I have yet to own a turkey vest. Last year I used a field pack from Bass Pro and it worked ok. But there was many times I set down against a tree and had holly leaves sticking me in the legs/rear or I was just generally uncomfortable. Also, it would be nice to have easier access to my calls and other items I carry into the field.
Ideally I don't want to spend over $100, as I still need some new boots and decoys as well but I don't want to purchase a vest that will be falling apart by the end of the season.
I've had a bunch of vests, I just bought a tenzing, it's 131 w shipping on Amazon. Cabelas is a lot of guys favorite but I just worry the material is slightly too thin. You spend less than 100 be careful
I have this:
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=ScentBlocker-Torched-Turkey-Vest&i=839246
I immediately replaced the foam sections with closed cell exercise mat that my wife left laying around. She was mad but... It was worth it.
The striker pocket needed some help. I went to Joan and got a couple extra snaps for it. All good now. I cary 3 pot calls, a box call, a mouth call, and pack of naps in this vest. I will say that A water bottle pocket would be a nice feature that this is lacking. With my modifications it works fine for me.
One of the biggest things to consider, IMO, is the comfort level of the seat. It gets hard to hunt when your rear end falls asleep.
I've always loved my
https://store.mossyoak.com/detail.aspx?ID=12694 (https://store.mossyoak.com/detail.aspx?ID=12694)
at least til the weather gets hot.
The Cabela's vests are pretty nice. I really like my Super Tat'r when the weather gets warmer. The seat is still very comfortable, plus a breeze to switch between sitting and walking.
Is the Tenzing worth the money? I haven't put my hands on any of these yet so I am wondering what the difference in quality is on the zippers/materials between a $70 and $130 vest. I mean, I really don't mind spending $130 if I know what I am getting is worth every penny I spent on it. If I get it right the first time, its cheaper in the long run.
If it comes to where you have to make a money decision between vest and decoys, I'd probably put it in the vest. Personally, I'd rather have all of my gear organized and handy and have a good seat and comfortable walking, and maybe not even have any decoys. When I'm hunting in the woods and not on a field edge, I don't usually take dekes, anyway.
Knight Vest
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Quote from: uarobert on January 26, 2016, 05:40:25 PM
If it comes to where you have to make a money decision between vest and decoys, I'd probably put it in the vest. Personally, I'd rather have all of my gear organized and handy and have a good seat and comfortable walking, and maybe not even have any decoys. When I'm hunting in the woods and not on a field edge, I don't usually take dekes, anyway.
Understood. That was kind of how I was leaning as well. I want a quality vest, but I don't want to spend $250 like some of the highest end vest cost.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on January 26, 2016, 05:38:27 PM
Is the Tenzing worth the money? I haven't put my hands on any of these yet so I am wondering what the difference in quality is on the zippers/materials between a $70 and $130 vest. I mean, I really don't mind spending $130 if I know what I am getting is worth every penny I spent on it. If I get it right the first time, its cheaper in the long run.
Out of the vests I've seen its one of the better made ones. The seat is great n lots of pockets. My older vests actually have slightly more room but less pockets.
I can't tell you how well it'll hold up since I just got it.
The 130 was for the non kickstand one btw. No one I know or even heard of uses a kickstand so why buy it?
Maybe you can find a retailer n at least see one first.
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on January 26, 2016, 05:44:27 PM
Understood. That was kind of how I was leaning as well. I want a quality vest, but I don't want to spend $250 like some of the highest end vest cost.
Nor should you, IMO. I just bought an Ol' Tom on sale and it hurt a little to pay even that much. I will grant that the 2 Mossy Oak vests i have are great(just pretty warm when it heats up here in AL), but they are the ones that Russell outdoors used to make. I really don't know about the quality of the new ones they are making now, since Russell Outdoors is gone.
Agreed. I am heading to bass pro this weekend to poke around and see whats what.
Wish I had a Cabelas local to check out as well. The tenzing looks like high quality from the photos but that I cant really tell until I get my hands on one.
Quote from: uarobert on January 26, 2016, 05:50:30 PM
Quote from: 357MAGNOLE on January 26, 2016, 05:44:27 PM
Understood. That was kind of how I was leaning as well. I want a quality vest, but I don't want to spend $250 like some of the highest end vest cost.
Nor should you, IMO. I just bought an Ol' Tom on sale and it hurt a little to pay even that much. I will grant that the 2 Mossy Oak vests i have are great(just pretty warm when it heats up here in AL), but they are the ones that Russell outdoors used to make. I really don't know about the quality of the new ones they are making now, since Russell Outdoors is gone.
There is one of the Russel Outdoors ones on Ebay right now for $65 after shipping. They look decent. But its used, and I figured if could get a new one for $10 more why wouldn't I.
those russell outdoors vest are worth the money your talking,good seat,comfortable and roomy,the only downfall has already been mentioned,they are hot when the weather heats up.they are good quality though,ive used one for years now and its still going strong,i may loose the little strings tied on the zippers for zipper pulls ever now and then,but just tie some on and there back to normal,i would definatley consider one of those and have some money left for your other gear,especially if you live in a place thats not extremely hot.the new ole tom ones are a copy of them only they dont have the breast pocket and their seat is held in place with magnets,which is probably better than having to reach around and using the push in enclosers the russells have but i dont think it would be worth double the money like they are priced.
Mossy Oak Super Elite 3. Its absolutely perfect in every way FOR ME. Highly recommend it.
From my experience I'd buy a tactical tatter ll and go hunting.
Not to hijack the original post but I was also looking for vest recommendations. Other than the Tenzing and Cabelas, anyone else have any suggestions?
I dont like how most vests are made one size fits all. Im a big guy and I usually wear 3x shirts and my chest measures about 54''. Does anyone make a vest thats sized for a 3X man?
Thanks for all of the inputs fellas. I am down between 2 vest. Ill let you know what I decide Friday. Friday is the day.
Love my cabelas tatr 2
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Ol Tom Essentials. You can clip on extra call holders. My $.02
Cabelas TatR III
Quote from: Britton40 on January 26, 2016, 11:00:31 PM
Ol Tom Essentials. You can clip on extra call holders. My $.02
Loved mine!
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Tactical Tater II from Cabela's ..
They are the best vest I have used.
Quote from: nitro on January 27, 2016, 09:16:48 AM
Tactical Tater II from Cabela's ..
They are the best vest I have used.
:agreed:
Quote from: 870BkWht on January 26, 2016, 09:10:55 PM
Not to hijack the original post but I was also looking for vest recommendations. Other than the Tenzing and Cabelas, anyone else have any suggestions?
I dont like how most vests are made one size fits all. Im a big guy and I usually wear 3x shirts and my chest measures about 54''. Does anyone make a vest thats sized for a 3X man?
My twin!
The only two vests to date that I have found that actually fit are the Ol Tom vests and Primos vests. The Mossy Oak vests are very hit or miss in regards to fit. I have one that fits and one that would fit a teenager on the small side.
Nothing Bass Pro or Cabelas has ever made fit me like the ones mentioned above.
I have tried the Tenzing and it appears to fit but I'm not ready to drop half what my shotgun cost to buy it. Not yet anyway. :)