Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single Review

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single Made a Bold First Impression

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single promises to be a game-changer for waterfowl hunters looking to add realism to their spread. As an avid waterfowl hunter with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for decoys that can give me an edge. I was seeking a durable, lifelike decoy set that would fool even the wariest late-season mallards.

What drew me to this particular pack was the promise of a realistic paint scheme and the balanced sex ratio of six hens and six drakes. I’ve seen too many spreads overloaded with drakes, which doesn’t always reflect what you see on the water. My goal was to enhance my existing spread and improve my success rates on those tough, late-season hunts.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the size and detail of the decoys. The Manufacturer, Cupped Waterfowl, seemed to have put a lot of effort into replicating the subtle feather patterns and coloration of both mallard hens and drakes. They feel solid and well-made, a crucial factor considering the abuse decoys often endure.

Compared to my older Flambeau Storm Front2 Mallards, these Cupped Waterfowl decoys have a more natural, relaxed posture. My Avery Greenhead Gear Pro-Grade Mallards boast similar detail, but are significantly more expensive. My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, hoping they perform as well as they look.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single on a late-season hunt on a heavily pressured public lake in central Missouri. The conditions were tough: cold, with a light drizzle and a stiff north wind. I placed these decoys strategically around my blind, mixing them with my older, more weathered decoys to create a more natural-looking spread.

The decoys handled the wind and chop admirably, maintaining a realistic posture and movement on the water. Even in the low light conditions, the paint scheme held up well, providing good visibility and contrast. I didn’t experience any issues with them tipping over or riding unnaturally high.

The mallards responded well to the spread, committing readily even on their initial passes. By the end of the hunt, I had bagged three greenheads, a noticeable improvement compared to previous hunts in similar conditions with my older decoy setup. After using these decoys the first time, I was very satisfied with how easy they were to setup and bring in birds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the remainder of the season, the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards have proven to be remarkably durable. I hunt in a variety of conditions, including flooded timber, open water, and muddy fields, and these decoys have held up to the rigors of transport, deployment, and retrieval. There are minimal scratches or paint chipping, a testament to the quality of the materials.

Cleaning these decoys is surprisingly easy; a quick rinse with water and a gentle scrub with a soft brush removes any mud or grime. So far, I have not noticed any significant wear and tear on the weighted keels. This is very important as I have had problems with keels breaking on other decoys in the past.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less durable decoys, these Cupped Waterfowl decoys outperform them in almost every aspect. The realistic paint scheme, robust construction, and lifelike movement on the water make them a valuable addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal. They have exceeded my initial expectations, and I anticipate many seasons of reliable use.

Breaking Down the Features of Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single

Specifications

• The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single includes 6 mallard hen decoys and 6 mallard drake decoys. This provides a realistic mix for attracting birds.
• Each decoy features a weighted keel, ensuring proper balance and realistic movement in varying water conditions. This simple yet crucial feature keeps the decoys upright and responsive to wind and current.
• The decoys are constructed from a durable plastic material designed to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. This ensures longevity and resistance to cracking or breaking in cold weather.
• The paint scheme is designed to be highly realistic, mimicking the natural coloration and feather patterns of both mallard hens and drakes. This includes subtle variations in shading and detail for added realism.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the decoy’s effectiveness in attracting waterfowl. A realistic appearance and stable movement are crucial for fooling wary birds, particularly in pressured hunting areas. The durable construction ensures that the decoys will last for multiple seasons, making them a worthwhile investment.

Performance & Functionality

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single performs exceptionally well in attracting mallards. Their realistic appearance and lifelike movement on the water contribute to a convincing spread. Their ability to draw birds in close, even on pressured hunting days, is impressive.

One of the strengths of these decoys is their versatility; they work well in a variety of hunting scenarios, from flooded timber to open water. A minor weakness is their slightly larger size, which can make transporting a larger spread somewhat cumbersome. Overall, they meet and even exceed expectations for a mid-range decoy set.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards feature a well-thought-out design that prioritizes realism and functionality. The materials used are durable yet lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport. The weighted keels are perfectly balanced, ensuring that the decoys sit correctly in the water.

The decoys are relatively user-friendly, requiring no special setup or maintenance. Hunters of all experience levels will appreciate their ease of use and effectiveness. The detail in the paint job adds to the overall lifelike appearance of the decoys, making them a convincing addition to any spread.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards are built to last, thanks to their durable plastic construction and high-quality paint. With proper care, they should provide many seasons of reliable use. Minor scratches and scuffs are inevitable, but they do not detract from the decoy’s overall effectiveness.

Maintenance is simple: just rinse with water and scrub with a soft brush after each hunt. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading. By following these simple steps, hunters can ensure that their Cupped Waterfowl decoys remain in top condition for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single comes as a complete set with no additional accessories included in the box. They are, however, compatible with a variety of after-market decoy rigging systems and weights. Hunters can easily customize their decoy spread by adding different types of rigging, such as Texas rigs or individual decoy cords.

While there are no specific customization options for the decoys themselves, hunters can experiment with different paint schemes or flocking to further enhance their realism. Additionally, pairing these mallard decoys with other species of waterfowl decoys, such as pintails or wigeon, can create a more diverse and appealing spread. A diverse spread can increase success, especially in pressured areas.

Pros and Cons of Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single

Who Should Buy Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single?

The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single is perfect for waterfowl hunters of all experience levels who are looking to enhance their decoy spread with realistic and durable decoys. They are especially well-suited for hunters who target mallards in pressured hunting areas where realism is crucial for success. This set is an ideal option for hunters on a budget who want a high-quality decoy set without breaking the bank.

Hunters who are looking for highly specialized decoys with advanced features, such as motorized movement or remote control capabilities, should skip this product. Those with limited storage space or who prefer smaller, more compact decoys may also want to consider other options. Must-have accessories include a durable decoy bag or sled for easy transport and a high-quality decoy rigging system for quick and efficient deployment.

Conclusion on Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single

Overall, the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single is an excellent choice for waterfowl hunters seeking a realistic, durable, and affordable decoy set. The attention to detail in the paint scheme, the robust construction, and the balanced weighted keels all contribute to their effectiveness in attracting mallards. The value proposition is excellent; at $71.49, these decoys offer a significant upgrade over cheaper, less realistic options without the hefty price tag of premium brands.

I would personally recommend the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 12 Pack – Floating Single to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success in the field. Add these decoys to your spread and watch the greenheads commit!