Archery Talk Forum banner

Ameristep Ground Blinds Question

11K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  bhunterED  
#1 ·
Fellas, I've seen people w/ the dog house blinds and such they are a nice weather break but just aren't that sturdy for any mild wind or snow fall.

At my local dunhams they have the Rockhouse for $109 and Brickhouse for $99.

http://www.wulfoutdoorsports.com/shop/compare/3320/4973

That is a comparison for both.

That is the brickhouse.

That is the rockhouse.

More brickhouse info. http://www.ameristep.com/blinds/brickhouse.html

More rockhouse info. http://www.wulfoutdoorsports.com/shop/products/Ameristep-Rockhouse-Blind-Ap-Camo.html

Anyone have personal experience with these 2. Which is better? Dunhams only has them in the box none open for display.
 
#2 ·
I haven't used either of these, sorry. But looking at the pictures and reading the dimensions of each it would be a tough choice. The brickhouse is a bit bigger, so it obviously has more room inside to draw, but I don't like the windows on it for bow hunting. The rockhouse is the opposite, the right style windows but the shooting width is smaller at 63" compared to 75" on the brickhouse. If you think you can manage to draw back in the rockhouse and not worry about hitting the walls, I'd say go for that one because of the windows
 
#3 ·
I have the brick house. Seen it with 4" on snow on it. It did collapse after it rained on the snow, but it did not break. It was holdin about 40 gallons of water.
Im 6'2" with a 32" bow. I could use a little more room, but Ive been successful with it a few times.
The rock house looks like it has better shooting options. I have to pic my shots with the brick house. Sometimes switching windows. Cost me a few shots
 
#8 ·
Whatever you choose, be sure to do a good bit of shooting from it before you hunt from it. As close as you will be to the windows, your sight pins will be higher than your arrow rest. I have thwacked the bottom of my windows more than once in the back yard. It does some crazy things to your trajectory...

The 2 blinds you mentioned are hub style blinds, which are generally sturdier than the "doghouse" style blinds. They are also heavier. Be sure you know where your stakes are if you have any concerns about wind. I've had to sit in mine and hold the "wind-side" down with a foot a couple of times.
 
#9 ·
I had the brickhouse and it was okay. The windows were not the best for bowhunting, but if you practice it will work. I did sell it and bought a double bull darkhorse and really liked it. It was about double the price (234), but while in the brickhouse I would set it out in the middle of the field for turkeys and they would avoid it like the plague. I don't know if it had a uv glare or sheen to it. The toms had no problems with the darkhorse and the material is a lot thicker and will not flap in the wind. If you only want to spend a hundred bucks, the brickhouse will work, but I have never regretted buying quality.
 
#10 ·
I have the brick house never really been a blind guy but it's a great way to get the kids out with me. Haven't had any issues with it during weather at all snow or rain. I use an adjustable height stool which helps with the windows. I don't like the Velcro closures for the screens and the window flaps themselves do have some wind flap. I also strongly recommend practicing from the blind. For the money you can't beat it.