The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard Made a Bold First Impression
The sight of mallards dropping into my spread is a feeling I chase every waterfowl season. Achieving that picture-perfect scene often hinges on realistic decoys, and the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard promises exactly that: lifelike finishing decoys designed to seal the deal. This six-pack, offering a mix of hen and drake mallards, caught my attention because of Cupped Waterfowl’s reputation for affordability without sacrificing too much realism, a crucial factor when budgeting for a full spread.
I needed to supplement my existing decoy spread with some finishing decoys that would appear relaxed and inviting to incoming birds. I was tired of relying solely on active-pose decoys, which sometimes spook wary late-season ducks. I wanted decoys that looked like they were already comfortable and feeding, signaling safety to approaching flocks.
Unboxing the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards, I was initially impressed with the paint detail and the variety in body postures. They had a noticeable weight to them, suggesting decent durability. However, I immediately wished for flocked heads. I own primarily flocked head decoys, and the lack of flocking here was a noticeable difference.
Compared to my older, more expensive, flocked-head decoys from Avery and Greenhead Gear, the Cupped Waterfowl decoys obviously lacked the same level of intricate detail and realistic texture. However, the price point was significantly lower, making them an attractive option for expanding my spread without breaking the bank. Other options considered were Higdon Outdoors Standard Foam Filled Mallards, but they were substantially more expensive. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The decoys seemed well-made for the price, but the real test would be how they perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard on a late-season hunt on a small, heavily pressured public lake. The weather was cold, with a light drizzle, and the water was choppy. I deployed the decoys in a small, relaxed group near the downwind side of a point, using them to complement my larger spread of active decoys.
The weighted keels performed admirably, keeping the decoys upright even in the wind-driven chop. The paint held up well to the initial handling and didn’t seem to easily scratch or chip. We had a small flock of mallards cup and commit directly to the finishing decoys within the first hour. This confirmed my strategy of using finishing decoys in pressured areas.
The only minor issue I encountered was that the keels could have been a bit deeper. In slightly shallower water, the decoys were a little more prone to tipping over if bumped.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards are holding up surprisingly well. There are a few minor scuffs on the paint, but nothing significant. This speaks to the Superior Durability that Cupped Waterfowl advertises.
Cleaning the decoys is simple; a quick rinse with water removes most mud and debris. The weighted keels also make it easy to keep them organized in my decoy bag. So far, there are no signs of cracking or fading.
Compared to my older decoys, the Cupped Waterfowl decoys have proven to be more resistant to chipping. However, the lack of flocking remains a visual difference that I still notice, especially on sunny days.
Breaking Down the Features of Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard
Specifications
- The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard consists of 3 Mallard Hen Decoys and 3 Mallard Drake Decoys. This mix provides a natural and realistic look to your decoy spread.
- Each decoy features a Weighted Keel. This ensures that the decoys remain upright and stable in various water conditions, preventing them from tipping over in wind or currents.
- The decoys are constructed with Superior Durability for years of use. This guarantees that they can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, including exposure to water, sunlight, and rough handling.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the effectiveness and longevity of the decoys. The mix of hen and drake mallards increases the realism of the spread. The weighted keels ensure stability. The durable construction provides peace of mind knowing that your investment will last.
Performance & Functionality
The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards perform their intended job effectively: attracting ducks. The realistic paint scheme and relaxed postures are inviting to approaching birds. The weighted keels keep the decoys stable, even in choppy water.
The decoys are easy to deploy and retrieve, thanks to their manageable size and weight. One area for improvement would be the addition of flocking to the heads, which would further enhance their realism. However, as they are they still meet my expectations, especially considering their price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate, with durable plastic construction that should withstand typical hunting conditions. The decoys are lightweight enough to carry a dozen or more without significant strain. The size is realistic, providing a believable profile on the water.
The user-friendliness is excellent; simply toss them in the water and they’re ready to go. There is no learning curve. The weighted keels make them inherently stable and prevent them from rolling around in the decoy bag.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable plastic construction should ensure that the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards last for several seasons with proper care. Scratches and minor paint chips are inevitable with use. However, the overall construction seems robust enough to handle regular hunting trips.
Maintenance is minimal; simply rinse them off after each use to remove mud and debris. Storing them in a decoy bag will help prevent scratches and prolong their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard does not come with any accessories beyond the decoys themselves. There are no built-in customization options. However, you could potentially add your own flocking to the heads for enhanced realism.
The decoys are compatible with standard decoy rigging systems. So, you can easily attach them to your preferred line and weights.
Pros and Cons of Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard
Pros
- Realistic Paint Scheme: The mallard hen and drake decoys feature a realistic paint job that effectively mimics the appearance of live ducks, attracting birds from a distance.
- Weighted Keels: Each decoy is equipped with a weighted keel, ensuring stability and preventing them from tipping over in windy conditions or choppy water.
- Durable Construction: Made from durable plastic, these decoys are built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, including exposure to water, sunlight, and rough handling.
- Affordable Price: Compared to higher-end decoys, the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards offer excellent value for the money, making them a budget-friendly option for expanding your spread.
- Effective Finishing Decoys: The relaxed postures of these decoys create a welcoming environment for incoming birds, encouraging them to commit and land within shooting range.
Cons
- Lack of Flocking: The absence of flocking on the heads reduces the realism of the decoys, especially in bright sunlight.
- Keel Depth: The keels could be slightly deeper for better stability in shallower water.
Who Should Buy Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard?
The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard is perfect for budget-conscious waterfowl hunters looking to expand their decoy spread without sacrificing too much realism. It is also a great option for beginner hunters who are just starting to build their decoy collection. These decoys are particularly effective for hunting pressured areas. The relaxed postures help to lure in wary birds that are hesitant to approach more aggressive-looking spreads.
Hunters who demand the absolute highest level of realism should skip this product and invest in higher-end, flocked-head decoys. Also, hunters who primarily hunt in very shallow water might find the keel depth to be insufficient.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality decoy bag to protect the decoys during transport and storage. Adding a small amount of mud or dirt to the decoys can also help to reduce glare and further enhance their realism.
Conclusion on Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard
The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard offers a solid value proposition for waterfowl hunters seeking affordable and effective finishing decoys. While they may not possess the same level of detail as higher-end options, their realistic paint scheme, durable construction, and weighted keels make them a worthwhile addition to any decoy spread. The Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards 6 Pack – Floating Mallard’s price is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend these decoys to anyone looking to expand their spread on a budget or for those who are new to waterfowl hunting. For just under $50, you get a decent set of finishing decoys.
Ultimately, the Cupped Waterfowl Finishing Mallards have earned their place in my decoy spread. Get yours today and experience the difference a relaxed spread can make!