First Impressions of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack promises to be a game-changer in the decoy world. Higdon Outdoors aims to provide hunters with unparalleled realism and visibility with these decoys, drawing ducks in from greater distances. As a seasoned waterfowler with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can give me an edge in the field, and the oversized nature coupled with the unsinkable design piqued my interest. This pack has the potential to elevate my spread and significantly improve my hunting success.
For years, I’ve struggled with maintaining a realistic and visible decoy spread, especially in open water and less-than-ideal weather conditions. My existing decoys, while decent, lacked the presence needed to consistently pull in wary ducks from long distances. The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack addressed this exact need with their promise of superior visibility and realism, which is what prompted my purchase.
Upon unboxing the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack, I was immediately struck by the size and detail of these decoys. The dimensions are impressive, making them noticeably larger than my standard mallard decoys. The paint job is meticulous, capturing the subtle nuances of a mallard’s plumage, and the flocked heads add a touch of realism that I immediately appreciated. The weighted keels felt substantial, promising quick and easy deployment.
I considered the Flambeau Storm Front 2 Mallards and the GHG Pro-Grade Mallards before ultimately deciding on the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack. The Flambeau decoys felt less durable, and the GHG models didn’t offer the same level of detail and unsinkability. The promise of the Higdon Outdoors decoys being virtually indestructible and highly visible sealed the deal for me.
Initially, I was excited but also cautiously optimistic. The decoys looked fantastic, but the true test would be how they perform on the water and how well they hold up to the rigors of hunting. I couldn’t wait to get them out in the field and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack on a large reservoir in central Kansas during the late season. Conditions were tough, with a biting wind and choppy water. Setting the decoys was surprisingly quick and easy, thanks to the weighted keels, which kept them upright even in the rough conditions.
The visibility of these oversized decoys was immediately apparent. Even from a distance, they stood out against the gray water, creating a compelling visual target for passing ducks. The ducks responded well, committing to the spread with confidence, and I had one of my most successful hunts of the season.
One minor issue I noticed was that the flocking on the drake heads seemed a bit delicate. I made sure to store them carefully in slotted decoy bags after my hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being subjected to freezing temperatures, rough handling, and the occasional stray pellet, they’ve held up incredibly well. There are some minor scratches on the paint, but no significant damage.
Cleaning the decoys is simple; a quick rinse with water removes most of the mud and grime. The foam-filled design has lived up to its promise, and these decoys remain buoyant even after taking a few hits. Compared to my older, hollow-bodied decoys, the Higdon Outdoors Battleships are a significant improvement in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack
Specifications
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack includes 6 oversized decoys: 2 Upright Head Drakes, 1 Low Head Drake, 1 Feeder Drake, 1 Low Head Hen, and 1 Feeder Hen. These decoys are constructed with a foam-filled body, making them unsinkable. Each decoy also features a weighted keel for easy setup and short stringing in shallow water.
The drakes range in weight from 33.23 oz to 41.125 oz, with lengths between 20 inches and 20.75 inches. The hens are slightly smaller, ranging from 28.395 oz to 40.425 oz, and 19.75 inches to 20.125 inches in length. The swivel heads allow for versatile posing, adding realism to the spread.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the decoys’ performance and usability. The oversized design increases visibility, while the weighted keel ensures stability in various water conditions. The unsinkable construction adds peace of mind, knowing that stray shots won’t ruin the decoys.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack performs exceptionally well in attracting ducks. The oversized design, realistic paint scheme, and flocked heads combine to create a highly enticing visual target. The swivel heads add a touch of realism, allowing hunters to customize the look of their spread.
The biggest strength of these decoys is their visibility and durability. They are easy to see from long distances and can withstand the rigors of regular use. The only minor weakness is the potential for the flocking to wear over time, but this is a common issue with flocked decoys and can be mitigated with proper care. These decoys meet and exceed my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack boasts a high-quality design and construction. The materials used are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring that the decoys will last for seasons to come. The weight is manageable, making them easy to carry and deploy.
The swivel heads are a nice touch, allowing for greater customization of the decoy spread. There is minimal learning curve. Setting up and using these decoys is straightforward, even for novice hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The foam-filled construction of the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack ensures long-lasting durability. These decoys are built to withstand the harsh conditions of waterfowl hunting, including freezing temperatures, rough handling, and the occasional stray pellet. Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack comes with everything needed to get started. The swivel heads are customizable, allowing for different poses. While there aren’t specific Higdon Outdoors accessories designed solely for this pack, they are compatible with standard decoy cords and weights. The ability to adjust the head positions is a significant advantage, allowing hunters to create a more natural-looking spread.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack
Pros
- Exceptional Visibility: The oversized design ensures that these decoys stand out from long distances, attracting ducks from afar.
- Unsinkable Durability: The foam-filled construction guarantees that these decoys will remain buoyant, even after taking a few hits.
- Realistic Details: The meticulous paint job and flocked heads create a highly convincing visual target for ducks.
- Easy Setup: The weighted keels make setting up these decoys quick and easy, even in challenging conditions.
- Versatile Posing: The swivel heads allow hunters to customize the look of their spread, adding realism and appeal.
Cons
- Flocking Durability: The flocking on the drake heads may be prone to wear and tear over time with heavy use.
- Price Point: These decoys are more expensive than some other options on the market.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack?
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand the best in terms of visibility, durability, and realism. It’s also a great choice for those who hunt in open water or challenging conditions where decoy visibility is crucial.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who only hunt occasionally might want to consider a less expensive alternative. However, for serious waterfowlers, the investment is well worth it. A slotted decoy bag is a must-have accessory to protect the flocked heads and prevent damage during transport.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack is a top-tier decoy system that delivers exceptional performance and durability. While they may be more expensive than some other options, the investment is justified by their superior visibility, unsinkable design, and realistic details.
The price is justified given the increased success you’ll likely have due to their realism and visibility. I would absolutely recommend these decoys to any serious waterfowl hunter looking to improve their spread and increase their success in the field. Upgrade your decoy spread today with the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack and experience the difference firsthand!