Browning Camping Introduces “Shadow Series” Pop-Up Ground Blinds
OutdoorHub 01.06.13
Browning Camping has just unveiled their new line of pop-up ground blinds, consisting of four different hub-style models (the Mirage, Phantom, Phantom PC, and Powerhouse). Blinds are a natural fit for the company that is known for being “The Best There Is” in hunting and shooting sports. The research and development has been in progress for over 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.
Browning Camping is confident that by offering these blinds, made from the best materials and components, and utilizing hunter requested features, all from a brand that consumers know and trust, the blinds will be an instant hit. The blinds will hit retail shelves this spring.
