Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution Review

First Thoughts on the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution trail camera promises to be a simple, effective, and affordable scouting tool. In a market flooded with high-tech cameras boasting complex features and hefty price tags, this one aims to be refreshingly straightforward. Wildgame Innovations markets this camera as easy to use and set up, which is particularly appealing to those who prefer a no-fuss approach to game surveillance.

My hunting land has been seeing increased pressure, and accurately tracking deer movement without constant disturbance is crucial. I needed a reliable, yet budget-friendly camera to identify travel patterns and buck activity near my stand locations. This seemed to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing, the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 is noticeably lightweight and compact. The brown plastic housing feels reasonably sturdy, though clearly built to a price point. The latch seems secure, and the included adjustable tree strap with alligator clips looks functional enough.

Compared to my older Bushnell Trophy Cam and a more recent Browning Defender, the Kicker 2.0 lacks the robust feel and advanced features. However, it’s significantly less expensive than both. I chose the Kicker 2.0 due to its promise of simplicity and long battery life for extended scouting periods without frequent trips to swap batteries.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s not going to win any design awards, but if it captures decent images and videos reliably, it will serve its purpose. I am hoping that it will live up to the expectations of a simple and economic option.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution to the Test

First Use Experience

I deployed the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 along a well-used deer trail bordering a thicket in a hardwood bottom. The camera was set about 15 yards from the trail, pointed north to minimize sun glare, and secured to a small tree using the included strap. Initial settings were configured for photo mode with medium sensitivity and a 30-second delay between triggers.

The first week revealed a mixed bag. Image quality during daylight hours was acceptable, providing clear enough details to identify deer and their antler development. However, nighttime images were grainy and lacked clarity, even with adaptive illumination.

The setup was relatively straightforward, although navigating the menu using the limited buttons took a little patience. The alligator clips on the strap made for quick and easy adjustments. An unexpected issue was the strap slipping slightly on the slick bark of the tree; I had to tighten it more than anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After two months of continuous use, the Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 has proven reasonably reliable, but with some caveats. Battery life is indeed impressive. The 8 battery capacity allowed the camera to run for the entire duration without needing a change.

The plastic housing has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or significant wear, despite exposure to rain, sun, and fluctuating temperatures. The camera’s performance remains consistent, but the image quality continues to be a limiting factor. During periods of heavy rain, some condensation formed inside the lens cover, affecting image clarity until it dissipated.

Compared to my older, more expensive cameras, the Kicker 2.0 falls short in image quality and trigger speed. However, its long battery life and simple operation make it a decent option for basic scouting needs, particularly in areas where theft is a concern due to its lower cost. The deer herd patterns began to emerge after the second week of data collection, providing valuable input for stand placement this upcoming season.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution

Specifications

• The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution features an 18MP resolution for capturing images and videos. This should provide adequate detail for identifying game, but real-world performance indicates otherwise.
• It has a wide-angle 16:9 aspect ratio. This allows a broader field of view, capturing more of the surrounding area in each image.
• The camera operates on 8 batteries (type unspecified). This provides extended battery life for longer periods of deployment in the field.
• It features adaptive illumination. This automatically adjusts the infrared flash intensity based on distance to the subject.
• Zero detection refers to its trigger speed, aiming to capture subjects with minimal delay. The actual trigger speed is not specified.
• The cable lock ready latch allows for securing the camera with a cable lock to deter theft. This is essential for use on public lands.

These specifications, on paper, seem adequate for a basic trail camera. However, the proof is in the pudding, and the performance doesn’t always align with the advertised specs.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 captures images and videos with acceptable reliability. However, the image quality, especially at night, leaves much to be desired.

Its primary strength is the extended battery life, which allows for longer deployment periods. The weaknesses include grainy nighttime images, a noticeably slow trigger speed, and a somewhat cumbersome menu system. It partially meets expectations for basic scouting, but falls short for those seeking high-quality images or videos.

Design & Ergonomics

The camera’s brown plastic housing is lightweight and relatively compact. It feels reasonably sturdy for its price point, although not as robust as higher-end models.

The Kicker 2.0 is relatively user-friendly, but the limited number of buttons and small screen make navigating the menu a bit tedious. There is a slight learning curve to get used to the button layout.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic housing appears to be durable enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions. Only time will tell how it holds up to extended exposure to the elements.

The Kicker 2.0 is easy to clean with a damp cloth. However, the potential for condensation inside the lens cover is a concern.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 comes with an adjustable tree strap with alligator clips. There are no other included accessories.

The camera features a cable lock ready latch for added security. Beyond that, there are no other readily apparent customization options. It is unclear if it’s compatible with third-party accessories like external power sources or alternate mounting systems.

Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations Kicker 2.0 Brown 18MP Resolution