The hunting season is fast approaching and avid waterfowlers are looking for their next layout blind to add to their duck hunting gear. In this guide, the 5 best rated layout blinds 2011, we choose top models that give you options in terms of features and budget. All of these top layout hunting blinds have one thing in common: hunters who use them have great things to say about them. Whichever one you choose will enhance your success every time you climb inside it. By the way, you may also want to check out our individual layout blind reviews for each of these models right here on this site. The reviews cover the main features of each layout blind, strengths and weaknesses, and who should consider using each model.
Here are the highest rated layout blinds for 2011.
1. Final Approach X'Land'r Duck Backpack Blind
The manufacturer says this blind was created with the professional hunter and guide in mind and it is a great choice for any avid geese, duck or bird enthusiast. There’s no spring-assisted backrest, but other than that, it has all you’d want for a successful hunt. It manages to be light at just 15lbs but also rugged, thanks to the high-strength anodized aluminum frame that is also rust-resistant.
Other notable features include the built-in gun scabbard and interior room – while folded – for all the silhouette and rag decoys you’ll need for an effective day in the field. For comfort, the head and seat are padded and the entire cover features ¾-inch thick closed-cell padding for extra warmth and wind protection. The Final Approach X'Land'r layout blind also comes with a camo face mesh, zippered boot area for cleaning ease, and a enough stubble straps to conceal the blind from the air.
2. Beavertail Gunner Layout Blind
The Gunner from Beavertail is one of the year’s most innovative layout blinds. It features a spring-loaded backrest that assists you as you rise into position. It’s ideal for those who aren’t as agile as they once were, and it will give any hunter a second or two advantage in getting into shooting position. That can be the difference between knocking down your bird or hurrying the shot and missing.
The Gunner layout blind is covered in Mossy Oak camo that works well in all settings and is put together with a powder-coated aluminum frame. It’s a little chunky at 24lbs, but the durable backpack straps help ease the haul to the field. It sets up quickly and offers plenty of internal storage for shells, gear, your keys and wallet.
3. Avery Greenhead Gear Fred Zink's Finisher Ground Blind
Avery makes the best-selling blinds in the world, and this is their #1 model. It goes by a variety of names, though why, we don’t know. You may see it as the Avery Finisher or by its more complete name above, but apart from finish options, they’re the same blind. The finisher has the heaviest material of any of the top layout blinds with an 1800 Denier waterproof bottom and 900 Denier top for better wind and water resistance.
The Avery Fred Zink Finisher offers 2 rear frame height adjustments and 3 front frame positions to let you customize your profile to your personal comfort level. The fully-padded seat and headrest provide outstanding comfort for a long day’s hunt. Features that add convenience include the zippered boot for easier cleaning and the camo straps to hold your added cover in place even in a brisk wind. It’s not hard to see why this is a best-selling layout blind.
4. Hunters Specialties Blind Earth Tone Hitman Layout Blind
Fast setup is one of the top features of the Hitman blind from Hunters Specialties. You won’t waste time or miss shots putting it together. The patented Swift Set system lets you unfold it and be ready for action in seconds. Spring-loaded doors reduce the time it takes for you to get into position for your shot. To get to the field, comfortable carrying straps are included for over-the-shoulder or backpack transport. The straps are also sturdy enough to allow you to pack the folded blind with some gear to carry in.
The Hunters Specialties Earth Tone Hitman Blind is one of the more affordable models in our list. It costs far less than models it can definitely compete with for quality, comfort and usability. It’s a very good first layout blind, extra blind for a buddy, or long-term blind for those who want to save money on their equipment.
5. KillZone Layout Hunting Blind for Duck, Goose, Bird 4T
This layout blind is also known as the Lay ‘n Slay and that sums up its effectiveness very well. It features spring-loaded doors that let you acquire the target more quickly and improve your rate of hits. The doors are mesh screen which conceal you while giving you a clear view of what’s approaching so your timing can be precise. The field Khaki finish blends well with most field conditions and multiple straps let you accessorize it to match your surroundings.
The Killzone layout blind uses a light steel frame with high tensile strength to make it sturdy without being heavy. The thick Denier polyester is lined with waterproof PVC to be more comfortable, rugged and warm. The Killzone Lay ‘n Slay layout blind is very affordable and is a good choice for hunters who want top of the line features at a very good value.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any of these 5 best rated layout blinds for 2011. None of them are perfect, but one or two of them might be perfect for the way you want to hunt. Pick the features and the price that make sense to you, and these top rated layout blinds will help you bag more birds and fowl all season long.