Mobile Turkey Bow Blinds · #7
Big Mike
Barronett Blinds
The Barronett Blinds Big Mike is built for those who need extra vertical and horizontal space in a ground blind. If you're a taller hunter, prefer to shoot standing, or simply need maximum room for a longer bow and all your gear, the Big Mike delivers. Its generous dimensions prevent the common issues of bow limbs hitting the roof or walls during a draw, and allow for a more relaxed and less cramped hunting experience. This blind provides ample room to shift position, stretch, or even stand up for a shot if the situation calls for it, making it versatile for various hunting styles. As a hub blind, it sets up reasonably fast, which is a plus given its larger size. The construction is sturdy enough to hold its shape in moderate wind, and the dark interior effectively masks movement. While the sheer size means it won't disappear as easily as a smaller blind, its camo pattern helps it blend in, and diligent brushing in will make it virtually invisible to wary fall turkeys. The window configurations are flexible, allowing for various shooting angles and heights. The obvious trade-off for all this space is weight and packed size. The Big Mike is a heavier blind to carry, and it's bulkier when folded down, making it less ideal for extensive, multi-mile run-and-gun scenarios. This blind is best suited for hunters who are primarily setting up within a reasonable distance from their vehicle or who prioritize comfort and space above ultra-light portability. It's for the bow hunter who refuses to feel cramped and needs a blind that won't compromise their shooting form due to lack of space.
Pros
- Exceptional interior space for standing or long draws
- Tall enough for most hunters to stand comfortably
- Effective blacked-out interior conceals movement
- Relatively quick setup for a blind of its size
- Good value for the significant internal volume provided
Cons
- Heavy and bulky when packed, not ideal for long carries
- Large profile requires diligent brushing-in for concealment
- Not the quietest blind, some fabric rustle in wind
Best uses
- Stationary bow hunting
- Tall hunter applications
- Comfort-focused hunts
- Close to vehicle setups
Key features
- Packed Weight
- Around 19 lbs
- Material
- Durable polyester fabric
- Footprint
- 78" x 78" hub-to-hub
- Center Height
- 80 inches
- Window System
- Shoot-through mesh, adjustable panels
- Setup Time
- Approx. 60-90 seconds (hub design)
Best for
Stationary bow hunting, Tall hunter applications, Comfort-focused hunts, Close to vehicle setups
Where to buy the Big Mike
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The Barronett Blinds Big Mike delivers on its name, offering a truly generous amount of interior space for hunters who simply can't compromise on room. This isn't a blind for ultralight minimalist treks; it's built for comfort and function when you need to stretch out, stand up, or manage a longer bow without hitting walls or ceilings. Its core appeal lies in preventing the all-too-common frustration of cramped draws or restricted movement. For bow hunters, especially those with longer draws or who prefer to stand, the Big Mike provides a sanctuary where form isn't sacrificed for concealment. It's a reliable workhorse for those who prioritize a comfortable, unhindered hunting experience over extreme portability. While it won't disappear into your pack, its robust design and thoughtful interior dimensions ensure that once deployed, you've got ample room to operate, wait out the birds, and execute a clean shot. The trade-off in carry weight and bulk is palpable, but for its intended user, that's a small price for such functional freedom.
- Packed Weight
- Around 19 lbs
- Footprint
- 78" x 78" hub-to-hub
- Center Height
- 80 inches
- Material
- Durable polyester fabric
- Window System
- Shoot-through mesh, adjustable panels
- Setup Time
- Approx. 60-90 seconds (hub design)
Who It's For
This blind is squarely aimed at the bow hunter who values uncompromised space above all else. Taller individuals, those with longer draw lengths, or hunters who prefer to stand for shots will find the Big Mike a welcome relief. It’s also ideal for hunters who bring extra gear, perhaps a heater or a substantial stool, and dislike feeling boxed in. If your hunting involves setting up within a reasonable distance of your vehicle and you want to avoid feeling cramped during long waits, this blind fits the bill. It's not for multi-mile, fast-paced run-and-gun scenarios where every ounce counts.
Materials & Construction
The Big Mike utilizes a heavy-duty polyester fabric, common in ground blinds, which provides a good balance of durability and weather resistance. The hubs are robust, a critical point for any blind's longevity, and the fiberglass poles feel solid when expanded. The stitching is generally well-executed, though like many mass-produced blinds, inspect for loose threads. The interior is effectively blacked out, a crucial feature for hiding movement from sharp-eyed turkeys. Zippers are standard, functional, and operate without excessive snagging. Overall, it's built to withstand a few seasons of regular use in typical conditions, not extreme abuse.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Big Mike shines in its primary function: providing ample space. Setting it up takes roughly a minute once you get the hang of the hub system, which is respectable for its size. The 80-inch center height is a game-changer for standing shots and full draws without interference. The shoot-through mesh windows work as intended, allowing concealment while permitting broadhead passage. Light winds pose no issue to its structural integrity. The dark interior does an excellent job of concealing movement. Brushing it in is essential due to its large profile, but the camo pattern aids in blending if done thoughtfully. It performs best in stationary ambush settings.
Durability & Longevity
Durability is good for its price point. The fabric holds up against briars and light abrasion reasonably well. The hubs and poles are the typical points of failure for any hub blind, but Barronett uses decent components here. Expect the usual wear and tear: small pinholes can develop over time from folding, and zippers will eventually show age. Proper care – ensuring it's dry before packing, avoiding sharp objects, and not forcing the hubs – will extend its life considerably. It's not a bulletproof tank, but with reasonable attention, it will deliver several seasons of reliable service.
Fit, Tuning & Alternatives
The 'fit' of this blind is its spacious interior; it fits large hunters and large setups. There's no real 'tuning' beyond adjusting window panels. Alternatives in this space-for-value category would include the Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide or some of the larger Ameristep models like the Doghouse Ground Blind. While the Primos will likely offer superior concealment technology and overall build quality, it also comes at a significantly higher price. The Big Mike is a solid value choice for its dimensions, providing similar generous internal space without the premium cost associated with top-tier brands.
How we chose
We started with a long list of mobile turkey bow blinds that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Big Mike — frequently asked questions
- Is the Big Mike worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Mobile Turkey Bow Blinds. The Barronett Blinds Big Mike is built for those who need extra vertical and horizontal space in a ground blind. If you're a taller hunter, prefer to shoot standing, or simply need maximum room for a longer bow and all your gear, the Big Mike delivers.
- What is the Big Mike best for?
- Best for stationary bow hunting, tall hunter applications, comfort-focused hunts and close to vehicle setups. Standouts: exceptional interior space for standing or long draws and tall enough for most hunters to stand comfortably.
- What are the downsides of the Big Mike?
- Heavy and bulky when packed, not ideal for long carries, Large profile requires diligent brushing-in for concealment and Not the quietest blind, some fabric rustle in wind.
- What are the key specs of the Big Mike?
- Packed Weight: Around 19 lbs · Footprint: 78" x 78" hub-to-hub · Center Height: 80 inches · Material: Durable polyester fabric · Window System: Shoot-through mesh, adjustable panels
- Who It's For?
- This blind is squarely aimed at the bow hunter who values uncompromised space above all else. Taller individuals, those with longer draw lengths, or hunters who prefer to stand for shots will find the Big Mike a welcome relief.
- Materials & Construction — what should I know about the Big Mike?
- The Big Mike utilizes a heavy-duty polyester fabric, common in ground blinds, which provides a good balance of durability and weather resistance. The hubs are robust, a critical point for any blind's longevity, and the fiberglass poles feel solid when expanded.