Avian-X Topflight Back Review

The Avian-X Topflight Back Made a Bold First Impression

The world of waterfowl hunting demands realism, and few things are as crucial as your decoy spread. The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk promises to deliver just that: incredibly realistic, durable decoys that will fool even the wariest birds. For years, I’ve relied on a mix of floaters and shells, but I was always looking for a decoy that would represent ducks sitting calmly on the water, presenting a relaxed and inviting image. The Avian-X reputation for quality made them the obvious choice.

I’ve spent countless hours watching ducks and trying to replicate their behavior in my spreads. I was specifically seeking decoys that accurately depicted ducks in a “resting” or “loafing” position, as this is often overlooked. The promise of highly detailed, realistic surface feeders, at rest with their backs out of the water, drew me to the Avian-X Topflight Back.

Unboxing the Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk was an immediate revelation. The paint jobs are strikingly realistic, with subtle feather details and lifelike coloration. The plastic feels durable, yet has a slight give, suggesting they’ll withstand the rigors of transport and use. The attention to detail, even down to the individual feather textures, was immediately impressive.

I considered other brands like Higdon Outdoors and GHG (Greenhead Gear), but ultimately chose Avian-X due to their renowned durability and paint adhesion. Other decoys I’ve used had paint chipping issues, but Avian-X is known for more robust construction. The slightly higher price of the Avian-X Topflight Back, at $94.49, seemed justified by the promise of longevity and realism.

My first impression was definitely excitement. These decoys looked even better in person than in the online photos. I was eager to get them into the field and see how they performed. The realistic pose, combined with the high-quality finish, gave me confidence that the Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk would be a valuable addition to my spread.

Real-World Testing: Putting Avian-X Topflight Back to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to use the Avian-X Topflight Back decoys came on a late-season mallard hunt in a flooded timber area of Arkansas. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cold, with occasional light rain. I deployed the six decoys amongst a larger spread of floating mallards, placing them near the edges of the open water to mimic a group of ducks resting and preening. The wind was light, but enough to give the decoys a subtle, natural movement.

The ducks responded almost immediately. Several small flocks circled the spread, giving the Avian-X Topflight Back decoys a close inspection before committing. The realistic posture seemed to put them at ease, and we had several successful volleys over the decoys. The fact that ducks were keying in on this small “loafing” group reinforced the idea of a “safe space” within the spread.

The decoys were easy to use, requiring no special rigging or setup. Their compact size also made them easy to transport in my decoy bag. After the hunt, cleaning the decoys was straightforward, with mud and debris easily washing off. The paint remained intact, even after bumping against trees and vegetation during transport. There were no issues or surprises after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Avian-X Topflight Back decoys have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to a variety of conditions, including freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and even a brief encounter with ice. The paint has remained vibrant and intact, with only minor scuffs in high-wear areas.

Maintenance is minimal. After each hunt, I simply rinse them off with water and allow them to dry completely before storing them. I occasionally apply a light coat of UV protectant to help prevent fading, but this is more of a preventative measure than a necessity.

Compared to other cheaper decoys I’ve used in the past, the Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk is in a different league. They’ve outperformed expectations in terms of both realism and durability. Cheaper decoys often suffer from fading paint and brittle plastic, but the Avian-X decoys have proven to be a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of Avian-X Topflight Back

Specifications

The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk is designed to mimic resting mallards, and features several key specifications:

• Realistic Posture: The decoys are molded to depict ducks sitting on the water with their backs partially submerged, creating a relaxed and inviting appearance. This posture is crucial for adding realism to your spread.
• Durable Construction: The decoys are made from a high-density polyethylene blend that is both durable and lightweight. This material can withstand harsh weather conditions and repeated use.
• Detailed Paint Scheme: The decoys feature a lifelike paint scheme with intricate feather details and accurate coloration. The paint is also designed to resist chipping and fading.
• One-Piece Design: The decoys feature a one-piece design, eliminating the risk of detachable heads or keels. This simplifies setup and ensures durability.
• Six Per Pack: The pack contains six surface feeder mallard decoys, allowing hunters to simulate a small resting flock within their spread.

These specifications contribute to the overall performance and user experience by creating a more realistic and durable decoy that is easy to use and maintain. The realistic posture and paint scheme attract ducks, while the durable construction ensures that the decoys will last for seasons to come.

Performance & Functionality

The Avian-X Topflight Back decoys excel at their primary job: attracting waterfowl. The realistic posture and paint scheme create a visual illusion that fools even wary ducks. The decoys have consistently drawn birds into my spread, resulting in more successful hunts.

The main strength of the Avian-X Topflight Back is their realism. The ducks genuinely seem to be more relaxed around these decoys. A potential weakness could be the lack of active head postures. Adding a few “feeder” or “alert” head poses could make the spread even more effective.

The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk definitely meet and, in many ways, exceed expectations. They’ve proven to be a valuable addition to my hunting arsenal.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Avian-X Topflight Back is excellent. The materials used are clearly high-quality, and the construction is solid. The decoys are lightweight, making them easy to carry, yet feel substantial enough to withstand abuse.

The design is user-friendly, requiring no setup or assembly. There’s no learning curve involved; simply toss them into the water and they’re ready to go. Their size makes them relatively easy to store and transport.

Durability & Maintenance

The Avian-X Topflight Back are built to last. The durable polyethylene construction and chip-resistant paint ensure that they will withstand years of use. With proper care, these decoys should provide many seasons of reliable performance.

Maintenance is simple: just rinse with water after each use and allow them to dry. The paint holds up well to repeated handling, even in harsh conditions. The one-piece design eliminates potential points of failure, further enhancing their durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk do not come with any specific accessories. There aren’t many customization options directly applicable to this product line.

However, they are compatible with standard decoy rigging systems, allowing you to customize their anchoring and placement. Some hunters might choose to add weights or keels for added stability, especially in windy conditions. The simplicity of the design keeps costs down and reduces the need for accessories.

Pros and Cons of Avian-X Topflight Back

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Who Should Buy Avian-X Topflight Back?

The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk is perfect for:

• Hunters who want to add realism to their decoy spread.
• Experienced waterfowlers looking to enhance their spread with a subtle “loafing” group.
• Hunters who prioritize durability and longevity in their gear.

Who should skip this product?

• Beginner hunters on a tight budget might find cheaper options more appealing.
• Hunters who prefer a decoy spread with a variety of poses.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• High-quality decoy rigging system for easy deployment and retrieval.
• Additional “feeder” or “alert” decoys to add variety to the spread.

Conclusion on Avian-X Topflight Back

The Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk are a fantastic addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal. Their realism, durability, and ease of use make them a worthwhile investment. They bring a unique element of realism to the spread.

At $94.49, the price is justified by the superior quality and performance. These decoys are built to last and will likely pay for themselves over time through increased hunting success.

I would absolutely recommend the Avian-X Topflight Back Water Mallard Ducks 6Pk to any serious waterfowl hunter. If you’re ready to take your decoy game to the next level, the Avian-X Topflight Back decoys are the perfect choice. Add them to your spread and watch the ducks respond!

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