American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer Review

First Thoughts on the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer

The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer aims to automate the feeding process for wildlife, primarily deer, but also applicable to other animals. American Hunter, a respected name in the hunting accessory market, offers this kit as a way to consistently dispense feed at pre-determined times, theoretically leading to better game management and hunting opportunities. My interest in this kit stemmed from a need for a reliable and efficient feeding solution on my property. I was tired of manually filling and dispensing feed, and I needed a solution that could handle consistent feeding even when I couldn’t be present.

The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer includes a heavy-duty metal control housing, a high-torque industrial motor, a “no blow” slinger, and a metal downspout. Initial impressions are good. The metal housing suggests durability, and the design seems straightforward. Opening the box, the metal components felt solid, and the instructions appeared clear. I was hoping for a well-built unit that could withstand the elements and provide years of reliable service.

Before settling on this kit, I considered the Moultrie Feed Station Pro and the Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set Feeder Kit. I ultimately chose the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer because of its seemingly robust metal construction and programmable digital timer. These were key factors that swayed my decision. The Moultrie unit had more plastic components, and the Wildgame Innovations kit had mixed reviews on timer reliability.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality appeared promising, and the feature set seemed adequate. However, the true test would be in its performance in the field. I was eager to see if the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer could live up to its claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer took place on my hunting property in central Texas. I mounted the kit to a 55-gallon drum using the universal mounting brackets. The environment was relatively dry, with temperatures hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I programmed the timer to dispense feed twice daily, once at dawn and once at dusk.

The setup was straightforward, although connecting the wires to the battery required some minor adjustments. The digital timer was relatively easy to program, and the instructions were clear enough to follow. After the first scheduled feeding, I observed the dispersal pattern. The “no blow” slinger seemed effective in preventing excessive wind drift. The feed was distributed in a roughly 15-foot radius around the feeder.

Initially, I was pleased with the performance. The motor seemed strong, the timer functioned as expected, and the feed dispersal was adequate. There were no immediate issues or surprises.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of continuous use, the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer has proven to be a mixed bag. The metal housing has held up well against the elements, showing no signs of rust or corrosion. However, the motor has exhibited intermittent issues.

On several occasions, the motor has failed to activate at the scheduled feeding times. This is a major drawback, as consistent feeding is crucial for attracting and maintaining game. The battery life, while decent, is not as long as advertised. I’ve had to replace the 6-volt battery more frequently than expected.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Periodically cleaning the slinger and downspout is necessary to prevent clogging. However, the motor issues are a significant concern. Compared to my previous experiences with other feeders, the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer falls short in terms of reliability. While the design is promising, the motor’s inconsistency is a major disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer

Specifications

• The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer features a heavy-duty metal control housing for weather resistance and protection of the internal components.
  This housing aims to prevent damage from animals and the elements.
• It utilizes a high-torque industrial motor designed to provide consistent and powerful spinning action for feed dispersal.
  This ensures adequate range and even distribution of feed.
• The kit includes a “no blow” slinger, which is designed to minimize feed wastage due to wind.
  This reduces feed drift and ensures feed stays within the desired area.
• A metal downspout is included for directing feed downwards.
  This prevents feed from accumulating on the motor housing.
• It is designed for easy installation on various feeder types.
  This feature makes it versatile for different feeding setups.
• The kit operates on either 6 or 12-volt batteries.
  This provides flexibility in power source options.
• The digital timer offers memory preservation for up to 30 minutes after power loss.
  This protects programmed settings in case of battery issues.
• It allows for feeding 1-8 different times per day.
  This allows for customized feeding schedules.
• The feed rate can be adjusted from 1-30 seconds.
  This provides control over the amount of feed dispensed per feeding.

These specifications collectively aim to create a durable, reliable, and customizable feeding solution. The choice of metal components suggests a focus on durability. The digital timer and adjustable feed rates offer flexibility in feeding schedules.

Performance & Functionality

When functioning correctly, the American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer performs adequately. The feed dispersal range is satisfactory for attracting deer and other wildlife. The timer is relatively accurate in dispensing feed at the programmed times, when the motor functions.

However, the intermittent motor failures are a significant weakness. This unreliability undermines the entire purpose of the automated feeding system. The battery life is also shorter than expected, requiring more frequent replacements. While the “no blow” slinger is effective in mild wind conditions, it struggles in strong winds.

The kit meets some expectations, such as the ease of programming the timer and the durability of the metal housing. However, the motor issues and shorter battery life are significant shortcomings.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is generally good, with the metal components providing a sense of durability. The weight is manageable, making installation relatively easy. The digital timer is user-friendly, with clearly labeled buttons and a simple interface.

However, the wire connections could be improved. They are somewhat flimsy and prone to disconnection. The battery compartment is also a bit cramped, making it difficult to insert and remove batteries.

There is a moderate learning curve associated with programming the timer and adjusting the feed rates. However, the instructions are reasonably clear.

Durability & Maintenance

The metal housing is expected to last for several years, provided it is protected from extreme conditions. The motor’s lifespan is questionable due to the intermittent failures. Regular cleaning of the slinger and downspout is necessary to prevent clogging.

Replacing the motor may be required after a year or two of use, depending on the frequency of use and environmental conditions. The timer is relatively simple to repair, with readily available replacement parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer comes with mounting brackets for attaching to various feeder types. There are no additional accessories included in the kit. Customization options are limited.

The kit is compatible with standard 6 or 12-volt batteries. Some users may choose to add a solar panel to extend battery life. It’s also possible to adjust the height and angle of the downspout for customized feed dispersal. However, specific aftermarket accessories are not readily available for this particular kit.

Pros and Cons of American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer

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Who Should Buy American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer?

The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer is perfect for hunters and property managers who need an automated feeding system and are willing to address potential motor reliability issues. It’s suitable for those who require customizable feeding schedules and appreciate the durable metal construction.

This product might not be ideal for individuals seeking a completely maintenance-free and highly reliable feeding solution, or those who are unwilling to troubleshoot potential motor problems.

Must-have accessories or modifications include a high-quality battery and potentially a spare motor for quick replacement. A solar panel might also be beneficial for extending battery life.

Conclusion on American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer

The American Hunter Spin Kit with Digital Timer offers a promising solution for automated wildlife feeding, with a durable metal construction and a programmable digital timer. However, the intermittent motor failures are a significant drawback that cannot be ignored. The shorter battery life is also a concern.

The price of $83.49 is somewhat justified by the durable construction and customizable features, but the motor reliability issues detract from the overall value.

Personally, I would recommend this product with reservations. If American Hunter can address the motor reliability issues, this kit has the potential to be an excellent choice. However, as it stands, buyers should be aware of the potential for motor failures and be prepared to troubleshoot or replace the motor if necessary. Consider carefully before purchasing.

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