2025 brought serious upgrades from PSE, Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, and Bear. Below is a straightforward, hunter-first comparison to help you pick the right rig for your season.
Quick Takeaways
- PSE Mach 33 DS: Carbon riser, smooth draw cycle, strong blend of speed + stability.
- Mathews LIFT X 33: Micro-tuning via Limb Shift™ Technology; high IBO with a forgiving feel.
- Hoyt RX-9 / Alpha AX-2: New HBX SD cams support shorter draw lengths while keeping flagship performance.
- Bowtech Proven 34: Tunability (DeadLock + TimeLock), center-mass sight options, two cam configs.
- Bear Persist 33: Customizable let-off (75–90%) and integrated mounts at a strong value.
Brand-by-Brand Snapshot
PSE Mach 33 DS (Carbon)
33” ATA, 6-5/8” brace height, up to 335 FPS IBO, ~3.8–3.9 lbs mass weight with EC2 cams. Well known for a steady hold and an easy-to-like draw cycle in a lightweight carbon platform. Specs • Test impressions
Mathews LIFT X 33
33” ATA with Limb Shift™ Technology (micro-adjust tune without a press), ARC7™ limbs, and BOND™ Grip System; IBO up to ~343 FPS. A high-end option if you want top speed with a refined tune window. Mathews page • Retailer specs
Hoyt RX-9 & Alpha AX-2
Flagship carbon (RX-9) and aluminum (AX-2) bows add the new HBX SD cams for shorter draw lengths—now down to 23” in select models—without ditching top-tier feel and efficiency. Great for archers who’ve struggled to find a premium fit. RX-9 • Alpha AX-2
Bowtech Proven 34
Two cam options (Medium and Long) for different draw ranges; DeadLock + TimeLock keep tuning simple; IMS dovetail for rests and CenterMass sight mounting. Medium cam rated to ~336 FPS IBO. Bowtech page • F&S review
Bear Persist 33
Adjustable let-off at 75/80/85/90%, draw length 26.5–30.5”, plus integrated Picatinny sight mount and IMS rest mount—lots of feature-per-dollar in this lineup. Bear page
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | ATA / Brace | IBO (up to) | Weight | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSE Mach 33 DS | 33” / 6-5/8” | 335 FPS | ~3.8–3.9 lbs | Carbon + smooth draw |
| Mathews LIFT X 33 | 33” / 6.5” | 343 FPS | ~4.26 lbs | Limb Shift™ micro-tuning |
| Hoyt RX-9 / AX-2 | Various | ~342 FPS (model-dep.) | ~4.0 lbs (RX-9) | Short-draw HBX SD cams (to 23") |
| Bowtech Proven 34 | 34” / 6.625”–7” | 331–336 FPS | 4.7 lbs | DeadLock + TimeLock tuning |
| Bear Persist 33 | 33” / — | ~340 FPS (line) | — | Let-off 75–90%, integrated mounts |
How to Choose
- Fit first: Draw length & holding weight matter more than brochure FPS. Try several models at your local pro shop.
- Use case: Tree-stand whitetails vs. long sits glassing desert basins may push you to different ATA/weight preferences.
- Tuning comfort: If you like to DIY, systems like Mathews LST or Bowtech DeadLock can make life easier.
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Hunting the Southwest: What Makes Arizona Glassing Unique