Flambeau Full Body Mallard Review

Let’s Talk About Flambeau Full Body Mallard

For a decade, I’ve immersed myself in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, from testing the latest rifles to evaluating the most rugged packs. When it comes to waterfowl hunting, having realistic and durable decoys can be the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Flambeau Full Body Mallard decoys, renowned for their realism and robust construction.

My quest for the perfect decoy setup has always been about finding that sweet spot between affordability, realism, and durability. Countless dawn patrols and frustrating hunts with subpar decoys led me to seek out a decoy that could withstand harsh weather and convince even the wariest mallards. The Flambeau Full Body Mallard promised just that, so I was eager to give them a try.

The first thing that struck me upon unboxing was the size and lifelike detail. These aren’t your grandfather’s plastic shells; they boast intricate feather detail and a realistic winter plumage. Compared to some older decoys I’ve used, which seemed almost cartoonish in their appearance, these Flambeau decoys looked remarkably genuine.

I debated between these and a set of Avian-X decoys, which are known for their ultra-realistic paint jobs, and GHG Pro-Grade series decoys that boast incredibly durable construction. Ultimately, the Flambeau Full Body Mallard won me over due to its seemingly perfect combination of a convincing appearance and Flambeau’s reputation for durable plastics. My initial excitement was high; these decoys seemed well-suited to become key members of my spread.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Flambeau Full Body Mallard to the Test

First Use Experience

My first hunt with the Flambeau Full Body Mallard took place on a crisp November morning on a flooded cornfield. I meticulously set up the decoys, utilizing the motion stakes to add some natural movement in the slight breeze. The conditions were challenging: a biting wind and intermittent rain, perfect weather to truly test these decoys.

Even from a distance, the Flambeau decoys stood out; their size and detailed paint scheme provided excellent visibility. A flock of about a dozen mallards circled our spread, giving these decoys a good look. After a few passes, they committed, landing right in the heart of the decoys. I was impressed!

The motion stakes proved incredibly useful. On calm days, the slightest breeze gets these decoys moving; I can picture how much more effective they’ll be. There were no immediate issues, and setting up the spread was surprisingly easy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hunts, the Flambeau Full Body Mallard have held up remarkably well. Despite being subjected to mud, rain, and even a few accidental stomps, the decoys show minimal signs of wear and tear. A few minor scratches are visible, but the paint has remained largely intact.

The UVision paint seems to really hold up and has yet to degrade or chip during many hunts. Cleaning the decoys is simple; a quick rinse with water is usually all that’s needed. Compared to some of my previous decoys that faded and cracked after just a few seasons, the Flambeau Full Body Mallard appear built to last.

I had a set of cheaper decoys that barely lasted a single season; so far the Flambeau are drastically outperforming them!

Breaking Down the Features of Flambeau Full Body Mallard

Specifications

• The Flambeau Full Body Mallard set includes four body styles: (1) Full body active hen, (1) Full body feeder hen, (2) Full body feeder drakes, and (2) Full body active drakes. This variety helps create a realistic and convincing spread.
• These decoys are oversized, measuring 18 inches in length, providing maximum visibility in field situations. This larger profile helps attract birds from greater distances.
• Each decoy features a rotating head, allowing hunters to add versatility to their spread and mimic natural duck behavior. This feature is crucial for creating a dynamic and realistic decoy spread.
• The innovative motion stake allows the decoy to rotate up to 40 degrees, simulating natural movement even in minimal wind. This motion is key to attracting wary ducks.
• The decoys are painted with UVision paint, a scheme designed to replicate the colors ducks see, making them more appealing to waterfowl. Birds can see into the UV spectrum, so this paint technology significantly enhances realism.

Performance & Functionality

The Flambeau Full Body Mallard decoys perform exceptionally well, consistently attracting ducks throughout the hunting season. The variety of body postures and the rotating heads contribute to a realistic and inviting spread.

The motion stakes are a standout feature, adding subtle movement that significantly enhances the decoy’s effectiveness. The durable construction ensures these decoys can withstand harsh weather conditions and repeated use. The biggest weakness is the stake system, which could be improved with a longer and more robust design.

Overall, these decoys exceed expectations, offering a winning combination of realism, durability, and functionality.

Design & Ergonomics

The Flambeau Full Body Mallard decoys feature a highly detailed design, mimicking the appearance of real mallards in winter plumage. The materials used are durable and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up.

The rotating heads and motion stakes add a level of realism that is unmatched by many other decoys in this price range. There is a slight learning curve to setting up the motion stakes properly.

Durability & Maintenance

The durable construction of the Flambeau Full Body Mallard ensures they can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. These decoys are made to last many seasons.

Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with water is usually sufficient. I have found that storing them in a decoy bag protects the paint and prolongs their lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flambeau Full Body Mallard set comes complete with the decoys and motion stakes. There aren’t many options for further customization, but the rotating heads and variety of body postures provide ample versatility.

The motion stakes are designed specifically for these decoys. The lack of customization options is a minor drawback, but the inherent realism and functionality of the decoys largely compensate for it.

Pros and Cons of Flambeau Full Body Mallard