Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove Review

First Impressions of Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove promises warmth, dexterity, and waterproof protection for waterfowlers facing harsh conditions. As someone who’s spent countless predawn hours in flooded timber, numb fingers are a familiar and unwelcome experience. My hope is that these gloves from Fish Monkey will finally provide a solution to keep my hands functional when temperatures plummet.

For years, I’ve struggled to find the perfect glove for setting and retrieving decoys. Thin gloves offer dexterity but leave my hands frozen stiff, while bulky, insulated gloves hinder my ability to handle small items and manipulate my shotgun. I was drawn to the Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove due to its advertised slim-cut fingers for shooting and its waterproof, fleece-lined design.

Upon unboxing, the gloves felt surprisingly lightweight and flexible for a neoprene design. The brushed neoprene exterior has a soft, almost luxurious feel. The “Monkey Grip” palm felt noticeably grippy, promising a secure hold even when wet. My initial thought was: these might actually work.

I considered the Sitka Gear Traverse Glove and the Drake Waterfowl Eqwader Glove, but both seemed to compromise either warmth or dexterity more than the Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove. The Sitka are great for early season but not for sub-freezing weather. The Drake gloves, while warm, felt too bulky for quickly loading shells in the dark. The promise of waterproofness combined with dexterity sold me on the Fish Monkey.

My first impression is cautiously optimistic. They seem well-made and comfortable, and the features suggest they’ll perform as advertised. The real test, however, will come in the duck blind.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove was on a frigid morning in late December. The temperature hovered around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with a biting wind chill near the single digits. The mission: setting out a spread of mallard decoys in a shallow flooded field before sunrise.

The gloves performed admirably well in the initial wet and cold conditions. The waterproof membrane kept my hands completely dry while setting decoys. The slim-cut fingers truly allowed for precise work. I was able to easily clip decoy lines and adjust the floaters without fumbling, a welcome change from past experiences. However, after an hour in the frigid water, I began to feel the cold creeping into my fingertips.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of duck hunting, the Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove has proven to be a solid, though not perfect, piece of gear. The gloves have seen regular use in various conditions, from early teal season in relatively mild weather to late-season hunts in near-zero temperatures. Durability has been impressive; there are no signs of tearing or seam separation, despite constant exposure to mud, water, and general abuse. Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with a hose and air drying does the trick.

Compared to my previous go-to gloves, a combination of fingerless wool gloves and chemical hand warmers, the Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove is a significant upgrade in terms of convenience and dexterity. They don’t quite provide the same level of warmth as thick, insulated mittens, but the ability to handle my firearm and equipment without removing my gloves is a huge advantage. The waterproofness remains excellent. After repeated submersion, there are no leaks. However, the gloves do retain a slight neoprene odor even after cleaning, but this has not affected their performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove

Specifications

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove is specifically designed for waterfowlers needing warmth, dexterity, and waterproof protection. They are constructed of brushed neoprene, known for its insulating properties and water resistance. The glove features a HIPORA 100% waterproof technology membrane to keep hands dry.

Other specifications include a comfortable microfleece lining for added warmth and comfort, and a Non-Slip Monkey Grip synthetic leather palm for enhanced grip. The pre-curved fingers enhance dexterity and reduce hand fatigue. An adjustable wrist and cuff closure seals out water and cold air, and the slim-cut index finger is touch screen compatible, and allows for precise shooting and re-loading.

These specifications matter because waterfowl hunting often involves working in wet, cold conditions where maintaining dexterity is crucial for safety and success. The waterproof membrane prevents hypothermia, and the Monkey Grip palm ensures a secure hold on firearms and equipment. The pre-curved fingers reduce fatigue during long days in the blind.

Performance & Functionality

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove performs its intended job reasonably well, offering a balance of warmth, dexterity, and waterproof protection. The standout feature is the HIPORA waterproof membrane, which consistently keeps hands dry even after repeated submersion. The Non-Slip Monkey Grip palm provides excellent grip on shotguns, decoy lines, and other gear, even when wet.

However, the gloves aren’t perfect. In extremely cold conditions (below freezing with wind chill), the level of insulation may not be sufficient for prolonged exposure. While the slim-cut index finger aids in shooting, some users with larger hands might find it a bit restrictive. The touchscreen compatibility is somewhat unreliable; it works intermittently, but is not a primary selling feature.

Overall, the gloves meet expectations for waterfowling in moderately cold conditions, but additional insulation might be necessary for extreme cold.

Design & Ergonomics

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both function and comfort. The brushed neoprene is soft against the skin and provides a comfortable, snug fit. The pre-curved fingers enhance dexterity and reduce hand fatigue.

The adjustable wrist and cuff closure allows for a customizable fit, preventing water from entering the glove. However, the sizing runs slightly small, so users with larger hands may want to order a size up. The gloves are relatively lightweight and do not feel bulky or restrictive, which is crucial for maintaining dexterity.

There is a minimal learning curve. The gloves are easy to put on and take off, and the adjustable closures are simple to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove appears to be built to last. The neoprene construction is resistant to tears and abrasions, and the reinforced seams add to the overall durability. After a full season of use, there are no signs of significant wear or damage.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick rinse with a hose and air drying is sufficient to remove mud, blood, and other debris. The gloves do retain a slight neoprene odor, but this does not affect their performance. With proper care, these gloves should provide several seasons of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.

However, the gloves are compatible with standard chemical hand warmers, which can be added for extra warmth in extremely cold conditions. The slim profile of the gloves allows them to be worn comfortably with most hunting jackets and waders. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.

Pros and Cons of Fish Monkey Duck Pond Decoy Glove