The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 Made a Bold First Impression
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of decoys, but the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 immediately piqued my interest. This isn’t just another mixed bag; it’s a thoughtfully curated selection designed to specifically target diver ducks, offering a combination of species representation and high-visibility profiles. I was intrigued to see if this pre-packaged strategy could live up to its potential in the field.
I was looking to upgrade my spread for diver duck hunting on the Great Lakes. I needed decoys that were durable, realistic, and effective at drawing in these fast-flying birds. The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 seemed like a good starting point, offering a variety of diver species in one convenient package.
Upon unboxing, the decoys appeared robust. They were made of a thick, durable plastic, and the paint jobs seemed well-applied. The weight felt substantial, suggesting good stability in choppy water, but only time would tell if they delivered.
I considered buying individual decoys from Avery Outdoors and Greenhead Gear, but the cost and time involved in selecting and assembling a similar spread were prohibitive. The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 offered a more streamlined and cost-effective solution, at a price of $108.49. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, hoping the quality matched the convenience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 on a late-season diver duck hunt on Lake Michigan. The conditions were challenging, with brisk winds and choppy water. The visibility was decent, but the waves were definitely testing the stability of my kayak and the decoys.
The decoys performed admirably in the tough conditions. They rode the waves well, maintaining an upright position and presenting a realistic profile to approaching ducks. I had no trouble deploying and retrieving them, even with gloved hands and the wind trying to blow me off course.
The Bluebills and Canvasbacks attracted several flocks of divers. These flocks circled my spread multiple times before committing. I was surprised by how well the lone Bufflehead seemed to act as an confidence decoy, with its compact size and distinct coloration adding to the realism of the spread.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is holding up remarkably well. There are a few minor scratches on the paint, but the plastic bodies remain intact and show no signs of cracking or fading. The decoys have been deployed in a variety of weather conditions, from calm, sunny days to icy, blustery storms.
The durability has exceeded my expectations, given the price point. I’ve been careful to store them properly after each use, wiping them down and keeping them in a dry place. This simple maintenance has helped to prolong their lifespan and preserve their appearance. The only real maintenance is simply wiping down the mud when pulling the decoy spread.
Compared to cheaper, less durable decoys I’ve used in the past, the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is a clear upgrade. Their realistic appearance and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment for serious diver duck hunters. The realism helps create the illusion of safety for real ducks to land amongst them.
Breaking Down the Features of Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1
Specifications
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 consists of five decoys: two Bluebills, two Canvasbacks, and one Bufflehead. The decoys are constructed from a durable, high-density polyethylene plastic. The paint is a matte finish, designed to reduce glare and enhance realism.
The specific dimensions and weights aren’t explicitly listed, but the decoys are generally true-to-life in size for the species they represent. The keel design provides stability in choppy water, and the attachment point allows for easy rigging with various types of decoy line. These specifications are important because they directly impact the decoys’ appearance, durability, and performance in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 excels in its primary function: attracting diver ducks. The combination of species and the realistic paint jobs create a convincing spread that draws birds in. The keel design provides excellent stability, even in rough water, which is critical for maintaining a realistic appearance.
The decoys’ strengths lie in their durability, realistic appearance, and ease of use. The primary weakness is the lack of detailed specifications. Knowing the exact dimensions and weights would be helpful for planning spread layouts and optimizing performance in different conditions. Overall, the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations for a pre-packaged diver decoy spread.
Design & Ergonomics
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 boasts a simple yet effective design. The durable plastic construction feels solid and capable of withstanding years of use. The weight is sufficient to provide stability without being overly cumbersome to carry or deploy.
The decoys are relatively user-friendly, requiring no special skills or equipment to set up and use. The matte paint finish effectively reduces glare, enhancing their realism in a variety of lighting conditions. There is no learning curve, just throw them in the water and go.
Durability & Maintenance
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is built to last. The high-density polyethylene plastic is resistant to impacts, abrasions, and UV damage. With proper care and storage, these decoys should provide many seasons of reliable use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water to remove mud or debris. The durable paint finish is resistant to chipping and fading, further minimizing maintenance requirements. I have found that using a gentle brush is the best way to ensure no paint comes off.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 does not come with any accessories. However, they are readily compatible with a wide range of decoy lines, weights, and rigging systems. Some hunters may choose to add swivel snaps or other accessories to improve their deployment and retrieval efficiency.
There are limited customization options available directly for the decoys. You could repaint them if you wanted a slightly different color scheme. The decoys are compatible with most standard decoy anchors and lines.
Pros and Cons of Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1
Pros
- Durable Construction: The high-density polyethylene plastic ensures longevity, even in harsh conditions.
- Realistic Appearance: The matte paint finish and accurate species representation create a convincing decoy spread.
- Excellent Stability: The keel design provides stability in choppy water, maintaining a realistic profile.
- Convenient Package: The pre-selected species mix saves time and effort compared to buying individual decoys.
- Good Value: Offers a cost-effective way to build a diver duck decoy spread.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Few options exist for tailoring the decoys to specific hunting situations.
- No Accessories Included: Decoy lines and weights must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1?
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is perfect for hunters who are new to diver duck hunting or who want a convenient and affordable way to expand their existing decoy spread. It is also well-suited for hunters who primarily target Bluebills and Canvasbacks and appreciate the added confidence factor of a single Bufflehead decoy.
Hunters who are looking for highly detailed, competition-grade decoys or who require specific species mixes beyond what is offered in this pack should skip this product. A must-have accessory is a high-quality decoy line and anchor system to ensure the decoys stay in place, even in strong currents or high winds.
Conclusion on Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1
The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is a solid and effective decoy spread that offers excellent value for the price. Its durable construction, realistic appearance, and stable design make it a reliable choice for diver duck hunters of all skill levels. The Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1‘s $108.49 price tag is justified by its performance and durability.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to target diver ducks. If you are ready to up your diver duck hunting game, the Battleship Diver Pack 2 Bluebills 2 Canvasbacks 1 Bufflehead 1 is a great place to start.