Product Review - Ameristep Penthouse Blind

[Aspen Hill Adventures]

I bought one 2 1/2 years ago at Woods-N-Water. I liked how roomy it was as I was going to use it as an archery blind. While debating to buy it I asked the salesperson if these things hold up well if left up year round. They said they have had the same one up for five years at their store in Davison and it's still in top shape.

Well, mine, set up in my woods fell apart just last week. All the fabric rotted off the roof. The camo faded from it by the end of it's first year. Don't know that I would spend the bucks to replace it.

[Alpha Male]

Isn't that blind made out of a nylon-like man made fabric with spring steel supports ? If it is, then it's the same one I'm thinking of. Yeah, when left out in the elements, it will degrade...the sun and moisture being the biggest culprits. Call API and see what they can do for you...I'm certain that a Michigan based company doesn't want bad press on a Michigan sportspersons forum ! I think they might tell you also to pack it in and out on each trip.

On a side note, Game Tracker sells a similar blind for substantially less $$$...about $69. And if I'm not mistaken, both the API and the Game Tracker are made by in China...ugh.

Better luck next time.

[Aspen Hill Adventures]

I think this thing was stitched together in Malaysia or the Philippines. Was supposed to be weather proof.....NOT! The fabric is not very durable, not for the price of the thing.

[nash]

I also have one of these blinds. I've had it for three years now and it is still in excelent shape! It is made as a PORTABLE blind not a perment one if you want a blind to leave out in the woods I suggest you build one out of wood or a simuilar material. I dought if Ameristep will do any thing for you as you didn't use it as intended!! Just my thoughts. Good luck and happy hunting!!

[Oct.1]

Ann,
I have two of them. When I got the first one I sprayed it with camp dry. The only problem I had was were the top support poles tie to the center. It tore at the ties. A 4-inch patch took care of that. The second one I sprayed with camp dry and put the patch in before I used it.
I don't leave either one out year round, but they are up from the middle of September till the first decent day I can get them out of the snow in December. It may be the camp dry. I have had no fading or rot in either one,(YET). Just don't know if I would pay $250.00 again just to have a certain camo pattern.

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy-
Ann, I'm not surprised it rotted. Unless it was made wholly of plastic, I think you've got to expect it. Sometimes our common sense has to override what a sales pitch promises.....I have a portable from Lucky Blinds and am very happy with it. It is made out of cordura, a substantially heavier fabric, and I would never think of leaving it up year 'round. Remember, Caveat Emptor! (Let the buyer beware!)

[The Nailer]

Ann,

I have a Lucky's Blind made right here in Ubly, MI. It's made of a cotton similar to a tent. Anyway when I was up to camp last week I went to take it down thinking it was going to be ruined. I put it up in August, brushed it in and used it throughout the season, but I forgot to take it down. There was about a foot of snow on the roof but it was in perfect shape. I had to leave it up because it was frozen to the ground and I didn't want to damage it by pulling on it, so I'll recue it in early spring in time for turkey season.

I've had this blind for about seven years now and I leave it up the entire season every year. And that means from late August through end of rifle season.The camo is as good as it was when new and it is in great shape. They are somewhat more costly then the penthouse, but in my opionion worth it. You cannot not see shadows through it, it doesn't flop or shake in a strong wind and it has proven to be very durable.

[David G Duncan]

My experience with the Lucky blind has been the same as Nailer's posting. I fact I had my frozen in a couple of years ago and waited until spring to pack it up.

[goose hunter]

The one set-up in the store is just that, SET-UP IN THE STORE. No rain or sun light in there. I never believe any salesmen. They really dont know or care,much of the time.

[bearboyluvsQDM]

Mine works good when I pack it in and out.Thats only if it is not very windy that day.I do not like it for archery though.After 3 seasons a little rust is showing.I bet I got a couple more years left in it.Thats if I dont use it for icefishing to many more times.