I used one for the first time last fall.
This is
my experience and two cents (for what it's worth
):
1) I need the extender panels for added concealment;
2) I have to sit back, or behind the panels a fair distance to allow for shot maneuverability, i.e., drawing and rotating to shoot through the 'shooting ports' in the panels. As such, I am exposed from the sides and am required to do something for added concealment from the sides...such as natural vegetation or burlap, etc.;
3) The blind is a bit cumbersome to haul in to the woods. It bought the blind on sale and it came with the "carry pack." When carried on the back as designed, the panels extend over my head and a bit to the sides . The "carry pack" is a soft pack, and is made of apparently some of the noisiest nylon known to man.
I hunt big woods, and sneaking in -quietly- with this blind is darn difficult. Every branch or twig that comes in to contact with the carry pack is LOUD. Whack-snap-crack.
Having said the above, it DOES work. I have only hunted whitetails with this blind and have had deer within 5 yards.
Good luck and good hunting.
Dave