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Need your help chosing a ground blind

3.8K views 35 replies 16 participants last post by  Namrock  
#1 ·
I've done some internet searching, but I'd like to ask real hunters that might have some input from here on MS. I've got $175 in Cabela's gift cards & I need a new ground blind for both deer season & turkey season that's almost here. Originally I planned on going to Dundee & checking out the quality of the fabric, size, & window configuration while they were set up on display. Then pick one up from the store itself. Obviously I can't do that now & I'm going to have to order it online. So what I'm looking for, is anyone here that might have some good info on blinds or more specifically brand of blinds.
 
#3 ·
I am a big fan of Primos Double Bull. They have several different varieties available and I have purchased extremely reduced clearance pricing (never from Cabelas). I haven’t purchased from Cabelas in eight years or so and not sure what they carry, but understand you are restricted with your gift cards. Definitely give them a look!
 
#5 ·
I've got several all from different companies. My favorite is an old Double Bull that I bought many years ago. It's built like a tank and has served me well. I really like the new evader model that has the wide adjustable window. Having said all this, if you go with a Double Bull you'll have to throw more cash in there but you'll have a great blind.
 
#8 ·
I've got several all from different companies. My favorite is an old Double Bull that I bought many years ago. It's built like a tank and has served me well. I really like the new evader model that has the wide adjustable window. Having said all this, if you go with a Double Bull you'll have to throw more cash in there but you'll have a great blind.
I shot my first few bow birds out of an old double bull that I would borrow from my boss. Think it was one of the original models it had the spring green predator camo so many great memories in that thing! I have a rhino blind that's very similar but still falls short. Same 180° front window style but the top portion is fixed , won't adjust up and down , the bottom section does move but the top is sewn up high and leaves window opening too open. Also broke multiple rods on it. Just buy a double bull and don't look back !!!
 
#12 ·
I had the brickhouse, left it up staked. Wind still caught it and destroyed it. I felt like it's kind if a cheaper blind, get what you pay for type of thing.

Most important part of a hub style blind, THROW AWAY those el cheapo 6" tent stakes they give you. Go to the camping aisle at walmart and buy the heavy duty plastic tent stakes, the big ones. Those puppys are what you want anchoring it in.

Side note: was in Cabelas 4 weeks ago, sat inside a double bull with the 360* vision see thru cloth. Was AWESOME. I think others sell that now too, I sure was impressed with the visibility!
 
#14 ·
I like blinds with zipper windows seals up tight to help keep flys and bees out.Plus I just leave them opened two inch’s when hunting.Makes perfect rest for gun or crossbow when you lay them on it they come down perfect for seeing scrope.Nateraly with a bow you need to open them more.But hard to find I just bought a Zonc at cabellas for ninety dollars in fall.Real nice.I also put dryer sheets in it never get bees in it
 
#15 · (Edited)
I picked up an Ameristep Bone Collector hub-style pop up 2 - 3 years ago on a good sale. Finally got around to using it for the first time last year. Have used a couple other pop up blinds years ago with some success for both deer and turkey hunting but really haven't used them all that much. Here are some things you may want to think about Namrock - mostly the negatives that I did not like about this blind...although it does have positives as well.

Popped it up outside the barn to air it out and practice shooting from it...

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wouldn't you know it....I broke one of the fiberglass support stakes before I even used it for hunting. Had terrible Customer Service trying to order a replacement from Ameristep. I think hey finally answered my email long after hunting season was over. Fortunately, I was able to improvise on my own by using an electric fence stake to fix it.

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It has little loops and buttons to secure the window flaps which are a real PITA to fumble with in the dark. Even worse - the shoot through screen windows are attached with VELCRO! I don't know about you but I hate anything velcro in the woods. I'm sure the deer a mile away heard me opening these windows in the pre-dawn darkness.

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I am not sure what the dimensions are but I would not want it any smaller for sure and a little bigger would be nice...

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I was able to use it for firearms hunting as well. I have a frame made from 2X4's with rebar stakes in the bottom which works well for a shelf/rifle rest, but for this particular blind and spot, it was a little too low so I used a shooting stick this year.

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#20 ·
I’ve had several over the years. Ameristep blinds (doghouse, brick house, etc.) are decent for the price but I consider them almost disposable. I get a couple seasons out of them and then they are toast. Barronett is a step up from those IMO on durability but now the most user friendly.

I have a Double Bull that has to be almost 15 years old (if I recall correctly) that is still functional but not quite as water tight as it used to be.

Last year I picked up a Muddy Infinity 2-person and loved it. Plenty of room. Sets up easy and has a window config that is infinitely adjustable and silent. No zippers or Velcro and no little straps to fumble with.


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#21 · (Edited)
I have a Primos Double Bull Blind. Liked it so much I bought a second.

https://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/primos-double-bull-deluxe-with-double-wide-door
Yeah that's the same one I tried ordering from Cabela's in January. It was on backorder for over a month before they told me they couldn't get it anymore. Just tried ordering 1 from the link you posted, so we'll see what happens from this company. Fingers crossed! But I believe primos has quit making this specific blind, so I ain't gonna hold my breath.
 
#22 ·
Yeah that's the same one I tried ordering from Cabela's in January. It was on backorder for over a month before they told me they couldn't get it anymore. Just tried ordering 1 from the link you posted, so we'll see what happens from this company. Fingers crossed! But I believe primos has quit making this specific blind, so I ain't gonna hold my breath.
I had the same issue last year. The Double Bull was hard to find anywhere and the few places that I did find it wanted $400-450 for it, so I decided to take a chance on the Muddy blind for $179 (it was on sale). So far I have been really pleased.
 
#23 ·
This place had it for $229, so it'd be great if they've actually got some there to ship out. Been reading a lot of reviews on the muddy & rhino blinds. But thank you, & everyone else for the feedback. That kind of input was the reason I posted this question here where guy's really know their $#:+!
 
#28 ·
Got it today & got it all set up. It seems really nice. The fabric is ALOT thicker (hopefully sturdier) than my old one, & that's probably why it seemed a little tougher to set up. Had to push the hubs out with some pretty good force to get them to pop. Wish it had brush loops on it but for the price I ain't gonna complain. Now what to do with the Cabela's cash I've still got...
 
#31 ·
You know when something works out great & it seems to good to be true? Setting it up for the 2nd time today in the light rain to maybe stretch the fabric a little & heard something rip. So much for the thicker fabric being sturdier.

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#33 ·
Yes it's the top of the front window right in the center. When I pulled that hub out (the last wall hub that I opened) is when I heard it tear. Method was, pull the roof hub 1st, then open opposite side walls one at a time. I'm going to send it back. Just mulling it over in my head to figure out if I want to have them replace or refund it. I'm know it's a low stock item & those blinds have a really good reputation, but it's got me a little concerned the next one may have similar issues.
 
#36 ·
It did seem awfully tight & I did watch a video from primos on how to set it up. Now I have to get a shipping label & pay to ship it back (are the UPS stores still open to do that sort of thing right now?) before I can get store credit or a refund & that will be minus the return shipping cost. I know just about everyone has had good experiences with these blinds, so I'll probably try to get another 1. But depending on the cost to ship it back, I may just eat the loss take the refund & order 1 of the new double bulls from Cabela's. At least that way it'll come with a return label if something happens like that again. With everything going on right now it's definitely not that big of deal. But it's still a pain in the@$$ lol