Let’s Dive into Mountain Mike’s Skull Master
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master offers a clean and relatively effortless way to display your hard-earned deer antlers without the messy process of boiling and bleaching a real skull. Mountain Mike’s has created a simplified system, designed to provide a realistic-looking mount for shed antlers or those harvested with your trophy. The kit promises an easier, cleaner alternative to traditional European mounts, sparking the interest of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
What pushed me towards this particular product was the need for a clean, efficient method to display a set of sheds I found last spring. The thought of boiling a skull, while traditional, didn’t fit my current living situation and time constraints. Seeing the Skull Master’s promise of a simple, clean process immediately caught my eye.
Unboxing the Skull Master, I was immediately impressed by the seemingly durable plastic skull replica. The two interchangeable top pieces felt solid, and the included hardware seemed adequate for attaching the antlers securely. My initial thought was that Mountain Mike’s has definitely prioritized convenience with this product.
Having considered other options like DIY skull mounting with resin or purchasing fully finished replica mounts, I chose the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master because it seemed to strike the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Other replica mounts were significantly more expensive, and the DIY resin option felt too time-consuming. This kit seemed like the ideal middle ground.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the potential for a quick and easy project, but also slightly skeptical about the realism of the finished mount and the long-term durability of the plastic components. I was eager to get started and see if the Skull Master lived up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Mike’s Skull Master to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master to use in my garage workshop, a controlled environment where I could focus on the assembly process. The task involved attaching a set of moderately sized whitetail sheds I had found in the spring. The garage was relatively dry, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The assembly was straightforward; selecting the appropriate sized top piece for the antler bases was easy. Securing the antlers with the provided hardware was manageable, although I did find myself wishing for slightly longer screws in certain areas. No major issues arose, but the initial setup took me about an hour due to fine-tuning the antler placement.
The primary surprise during the first use was the slight lack of adjustability once the antlers were secured. Getting the angle and placement perfect on the first try proved a little tricky. I would have appreciated a mechanism allowing for minor adjustments after the initial attachment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months displayed on a dedicated antler shelf in my den, the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master has held up surprisingly well. There are no visible signs of warping, cracking, or fading on the skull replica. The antlers remain securely attached.
The only minor wear and tear I’ve noticed is a slight accumulation of dust on the plastic skull, which is easily remedied with a damp cloth. Cleaning is a breeze; the smooth plastic surface wipes down quickly and easily. No special cleaning agents are required.
Compared to a friend’s professionally done European mount (real skull), the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master obviously lacks the authentic bone texture. However, for the significant difference in price and effort, the Skull Master holds its own and provides a respectable display. I’d say it definitely outperforms the effort required for boiling a skull.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Mike’s Skull Master
Specifications
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master kit includes a molded plastic skull replica designed to mimic the appearance of a deer skull. It also includes two interchangeable top skull sections of varying sizes to accommodate different antler base circumferences. The kit comes with the necessary hardware for attaching antlers, typically screws and washers.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the versatility and realism of the final mount. The interchangeable tops allow for a better fit with various antler sizes, and the hardware determines how securely the antlers will be attached to the skull. The plastic material ensures a relatively lightweight and durable display.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master performs its primary function – displaying deer antlers in a European-mount style – adequately. It offers a clean and relatively easy way to achieve this display, eliminating the mess and time commitment of traditional methods. It delivers on its promise of ease of use.
The main strength lies in its simplicity and affordability. However, the realism is somewhat lacking compared to a genuine skull mount, and the adjustability after installation could be improved. It meets the basic expectations of providing a display solution but doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a product in this price range; the plastic skull feels reasonably durable and lightweight. The overall design is visually appealing, though the plastic texture is noticeably different from real bone. It is lightweight, making it easy to hang on a wall or display on a shelf.
The Skull Master is user-friendly, requiring minimal tools and technical skill for assembly. The lack of fine-tuning adjustability is a minor drawback, but overall, the kit is designed for ease of use. There is very little learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master should last for many years. The plastic material is resistant to cracking and fading, and the hardware is rust-resistant. I would estimate the lifespan to be upwards of 10 years with indoor use.
Maintenance is simple; dusting or wiping down the skull with a damp cloth is all that’s needed. The kit requires virtually no repair; the only potential issue would be if the plastic were to crack, which seems unlikely under normal conditions. It is very easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master kit itself doesn’t include a wide range of accessories or customization options. However, it is possible to paint or texture the plastic skull to enhance its realism. Some users might choose to add a wooden plaque or base for mounting the skull.
The kit is essentially a standalone solution. I am not aware of any direct compatibility with accessories from other brands. You could probably attach other antler mounting systems on top of the Skull Master, but that defeats its original purpose.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Mike’s Skull Master
Pros
- Affordable alternative to traditional European mounts or professional replica services.
- Easy and clean assembly, eliminating the mess of boiling and bleaching real skulls.
- Durable plastic construction ensures long-lasting display.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to hang or display on shelves.
- Interchangeable skull tops accommodate various antler sizes.
Cons
- Lacks the realism of a genuine skull mount.
- Limited adjustability once antlers are attached.
- Plastic material can feel somewhat cheap compared to real bone or high-end replicas.
Who Should Buy Mountain Mike’s Skull Master?
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master is perfect for hunters who want an affordable and convenient way to display their deer antlers without the hassle of processing a real skull. It’s also ideal for shed hunters looking for an easy-to-use mounting system for their found treasures. This product is great for anyone living in an apartment or somewhere they cannot boil a skull.
Those seeking a museum-quality, hyper-realistic display should skip this product. Hunters who insist on using only natural materials might also prefer a traditional European mount. Professional taxidermists likely wouldn’t use this product for clients.
A must-have modification might be applying a realistic bone-colored paint or texture to the plastic skull. Another consideration is purchasing longer screws for added security when attaching larger antlers. Also, purchasing a nice plaque to mount the skull on would be a great idea.
Conclusion on Mountain Mike’s Skull Master
The Mountain Mike’s Skull Master provides a valuable service by offering a simple, clean, and affordable solution for displaying deer antlers. While it may not perfectly replicate the look and feel of a genuine European mount, it represents an excellent compromise for those seeking convenience and cost savings. It has found a nice sweet spot in the market.
The price is justified considering the time and effort saved compared to traditional skull preparation methods. The convenience it offers is its biggest selling point.
I would personally recommend the Mountain Mike’s Skull Master to hunters and shed hunters who prioritize ease of use and affordability over absolute realism. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to display your trophies, this kit is a solid choice. Give it a try and proudly display your hard-earned antlers!