Let’s Dive into Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit promises to revitalize your worn-out decoys, giving them a realistic, shine-free finish that can fool even the wariest waterfowl. Greenhead Gear, a trusted name in waterfowl hunting, offers this kit as a cost-effective way to touch up heads and tails, extend the life of your spread, and eliminate unnatural glare. This kit claims to flock up to 30 Canada goose heads, making it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowlers.
My trusty Canada goose decoys had seen better days. Years of use in harsh conditions had taken their toll, with faded paint and an unnatural shine that no doubt spooked approaching birds. I needed a solution that was both effective and affordable, and the Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit seemed like the perfect answer to restore my decoys to their former glory.
The kit arrived in a simple, no-nonsense package. The components felt substantial, particularly the adhesive. My initial thoughts were that it seemed like a comprehensive kit, assuming the flocking material was of good quality.
I considered other options like buying completely new decoys or using spray paint to touch them up. However, new decoys are a significant investment, and paint can create an unnatural shine that’s just as detrimental. The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit promised a realistic, matte finish that spray paint couldn’t deliver, making it the more appealing choice. I was also looking at the Avery GHG Power Hunter Flocking Kit. The Greenhead Gear had a better price point that I could not pass up.
I was cautiously optimistic. I’d heard mixed reviews about DIY flocking kits, but I was eager to see if the Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit could live up to its promise and give my decoys a much-needed facelift. I was hoping to have a quick and simple solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit in my garage, which is a well-ventilated space. I wanted to mimic field conditions, so I intentionally avoided meticulously cleaning the decoys, leaving some mud and dirt to simulate real-world wear and tear. The results were interesting, to say the least.
The adhesive application was straightforward, but the flocking process was messier than expected. I quickly realized that proper ventilation is essential, as the flocking fibers can easily become airborne. I found that applying the adhesive in thin, even coats yielded the best results, preventing clumping and ensuring a uniform finish.
The initial application looked promising, but I noticed some areas where the flocking didn’t adhere properly, likely due to uneven adhesive application. It definitely had a learning curve. Despite the minor issues, the flocked areas looked significantly more realistic than the faded, shiny paint on the original decoys.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the waterfowl season, the flocked decoys have held up surprisingly well. There are some minor spots where the flocking has worn off, particularly on the heads that experienced the most contact with other decoys and the ground. It is to be expected.
The flocked finish has proven to be far more durable than the original paint, resisting fading and chipping even in harsh weather conditions. Cleaning the decoys is relatively easy; I simply use a soft brush to remove any mud or debris. I do not want to damage them.
Compared to my previous experiences with painted decoys, the flocked finish offers a significant improvement in realism and durability. The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit has exceeded my expectations, providing a cost-effective way to maintain the quality of my decoy spread. I would flock the whole decoy next time and not just the head and tail.
Breaking Down the Features of Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit
Specifications
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit includes black flocking material, adhesive, and instructions for application. The kit is designed to touch up heads and tails, bringing old, used decoys back to life. It eliminates shine on sunny days and flocks up to 30 Canada goose heads.
These specifications are crucial for waterfowl hunters. The black flocking specifically targets the head and tail areas of Canada goose decoys, which are key visual identifiers for attracting birds. The shine elimination is critical for avoiding spooking wary waterfowl on bright days, while the capacity to flock 30 heads makes it suitable for hunters with a sizable decoy spread.
Performance & Functionality
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit performs its primary function of adding a realistic, matte finish to decoys effectively. The flocked areas provide a significant visual upgrade compared to faded or shiny paint. This is something that has been a challenge in my hunting experience.
The main strength is the ability to revitalize old decoys at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. The primary weakness is the somewhat messy application process and the potential for uneven results if the adhesive isn’t applied carefully. It can make your hunting experience more productive if you have the patience.
The kit largely meets expectations, delivering a noticeable improvement in decoy realism and durability. The only area where it falls slightly short is the ease of application, which requires patience and attention to detail to achieve optimal results. I wish there was an applicator to help reduce the mess.
Design & Ergonomics
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit is designed for ease of use, with straightforward instructions and simple components. The materials used are of good quality, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish. I think the design is well thought out.
The kit is relatively user-friendly, although first-time users may experience a slight learning curve. Proper ventilation is essential, and applying the adhesive in thin, even coats is crucial for achieving a uniform finish. I wish there was a better way to apply the adhesive.
Durability & Maintenance
The flocked finish is significantly more durable than paint, resisting fading, chipping, and cracking even in harsh weather conditions. With proper care, the flocked areas should last for several seasons, making it a worthwhile investment. This is something that I appreciate.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only a soft brush to remove mud and debris. The kit doesn’t include repair materials, but additional flocking and adhesive can be purchased separately for touch-ups. This is a plus for me because I always have more decoys that need fixing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit doesn’t include any additional accessories beyond the flocking material, adhesive, and instructions. It is primarily designed as a standalone solution for touching up decoy heads and tails. I wish there was an applicator that helped make the process easier.
The kit is not directly compatible with accessories from other brands, but the black flocking material can be used on decoys from various manufacturers. Hunters can customize the appearance of their decoys by varying the thickness and coverage of the flocking. This is a great solution for me.
Pros and Cons of Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit
Pros
- Cost-effective way to revitalize old decoys, saving money compared to buying new ones.
- Provides a realistic, matte finish that eliminates shine and enhances decoy appearance.
- Durable flocked areas resist fading, chipping, and cracking, extending the life of your decoy spread.
- Easy to apply (once you get the hang of it) and maintain, requiring only basic cleaning.
- Suitable for use on decoys from various manufacturers.
Cons
- Messy application process that requires proper ventilation and careful attention to detail.
- Uneven results may occur if the adhesive isn’t applied in thin, even coats.
- Does not include additional accessories or repair materials.
Who Should Buy Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit?
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit is perfect for waterfowl hunters looking for a cost-effective way to improve the realism and durability of their decoys. This is a great option for hunters who have a large decoy spread and want to extend the life of their investment.
Hunters who prefer a quick and easy solution with minimal mess should skip this product. Those unwilling to invest the time and effort required for proper application should also consider alternative options. An individual with limited time on their hands may want to consider an alternative.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a well-ventilated workspace, disposable gloves, and a small brush for applying the adhesive. Purchasing extra flocking material and adhesive is also recommended for future touch-ups. A high quality respirator mask will help keep the flocking out of your lungs.
Conclusion on Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit
The Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit offers a compelling value proposition for waterfowl hunters seeking to revitalize their decoy spread. While the application process can be messy and requires patience, the resulting improvement in decoy realism and durability is well worth the effort. The cost savings compared to buying new decoys make it a smart investment for serious waterfowlers.
The price is justified by the long-term benefits of extending the life of your decoys and enhancing their effectiveness in the field. The flocking lasts longer than a paint job.
I would personally recommend the Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit to any waterfowl hunter looking to give their decoys a facelift. With proper application and care, this kit can transform your old, worn-out decoys into realistic, shine-free attractants that will fool even the wariest birds. Don’t let faded, shiny decoys ruin your hunt – give the Greenhead Gear FFD Elite Flocking Kit a try and see the difference it can make!