Tools of the Trade – Page 3 – Whitetail Advisor

The Stump 4 - Banks Outdoors I did a lot of research before spending thousands of dollars on my first hard-sided hunting blind. After weighting out the pro's and con's of every blind that I could find on the internet to come to my decision. My priorities were that the blind needs to be effective at killing deer (silent), it needs to be essentially maintenance free (no painting or replacing wood), and it needs to be made of materials that will last a lifetime.I compared a lot of different blinds to each other and spent hours thinking about which blind was the best for the money. What I ended up purchasing was the Stump 4 (pictured above).After several years of selling the Stump 4, Banks has made several improvements. For example, I bought this limited edition of the Banks Stump 4, which offers more windows than the original Stump 4. The additional windows has cut down on the blind spots within the blind, while increasing shot opportunities. I will continue to purchase these limited edition blinds as long as they continue to offer them for sale.With that being said, these are the reasons why I believe the Stump 4 is the best hard-sided blind for the money: Click to Buy Mobility This blind allows you to draw a bow in all directions without being restricted by the wall of the blind. You can choose to take a shot while sitting or while standing depending on how high the blind is off the ground. Materials This blind is made out of a single Polyethylene mold, reducing entrances for water and insects to come into the blind. Polyethylene is a very rigid plastic so it’s very hard to damage. I’ve seen pictures of these blind’s destroyed by a tornado and easily put back together. Other manufacture blinds are constructed in less durable materials that you have to put together, caulk seems, and require lots of time to assemble. Windows The windows open and close silently which is a big deal when considering buying a quality blind. Also, the windows are big enough to make you feel comfortable for taking a bow shot out of them, but small enough to make them easy to open easily and quickly prior to taking a shot. Setup These blinds are extremely easy to put together. I put mine together with a buddy in about an hour per blind. If you don’t plan on putting the blind on a tower, and your keeping it on the ground, than you can do everything in 10 minutes by yourself. All you need is a way to transport it to your spot. If you are installing it on a stand, you can choose to make your own wooden stand or purchase a steel tower. I’ve tried both methods and I’m sold on the steel tower just because of ease of entry and exit it offers. This isn’t a necessary expense though and you can always upgrade to the steel tower later on if you want to. Accessories Anchor Kit - Extra security for keeping your blind from blowing over in high windsWall Insulation – Good for reducing any noise you might and holding a little heat insideThe Captains Chair – I can sit in this chair all day. Its extremely comfortableBow Hanger – This is a must have item if you’re a bow hunterWall Shelf – Convenient for leaning your gun again and setting little things onCamo Curtain Kit – These curtains are black on one side and camo on the otherStealth Screens – Recommended if you don’t want to cut peep holes in your curtainsGhillie Cover – Great accessory if you are keeping your blind on the groundSteel Tower – This will help you avoid having to make your own wooden towerLocking Door Handle – You can lock your blind up to keep others out of it Things to Avoid Don’t be tempted to buy a Stump 2 if you're trying to save money. You will only be able to draw your bow in two directions because of its ovular shape and if you ever want to hunt inside the blind with another person, its really tight.Don’t buy the ‘Vision Series’ model unless it has tented windows. The added visibility doesn’t benefit you as much as it hurts you. It will help you with extremely close shots but the ‘Vision Series’ model makes it easier for deer to see you inside the blind. Why buy the Stump 4 Durable buildMaintenance free (don't have to paint or stain and don't have to replace wooden panels)Weather ResistantBow & Gun friendlyBig enough for 2 people comfortably360 Degree viewsSilent windowsEasy SetupLots of accessoriesKeeps your scent locked inKeeps you out of the wind/rain/coldGreat for hunting food plots or areas where the winds swirlsBest blind for the money that will last you a lifetime of hunting memories