Let’s Dive into Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is marketed as a durable and reliable way to keep your calls readily accessible in any tactical situation, especially for waterfowl hunters. Greenhead Gear promises a quality lanyard constructed from strong parachute cord, designed for years of service. I was intrigued by its simplicity and promise of durability at a very appealing price point.
For years, I’ve struggled with lanyards that either fray easily or don’t provide enough secure attachment points for my duck and goose calls. I needed something tough, simple, and effective to keep my essential calls organized and within easy reach.
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard comes in a simple, clear plastic bag. Initially, I was pleased with the thickness of the cord and the apparent solid construction of the loops. The lanyard felt lightweight and comfortable around my neck, which was a positive first impression.
Compared to some elaborate, multi-braided lanyards with intricate knots and metal hardware, the Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is decidedly minimalist. I previously used a paracord lanyard I wove myself that, while robust, was bulky and lacked easy adjustability. This offering from Greenhead Gear seemed a more streamlined and commercially viable alternative to that.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity and apparent durability were appealing, but I was eager to see how it would hold up in the harsh conditions of a waterfowl hunt. I was hopeful that this affordable lanyard would provide the reliability and convenience I was seeking.
Real-World Testing: Putting Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard on a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were brutal: constant rain, mud, and temperatures hovering just above freezing. I wanted to see if it could keep my calls accessible while dealing with the elements.
The lanyard performed adequately in the wet and cold conditions. The parachute cord didn’t seem to absorb much water, which was a definite plus. I appreciated how easy it was to slide the calls up and down the lanyard to adjust their position, even with gloved hands.
The initial use was relatively uneventful; however, after a couple of hours, I did notice the attachment loops seemed to loosen slightly. This required me to periodically tighten them to ensure my calls remained securely attached.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use during the tail end of duck season and early goose season, the Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard showed some signs of wear. The parachute cord, while durable, began to fray slightly at the points where the calls rubbed against it. The repeated sliding motion of the calls against the cord was clearly causing some abrasion.
The **durability is acceptable for the price **, but certainly not comparable to more expensive, reinforced lanyards. Cleaning the lanyard was easy enough; a simple rinse with water and a quick air dry was all it needed.
Compared to my old homemade paracord lanyard, the Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is far more adjustable and lighter. However, my homemade lanyard proved more durable in the long run, albeit less comfortable. The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is an adequate choice for a season or two of moderate use.
Breaking Down the Features of Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard
Specifications
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard features a round braid parachute cord. It offers four 2-drop attachments, designed to hold up to eight calls. The lanyard also features side drops, providing additional attachment points.
The use of parachute cord promises inherent strength and resistance to abrasion, but the type and treatment of the cord significantly impact its lifespan. The four 2-drop attachments provide ample space for organizing multiple calls, which is essential for versatile hunters. Side drops offer added utility for attaching whistles, range finders, or other small accessories.
Performance & Functionality
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard performed its primary function: keeping calls readily accessible. The sliding mechanism allowed for quick adjustments to call position, enabling me to fine-tune call placement for optimal performance. It proved easy to slide, even with bulky gloves.
The main weakness lies in the long-term durability of the cord and the security of the loops. The loops tend to loosen over time, requiring frequent adjustments, and the cord shows signs of abrasion with regular use.
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly lanyard. It falls short in long-term durability and loop security but excels in simplicity and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The lanyard has a simple, functional design. The parachute cord is lightweight and comfortable around the neck, even for extended periods.
The design is mostly user-friendly, but the absence of a fixed point for call attachment sometimes led to calls bunching together. There’s virtually no learning curve required for operation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is expected to last one to two seasons with moderate use, but possibly less under heavy use. Its lifespan is shorter than some of the higher-end lanyards on the market.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. Repairing frayed sections of the cord would be difficult and probably not worth the effort, considering the lanyard’s low price point.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard comes with no additional accessories. Customization is limited to adding or removing calls and accessories via the drop attachments.
The loops are compatible with most standard duck and goose calls featuring lanyard holes. However, there are no options for integrating specialized clips or mounts. This limits potential customization options.
Pros and Cons of Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Easy to adjust call positions with the quick-slider design.
- Simple and functional design requires no learning curve.
- Provides sufficient attachment points for multiple calls and accessories.
Cons
- Loops can loosen over time, compromising call security.
- Parachute cord shows signs of abrasion with extended use.
- Durability is limited compared to higher-end options.
Who Should Buy Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard?
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is perfect for casual waterfowl hunters, beginners, or anyone on a tight budget who needs a functional lanyard. It is also suitable for hunters who prioritize lightweight comfort over extreme durability.
This product should be avoided by serious, hardcore hunters who demand maximum durability and security from their gear. Those seeking a lanyard that will withstand years of heavy use should invest in a higher-end model with reinforced construction.
A must-have modification would be adding small cable ties or shrink tubing to the loops to increase their security and prevent calls from accidentally detaching. Another suggestion is to regularly check the wear on the parachute cord and replace the lanyard when signs of significant fraying appear.
Conclusion on Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard
The Greenhead Gear Quick Slider Lanyard is a budget-friendly option that offers basic functionality and comfort. It delivers on its promise of being a simple and easily adjustable lanyard, but its long-term durability and loop security are drawbacks to consider.
The price is justified for what you get: a lightweight and functional lanyard suitable for casual use. However, more demanding hunters should consider investing in a higher-quality alternative.
I would cautiously recommend it to beginner hunters or those on a strict budget. However, experienced hunters who rely heavily on their calls should invest in a more robust and reliable lanyard. Upgrade to a more durable lanyard, and stay safe and happy hunting!