Let’s Dive into Allen Antler Mounting Kit
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit offers a budget-friendly solution for displaying your prized antlers. From Allen, this kit promises a simple way to showcase your trophies with a wood-grain laminate finish and a flexible skull mount.
My own collection of sheds and harvested antlers was rapidly outgrowing my storage solutions, becoming more of a tripping hazard than a display of accomplishment. I needed an affordable, aesthetically pleasing way to organize and present these memories.
Upon unboxing the kit, the wood grain laminated finish of the plaque caught my eye; it’s surprisingly decent for the price. The skull mount itself is a flexible, green fabric-covered form, which felt a bit underwhelming initially but seemed adaptable. My first thought was “can this really work for a variety of antler sizes and shapes?”.
I considered several options including custom-built mounts and more expensive pre-made displays. Ultimately, the price point and promise of easy installation of the Allen Antler Mounting Kit won me over. It was a gamble on affordability and convenience.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the laminate looked better than expected, but the flexibility of the skull mount raised questions about long-term stability and overall appearance. Let’s see how it holds up.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Antler Mounting Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Allen Antler Mounting Kit involved mounting a set of whitetail antlers I harvested last season. The process took place in my garage, a typical dusty and sometimes humid environment.
The initial setup was straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver and a bit of patience to mold the flexible skull mount. However, fitting the antlers securely took some trial and error.
After several adjustments, I managed to achieve a fairly stable mount, though I noticed the green fabric of the skull cover tended to bunch up in certain areas. There were some gaps where the antlers met the fabric, which required some creative repositioning to minimize.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of displaying the whitetail antlers using the Allen Antler Mounting Kit, the mount has remained relatively stable. There’s been no catastrophic failure, but some minor issues have emerged.
The laminate on the plaque is surprisingly durable, showing no signs of peeling or scratching despite occasional bumps. The green fabric on the skull mount, however, has faded slightly in areas exposed to sunlight, and the flexibility that was a strength in fitting the antlers now contributes to a slight “wiggle” if the mount is bumped.
Maintaining the mount involves occasional dusting; the fabric tends to attract dust, and it’s not easily wiped clean. Compared to custom-built mounts I’ve used in the past, the Allen Antler Mounting Kit is definitely less robust but, given the price difference, it performs adequately.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Antler Mounting Kit
Specifications
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit features a wood grain laminated finish plaque. The skull mount utilizes a flexible form covered in green fabric, designed to accommodate various antler configurations. The manufacturer is Allen.
These specifications are important because they dictate the mount’s aesthetic appeal and adaptability. The wood grain laminate aims for a classic look, while the flexible skull mount promises a universal fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit functions primarily as a display for antlers, and it does so reasonably well, especially considering its price point. It securely holds most antler sets, but very large or oddly shaped racks might present a challenge.
Its strength lies in its ease of use and affordability. The main weakness is the somewhat cheap feel of the skull mount and the limited adjustability for a truly custom fit. I feel that the product meets expectations for someone seeking a budget-friendly display solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Allen Antler Mounting Kit is adequate for its intended purpose. The wood grain laminated plaque is visually appealing and sturdy, while the green fabric-covered skull mount feels less premium.
The kit is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal assembly and offering some flexibility in positioning the antlers. The limited adjustability of the skull mount and a slightly bulky feel of the fabric could be improved.
Durability & Maintenance
The wood grain laminated plaque seems likely to last for years with proper care. The longevity of the skull mount is less certain; the fabric could potentially tear or fade over time, and the flexibility might lead to sagging if heavily loaded.
Maintenance involves simple dusting. Spot cleaning the fabric may be necessary, but harsh chemicals should be avoided.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit includes the plaque and the skull mount form. The provided specifications mention an engraveable plate, but this isn’t included in this specific kit.
There are limited customization options; some users might choose to paint the plaque or replace the fabric on the skull mount. Compatibility with accessories is limited; it’s primarily designed as a standalone mounting solution.
Pros and Cons of Allen Antler Mounting Kit
Pros
- The wood grain laminated finish provides a surprisingly attractive look for the price.
- The flexible skull cover makes it adaptable to a variety of antler sizes and shapes.
- The mounting kit is very affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious hunters and collectors.
- It’s easy to assemble and install, requiring minimal tools or expertise.
- The sturdy plaque provides a stable base for displaying antlers.
Cons
- The green fabric on the skull cover can look somewhat cheap and may fade over time.
- The flexibility of the skull mount can make it less stable than more rigid mounting solutions.
Who Should Buy Allen Antler Mounting Kit?
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit is perfect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an affordable and easy-to-use way to display their antler trophies. It is also a good option for anyone needing to mount several sets of antlers without breaking the bank.
This product should be skipped by those seeking a premium, highly customizable, or museum-quality display. Anyone looking for a professional or permanent display option should look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be to potentially replace the green fabric of the skull cover with higher-quality material or a more realistic skull replica for improved aesthetics.
Conclusion on Allen Antler Mounting Kit
The Allen Antler Mounting Kit offers a decent solution for displaying antlers on a budget. While it lacks the premium feel and customization options of more expensive mounts, it provides a functional and reasonably attractive display.
The price is definitely justified for those prioritizing affordability. Its ease of use and adaptability make it a practical choice for displaying multiple sets of antlers.
I would personally recommend the Allen Antler Mounting Kit to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an economical way to showcase their trophies. Don’t hesitate, grab your Allen Antler Mounting Kit and proudly display those hard-earned antlers.