Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera Review

First Impressions of Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera promises to be a simple, reliable tool for scouting game or monitoring property. Marketed as an accessible entry-level option, this camera boasts features like 18MP image resolution, 720p HD video, and invisible black LEDs for nighttime illumination. This trail camera aims to deliver essential functionality without breaking the bank.

My own property has become a haven for deer, but I’ve struggled to understand their movement patterns. I needed a straightforward camera to identify key travel corridors and potential bedding areas without spending a fortune on advanced features. The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera’s price point and promised ease of use immediately piqued my interest.

Upon unboxing, the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera feels lightweight and undeniably plastic. The build quality is acceptable for the price, though it lacks the robust feel of higher-end models. The included tree strap with alligator clips seems practical, and the cable-lock ready latch is a welcome addition for security.

Compared to Reconyx professional-grade cameras, the Kicker 2.0 clearly targets a different market. While Reconyx offers superior image quality and durability at a premium, the Kicker 2.0 competes more directly with entry-level cameras from Moultrie or Bushnell. I ultimately chose the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera because of its invisible LEDs and purported sub-one-second trigger speed.

My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. It feels like a solid option for a beginner or someone needing a basic scouting camera. I’m eager to see how it performs in the field and whether the image quality justifies the cost.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera to the Test

First Use Experience

I deployed the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera along a heavily used deer trail bordering a thicket on my property. The location provided a mix of open areas and dense cover. I wanted to test the camera’s ability to capture images in varying light conditions.

The camera operated flawlessly for the first week, capturing several images of deer and even a few curious raccoons. The weather was mild and dry during this period. Setup was simple: insert the batteries (not included), format the SD card (also not included), and attach it to the tree.

The ease of use was a pleasant surprise. The menu is straightforward, and adjusting settings like capture delay and image resolution was intuitive. However, the alligator clips on the tree strap proved slightly unwieldy to adjust while wearing gloves.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera began to show some limitations. The battery life was significantly shorter than advertised, requiring replacement after only three weeks of moderate activity, in a mixture of sunshine and rain. Furthermore, the camera occasionally missed capturing animals that were clearly within the detection range.

Despite its plastic construction, the camera has held up surprisingly well to rain and fluctuating temperatures. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, and the latch remains secure. Cleaning is simple; wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth is sufficient.

My previous experience with a Browning trail camera, known for its exceptional trigger speed and battery life, set a high benchmark. While the Kicker 2.0 falls short in both areas, it remains a functional and affordable option for basic monitoring needs. It certainly exceeded my low expectations, and can capture more images than simply doing routine scouting.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera

Specifications

• The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera boasts an 18-megapixel resolution for still images. This allows for clear and detailed photos of wildlife or property.
• It captures 720p HD videos up to 15 seconds long (without audio), providing a basic level of video surveillance. The absence of audio is a drawback.
• Thirty-six invisible black LEDs illuminate subjects up to 60 feet away. This feature allows for covert nighttime recording without spooking game.
• It utilizes a less than 1 second trigger speed, aimed at capturing fast-moving animals. Real-world performance showed the trigger speed was a little longer, but adequate for still subjects.
• The camera operates on eight AA batteries (not included). This is standard for many trail cameras, but can become costly over time.
• The image format is a 16:9 ratio, providing a widescreen view of the captured area. This gives a more natural perspective to pictures and video.

These specifications indicate a budget-friendly trail camera designed for basic surveillance needs. The 18MP resolution and invisible LEDs are attractive features, while the short video length and lack of audio are limitations. The long term cost of AA batteries must be considered too.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera performs adequately for its intended purpose. It captures decent quality images during daylight hours, allowing for identification of animals and objects.

The nighttime image quality is acceptable but often grainy, even with the 36 invisible black LEDs. The claimed sub-one-second trigger speed is inconsistent; sometimes it captures images instantly, while other times it misses subjects entirely. The lack of audio recording in video mode severely limits its usefulness for identifying sounds or vocalizations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera features a basic, boxy design. Its lightweight plastic construction makes it easy to handle and mount.

The menu system is simple to navigate, but the small LCD screen can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. The adjustable tree strap with alligator-style clips provides a secure mounting solution. The clips are difficult to use with gloves on though.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera is constructed primarily of plastic, raising concerns about long-term durability. However, it has withstood several weeks of exposure to rain and temperature fluctuations without any issues.

Cleaning is straightforward; simply wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. It is important to check the battery compartment regularly for corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera includes only a basic adjustable tree strap with alligator-style clips. There are no included accessories beyond that.

The camera is compatible with standard SD cards for image storage. The cable-lock ready latch allows for the use of a cable lock (not included) to deter theft. There are very limited customization options available.

Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 18MP Trail Camera