving draw cycle)

Post-Shot Feel: Noise, Vibration, and Control

Both bows are quiet but not equal.

• Lift RS: Slight vibration/twang after the shot
• Lift X 33: Dead in the hand, almost zero vibration

Winner: Lift X 33 (cleaner, more controlled shot)

Accuracy & Forgiveness: Which Bow Is More Accurate?

This is where axle-to-axle length really matters.

Lift RS

• Shoots well inside 30 yards
• Slightly harder to hold steady
• Steeper string angle = less forgiving anchor

Lift X 33

• More stable sight picture
• Easier to repeat anchor points
• Holds better at distance

As expected, the longer platform gives you better consistency.

Winner: Lift X 33 (especially past 30 yards)

Tuning & Setup: Which Bow Is Easier to Dial In?

Both bows use the same Mathews tech:

• SwitchWeight cams
• Limb Shift tuning
• Bridge-Lock accessory system

Real-world takeaway:

• Both bows tuned to a bullet hole in under 15–20 minutes
• No press needed for fine tuning

Winner: Tie (both are extremely user-friendly)

Best Use Case: Lift RS vs Lift X 33

Lift RS (Best For)

• Tree stand hunting
• Ground blinds
• Tight woods / brush
• Short draw length archers

Lift X 33 (Best For)

• Western hunting
• Longer shot scenarios
• 3D + hunting crossover
• One-bow setups

Pros and Cons: Honest Review

Lift RS Review

Pros

• Faster arrow speeds
• Compact and maneuverable
• Ideal for whitetail hunting
• Lightweight feel

Cons

• Harsher draw cycle
• Less forgiving at distance
• Steep string angle
• Slight increase in vibration

Lift X 33 Review

Pros

• Smooth, consistent draw cycle
• Extremely stable platform
• Better long-range accuracy
• Dead-in-hand shot feel

Cons

• Slightly slower
• Larger footprint
• Heavier overall

Which Bow Should You Choose?

Best Bow for Beginners

Lift X 33

• More forgiving
• Easier to shoot consistently
  

Best Bow for Bowhunting (All-Around)

Lift X 33

• Handles multiple hunting scenarios

Best Bow for Whitetail Tree Stand Hunters

Lift RS

• Compact, fast, built for tight spaces

Best Bow for Western Hunters

Lift X 33

• Stability and accuracy matter more than speed

Best Bow for Hybrid Builds (Hunting + 3D)

Lift X 33

More versatile platform

Final Verdict: Mathews Lift RS vs Lift X 33

So, which is better the Mathews Lift RS or Lift X 33?

Here’s the honest answer:

• If you want maximum speed and maneuverability, go with the Lift RS
• If you want better accuracy, stability, and overall shootability, go with the Lift X 33

For most hunters, the Lift X 33 is the better overall bow.

But…

For whitetail hunters in tight setups, the Lift RS might actually be the smarter choice.

Bottom Line

• Lift RS = Speed + Compact Hunting Setup
• Lift X 33 = Stability + Consistency + Versatility

Choose based on how you hunt not just the specs and you’ll end up with the right bow.

Watch the full breakdown here