The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s a ritual, a dance with nature where stealth and concealment are paramount. When I first saw the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long, its promise of instant concealment and portability immediately piqued my interest. For years, I’ve lugged around heavier, bulkier blinds, longing for something truly lightweight and easy to deploy.
What truly drove me to seek this specific blind was the increasing number of run-and-gun turkey hunts I’ve been embarking on. I needed something quick, easily packable, and effective at breaking up my silhouette against the keen eyes of a mature tom. The promise of its throw-down design hinted at a solution to my biggest frustration – cumbersome setup times in the early morning darkness.
Unboxing the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long was surprisingly refreshing. The material felt lighter than expected, yet seemed durable enough to withstand a few seasons of abuse. The Mossy Oak Obsession camo pattern appeared vibrant and realistic, a crucial factor for blending seamlessly into the spring woods. My initial thought was, “This might actually work!”
Compared to other ultra-portable blinds I’ve seen, like the Primos Ground Max Predator or the Hunters Specialties Strut-Lite, the Ameristep stood out due to its seemingly simpler deployment mechanism and its focus on maximizing ground coverage. The others seemed either too flimsy or didn’t offer enough concealment for my liking. I chose the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long due to the price point and the brand reputation.
My first impression was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. The lightweight design was a definite plus, but the real test would be in the field – how quickly it deploys, how effectively it conceals, and how well it holds up against the elements. Only time and a few wary gobblers would tell the full story.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long took place on a chilly April morning in the hardwood bottoms of eastern Oklahoma. The pre-dawn darkness was thick, but I was determined to see if the “throw-down” design lived up to its name. The setup was remarkably quick; literally throwing it down and adjusting the stakes.
The blind performed adequately in the slightly damp conditions, providing sufficient cover from the drizzling rain. The low profile took a bit of getting used to since I am used to sitting, but the profile did help me stay out of sight. There were no major issues during this first hunt, although I did wish for a bit more internal storage for calls and other accessories.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of using the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long across various terrains and weather conditions, its true strengths and weaknesses became apparent. The blind has held up surprisingly well, considering its lightweight construction. There are a few minor signs of wear and tear, mainly around the stake loops, but nothing that significantly impacts its functionality.
Maintenance is a breeze; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it needs. I have found myself packing it in a larger bag as the material is thin and I do not want it to tear. Compared to previous blinds I’ve used, which often required extensive cleaning and waterproofing, the Ameristep is remarkably low-maintenance. It doesn’t outperform in any one area but is a good piece of gear for quick hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long
Specifications
The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long boasts a streamlined set of specifications tailored for the run-and-gun turkey hunter. Its dimensions are 27 inches in height and 91 inches in length, providing adequate horizontal concealment without excessive bulk. It is important to note that this blind is designed for ground-level concealment, requiring the hunter to sit or kneel.
The blind is constructed from lightweight polyester fabric, printed with the Mossy Oak Obsession camo pattern. This camo pattern is designed to effectively blend into a variety of wooded environments. The included stakes are made from metal wire, intended to secure the blind to the ground. It is also important to note that this blind does not come with a carrying case.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long performs its primary job of concealment reasonably well. The Mossy Oak Obsession pattern is effective in breaking up the hunter’s silhouette, and the low profile minimizes the risk of detection. Its low profile is excellent for blending in and keeping a low profile.
However, its small profile can be a hindrance as you must sit or kneel at all times. The blind’s lightweight construction can also be a drawback in windy conditions, requiring extra care to secure it properly. It meets expectations for short hunts where portability is paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long prioritizes portability and ease of use over comfort and spaciousness. The lightweight polyester material keeps the blind manageable, but it also feels somewhat flimsy compared to heavier, more robust blinds. The lack of a dedicated carrying case is a minor inconvenience.
The blind is relatively user-friendly, deploying quickly and requiring minimal setup time. However, the lack of internal storage pockets or organizational features can be frustrating for hunters who like to keep their gear readily accessible. It is important to pack light and have a comfortable pad to sit on.
Durability & Maintenance
While the Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long has held up reasonably well during my testing, its long-term durability remains a question mark. The thin polyester fabric is susceptible to tears and abrasions, particularly when used in rugged terrain. The blind will require careful handling and storage to maximize its lifespan.
Maintenance is simple, but regular cleaning and waterproofing may be necessary to maintain its effectiveness. The blind is not designed for easy repair, so any significant damage may render it unusable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long is a relatively bare-bones product, offering limited accessories or customization options. It comes with basic metal wire stakes for securing it to the ground. Hunters may want to invest in heavier-duty stakes, especially if they plan to use the blind in windy conditions.
There are no built-in attachment points for adding camouflage netting or other accessories. The blind is primarily intended for use as-is, without extensive modifications.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and portable, making it ideal for run-and-gun turkey hunting.
- Quick and easy to deploy, saving valuable time in the early morning darkness.
- Effective Mossy Oak Obsession camo pattern for blending into wooded environments.
- Surprisingly durable for its weight, holding up well under moderate use.
- Extremely affordable, offering excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Low profile requires sitting or kneeling, which may be uncomfortable for some hunters.
- Thin polyester fabric is susceptible to tears and abrasions.
- Lacks internal storage pockets or organizational features.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long?
The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long is perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize portability and speed over comfort and spaciousness. It’s an excellent choice for those who frequently move locations and need a blind that can be set up and taken down quickly. This blind would be useful for predator hunters as well.
Hunters who prefer to stand or sit in a chair may find the low profile restrictive. Those seeking a more durable and feature-rich blind should consider investing in a more robust option. A must-have accessory would be a comfortable ground pad.
Conclusion on Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long
The Ameristep Throwdown Turkey Blind Mossy Oak Obsession ZS3 27″ High 91″ Long is a solid choice for the budget-conscious, mobile turkey hunter. While it has its limitations, its lightweight design, ease of use, and effective camouflage make it a valuable tool for concealing yourself from wary gobblers. At $27.49, the price is certainly justified.
I would recommend this blind to anyone looking for a no-frills, ultra-portable concealment solution. It’s not the perfect blind, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank. Go out there, set it up, and bag that bird!