So I wanted a new ground blind. Previously I only owned a Ameristep Dog House. Although it was adequate, I really never was truly happy with it. I did miss a couple fall gobblers and took my birthday buck from that blind but I never felt concealed. The inside wasn't black and I felt it filtered in too much light and I was visible.
I chose this blind for both cost effectiveness, size, usability and shootability. I've hunted out of several Double Bull Matrix blinds and although very functionable, I consider them poor for shooting. Ask those who have sent a broadhead through the blind itself. I'm not a fan of the movable openings because if you open them too much, you allow too much light in, if you don't open them enough, your shooting window is merely a slit. Again, from experience from these blinds that make me not a huge fan, more than adequate yes but for the $$, there can be other choices.
Right out of the box:
I was surprised that it came in a nice carrying sack with back pack straps etc. I don't know why I was surprised but I was.
It weighs in at 17 lbs and on the back, it's not even there.
I went ahead and pulled it from the carrying case in the basement as it's still cold with a ton of snow outside.
Right out of the bag,
It opened very easily, identical to the Matrix or more expensive Primos (Double Bull) blinds.
A negative if you will would be the net windows. I won't ever use the mesh/net as a shoot through so most likely I'll just remove them all as they are Velcro. On a hunting blind, I feel Velcro is a no no as it's so loud.
I'm a big fan of the windows. They are more than adequate to shoot from and film from.
Another negative perhaps is the top of the windows. They do not zipper all the way to the top allowing some light in however they have a nifty little elastic holder if you will to keep them in place. It does allow for peeping 360 deg around the blind.
Total review, I'm impressed with the blind and seeing it's very large, very dark inside with more than adequate windows for shooting, I'll be anxious to put it through the paces this spring, not to mention it's $200 cheaper than a Matrix. I could by two for the price of one. Great blind, I recommend it.
Rob, Nice looking blind. I purchased a blind from Cabelas that looked very similar. The reason I got rid of it was poor zipper quality, and it faded to a purple hue rather quickly. Hopefully those issues gotironed out with this blind.
I agree about the Matrix, I much prefer the layout of the Dark Horse. I even found a new T5 I may pick up this year for a song.
Rob, Nice looking blind. I purchased a blind from Cabelas that looked very similar. The reason I got rid of it was poor zipper quality, and it faded to a purple hue rather quickly. Hopefully those issues gotironed out with this blind.
I agree about the Matrix, I much prefer the layout of the Dark Horse. I even found a new T5 I may pick up this year for a song.
Dan
I know what what you mean about the purple hue, Would that be like this one Rick James has/had? (SORRY Matt )
Mine did the same thing. Still ok if brushed in a little. I can tell you 2 things about this blind that I hate. 1. Height of shooting windows.(You need a high-chair to shoot out of without half standing/squatting) 2. The zippers are gosh-awful loud.(I would think for the price of a blind, they could come up with something quieter) Other than these 2 gripes, it's ok.
LT
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"The Whitetail Deer". Call them dumb, call them curious, call them whatever you want, but one day, the biggest one you ever saw will turn you into a babbling fool.
I have one real similar to that, and do alot of my hunting out of it, and saw one of my two mature deer out of it this year (and it was a half rack ) I agree with taking off the velcro, way to loud, but plenty of shooting windows, just try some chairs out before buying one for that blind, as my first one was kinda short. I also wish they would make a better door for a big guy. I hate crawling into the blind in the dark and crunching leaves, and every once in a while my boot will catch the blind and make a ton of noise. Other than the door and the velcro, I am satisfied.
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Really liking that blind Rob , i'm gonna look into the shipping costs and might just order myself one . It gets great reviews alround , nice piece of kit .
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Kanga Bogan Longbow 65" , 51# at 27" = Huge smile
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I bought that same blind and put it out in early bow season. It never faded and held up to the outdoor environment very well. This is my first blind and my only complaint was that I could not see my pins very well in the morning and afternoon. Just not enough light coming in. The Primos blind does have a roof flap that can be opened to let more light in. Used it during shotgun and muzzle loader and loved it.
Primos Ground Max Predator Den Blind
