First Thoughts on the Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber decoy is a bold statement in the world of turkey hunting. Avian X, a reputable manufacturer known for their incredibly realistic decoys, promises unmatched detail and realism in this strutter. I’ve always been a fan of aggressive setups, and the idea of a collapsible, highly-detailed strutter that can be easily transported immediately piqued my interest.
My biggest challenge on past hunts has been convincing those old, wary gobblers to commit. I needed a decoy that could project dominance and trigger an immediate reaction. Unboxing the Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber, I was immediately impressed by the paint job and the feel of the Dura-Rubber material. It felt significantly more robust than some of the cheaper, plastic decoys I’ve used in the past.
Compared to the Primos Gobstopper Jake and a standard hard-plastic strutter decoy I own, the Avian X stands out due to its collapsibility and what appears to be higher quality materials. I chose it over other similar products because of Avian X’s reputation for realism and the compact storage offered by the LCD design. I was definitely excited; this decoy looked like it could seriously up my turkey hunting game!
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber was during the spring turkey season in the hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. I set it up in a small clearing, positioning it to be visible from a long distance but also providing a natural backdrop. The weather was damp and foggy, typical for that time of year, adding to the atmosphere.
The decoy held up remarkably well in the damp conditions. The Dura-Rubber material seemed impervious to the moisture. The setup was relatively straightforward. It required inflating the decoy and attaching it to the collapsible stake; the whole process took only a few minutes. I did find that the included tail fan, while realistic, was a bit fiddly to attach securely. No birds responded on the first outing, but the weather was terrible!
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting setup. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, from scorching sun to light rain, and the paint has held up surprisingly well with minimal fading. There are a few minor scuffs from being packed in and out of the woods, but nothing significant.
Cleaning the decoy is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes any mud or debris. Compared to my older hard-plastic decoys, the Avian X is significantly easier to store and transport due to its collapsible design. It definitely outperformed my expectations in terms of portability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
Specifications
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber boasts several key specifications:
- Material: Dura-Rubber. This durable material is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist tearing.
- Design: Lifelike Collapsible Decoy (LCD). This feature allows for compact storage and easy transport.
- Setup: Inflatable with Collapsible Stake. Makes setup quick and easy in the field.
- Paint Scheme: Multi-Color, Turkey Species Specific. The realistic paint job is designed to mimic a mature male turkey.
- Tail Fan: Includes a Realistic Tail Fan. This enhances the overall realism of the decoy.
- Compact Storage: Folds into a Compact, Lightweight Size. This significantly improves portability.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the decoy’s realism, durability, and portability. The Dura-Rubber ensures longevity, while the LCD design makes it practical for hunters who cover a lot of ground. The paint scheme and included tail fan are crucial for fooling wary gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber excels at drawing attention and provoking a response from other turkeys. Its dominant strutting posture signals a challenge, often triggering an aggressive response from toms. The decoy’s realism is its biggest strength, fooling even experienced birds.
A minor weakness is the tail fan attachment; it could be more secure. However, this can be easily remedied with some aftermarket clips or by using a real tail fan. The decoy has consistently met my expectations, proving to be an effective tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The Dura-Rubber material feels robust and the paint job is impressively detailed. The decoy is lightweight, making it easy to carry in a turkey vest or backpack. The LCD design is a game-changer for portability.
The setup is user-friendly, although attaching the tail fan can be a bit finicky. A more secure attachment mechanism would be a welcome improvement.
Durability & Maintenance
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber is built to last. The Dura-Rubber material is resistant to tears and punctures, and the paint job is surprisingly durable. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down after each use is all that’s needed.
I expect this decoy to last for many seasons with proper care. Its robust construction and durable materials make it a worthwhile investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber comes with a collapsible stake and a realistic tail fan. While there are no specific Avian X accessories designed solely for this model, the decoy is compatible with most universal tail fan holders if you wish to upgrade or replace the included one.
You could also use aftermarket ground stakes for added stability in windy conditions. Many hunters choose to add real turkey feathers to enhance the realism of the tail fan.
Pros and Cons of Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
Pros
- Incredibly Realistic Appearance: The multi-color paint scheme and detailed features fool even wary gobblers.
- Durable Dura-Rubber Construction: Withstands harsh weather and resists tearing.
- Lifelike Collapsible Design (LCD): Allows for compact storage and easy transport.
- Easy Setup: Inflates quickly and attaches to a collapsible stake.
- Provokes Aggressive Responses: Dominant strutting posture challenges other turkeys.
Cons
- Tail Fan Attachment Can Be Fiddly: The included attachment mechanism could be more secure.
- Price Point: At $105.49, it’s pricier than some basic decoys.
Who Should Buy Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber?
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber is perfect for:
- Serious Turkey Hunters: Those who want a realistic and effective decoy to improve their success rate.
- Hunters Who Value Portability: The LCD design makes it ideal for hunters who cover a lot of ground.
- Hunters Targeting Dominant Toms: The strutting posture is designed to provoke an aggressive response.
Who should skip this product?
- Beginner Hunters on a Tight Budget: Simpler and more affordable decoys may be a better starting point.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- More Secure Tail Fan Attachment: Consider aftermarket clips or a dedicated tail fan holder.
- Higher Quality Ground Stake: For increased stability, especially in windy conditions.
Conclusion on Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber
The Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber is an exceptional turkey decoy that delivers on its promises of realism, durability, and portability. While the tail fan attachment could be improved, its overall performance and effectiveness in the field make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The price is justified by the quality of materials and the decoy’s ability to draw in even the most cautious gobblers.
I would definitely recommend the Avian X AVX-AVX8004 LCD Strutter Turkey Species Multi Color Dura-Rubber to any hunter looking to up their turkey hunting game. It’s a game-changer that will undoubtedly lead to more successful hunts. Get yours today and experience the Avian X difference!