Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy Review

First Impressions of Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy

The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy promises to bring a new level of realism to duck hunting, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Avian X is a well-known name in the decoy world, so my expectations were high. This decoy boasts lifelike movement and remote-controlled operation, features designed to entice even the wariest waterfowl.

I’ve spent years relying on traditional decoys, and while they have their place, I’ve often felt like I needed something more to attract ducks, especially on calm days. The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy piqued my interest because it seemed to offer a solution to that very problem: a decoy with realistic, independent movement. Alternatives I considered were the Higdon Pulsator and Lucky Duck Rapid Flyer, but the Avian X stood out due to its realistic appearance and remote control features. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of a decoy that could generate its own wake and movement, regardless of wind conditions, increasing the effectiveness of my spread.

Unboxing the decoy revealed a well-constructed Mallard Drake. The paint job appeared realistic, and the foam-filled body felt durable. The included remote and battery charger added to the sense of a complete and well-thought-out package.

Compared to static decoys, the immediate difference was the potential for movement, a crucial advantage, especially in still water. The realistic paint scheme also looked superior to cheaper, less detailed decoys on the market. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the decoy looked good, but the real test would be how it performed in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy on a calm morning at my usual hunting spot on the Chesapeake Bay. The conditions were ideal for putting the decoy’s movement capabilities to the test, with virtually no wind to animate traditional decoys. Setting it up was straightforward; I simply attached the swim module, inserted the charged battery, and placed the decoy in the water amongst my existing spread.

The remote control was intuitive to use, allowing me to switch between Off, Swim, and Intermittent Swim modes with ease. The “Swim” mode created a noticeable wake that rippled through the water, giving my entire decoy spread a more lifelike appearance. After about an hour, I noticed the motor seemed a little louder than I initially remembered, but it wasn’t alarming.

No ducks committed on my first pass, which was initially concerning. On my second calling sequence, though, I had a group of three Greenwings cup their wings and glide right in.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy has proven to be a valuable addition to my hunting gear. The decoy continues to perform reliably, providing consistent movement and attracting ducks even on the calmest days. I’ve noticed some minor wear and tear on the paint, particularly around the head and bill, but it’s nothing excessive for a decoy that’s been used regularly.

Cleaning is relatively simple; I just rinse it off with fresh water after each use to remove any mud or debris. Battery life has been as advertised, lasting for approximately 10 hours on a single charge. Compared to relying solely on wind-powered decoys, the Avian X has significantly increased the realism of my spread, leading to more successful hunts.

Breaking Down the Features of Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy

Specifications

• Realistic Mallard Drake Design: The decoy features a detailed paint scheme and body posture replicating a Mallard Drake. This is important because realistic appearance is crucial for fooling wary ducks.
• Swim Module: This module creates lifelike movement in the water, generating a wake that attracts ducks. It sets this decoy apart from static options.
• 7.4-Volt Lithium-Ion Battery: The battery provides extended run time and consistent power to the swim module. This allows for long hunts without needing to change batteries.
• Remote Control: The remote allows for convenient control of the decoy’s movement from a distance. This means you can adjust the movement based on the duck’s behavior.
• Foam-Filled Body: This ensures durability and buoyancy, even if the decoy is punctured. It prevents the decoy from sinking and extends its lifespan.
• Non-Fouling Water Pump: Keeps the water intake clear and working efficiently. This helps to ensure the decoy operates without issue and doesn’t suck up debris.
• Easy Access Strainer/Pump Cover: Facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance of the water pump. This is a quick and easy way to keep your decoy in top-performing shape.
• 10-Hour Battery Life: Provides ample operation time for full-day hunts. This is a great duration, especially for hunters who put in long hours on the water.

Performance & Functionality

The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy excels at its primary function: attracting ducks. The lifelike movement and realistic appearance are highly effective, especially on calm days when traditional decoys are less effective. The remote control provides convenient control over the decoy’s movement, allowing you to adjust it based on the ducks’ behavior.

One minor weakness is the potential for the motor to be slightly audible at close range, but it hasn’t seemed to spook any ducks in my experience. Overall, the decoy meets and exceeds expectations, providing a significant advantage in attracting waterfowl.

Design & Ergonomics

The decoy’s design is well-thought-out, with a focus on realism and durability. The foam-filled body feels solid and buoyant, and the paint job is detailed and lifelike. The weight is manageable, making it easy to carry along with other hunting gear.

The remote control is user-friendly, with simple controls for Off, Swim, and Intermittent Swim modes. There’s no learning curve, the remote is intuitive to use from the get go.

Durability & Maintenance

The foam-filled body and durable construction suggest that the Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy will last for many seasons with proper care. The paint job is prone to minor wear and tear, but this is typical of decoys and doesn’t significantly affect performance. Maintenance is simple, requiring only rinsing with fresh water after each use and occasional cleaning of the water pump.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy comes with a 7.4-volt Lithium-Ion battery, a battery charger, and a remote control. While there aren’t many customization options specific to this decoy, it can be used effectively with a variety of decoy spreads and hunting setups. The decoy is compatible with standard decoy rigging and can be easily integrated into existing hunting gear.

Pros and Cons of Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy

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Who Should Buy Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy?

The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy is perfect for duck hunters who hunt in areas with calm or inconsistent winds. Hunters looking to add realism and movement to their decoy spreads will find this product extremely valuable. This is a great addition to a spread, if you can only afford to buy one realistic decoy.

Hunters who primarily hunt in areas with strong winds or who are on a very tight budget might want to skip this product. Hunters on a very tight budget can get away with stationary decoys.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality decoy bag for transport and storage to protect the paint and prolong the decoy’s lifespan. Extra batteries are also a good idea for extended hunting trips.

Conclusion on Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy

The Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy is a highly effective and well-designed product that delivers on its promise of attracting ducks through realistic movement. At $129.99, the price is justified by the decoy’s performance, durability, and convenience. The realism that this decoy offers is a significant value.

I would personally recommend it to any duck hunter looking to improve their success, especially in calm-water environments. With its lifelike movement, remote control, and durable construction, the Avian X Power Butt Kicker Duck Decoy is a valuable investment that will pay off in more successful hunts. Upgrade your decoy spread and experience the difference!