Which blind to buy??

[esox49]

Just was wondering what type/brand of hunting blind everyone is using? I am looking for one of the bigger ones that can accomodate two people comfortabley. I also want one that is real fast and easy to set up and not too heavy to carry around especially in the dark. Please give me some ideas that work for you!! Thanks

[birdswacker]

Buddy has a Double Bull 360 very nice but very pricey. While turkey hunting he didn't get his gun all the way out of he blind and shot a big rip in it. We think it was the ported choke tube that did it.

I've got an Eastman can't remember the model but pretty much the same as the DB for less than half the price but just as big and quality wise.

Whatever you get don't cheap out with the wire type blinds I had one thru it away the first time I used it.

[harvey lee]

I have used numerous type blinds if not all of them. Some brands are getting close to the Double Bull brand but from my past expierence, I will stay with the DB blinds. They set up very nice and easy and I just don't have or have had any issues with them. I have also tried other brands that have tried to copy the DB hub design for the poles but, they didn't last and I had to return them.

[Scott Stein]

50 dollar ameristep grizzley g-20 take it out of the bag give it a shake and it pops up we can get 2 of those camping chairs in there and still have plenty of room to shoot out the front, works for me for 5 days a year

[goblueM]

no need when you got all the brush and natural materials you could ever want out in the woods

[stretch]

i use a DB all the time ya i thought it was pricey but when there is two people with a camra and tripod and all your gear inside and you still have room it was well worth the cost. once you learn the right way to set up the DB it will take you 5 sec. to set it up. i think it was worth every pennie!

[erikh45]

I think the blind I use is an ameristep T-200(49.99 @ Cabelas). I also have used the I have also used the G-20. I am not sure of the model numbers, but I know that one has a 68"X68" foot print while the other has a 60"X60". I like these for the price, ease of setup and portability. I dont like the loud zippers and how big the windows are. It seems like they have to be very open to give a good viewing area, and this causes skylighting. I also have a Groundmax blind that has alot of triangular openings. This breaks up your outline, but I mostly bowhunt and the openings are a little small for my liking. I think if I had to do it all over again I would by the larger Ameristep that I own, and then save for a Double Bull. I have hunted out of them, and the versatility you get by the 360 degree window and the silent slide windows seems to be worth it if you are going to use it. I use my blinds for turkey hunting all spring and bohunting deer all fall. I still haven't dropped the cash on a DB yet though.

My $.02

Erik

[Hoyt4]

Double bull blinds are the best right now.Primos bought them out last fall and ground max.Will Primos is making changes to the ground max and if you wait next year for the price you will be able to get a great blind camo pattern is changing to predator and then some upgrades are being done.It will never be the DB but for the money it will be great.

[Hotspotter]

Esox:

There are several blinds on the market that are roomy. Several more that have copied the Double Bull hub system to varying degrees of success; so setting any of these up fast and easy isn't a chore. There are more yet that are lighter than the DB.

If you're using it for turkeys however, you need all of the above things mentioned and more. You need something that's windproof. If it's flapping or quivering, it's suspicious, esp. in the wide open. If a bird comes in from behind, or the side which they often do, you need a silent window system. Zippers, velcro, and/or snaps won't cut it. You also need heavier fabric that prevents light penetration and a lined inside that you can match in terms of your upper body clothing.

How long do you want to own it? Quality material costs more money, plain and simple.

There are lots of good blinds out there. For your money and the quality, I'd argue that my DB T5 prostaffer on its 10th+ year was cheaper than the others I've tried that have broken in a year or two. I've got a 3 or 4 year old Matrix that has been even more durable. It's got broadhead scars, tattered netting in spots, dirty canvas, and even a broadhead shoot-thru mark. It's just as effective now as the day I picked it up. Any of their blinds are designed for the long haul.

Spend the $400 once, then laugh as your buddies spend $100-$200 every other year for the next ten; meanwhile fighting the inherent design and performance-flaws of the other blinds forwards and backwards for the duration.

Joel

[Hoyt4]

This is some details on the new blind from Primos.Called the vision.Will never be the DB but I have seen this one and it's very nice.I do not know the price they will be asking but I think around $150.

The new Vision™ features Predator All Purpose Deception camo pattern. The Vision™ has a 360 full view design and a full seam zippered entrance. The windows and closures secure tightly with powerful but silent magnets. The Vision™ also features silent window clips for secure fastening but peaking/shooting in seconds.

Vision™ Features:

77" Shooting Width

70" Standing Height

Weighs 18 Lbs.

Adjustable Shoot Through Mesh Lines Entire Opening

360 Degree Viewing

[8point]

I dont use a blind but my cousin uses a Double Bull and likes it.

[Christopher Quast]

I have the Ground Max by Big Game and I love it because it has 12 windows with mesh shoot thru screens and a big opening on top also that can be opened with a zipper and it sets up and takes down super easy and the nicest part about it is that around the top edge it has brush loops every few inches apart and my most favorite part of this blind is it costs 1/3rd of a Double Bull blind and it doubles as a portable fishhouse for me.

Oh ya I almost forgot it has a bowhanger built into the roof hub which is extremely handy

[birdswacker]

Anyone ever shoot an arrow thru the mesh of the windows?

Did you have any problems with the arrow shooting straight?

[goblueM]

I haven't personally but a guide (family friend) in the UP has one and he's had plenty of clients do just that. Not too many problems

[harvey lee]

I help guide for a handicap hunt every year for the past ten years and the guys I guide mostly use crossbows and they have had no issues to date shooting through the mesh window. I personally have only shot one myself and did not have a problem. One justs needs to replace the mesh every so many years.

If you have more doubts, I would suggest setting up your blind and shooting at a target through the mesh to see what your broadheads do for flight.

[erikh45]

I have been following this thread after posting. All this talk of Double Bull has given me the itch to shell out the money for a Double Bull. I am starting to think about selling my Groundmax and my Ameristep. If that happens, My wife will be pretty upset with all of you

[Sorgy]

I purchased the Ground Max Escape DX. It is a very tall blind I can stand up in it. to shoot. My problem is I have several chairs and stools but they do not get me up high enough to shoot my bow at a turkey target.

I have watched the DB videos on how to set theirs up and such. My blind seems to get a tangled hub at the wrong time- setting up early with turkeys nearby. I have to walk around the whole outside of my blind to set it up. It still only takes 2 or 3 minutes to set it up-BUT the DB does it in 30 seconds with a lot less noise.

My Escape has a dark interior- but not black it still lets in some light. I am carrying extra camo fabric to block out the tops of my windows and still have a few issues with the zippers on both windows and door- the bottom of my zipper blew out the other morning- I just cant zip it down to the ground.

I will try to budget for the DB for next spring. What I have for now is ok. But it can get alot better. I picked my blind up for $129.00 last winter. Much cheaper than the $400 for the DB.

If you are in the market for any blind pick up the DB videos- they are usually free or $5.00. They have excellent tips on setting up, shooting a bow out of the blind. Whitetail, Turkey and Antelope hunts- Some of the most informative if not funny things you will see on video.

Good Luck

Steve

[Hotspotter]

Strategy 1 - Tell her about the new boat you've been wanting. Get all fired up about it. Get as many marine dealer flyers, ads, and catalogs as you can. Set on kitchen table. Spend a week on the sell. Let her flip. Act crushed. Mope to store to buy DB and tell her that just this time, you'll "settle" for the blind.

Strategy 2 - Tell her you won't be buying another one for many years.

Joel

[erikh45]

That is a very good idea. Only glitch is that I did that last year and have a boat in my garage instead of another motorcycle. I like your logic though. I will do some brainstorming. Watch the for sale section for some of my lesser used stuff. It seems like I have bought alot of equipment because it had similarities to better brands. For example, I have alot of deerstands that were like Lone Wolf, but in the end they weren't and now I only use my Lone Wolf. I assume this would be the case with the Double Bull as well. Great, now I am talking myself into it.

Erik

[Hoyt4]

DB is the way to go if you can shell out that money.I have a matrix 360 and T-2 from DB.I might look at the new ground max Vision if it works as well as they are talking it up I might try it out.But I know it will not be like my DB.Also looking at that new DB that came out this year.Might have to wait try and find a Gander montain friend when they have employee night and get 30% off and give them the money spend 280 instead of 400.

[Tipup101]

 Originally Posted By: jnelson

Esox:

Spend the $400 once, then laugh as your buddies spend $100-$200 every other year for the next ten;

Joel

I would disagree! I have a Ameristep doghouse it gets used all spring and fall. I do not baby it. Now my buddy bought a double bull matrix 2 years ago. It currently is in the city dump. Some people are not ment to hunt out of hub style blinds. The only perk to double bull is the material there made out of there is no shine to the fabric. Also just because it costs $400 dollars does not mean it is better than something that costs $100. And the biggest thing my dog house blind mabey weighs 10lbs and sets up in under a minute. The double bull weighs a ton and takes a little longer to set up. I've set my Ameristep up within 50 yards of rosted birds in the am I know I couldn't have done that with the double bull. I've used both and Double bulls does have some up sides. If it where me save the money and buy Ameristep they will last thats why there becoming more popular every year.

[eric29]

Ill second that tipup, I bought a $20 blind 10 years ago and i still works fine for me now. All it is is a lil ground blind with poles that hold it up around you. Its not a full enclosered thing like all you are talking about but its all i need. Enough room for me and my gear not enough for 4 people in chairs having a party out in the field.

[Hoyt4]

If the DB takes longer then the Ameristep then you where doing something wrong.There a ton of blinds out there now and going to be some good ones that will not cost as much as DB.If it takes more then 10 seconds to setup better just practice setting up.Now to stake in might take a minute or two.Unless it real windy out you might not need any at all.I have setup under roosted birds 30 yards out not by choice just happened when I was just getting set up they gobbled.Once you get the hang of the blind it's up in seconds.I have friend I hunt with and he has the doghouse blind and loves it but you can see the shine aways out and flaps in the wind little more then DB.The Doghouse does work great for traditional archers has a higher roof.My matrix is a little heavy not too bad.My T2 is very light less then ten pounds.

[DonBo]

 Originally Posted By: birdswacker

Anyone ever shoot an arrow thru the mesh of the windows?

Did you have any problems with the arrow shooting straight?

I have shot fixed blade heads through screen lots of times with no problems. Can't recommend using mechanicals though. With turkeys, take the screens out, they are not necessary.

[Hotspotter]

The DB weighs 20 lbs, which I'll agree is twice the weight of the doghouse. The weight however is not prohibitive, and it's not a ton. And the T2's are only 2 lbs heavier than the Ameristep, and around $300.

Beyond that, advantage goes to DB hands-down. Silent windows, no sheen, darker black interior to match your clothes and permit movement, no flap in wind, less than 10-second setup, silent setup, the list goes on and on. As Hoyt said, if it takes more than 10 seconds to setup, something's wrong.

I too have hunted out of the Doghouse blinds, primarily with friends and gun-hunting. In direct light, you can see a hunter make even minor movements, you accidentally bump the fabric and the whole thing quivers like a jellyfish, zippers cannot be dropped when a bird approaches from an unintended angle, and esp. with a bow those leafy things in breezy conditions freak birds out.

There is nothing wrong with buying a cheaper blind, and by no means do I "look-down" on people that do! At the same time, there is a very good reason a DB is $400.

There are few better examples of getting what you pay for than with the ground blinds on the market currently. I'd like to learn more about the Groundmax. Sounds like a very viable option from what Hoyt says.

Joel