Post by: Gobble Doc on April 08, 2012, 09:33:16 PM
Post by: Machias Bowhunter on April 09, 2012, 06:23:00 PM
Post by: lokidog on April 09, 2012, 09:51:20 PM
I have seen blinds with magnetic attachments for the window covers instead of velcro or zippers, pretty cool if you have to open a different window with something nearby.
Good luck.
Post by: Gobble Doc on April 09, 2012, 10:36:58 PM
Post by: fair-chase on April 09, 2012, 11:40:42 PM
The Good
The cam lock system for setting up and taking down was well built, easy to use, durable, and worked perfectly. I wish tents set up this easy. By far one of the best systems out there.
The fabric is extremely durable and will likely hold up to any punishment you throw at it.
Wide variety of window options make adjusting for shooting lanes a breeze. I really liked the layout of the window openings on this blind compared to some other models. Also the windows roll up out of the way and lock in with a wedge and loop style holder. Quiet and convenient.
Brush Holders. Work well for brushing in and concealing the blind. I wish they would have added some around the base of the blind but with holders just below and above the windows as well as the roof you can get creative and mask it pretty well.
The Bad
The fabric though durable is noisy. Any contact with the walls while in close proximity to game is a deal breaker.
The zippered door is a little weak but the way the blind stands there is no reason to really mess with it. Personally I wouldn't use the zipper, there's no real need to. The blind closes up just fine without closing the zipper. If you do feel the need to zip yourself in, only do it if the blind is set up on a flat surface. It's really easy to over stress the zipper on uneven ground.
Velcro window screens. This is the mesh screen (think screen door) not the window closure flap. The screens are noisy but if you know your shooting lanes in advance there's no reason to mess with the screens. Personally, I would just remove the screens all together and just stick with the closure flaps. Problem solved.
The Ugly
The deal breaker for me after all of this was the seams. When the seams were stitched they apparently used a battering ram to poke the thread through. Every seam stitch had a large enough hole to show daylight through. Every single one. Have you ever seen those night lights for kids that project stars onto the ceiling? Well that's what you would get if you hung an overhead light above this blind. It was too much for me, I just couldn't bring myself to trow a gallon of seam sealer at one of the most expensive blinds on the market.
Bottom line. Good concealment blind. Don't use in the wind or rain because it's noisy and it will leak (a lot).
Post by: RadSav on April 10, 2012, 12:38:17 AM
I have an Eastman, I think the AX5, fits two people easily.
Size of the Double Bull at half the price or less. We use them for antelope and they have lasted a long time in wind rain and the pounding Wyoming August sun. Throw the shoot through mesh away as soon as you get it - nothing but trouble. The hook and loops for the windows have to be stretched out a bit before you can open and close windows quickly without noise. Once you get them a little loose it's flawless.
It can be difficult some times with small children in large blinds. Make sure they practice shooting from their knees in these blinds. Some shorter women and kids have problems raising high enough to clear the bottom of the windows. Also make sure to test your chairs for long period comfort. Kids and most adults will not last long if your chairs are cutting off circulation or quickly create low back cramps and pain. I found finding the right chair was far more difficult than finding the right blind.
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 10, 2012, 06:24:25 AM
Post by: lokidog on April 10, 2012, 09:13:35 AM
Size of the Double Bull at half the price or less. We use them for antelope and they have lasted a long time in wind rain and the pounding Wyoming August sun. Throw the shoot through mesh away as soon as you get it - nothing but trouble. The hook and loops for the windows have to be stretched out a bit before you can open and close windows quickly without noise. Once you get them a little loose it's flawless.
It can be difficult some times with small children in large blinds. Make sure they practice shooting from their knees in these blinds. Some shorter women and kids have problems raising high enough to clear the bottom of the windows. Also make sure to test your chairs for long period comfort. Kids and most adults will not last long if your chairs are cutting off circulation or quickly create low back cramps and pain. I found finding the right chair was far more difficult than finding the right blind.
I like the mesh because it gives me viewing areas without as much risk of the animals seeing through the camo screen. Weathergirl discovered the "my sight window is above the trajectory of my arrow" concept when taking her first shot at a deer out of the blind... oops. :chuckle: