I was wondering if there is any advantages to Double Bull blinds compared to other cheaper blinds. Looking forward to everyone's feedback.
Thanks,
Marc
Quality from every angle!
Like Guru said, quality. Durability also. Just my $.02
They are just better.
I was fortunate...I had $400 in gift cards to work with so I went with a Double Bull Matrix "Recurve" addition special ordered through their custom order department. I couldn't be happier with it.
I don't know if you can go wrong with several others like the Ameristep blinds or others in the category but the fabric on my DB is quiet compared to a lot of others out there.
I just got mine last spring and couldn't be happier...I actually never considered buying another blind other than a Double Bull, just took me a while to get the money saved up.
I hunted out of a friends Matrix and was amazed at the quality compared to others I'd been in, no comparison...then again I've been in some cheap ones.
If you had the money saved you won't be disappointed that is for sure...they cost a lot but they're amazing.
Hunting in corn last fall for deer:
I was fortunate...I had $400 in gift cards to work with so I went with a Double Bull Matrix "Recurve" addition special ordered through their custom order department. I couldn't be happier with it.
I don't know if you can go wrong with several others like the Ameristep blinds or others in the category but the fabric on my DB is quiet compared to a lot of others out there.
I just got mine last spring and couldn't be happier...I actually never considered buying another blind other than a Double Bull, just took me a while to get the money saved up.
I hunted out of a friends Matrix and was amazed at the quality compared to others I'd been in, no comparison...then again I've been in some cheap ones.
If you had the money saved you won't be disappointed that is for sure...they cost a lot but they're amazing.
Hunting in corn last fall for deer:
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/GEDC0758-1.jpg)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/GEDC0757-1-1.jpg)
Josh
I bought a Double Bull last year & it is a lot higher quality than the cheaper blinds. The thing I really notice is it doesn't blow around like the cheaper ones I've seen. We have a lot of wind here & it keeps from making a lot of movement in the wind. It also comes with grommets in each corner to stake it down with. They are really high quality. Frank :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I wish I had all the money back that I've spent on "other" blinds...I'd get another DB...
David
Only way to go is "Double Bull", and that's no bull...
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k290/drkorn/07%20turkey/DSCN1016.jpg)
Notice the blind in the background....
Nebraska 2008, fall hen turkey, Rose Oak TD 53@28... :archer:
I'll play devils advocate on this one for two reasons:
1. Ease of setup
You need to watch the video and practice in the back yard multiple times before attempting to setup a DB in the field. It isn't as simple as throwing it out of the bag and starting to pop things together. The initial setup and arrangement of the hubs is critical. If you get it wrong, the hubs and poles can break. I've had it happen and seen it happen for many others.
Perhaps its just an adjustment issue with the particular unit I have experience with. Personally I have seen DB blinds cause more frustration and general cussing on setup than any other.
2. Overall Cost
The double bull fabric and design, especially on the inside once everything is setup is superior to the cheaper versions no doubt. The issue is for 1/3 the cost you can get more or less the same basic platform. Sure doesn't sting as much if it gets stolen or torn up in a storm, etc.
Just my 0.2 I have a primos ground max that you can setup with your eyes closed. Of course its the made in china generic version of the DB, and probably I now have lead poisoning from handling the poles and hubs and the fabric is leaching toxic chemicals... :)
Stoney,
What model? My T-5 Recurve model is easy to setup. Not trying to be a smart a$$, just wondering if the other models are more difficult?
The biggest thing I've noticed is just making sure the hubs don't get jammed together when breaking it down.
I'll be getting a DB this year before deer season. Right now I have an Ameristep brickhouse, it sucks. Noisy, shinny matterial, windows are zipper and velcro. I'll be getting a Matrix or T2. Way better quility with the DB.
I have a Double Bull Dark Horse, T2,two Ameristep bully blinds,two groundmax blinds all in the woods right now. The DB blinds are built nicer and last longer period. Still I love my bully blinds because the are so light to carry and setup fast.My favortive blinds if I am on the move and carry a blind. Dollar for dollar I think the groundmax blind is hard to beat easy to set, mine are two years old and have been left out for 30-60 days at a time during turkey and deer season and still look pretty good I should get another year out of them I think before they need replacement. The double bull darkhorse is easy to setup if you watch the video but if not its like fighting a mad badger.
(http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s100/SteelDixon/Dbblind.jpg)
LOVE IT!!!
there is absolutely no competition when it comes to other blinds on the market.
IMO the DB's are extremely overpriced. Are they better than the other primos blinds, probably slightly, but nowhere near double the cost better.
Think of it this way, if you don't want to spend money on another blind for 10yrs or so, get a double bull. If you don't mind replacing your blind a couple times in the same number of years, buy something else.
Anyone who has a problem setting up a double bull blind simply did not watch the video and practice. Yeah, it takes some practice, but I'm talking like two evenings in a row for 10min each session. After that, you can setup the blind in less than 30sec and take it down into a packed bag in 1min.
Best,
Dave
What Dave said, just a little practice is all it takes.....
I've been using DB's for 9 yrs. now...but honestly I've been able to open mine this fast since my first year...I did this for Biggie, but is show's how easy it is(this was the first time out of the bag since last fall....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/th_12-08snowdoe.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/?action=view¤t=12-08snowdoe.flv)
If you follow the directions and practice a bit, there's absolutely no reason anybody couldn't do it....
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:
Quality from every angle!
i agree.
Watch the video on how to set them up...I did this waiting for my blind to come in the mail. When I got it I took it out of the box and bag and had it up in no time flat.
Trick is to get the initial side up and then arrange the rest of the hubs way the video describes...you can't go wrong when you do it that way.
Are they a lot of money...yes...are they worth it? You'll have to make that decision on what you're willing to spend. There are several in the $200 range that will work nicely, but I just saved for a while longer and got what I wanted. Even though I had gift cards it took me almost a year to get enough saved up to get it.
I suggest going to a place that has a bunch set up and get in and out of all of them and make the decision after you do this. Look at the quality of all models...I hunted out of a blind that flapped all over the place in a strong wind, it drove me nuts. I was in my double bull on a very windy day and it didn't move an inch, I had it staked down tightly.
Josh
Dave and Curt,
Maybe I'm not a mechanical engineer but I would have to say that setting up/down a double bull isn't as simple as just watching the video. I watched the video several times, called Double Bull, and I've still had intermittent problems. I've learned how to get the hubs right and keep the poles against the ground like the guys at Double Bull say and it can still get itself screwed up. I had multiple poles break after being out in the woods for only a day or two. I tried to make do with a shortened pole and kept having repeated failures. Had seams rip out on the pole sleeves. Had the blind repeatedly pop in on itself while I was hunting even after repeated tightening of the tension straps.
Eventually Double Bull installed poles with steel footings on them and admitted to me that pole failures are a common problem.
I've personally seen other including Charlie Lamb fight a Double Bulls so to say someone that has problems setting them up or taking them down "just hasn't watched the video" is certainly not accurate.
Are they a good product...Yes...Are they worth $150-200 more? That is up for debate for me... someone who owns a Double Bull. Just my humble opinion.
Chris
I have never had a lick of trouble with my DB Matrix 360, quick to setup and high quality materials is what sells me on the DB. I was hunting out of an Ameristep penthouse, I was always afraid to set it up near turkey roost sights because it was cumbersome and noisy to setup. Also I never had a deer in shooting range till I used the DB, I shot my first deer from a blind using my 360.
I'm kind of Chris's corner on this one. I have a DB Matrix recurve model and I often struggle getting that first hub to pop into place. Prior to this blind I've had two other DB models, and this one is the hardest to set up of the bunch.
No way can I just do it like Curt does in his video. Maybe mine just isn't adjusted right or something, but it is way too tight to pop the hub up just from the weight of the blind like that. I have to firmly plant the ends of the poles on the ground like they show in the DB video to get something to push against, and often they just slide away from me on hard ground. It can be a struggle at times.
I also have had the blind pop in on itself as Chris described, even in fairly light winds. That is solved by using all the tie downs of course, but that does make set up quite a lengthy process to get it staked in the corners and all the tie downs in place.
Once set up the quality of DB is certainly apparant. But I too have sure wondered about some of the far less expensive models out there now that look pretty good. I'd like to hear from some owners of some of those newer copy cat models that are priced well less than half of the Double Bull.
After reading the thread "Traditional Archery Products made in the USA", I was wondering, are just some of the DB blinds made in China or all of them?
I don't know what to say fellas, I guess I've just been lucky with the three different DB's I've owned.
Like I said it does take some practice...
I do know the bigger dimensions of the recurve model add a little challenge, but I've opened them pretty easy as well.
I did loan mine to a guy once,with the dvd, and he broke two poles trying to get it set up. Then I showed up and showed him how to do it and he just shook his head :banghead:
The more I think about this, the more I believe it is an individual difference from one blind to another. As I mentioned, my current blind is my third DB, and is by far the hardest to set up of the three. The tension on the strings that hold it together must play into how tight everything is. If I remember correctly, the instructions specifically say NOT to untie those, so there must be something very specific to getting them adjusted correctly. Maybe mine is just off a bit, and that affects how easy it goes up.
My experience with the DB matrix has shown that correct adjustment of the corner straps has a direct affect on how hard/easy the blind is to put up. If it's hard to pop the hubs out the straps are probably too tight. If the sides of the blind are constantly being pushed in during light winds the straps are too loose. I had to adjust these straps a few times before I found the sweet spot. You also need to adjust these straps as the fabric ages and begins to stretch some.
(http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq268/acolobowhunter/DSCI0883-1.jpg)
I had the T5 model for several years, until someone broke into my shed and stole it. Then I purchased the new model. Can't remember the name. It is not the Matrix, as I did not like that style. It was before the Dark Horse model came out. Both were the recurve models.
I had some problem setting up this last blind, so contacted DB. I think the fabric was to tight and made it difficult to set up. They sent me a new one within a couple days. I WOULD NOT purchase any other blind. They are more expensive, but well worth the price. One blind will last you the rest of your life. I hunt elk and turkeys out of mine.
Joe,
I've never messed with my strings and so I don't know if that could be a factor.
Did you buy a new blind, used, or a demo blind from DB? Mine was a demo recurve model.
A theory that I've heard and believe is that if one of the poles is shorter than the others then the blind is going to have asymetrical stress on it and be prone for problems. Makes sense because the poles push against one another at the corners of the blind. Even if the fabric gets wrinkled up in the corners that could seem to mess up change the stress on the blind. Check your and see if the ends butt up against one another in the corners.
CK
Curt,
I'm going to say that your experience is the norm and mine is definately the exception. Don't mean to sound like a whiner. Just heard some many great things about DB that I expected them to be lemon free.
This is a funny story about the first problem I had with my double bull. One of the hubs was pushed through the matrix window part of the blind. :mad: I found that out the next morning after calling them and sending pics via email. Not sure if that was how it was shipped to me or if I some how did it with my initial attempt at setting it up. I had watched the video first. I can't even imagine how I could do that without exerting tremendous force on it and I know I didn't push that hard.
Eventually after a season of use and multiple issues I sent my blind back and they put the steel footings on the poles, I haven't had any pole failures. I can get the blind to pop up just like your video all of the time now. Sometimes I still get hung up taking it down.
Just FYI after talking to the boys at Double Bull they said to me that anyone who sets up the blind differently then they show....i.e. not pushing the poles down into the ground (when walking up under the blind after pulling the first side over your head) is overstressing their poles and will have failures.
Seems like a subtle step a lot of guys skip and get away with fine. They acted like it was absolutely crucial and since I hadn't done that part it was reasonable that my poles broke. I guess that illistrates my frustration. Curt didn't do that in his video and hasn't had any problems. They told me it was the source of the failures with my blind. Go figure.
Chris
I just bought a DB Matrix 360 the other day and had no problem setting it up out of the box
I haven't field tested it yet. Only thing I coulda wished for was back pack type straps to carry it out into the field
QuoteOriginally posted by BMN:
My experience with the DB matrix has shown that correct adjustment of the corner straps has a direct affect on how hard/easy the blind is to put up. If it's hard to pop the hubs out the straps are probably too tight. If the sides of the blind are constantly being pushed in during light winds the straps are too loose. I had to adjust these straps a few times before I found the sweet spot. You also need to adjust these straps as the fabric ages and begins to stretch some.
I feel this is a good point...the corner straps need to have the correct tension on them for it to set up well. I had one wall want to pop in on me, I loosened the strap and problem solved. Still feel that people get in a hurry to get it set-up and rush through and cause problems...I've been in a hurry before and almost got myself in trouble. I took a big breath and collected my thoughts, one of my hubs wasn't arranged correctly and after fixing it the blind popped up quick. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean, the hubs need to be arranged and move in this way and the blind will not fight you. If you fight the blind it will win!
Video category...Double Bull Archery. Sub category...Instructional video (blinds) watch #1 of 12.
Set-up help (http://www.livehunt.com/video)
I'm going to post a link to a good site for the T-5 style (Matrix, Dark Horse and T-5) blinds.
Josh
Okay, question for you guys that have used both the Matrix and Dark Horse. Which do you prefer???
Someone asked about other spin off blinds. I have a Ground Max Predator (GMP) and setting it up couldnt be simpler. I'm thinking about going with a DB because of the added height. My only beefs with the GMP is it's a little short, and I'm not crazy about the window configuration.
The GMP is a great blind for the money but I'm convinced there's better.
Trap
My poles broke last year. I ordered a new set from PRIMOS and they sent me a set of white poles. Where is everyone getting the reenforced poles and are they dark?
We own four double bulls and use them for pigs, turkeys and deer. Might even give em a try for elk one of these years.
I ahve not seen a better blind product anywhere, anytime.
Mike
I have a Double Bull T2 for sale right now in the blind and treestands section...69" tall never used...$250 plus shipping...any takers?
I have a Matrix recurve model and it is as easy to setup as Kurt demonstrated. I take it out of the bag, shake out, open one section and place my knee on the other hubs to keep the blind from sliding away and give some resistance as I pop out that first hub. After that it is just a matter of standing up with all the hubs in one hand and pulling the blind up and over myself, just as Kurt demonstrated. I don't so much worry about the order all the hubs are stacked, like in the video, as the real secret is to pick up all of them in one hand. Otherwise it can becomes that football and monkey thing.
I have owned a DB I-5 before this and it was as easy to put up and take down. I have never had a pole break or seam rip, or any problem for that matter. The quality of the blind material is the biggest difference I have seen over other blinds and is where I think the extra cost is.
The only complaint I have is the carry strap and bag. If you stick two chairs in the bag with the blind and strap it across your back, it is not comfortable to carry it very far. I thought about getting a "wild thing" pack, but seemed pretty costly. (I know that may seem funny that I don't think the DB blind is over priced, but do think the "wild thing" pack is way overpriced.)
Well I have solved that problem this spring. I bought a blind pack system called the "blind hog" and it is awesome! I can now carry my recurve model matrix and blind stakes, two chairs, two decoys and stakes, snacks, drinks, binos, calls, and even strap on a gun or bow. It has molded back, shoulder and waist straps and keeps the top of the blind below my head. My 7 year old daughter hunts with me and we can now carry all that comfortably on my back. I found my "blind hog" at my local sporting goods mega center for $79.
I love my DB but.
I set mine up every season in back yard to air it out and to refresh my memory on the proper way to set it up by watching the viedo. All goes well in the back yard every time and I shoot out of it for about a week.
So far I have broken one roof poll every season out in the woods and it is the same corner poll every time. It typically happens on the 2nd or 3rd setup. Go figure.
I now carry 30' parachute cord with a fishing weight attached and set up close to or under trees. That way I can toss the cord over a limb. Tie off the top of the blind and hold the roof up. Primos does not charge for the polls but the shipping and handling is close to $20.00
Love mine! Haven't killed anything out of it yet, can't blame the blind! High quality and I's satisfied with it!
I watched the video several times and still found the set up of my Dark Horse Recurve to be difficult even with two friends helping. The blind seemed very tight. Once set up the blind is great.
Allan
QuoteOriginally posted by amar911:
I watched the video several times and still found the set up of my Dark Horse Recurve to be difficult even with two friends helping. The blind seemed very tight. Once set up the blind is great.
Allan
It takes a few times to get the hang of it. Keep practicing you get it down.