We Tested the New TideWe VisMaster 270 Hunting Blind: Here’s What We Discovered
Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to test and review numerous TideWe hunting products. And each time, the conclusion is the same — they produce a great product for the price.
So when they asked me to check out their new TideWe VisMaster 270 See-Through Blind, I didn’t hesitate. I was extremely impressed with their original 270-degree See-Through Blind, and I figured this one would not disappoint. I was right.
First Thoughts
I didn’t see any specs or info about the blind prior to getting it in the mail, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened the box. I first noticed that TideWe had improved the bag the blind comes in, which was one of the few complaints I had with their original blind.
The new carrying bag has two straps instead of just one, so you can wear it like a backpack to carry the blind into the field. It also felt more durable with a heavier material than the previous one.
The second thing I noticed, as I popped the blind up in my basement, was that it seemed much bigger than the original TideWe blind! I could actually stand up and take a shot from this blind, and it just felt roomier overall.
It also featured a much larger door that zips all the way down so that you can get in and out of the blind much easier. It would now be possible to get someone in a wheelchair in and out of the blind without flipping it on its side.
One other difference that stood out to me was the window configuration. I’m a big fan of the 270-degrees of sliding windows offered in the original blind. The VisMaster 270 is a little different. The right and left sides of the blind still offer the sliding top/bottom windows, but the front of the blind has three separate window panels.
At first I wasn’t sure I liked that as much as the sliding windows, but one bonus is that the two side window panels are taller, making it easier to shoot a bow from the sitting position without any worries of hitting the bottom of the window.
Overall, this blind seems to have all the same great qualities of the original with the added benefits of more room, easier entry and exit, and a few other perks we’ll cover below as we dive into the specifics of the new VisMaster 270.
Why You Should Trust Us
As someone who’s been hunting for over 35 years and working in the outdoor industry for most of that time, I’ve tested a lot of gear. My passion for testing hunting equipment drives me to find the best options for fellow hunters, ensuring you can spend your money on gear that won’t let you down. Having used both the original TideWe and the new VisMaster, I’m confident in offering an informed comparison.
Product Specifications
Like the original, the VisMaster 270 is a five-hub portable blind, but it’s upgraded to fit 3-4 people comfortably. It still offers the 270-degree see-through view, but now with more features designed to enhance both performance and safety.
As I mentioned above, the new blind is roomier than the original, with a 70” x 70” footprint – a full foot wider. It’s 80 inches tall – a full 14 inches taller than the original TideWe blind – making standing shots possible when needed. Of course, with the larger size, comes added weight. The VisMaster 270 tips the scales at 25 pounds, nearly double the weight of the original blind.
Key Features
Enhanced See-Through Technology
The VisMaster maintains the 270-degree see-through technology that made the original TideWe so appealing, allowing you to keep an eye on your surroundings without moving or opening windows.
Silent Operation
While the original TideWe excelled at keeping you hidden with its see-through mesh, the VisMaster takes stealth to another level. The addition of G-hooks, magnets on the door, and silent dual-slide windows ensures you can adjust your setup without making noise. The exterior camouflage straps add even more concealment, allowing you to blend seamlessly into your environment.
No-Trip N-Shape Door
One of the biggest upgrades with the VisMaster is the N-Shape zipper door. On the original model, the zipper door was one of the biggest drawbacks because it could be noisy and easy to trip on in low light. This new N-shape design solves that issue. It opens from the bottom, preventing tripping hazards and making it easy for hunters with gear—or even wheelchair users—to enter and exit the blind quietly.
Blaze Orange Safety Cap
Safety is paramount in the woods, especially during firearm season. The blaze orange safety cap is a brilliant addition, offering both extra visibility to other hunters and protection from the rain. With 5000mm of water resistance, the cap ensures that you and your gear stay dry even during unexpected downpours
Spacious and Comfortable
The VisMaster boasts enough room for 3-4 people, which is an upgrade from the original model. If you often hunt with friends or family, or just want extra space to stretch out, this is a big selling point. Despite the added size, the blind remains highly portable, with an innovative pop-up design that makes setup and takedown fast and easy.
Optimal Windows for Versatile Hunting
One of the VisMaster’s most thoughtful features is its window design. It includes 3 trapezoidal and 2 rectangular windows, allowing for flexible shooting options whether you’re bowhunting or using a firearm. This setup makes it easier to adjust your shooting angle without sacrificing concealment or making noise.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior 270-degree panoramic view
- Spacious interior for 3-4 hunters.
- Silent G-hook and magnet systems for silent door and window adjustments.
- No-trip N-shape door for easy, quiet access.
- Blaze orange safety cap for rain protection and visibility during firearm season.
Cons:
- Heavier than the original model.
- Like all fabric blinds, it will eventually fade if left out year-round.
Final Thoughts
The TideWe VisMaster 270 see-through blind offers an exceptional blend of visibility, stealth, and durability. The added features like the no-trip door, blaze orange safety cap, and silent operation make it a standout option for hunters who demand more from their gear. Whether you’re upgrading from the original TideWe or looking for a new blind altogether, the VisMaster delivers impressive performance at a competitive price.