
← Drawn West21 aug · 28 min
Mathews ARC vs Lift X: My Honest Review + the $4,000 ARC Giveaway
<p>Want to know if the new Mathews ARC is actually worth the upgrade over the Lift X? I shot both, carried both in the field, and I'm breaking down exactly what changed — the good, the small, and the stuff that probably isn't worth buying a new bow for. Plus, I'm giving away a fully custom Mathews ARC and over $4,000 in accessories in the biggest giveaway Drawn West has ever run.</p><p>I walk through my full 2026 bow build on the ARC 34, from the SWX Z comfort mods and integrated Silent Connect System to my stabilizer setup. Then I get into the arrow change I've been avoiding for a decade — moving off my trusty Black Eagle Deep Impacts to the X Impacts in a 200 spine, switching from right-hand to left-hand helical fletching, and dropping my broadhead weight from 200 grains to 125. There's a bonus code word in this episode worth 50 giveaway entries, so listen for it.</p><p><strong>What we cover in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Mathews ARC vs Lift X vs my old Halon — what actually feels different at full draw and on the shot break.</p></li><li><p>The ARC features worth caring about: past-parallel cams, integrated SCS bow hoist, 7-degree angled stabilizer mount, and SWX Z comfort mods at 82 pounds.</p></li><li><p>Why I went with the 34" axle-to-axle and whether the longer bow is a problem in ground blinds, treestands, and saddles.</p></li><li><p>The full giveaway prize list: Dialed Proof slider sight, QAD IMX2 rest, Black Eagle arrows, custom wraps, VPA broadheads, Mod Saw cutter, Big Shot 24" target, Anchor Point bow holder, Conquest 3K carbon stabilizers, and a bonus Matthews Low Pro quiver.</p></li><li><p>How the new app-based giveaway works — email and phone entry, live winner announcement, ~6-week run, bonus entries for follows, ratings, and referrals.</p></li><li><p>My arrow overhaul: Black Eagle X Impacts in 200 spine, Bitzenburger jig, DCA Super Sabre fletchings at 2-degree left-hand helical, and left-hand bevel VPA Omega broadheads.</p></li><li><p>Why I'm dropping to 125-grain broadheads this year and targeting a ~525-grain finished arrow for whitetails and black bear.</p></li><li><p>This episode's bonus code word for 50 giveaway entries.</p></li></ul><p>If this breakdown helps you decide on your bow or arrow setup this year, subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review, and follow @getdrawnwest on Instagram so you don't miss the rest of the build series. And go enter the ARC giveaway at getdrawnwest.com/giveaway</p><p>Stay Ahead of Hunting Season with the Drawn West Newsletter.<br>Get practical emails on deadlines, draw strategy, new episodes, and giveawayupdates.<br>Join Here: <a href="https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter">https://www.getdrawnwest.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br><br></p><p> </p><p><strong>FREE Gear Checklist:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear">https://www.getdrawnwest.com/gear</a></p><p><br><strong>Connect with Brian Krebs</strong><br><a href="https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest">https://linktr.ee/getdrawnwest</a> </p><p>Have Questions or Comments? Send an email to Brian@getdrawnwest.com!<br><strong>Sponsorsand Discounts:</strong><br><strong></strong>GOHUNTInsider - $50 Gear Shop Credit with code DRAWNWEST <br><a href="https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4">https://alnk.to/g3aa8L4</a><br>GOHUNT GearShop – 10% off most items with code DRAWNWEST <a href="https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u">https://alnk.to/e75Pm4u</a><br>Save 10% onMaverick Hunting Blinds & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST <a href="https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest">https://maverickhunting.com/?ref=getdrawnwest</a><br>Save 20% OnReveal Cell Cams & Accessories with code DRAWNWEST20<br><a href="https://www.tactacam.com/">https://www.tactacam.com/</a><br>Best Prices on Trauma Kits & First Aid at Jase.com<br><a href="https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest">https://rstr.co/jasemedical/getdrawnwest</a></p><p></p>