First Thoughts on the HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer
As an experienced waterfowl hunter, I’ve seen countless decoy setups. But the HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer promised something different: realistic movement with minimal effort. The Higdon name is synonymous with quality, and this decoy’s rechargeable battery and built-in timer piqued my interest.
For years, I relied on jerk strings and manual flapping decoys. It was exhausting, especially on long hunts, and keeping consistent motion was challenging. The prospect of a decoy that could autonomously mimic a feeding duck’s splashing action was incredibly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer feels substantial. The decoy’s paint job is realistic, and the construction appears solid. It weighs more than a standard decoy due to the integrated battery and motor, but it’s a worthwhile trade-off.
Compared to simple floating decoys, the Higdon Crazy Kicker offers a distinct advantage in realism. Against other motorized decoys that create wake, the Crazy Kicker provides targeted splashing. I was particularly drawn to the integrated timer, hoping it would eliminate the need for constant on/off adjustments. My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism; I hoped the performance would match the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer on a small, shallow pond known for attracting mallards. The water was relatively clear, and there was a slight breeze. I placed the decoy in about 6 inches of water, among a spread of standard mallard decoys.
The Crazy Kicker performed admirably in these conditions. The timer-controlled leg movements created realistic splashes, mimicking feeding ducks, and immediately drew the attention of passing mallards. Several flocks circled and eventually landed within shooting range. There were no issues on initial use; the decoy operated smoothly and the timer functioned as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer continues to perform well. The paint has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being used in muddy and rocky conditions. Regular rinsing after each use helps maintain its appearance.
The battery life is impressive; a full charge easily lasts for multiple hunts. Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe down the decoy and occasionally check the leg attachments. Compared to my old manual system, the Higdon Crazy Kicker is a game-changer, saving time and effort while increasing my success rate.
Breaking Down the Features of HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer
Specifications
The HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer is designed to mimic a feeding mallard drake. It features a durable, realistic paint scheme in black and gray. The decoy is powered by a rechargeable 12V Li-ion battery.
The built-in digital timer allows for intermittent operation of the adjustable feet. This mimics the splashing of a feeding duck. The recommended water depth is a shallow 2 inches. The package includes the decoy with pre-installed battery and timer, a charger, and operating instructions.
Performance & Functionality
The HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer excels at creating realistic movement in shallow water. The splashing action is effective in attracting ducks, and the timer function allows for hands-free operation. The adjustable feet allow customizing the splash intensity.
A slight weakness is its performance in deeper water where the splashing becomes less visible. The decoy reliably operates for extended periods on a single charge. It more than meets expectations, significantly enhancing my decoy spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The decoy is well-built using durable materials. Its weight provides stability in windy conditions. The integrated design is streamlined, eliminating the need for external wires or controls.
The built-in timer simplifies operation, minimizing the learning curve. Setting it up is quick and easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer is built to withstand typical hunting conditions. The paint is resistant to chipping and fading. Simple cleaning and occasional checks are all that’s needed for maintenance.
With proper care, this decoy should last for several seasons. The robust construction inspires confidence.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer comes with a charger for the 12V Li-ion battery. Customization options are limited, but the adjustable feet allow you to control the intensity of the splashing. While not officially supported, some hunters might experiment with adding small weights to the decoy for enhanced stability in extreme wind.
The decoy is compatible with standard decoy anchors and lines. This allows integration with existing decoy spreads.
Pros and Cons of HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer
Pros
- Creates incredibly realistic splashing motion mimicking a feeding duck. This drastically improves the effectiveness of your decoy spread.
- The built-in timer allows for hands-free operation and extended battery life. No more constant on/off switching needed.
- Rechargeable 12V Li-ion battery provides long-lasting power for multiple hunts. Ensures reliability in the field.
- Durable construction and realistic paint job hold up well under normal hunting conditions. Increases the longevity of the decoy.
- Shallow water operation makes it ideal for ponds, marshes, and flooded fields. Adds versatility to your hunting setup.
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to standard decoys.
- Best performance is in shallow water; effectiveness diminishes in deeper water.
Who Should Buy HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer?
Perfect for: Waterfowl hunters looking to enhance the realism of their decoy spread, especially those hunting in shallow water environments. It’s also ideal for hunters who want to minimize manual labor and maximize their time in the field.
Who should skip this product? Hunters on a tight budget, or those who primarily hunt in deep water or large open lakes.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality decoy line and anchors are essential for securing the decoy in place. Consider a decoy bag for easy transport and storage.
Conclusion on HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer
The HIGDON DECOYS XS Crazy Kicker Mallard Drake Black/Gray Rechargeable 12V Li-ion Mallard Drake w/Timer is a valuable addition to any serious waterfowl hunter’s arsenal. Its realistic splashing motion and hands-free operation make it a standout product. The price is justified by its performance and durability.
I wholeheartedly recommend this decoy to anyone looking to elevate their hunting experience. It provides a significant advantage in attracting ducks. Add the Higdon Crazy Kicker to your spread and watch the birds commit!