First Thoughts on the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
As a seasoned waterfowl hunter, I’ve seen my fair share of decoys – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. When I first laid eyes on the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack, I was cautiously optimistic. Higdon Outdoors has a solid reputation, but the proof is always in the hunt. This pack promises durability and realism, two things absolutely critical for fooling wary ducks.
My quest for the perfect decoy setup has always been a challenge. I needed decoys that could withstand the rigors of early morning setups in frigid water, resist the relentless abuse of bouncing around in the back of my truck, and still look lifelike enough to draw in those late-season mallards. Many cheaper decoys fade, crack, or simply lack the realism needed to seal the deal.
The moment I unboxed the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack, I was impressed. The size was noticeably larger than my standard decoys – a definite plus for visibility. The paint job appeared detailed, and the foam filling gave them a substantial feel. Compared to some of the cheaper, hollow plastic decoys I’ve used, these felt like they could actually take a beating. I considered the Avery Greenhead Gear Pro-Grade Mallards and the Flambeau Storm Front2 Mallards, but the foam filling and varied poses of the Higdon Outdoors pack swayed me.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. These decoys looked great, but would they hold up in the field? Would the paint chip? Would they actually attract ducks? Only time, and a few successful hunts, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack came on a crisp, late-October morning on a small, secluded lake. The air was biting, and a light drizzle was falling. I deployed the decoys in a classic “J” pattern, hoping to entice any early-season mallards that might be passing through.
The weighted keel made setup a breeze, even in the shallow water near the shoreline. The decoys sat naturally on the water, and the slight breeze gave them realistic movement. The different postures – upright drakes, a low-head drake, a drake feeder, an upright hen, and a hen feeder – added a touch of realism that I hoped would make a difference. Within an hour, a small flock of mallards circled the spread and committed. I managed to bag two beautiful greenheads. No issues were encountered during this first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hard use, the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack has exceeded my expectations. They’ve endured countless early morning setups, bouncing around in the boat, and even a few encounters with submerged logs. The paint has held up remarkably well, with only minimal signs of wear and tear.
The foam filling has proven its worth. Unlike hollow decoys that can crack and fill with water, these have remained buoyant and durable. Cleaning is simple – a quick rinse with a hose is all it takes. Compared to previous decoys I’ve owned, these have held up significantly better. The Higdon Outdoors decoys still look almost new, even after a season of hard use, while cheaper models would be showing significant signs of damage. I anticipate many more seasons of use from them.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
Specifications
- Construction: Foam filled, providing superior buoyancy and durability. This ensures the decoys remain afloat, even with moderate damage.
- Size: Magnum, offering increased visibility to attract ducks from a greater distance. Their larger profile stands out in open water.
- Paint: Higdon’s proprietary UV painting process minimizes unnatural glare. This increases realism and reduces the chance of spooking birds.
- Head Design: Flocked heads on drakes add a realistic touch and minimize reflection. The soft texture and lifelike appearance help fool wary ducks.
- Keel: Weighted keel ensures the decoys sit upright in the water and allows for short stringing. This versatility is especially useful in shallow water conditions.
- Poses: Includes 5 different postures (2 Upright Drakes, 1 Low Head Drake, 1 Drake Feeder, 1 Upright Hen and 1 Hen Feeder) for a realistic spread. The variety helps to mimic a natural flock of ducks.
- Removable Heads: Upright and Low head decoys feature removable swivel heads. This allows for easy storage and customizable positioning.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack performs admirably in the field. Their realistic appearance and varied poses effectively attract ducks. The weighted keels ensure they sit properly in the water, even in choppy conditions.
The flocked heads on the drakes are a particularly nice touch, minimizing glare and adding to the overall realism. One minor issue is that the removable heads can occasionally come loose if not properly secured, but this is easily remedied. Overall, these decoys meet and exceed my expectations in terms of performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and a well-thought-out design. The magnum size is a significant advantage, providing increased visibility. The weighted keels make deployment quick and easy.
There’s no real learning curve – simply attach the heads (if desired) and deploy. The foam filling provides a substantial feel and added durability.
Durability & Maintenance
The foam filling is the key to the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack’s durability. They are much more resistant to cracking and sinking compared to hollow plastic decoys.
Maintenance is minimal – a quick rinse with a hose after each hunt is all that’s needed. With proper care, these decoys should last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the decoys themselves. However, you can easily customize the spread by adding more decoys, using different string lengths, and experimenting with different placement patterns. They are compatible with standard decoy cords and weights. Some hunters might choose to add motion decoys or jerk cords to further enhance the realism of their spread.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The foam filling ensures these decoys can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use.
- Realistic Appearance: Detailed paint jobs, flocked heads, and varied poses create a lifelike spread that attracts ducks.
- Magnum Size: Increased visibility draws birds from a greater distance.
- Weighted Keels: Easy and quick deployment, even in shallow water.
- UV Paint Technology: Minimizes unnatural glare, increasing realism.
Cons
- Removable heads can occasionally come loose if not properly secured.
- The price point is higher than some basic, hollow plastic decoys.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack?
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand durability and realism. If you’re tired of replacing cheap decoys every season, these are a worthwhile investment. They are also well-suited for hunters who frequent shallow water environments due to the weighted keel.
Hunters on a very tight budget or those who only hunt a few times a season might consider less expensive options. Also, if you primarily hunt very small ponds or flooded timber, the magnum size might be overkill. A must-have accessory is a durable decoy bag to protect the decoys during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack is a top-tier decoy set that delivers on its promises of durability and realism. While the price is higher than some alternatives, the long-term value is undeniable.
The Higdon Outdoors decoys outperform cheaper options in every way that matters. This justifies the investment if you depend on your gear.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Higdon Outdoors Magnum Floaters Mallard Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack to any serious waterfowl hunter. Invest in these decoys, and you’ll be rewarded with a more effective spread and years of reliable service. Gear up, get out there, and bag some birds!