The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless attractants promising the moon. I’ve always been skeptical of anything claiming to be a “magic bullet” for hunting. However, the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear caught my eye because of the ease of use it seemed to offer.
My primary need was a convenient and consistent attractant for bear season that didn’t involve lugging around heavy bait. Traditional baiting can be messy and time-consuming, so I was looking for a simpler alternative. The Tinks name is well-known in the hunting world, so I was hoping for a quality product.
Upon unboxing the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear, I was initially impressed by the size and shape of the sticks. They resembled oversized cigars, hence the “Stogie” moniker, and had a distinct, sweet scent. The sticks felt dense and well-made, suggesting they would burn for a decent amount of time. Compared to liquid attractants like Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure, these seemed much less messy and easier to transport. In comparison to bait blocks from BioRock, these were much lighter and less bulky. My initial impression was positive, a feeling of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear was during a scouting trip in the Pennsylvania backcountry. I chose a known bear travel corridor near a creek bed. Setting it up was simple: I just stuck the “stogie” into the ground using a forked stick, then lit the end with a lighter.
The Tinks Stogie emitted a thick, fragrant smoke that carried well in the still morning air. Even in slightly damp conditions, the stick ignited easily and burned consistently. After a few hours, I checked the site and found evidence of recent bear activity – fresh tracks and disturbed vegetation nearby. The area showed signs of investigation, bolstering my hope that the product was effective.
<h3>Extended Use & Reliability</h3>Over the next few weeks, I used the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear in several different locations. I observed similar levels of activity in areas where I placed the sticks. The durability of the sticks themselves was surprisingly good. Even after being exposed to rain and fluctuating temperatures, they remained intact and ready for use.
Cleaning and maintaining the area was also remarkably simple, as the stogie burns completely, leaving minimal residue. Compared to using actual bait, the difference in effort was night and day. In the past, I’ve used Code Blue bear attractants, but the Tinks Stogie offered a cleaner and more convenient experience.
Breaking Down the Features of **Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear**
Specifications
- Synthetic Bear Attractant: The sticks are made from a proprietary blend of synthetic ingredients designed to mimic the natural scents that attract bears. This eliminates the mess and potential spoilage associated with real bait.
- Smokin’ Stick Design: This unique design releases a plume of smoke infused with the attractant scent, carrying the scent further and appealing to a bear’s sense of smell and sight. The smoke helps distribute the scent over a wider area.
- Easy to Use: Simply light the end of the stick and let it smolder. No need for special equipment or elaborate setups.
- Two Sticks Per Pack: The pack contains two stogies, providing multiple uses or allowing for placement in different locations.
- Price: $8.49 offers a cost-effective attractant. This makes the stogies a reasonable choice compared to more expensive bait options.
The synthetic attractant is crucial. It bypasses many regulations regarding natural baiting, and the smokin’ stick design helps disperse the scent further than a simple liquid or gel attractant.
<h3>Performance & Functionality</h3>The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear performs its primary function – attracting bears – reasonably well. I consistently observed increased bear activity in areas where I used the stogies. The smokin’ action seemed to be particularly effective in drawing bears in from a distance. One area for improvement would be a longer burn time.
The strongest point is its ease of use. Lighting the stogie and placing it is far simpler than setting up a traditional bait site. It certainly met my expectations for convenience and portability.
<h3>Design & Ergonomics</h3>The design is simple yet effective. The “stogie” shape is easy to handle, and the dense material allows for a slow, consistent burn. The weight is negligible, making it easy to carry several stogies in a pack.
The design is incredibly user-friendly. There is practically no learning curve; if you can light a match, you can use this product.
<h3>Durability & Maintenance</h3>The unlit stogies are surprisingly durable and can withstand exposure to the elements without significant degradation. Once lit, they burn completely, leaving very little residue.
No maintenance is required. This is a significant advantage over using natural bait.
<h3>Accessories and Customization Options</h3>The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, a small folding saw or knife to clear a small space for placement can be useful. Since it’s a consumable product, customization is limited to placement strategy.
While there are no specific Tinks-branded accessories, you could pair these with other scent products or trail cameras to maximize your scouting efforts. The stogie does not depend on or require any specific complementary products.
Pros and Cons of **Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear**
Pros
- Easy to use and transport, making it ideal for scouting and quick setups.
- Synthetic formula bypasses many baiting regulations and eliminates the mess of natural bait.
- Smokin’ stick design effectively disperses the scent over a wide area, attracting bears from a distance.
- Relatively inexpensive, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional baiting methods.
- Durable and weather-resistant, even when exposed to the elements.
Cons
- Burn time could be longer. I wish they lasted longer to increase the window of attraction.
- Effectiveness can vary depending on environmental conditions and bear density. Success is not guaranteed.
Who Should Buy **Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear**?
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear is perfect for hunters who need a convenient and portable attractant for scouting or hunting in areas with baiting restrictions. It’s also well-suited for individuals who want to avoid the mess and hassle of traditional baiting. This product shines for those prioritizing ease of use.
Hunters who rely solely on bait and expect immediate results might be disappointed. Areas with low bear populations might also not see a significant difference. It works best as a tool to supplement scouting and identify areas of bear activity.
Must-have accessories include a lighter or matches and a small tool for clearing a space for placement. Consider using trail cameras to monitor the effectiveness of the stogies.
Conclusion on **Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear**
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear offers a compelling solution for bear hunters seeking convenience and portability. While it’s not a guaranteed “magic bullet,” its ease of use and effective scent dispersal make it a valuable tool for scouting and attracting bears. The price of $8.49 is justified for the convenience and effectiveness it provides.
I would personally recommend the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Sticks Synthetic Bear to hunters looking for a simpler alternative to traditional baiting. Don’t rely on it as the only strategy; integrate it with good scouting practices and hunting techniques. Give it a try and see if it helps you get closer to your next trophy!
