LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The editorial, television and advertising staffs from Deer & Deer Hunting are scouring the annual Archery Trade Association show to find some of the newest archery and hunting gear, so be sure to check in throughout the day for updates …
Browning Pop-Up Ground Blinds
Browning Camping has just unveiled its new line of pop-up ground blinds, consisting of four different hub-style models: the Mirage, Phantom, Phantom PC, and Powerhouse.
Research and development has been in progress for more than a year.
“We didn’t want to rush the process,” said Zach Scheidegger, product manager for Browning Camping. “We wanted to be sure that we surveyed the market and listened to consumers concerns so we could make this new product category top-of-the-line and better than the competition. We found that people are frustrated with many of the models currently offered; even simple things like stakes and carry bags weren’t done correctly … so we’ve worked hard to design a line of pop-up blinds with the hunter in mind and with new features that will make ours stand out.”
Structurally, the blinds are made rock-solid. All of the models use extremely strong and durable components like 600D fabric, heavier than normal mesh, aluminum hubs with engineered steel tips and pins, strong and flexible fiberglass poles, and oversized #10 zippers. Each of the corners uses extra fabric for reinforcement and bartacks for added strength and long-term durability. The Shadow Series ground binds will all be using the new, innovative Realtree Xtra pattern to help keep you concealed more than ever.
“We didn’t want to just make some of the parts better … we wanted to make them all better,” added Scheidegger.
Browning Camping also improved other features of the blinds when creating the Shadow Series. All of the window flaps can be adjusted to multiple positions and all of the models include a bow hanger. All of the carry bags are made with durable 600D fabric and include shoulder straps and zippered pockets. The Phantoms and Powerhouse include carry bags that have padded shoulder straps, compression straps for holding a bow or rifle, and an extra pocket for carrying your blind chair. The stakes for the Mirage are larger and stronger than most of the competitor stakes, but the stakes included for the Phantoms and Powerhouse are even longer and stronger yet, and even include a “handle” to help in placing and removing them.
In addition to these improved features, the Phantoms and Powerhouse include a “blind skirt” which helps control the scent and keeps light from coming through the bottom of the blind. Lastly, the Powerhouse includes camera windows, enough center height to be able to stand up and shoot, and a center support that can double as a mono-pod shooting stick, a feature competitors make you buy separately. With these added features, the Powerhouse can be placed in your favorite spot weeks before you hunt. With the rigid stakes and the supplied center support it will withstand wind, snow, and rain and be ready for you to climb in and hunt from the shadows.
The blinds will hit retail shelves this spring.
Info: Browning Camping
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Millennium M150 Monster
Check out Millennium’s new M150 Monster, designed with everything you could want in a lightweight, portable lock-on stand and ideal for the hunter on the move.
Similar to the M100, the M150 Monster features V-Brace Technology to minimize weight without compromising strength and stability. But, unlike its predecessor, the M150 Monster is designed with an adjustable seat height of 17-20 inches and 15 degrees of lean for tree-angle adjustment. The M150 Monster boasts a capacity of 300 pounds, weighs 19.5 pounds and has a large and roomy platform measuring 37×24.
M150 HangOn Stand
The Interlock Leveling System allows for the seat and platform to be leveled, making the treestand more comfortable and reliable when setting up in tricky areas or against leaning trees. Thanks to the folding ComfortMax Seat, the hunter can stand up and fold the seat against the tree providing ample space on the large platform for the perfect shot opportunity.
Another feature of the M150 Monster that makes it stand out among the rest is the CamLock Receiver system, which allows for multiple stand locations to be preset, making changing locations quick and simple. Simply secure the CamLock Receiver to the tree, hoist up the M150 Monster and then slide its aluminum stabilizing post into the receiver. You can install additional receivers in other locations so you’ll always have several locations to hunt.
With the CamLock Receiver system and the Silent Hunt Design of the treestand, you can rely on it being super quiet and efficient throughout the hunt. The durable powder coat, all-aluminum finish contributes to the comfortable, quiet and easy setup.
Thanks to a quick and quiet setup and takedown, the M150 Monster is perfect for the hunter who values silence and mobility.
The Millennium M150 Monster comes with a 3-year limited warranty, as well as a TMA certified full body harness, so you not only sit comfortably, but safely on the roomy platform. This season climb high and ‘hang on’ in the Millennium M150 Monster HangOn Stand.
Specifications:
Platform: 37×24
Seat Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 19.5 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
MSRP – $249.95
Info: Millenium Stands
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Hurricane Safety System PowerStep, PowerGrab
While safety harnesses are a critical piece to hunter safety, studies reveal that 75 to 80 percent of treestand accidents occur when hunters are hanging, entering, and exiting the stand.
Hurricane Safety Systems has developed a pair of safety products designed to help prevent falls before they occur.
The PowerSTEP is a wide, platform-style step that mounts to most portable ladder-style treesteps. More than quadrupling the size of a standard tree step, the PowerSTEP provides a nonslip and more sure-footed transition when entering and exiting a treestand.
“Studies have shown that the chance of a fall is highest when a hunter is trying to climb in and out of a treestand,” said David McCool, Hurricane Safety Systems Vice President of Marketing. “Many treestand falls result when a hunter attempts to pull himself into the stand by grabbing onto wet, slippery or dead branches, metal treestand parts, or steps.”
To make the transition from step to stand even more safe-Hurricane has developed the PowerGRAB a generously oversized handle or grab that when solidly locked onto the tree, will not bend or slip and is capable of supporting more than 400 pounds.
“We are excited to offer these products to the hunting community this year,” McCool said. “Hurricane is committed to making hunting safer. We’ve devoted years to product research and development and, in the process, believe we’ve created a new niche in the treestand safety market that will prevent serious injuries and save lives.”
Info: Hurricane Safety System
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Hurricane Safety Systems PowerLok
Hurricane Safety Systems, manufacturers of premium treestand safety accessories, introduces the PowerLOK.
This palm-sized tensioning and locking device provides a rock solid treestand attachment that unlike ropes and ratchet straps never needs replacing.
“Ropes and ratchet straps can weaken and stretch over time” stated Hurricane Vice President of Marketing, David McCool. “The PowerLOK replaces these straps and quickly and easily attaches to virtually every stand on the market today. With its unique tensioning system, anyone with a cordless drill or socket can easily secure their stand to the tree. It is the most advanced and secure system available.”
The PowerLOK utilizes a unique technology called Calculated Radial Extraction (CRE), an industry first that produces a set amount of force or torque on the tree to assure solid attachment. A socket or cordless drill is all that is needed to securely attach your stand to the tree in seconds.
The treestand PowerLOK produces more than 400 lbs of Calculated Radial Extraction, which levels and tightens your treestand immediately during attachment without slipping or sagging into locking position.
The PowerLOK kit contains a quiet chain with a breaking strength of 3,000 pounds and universal brackets that quickly attach to most treestands.
Info: Hurricane Safety System
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