Guys and Gals, I just received my new Ameristep Brickhouse blind and I thought I would spread the good news. This blind ROCKS! $169 from Bass Pro (although you may be able to do better than that) and every bit as good as the much more expensive Double Bull T5. Probably better in some ways since the windows are larger and there are more of them, the door is easier to get through, and the pop-out hub system is made with metal hubs.

I was afraid it would be smaller than advertised (most blinds are) but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this blind was actually 2" taller than advertised!

It measures a full 5'8" tall Inside from the floor to the top hub. I can shoot my 64" longbow out of it with no trouble. It also is 5' square and almost 6' corner to corner. It has the blackened interior too.

All I can say is WOW! What a good deal...

I will post some pics when I can. If any of you were on the fence about this blind, I can highly recommend it, and yes, I have hunted out of the DB T5 blinds and loved them too.

John.

 

Okay, here's the blind.  Sorry, the kids aren't included with the price :0)

That's my younger daughter Allison and my 8-year old boy Adam.  This will be his first deer season and he is Stoked about the blind.

 

My wife got me the Dog House last year, I think its 5'6" dome. Its real hard too get a shot out of it with my 62" recurve,havent got a chance with my long bow. That one looks like the way to go. Mark

John:

Is the overall "tightness" of the blind sufficient to overcome unnecessary movement on a windy day?

Also, I am wondering about the fabric finish....is it shiny?

Looks like a good deal so far.

Tony

Tony, the blind is tight as a drum (no chance of wind flap) and the fabric is not shiny. 

I weighed it and I got 18 lbs. on my bathroom scale.

WFB, in my opinion, that Doghouse truly is a DOG house.  Total waste of money, even on clearance.  This blind is a serious hunting tool.  Their Doghouse and Outhouse are kids toys at best.

John.

John...thanks.... I have been putting off buying a DB due to the only option of Predator Deception camo and, of course, the cost.

Any chance you'll be out in NM for a hunt this fall?

Tony

John: What kind of fabric is the thing made of? I had one of the outhouse blinds, and the nylon got so hot, no sane person could sit in it on a typical august day.

John, are you planning on hunting whitetails with it? I've really been interested in a good ground blind where I can shoot a 60" bow from but can't go the price of a DB. Passion is whitetails. What camo pattern is that?

John, I've recently noticed this blind, too, and was wondering how it stacks up as it looked like a fantastic value. I have done the Double Bull thing also (unfortunately, my $500+ T-5 recurve model blew away last year in an 80+ mph windstorm out antelope hunting) and think they are great, but pricey. I replaced it with a $270 Gametracker Carbon Cabin blind and kick myself every time I use it for not buying it first. Needless to say, it does everything my old DB did, and is better in some respects (windows, door, weight, much better carrying case with backpack straps, 2 roof vents, velcroed window screens). This blind is almost identical to mine and $100 cheaper-wow. I'm going off memory, but doesn't it have one or two zippered roof vents also, for those hot days?

Tony, I'd sure like to get out there this fall, but I just don't have the leave built up since I moved to Illinois.  I'm shooting for next year so's the wife and kids can come.

Rebow, the fabric is better than the Doghouse fabric.   This is a little more dull and cloth-like, but I'm sure there's still a healthy amount of nylon in it.  I'm not saying it won't get hot, but it has enough windows that I should at least be able to let a breeze through.

hatrick, that's exactly what I plan to do.  Along with spring turkeys.  The camo pattern is the Mossy Oak Break-up pattern.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I like it.  Should blend right in around here.  I think the DB Deception works a little better out west.  I'm betting my son gets his first deer from this thing, and I have just the spot to put it.  Right in a field corner in the middle of a stand of sumac.  They will never see what hit them.

Razorhead, the only thing this one doesn't have is the zippered roof panels.  But then, neither did the first two DB blinds I hunted from.  That would be nice, but I ain't complaining at all.  The only trouble with the roof vents is they let in light, and the game can see you move in there. 

John.

Thanks John. I have a Bass Pro close to me. Might have to go check one out.

John, The ameristep site list the brickhouse as 10.05 lbs. Is your scales off or are they way off on how much it weighs?

Thanks for posting about your brickhouse blind I've been thinking real hard about getting one,but was afraid to because of my bad experience with the outhouse blind a couple of years ago.

The tangle camo can be had for 149.95 with free shipping. It might not blend in as well in early season but after the leaves fall it should do great.

On the ameristep site the show limbs stuck in the blind for more cover. Is there places to stick limbs or is that extra? thnaks scott

I personally am a double bull fan! Yes they are more expensive.

I have come to the conclusion that in this world you usually get what you pay for.

I have had awesome luck with the DB. I have had deer within 3 yds. of the blind without them knowing and you couldnt give me a blind that wasnt in the deception pattern. That is why DB uses only that pattern. It is the best.

rick

Silenthunter, I feel pretty good about that 18# figure.  I was holding the blind for weight and then weighed myself without it, on a digital scale.  The difference was 17.5 or 18 lbs.

Hairless, let me know the first time you see a Brickhouse in Mossy Oak camo.  I want to be the first to know what you think. 

Yea, I agree the DB is awesome.  Started the whole thing, you know.  And yea, the deception pattern is awesome too, but I doubt I'll have much trouble with this new 3-D digital image Mossy Oak pattern where I hunt.  Trust me, it dissapears in these eastern woods.

Now, having said that, out of every five guys that want a DB blind, I'd bet there are 4 who have not bought it due to the price.   Now what good is that technology and innovation if noone will pay for it???  I think Ameristep has hit it out of the park on this one, and I have been their biggest critic until now. 

John. 

Thanks for providing the info, I am very interested in trying a blind for white tail in eastern NC, and your report has been extremely helpful. Just curious...how tall are you? I am 6', and wondering about whether it is roomy enough for me.

Scott, I am 6'4" tall and have a 31" draw.  The other (crappy) Ameristep blinds weren't even an option for me or my 64" longbow.  This one will do nicely and is big enough to set up and draw without the point hitting the window netting or your elbow hitting the wall behind you.  Of course, that's corner to corner (the big windows are in the corners).  From side to side it would be a little tighter, but could be done just fine too.  My son and I have shot from inside of it with each other in the blind, and I see no problems so far.

I'll post some more pics soon.

John.

Sorry about the picture quality, but you get the idea.

My son is 4'8" tall for reference. 

 

John.

I Agree totally with John. I have had mine in the Tangle camo pattern for a week & finally shot out of it tonight with my 60" Morrison. No problems whatsoever. Even the shoot-thru mesh is great!

I love the Tangle pattern. It will blend in Missouri woods great.

I wanted a DB but simply couldn't afford it. This blind is outstanding. Well-made with LOTS of shoot-thru windows.

Super blind overall.

Hear that noise??? It is the turkeys of Missouri quaking in their feathers!!!

This is gonna be one fun fall!

Jakeboy

limbwalker, you should know that Rick (the hairless one!) is a Double Bull dealer and he, along with a couple others, seem to post to any and all threads dealing with blinds and, you guessed it, tirelessly promoting how great DB blinds are. I'd recommend going with your gut instincts about whether it is a good blind or not. I did and I've been VERY happy with my choice. I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I've seen enough over the last couple of years that it almost seems there is a definite effort to promote on specific threads here. My apologies if I am wrong, but now that I think about it, who did really shoot JFK.................?

Have any of you guys checked out the new Ameristep Roundhouse blind? It's even taller and wider & IMO, looks better. Costs a bit more, ~$280.

Wish they made one in a lighter camo. I'd like to see a grass/brush combo wouldn't that be the ticket?

David A.

I need several blinds and was looking for something for our hunters this next season. Would you folks recommend the Ameristep over DB for hog hunting? I need about 5 all together...which models would you most likely hunt from?

Matt Napper/Shiloh Ranch Hunting Camp

I have 2 of the doghouse models and really like them. The brickhouse or roundhouse would be roomier though. As far as them being a good blind, they will be just as good as you take care of them. What I mean is, if you don't take care of it, none of them will last regardless of what brand they are. As far as them working in the field, I took a deer from mine the first night I had it out. I have had many turkeys within inches of it and had foxes and coyotes within 20 yards and they were none the wiser. The shoot through mesh works and the windows are in the center of the walls which makes it nice for shooting and viewing. Anyway, for the money, these blinds can't be beat.

Limbwalker, stopped by the local Bass Pro Shop (Maryland) to look at the Ameristep Brickhouse. They didn't have it set up but I decided (because of positive feedback here) to get one anyway. They wanted $199 for it. I got a bit aggravated so I put it back. Did I read right that you only paid $169 from the Bass Pro in your area? This was just basic principals here for me.

Cabela's has them for $149 in the Tangle camo...

Hatrick,

Yup, I paid $169 + $13 shipping for mine and I got it in two days !   I called the 1-800-bass-pro number and ordered with a credit card.  I had the blind in less than 48 hrs., but I wouldn't doubt they're running low on them.  The web site said to expect back-orders, so I called instead.

Razorhead, I hear ya' bud.  Heck, I probably even sounded like one of 'em about the DB blinds until now.  I have thought for years I would own a DB, but just never could justify the $$$.  I've bought lots of bows in that time, so I can't say I couldn't afford one...I just couldn't pay as much for a hunting blind as I did my first truck, if you know what I mean.

David, I think the Roundhouse uses the circle-shaped pop-up wires instead of the hubs.  I don't like those since you have to insert roof supports every time you set it up, then remove them to take it down (like the doghouse and outhouse).  Also, that arrangement isn't as tight as this hub system.

Tradman, If I were you, I would buy several of these brickhouses to try out.  It will save you a couple thou' and I think they are as good or better performing blinds.  Durability will only be known after a few years, so I can't say about that yet.  Sure looks sturdy though.

John.

 

Tradman/Huntress, I think all of the above blinds will do the job-it really depends on how much of your hard-earned cash you want to part with! I'd take a look at how you expect to use the blinds, such as will they be moved a lot or mostly stationary (hub type blinds are probably easiest and quickest), how many hunters do you plan to be in them at one time(most blinds probably max at 2, unless you get the Ameristep Penthouse), do you want to have your blinds tall enough for traditional tackle (Ameristep Doghouse and Double Bull T-2 are definately too short for typical trad bows), etc. You also may want to let a couple of your hogs chew on them to see which is the most durable and will protect your hunters when those razorbacks charge! Hope this helps.

Gentlemen -- Thanks for all the info. Looks like the Brickhouse will fit my needs just fine. I'll check out the other sources for a more reasonable price. Next question --- Tangle vs. Mossy Oak for the eastern woodlots?

Mark and John, thanks for your input!

Matt Napper

hatrick, I have the Tangle camo and it works well in the areas I hunt which are mostly cedars and hardwoods. I have one spot that is near a major crossing and there are 3 big cedars growing in a triangular pattern. I set my doghouse right in the middle and the deer must not be able to see it at all. They pass within feet as they go along. As far as the rest of the thread, I think the brickhouse would be roomier but a 62" longbow can easily be shot from a doghouse and the doghouse can be set up and taken down in a couple minutes each way. A friend of mine is 6'2" and he shoots his 62" bow from it as well. I sit in a foldout chair and have all the room I need. The doghouse is 5'8" tall just like the brickhouse. Just curious cause I haven't been in a brickhouse, but how is it designed that makes it easier to shoot from? Thanks,

Camo pattern is the differents in price hatrick.

I need to set the record straight Razorhead! I dont comment on the DB blinds because I am a dealer. I comment on them because I own them and I believe in them. Simple.

I didnt start out as a dealer. I became one because I believe in their product so much.

I have not seen the brickhouse in person. But I have owned about 5 blinds and they were all inferior to the double bulls. I started out with the cheapies got fed up with them, then i would spend a little more, send it back till I finally ended up with a double bull.

I think this is about the 5th DB imitation. Ever wonder why they are all trying to copy them?

I agree they are not for everyone nor can everyone afford one or decide to buy one even if they have the money. That is their choice.

You can buy any blind you want. It makes no difference to me personally. But I will simply say that the double bull is the best I have seen and I have seen almost all of them. They have the best customer service and the best warranty. From what I have seen they also have the best quality and yes you do pay for it.

I am not saying you have to buy a double bull but if you do I doubt you will regret it. And if you are wondering, if I ever am not a dealer for whatever reason I will have the same opinion.

Hope this didnt come off too rude! Everyone always assumes that because I praise the DB I am trying to make a buck, that is not the case.

Rick

Rick, As I said above, I apologize in advance and don't intend to offend anyone, but from what you said at the end of your message, I am not the only one who has commented on this. I am always suspect when someone says something is better than something else when they haven't even seen or compared it. I look at things from a consumer standpoint and I love all of the new models coming out. It just gives us more choices, and competition will ultimately make the overall items better and better. You said all of the blinds are copies of Double Bull. The reason a lot of the blinds look similar is because it is a good basic design and other companies are trying to improve it and better match the desires of the consumer (including price). Ever wonder why all cars look alike or bows look alike? Same reason. It seems like Double Bull is trying to fill the market niche of being "the best". Kind of like a Mercedes or BMW, but Ford, GM and Chrysler sell A LOT more cars than them. But they all still get you where you are going. Having "the best" of anything is nice, but you almost always are paying for more than what you really need. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-Double Bull. I'm just open to other blinds and am willing to honestly look and compare and I hope others on this website will keep doing it too.

hairless,

have you seen/been in a brickhouse yet?  I completely agree that the DB was superior to all I'd seen until now.

Strutter, I can tell you that there is simply no comparison between the doghouse and brickhouse.  The brickhouse is supported by fiberglass poles connected by hubs, no the springy circles that the doghouse has.  The brickhouse is tighter, taller, wider and has better windows than the doghouse.

Heck, why am I trying to convince everyone...Go see one for yourself and you will know.

John.

I just bought one from BassPro for $169; they're currently on sale. Wish they had it a better camo but I opted for RealTree. The DB Deception is a better camo, I have a full Predator suit in Deception, made it better by bleaching the heck out it and then dying it with Rit kelly green dye. Came out light browns, grey, and light green, a good improvement.

Most camo suks; but don't get me started. Back to these blinds the next big thing will be more 3D trim. I'll probably add some camo leaves.

David A.

I havent seen the brickhouse. I would like to get a look at one to compare.

I might be going to tbasspro in a couple weeks so I might be able to see one there.

Rick

Both of y'all post a picture of yourselves sitting on a stool, holding a longbow, like you're getting ready to shoot and let us decide. Seriously, I got a dealer to set up a doggie house blind and I got in it with my 64" Hummingbird longbow and got out right quick and said, "Thank you, sorry, it won't work." I'd like to see room for a longbow. Show us pictures of what will make a longbow shooter happy. Price is a big factor but so is quality.

That Brickhouse looks pretty good. I know what you mean about the Doghouse being a little cramped, but I can shoot my 66" longbow out of mine without to much trouble. For those who want more info about the doghouse, I've got a review of it on my web site, www.tradarchery.com , with a lot of pics and info about it.

Wally

I dont have any pics of me in the blind but I do have a really neat one from the inside of the blind at bowsafari with some fallow deer about to walk right by! really cool!

I have only had a couple people say anything smart about the blinds. Most people either already have one and love it or they want one.

 

HELP! I cant get my picture to load! Is there a trick or something?

 

Rick

 

A question about pop-up blinds was posted, and it reminded me of this thread I started in '03.

I still have that same blind, and it's sitting out on my deer lease as I type this. I think I've shot 5 deer from it now, and hunted countless hours with each of my kids. Turned out to be one of the best investments I've ever made.

I have an Ameristep Big House blind. Similar to the Brickhouse, but slightly larger. I don't think they make the Big House anymore. I've shot 6 turkeys out of it. The first time I shot a turkey out of it there were two of us setting in the blind. I have no problem shooting longbows 66" and 68" out of it, even with 2 inside. I've had to repair one of the fiberglass poles, the wind blew the blind into a ball, and a pole broke. I've also had to repair a couple of the loops on the bottom that you stake it down with. I leave it out for the whole month of turkey spring season, and usually leave it out for a couple months of deer season in the fall. I have no complaints and would buy another if I need it. Stake it down good so the wind doesn't blow it away, and don't leave it out all year round, and they will last a long time.

if you have a rural king near by their website has them for 89.99

wait a few weeks and they will go on clearance I got a baronnet grounder 350 for $45 last year:)

Spent 6 long days in one last fall bear hunting, first time in a blind and I do primary all my bowhunting on the ground. If I had my recliner and a cooler it would have been good, but just my claustrophobic dealing with the enclosure, didn't even see a bear either. My ghillie solve that problem and lot more adaptable to different situations.

I forgot to mention the number of times I've set it up to photograph songbirds. Wish I knew how many hours that blind has been out, exposed to the elements. It's in the 1000's of hours by now.

sir misalots how you like your Barronett blind ? Mine took a beating from wind and snow.Sure do like them, plenty of room too.

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