First Impressions of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack promises to bring a varied and realistic touch to any duck hunting spread. As someone who’s spent years trying to outsmart waterfowl, I’m always on the lookout for decoys that can give me an edge, and this pack, with its mix of pintails, gadwall, and widgeon, certainly piqued my interest. I was particularly drawn to the “Battleship” moniker, hoping it signified not just size, but also unparalleled durability.
My usual hunting grounds have seen everything from mallards to teal, and adapting my spread is key to consistent success. This puddle pack seemed like a convenient way to introduce that crucial variety without having to buy individual dozens of each species. I’ve often used primarily mallard decoys with mixed success; the Higdon Outdoors pack promised a more natural look.
Unboxing the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack, I immediately noticed their size; they are indeed larger than standard decoys, giving them excellent visibility. The paint jobs seemed well-executed, with realistic feather detail and coloration. The build felt solid, and I was pleased with the weighted keels, a must-have for keeping decoys upright in choppy water.
Compared to the Flambeau Storm Front2 Mallards and the GHG Pro-Grade Mallards I currently use, the Higdon Outdoors decoys seemed larger, offering more visibility. The variety was also a plus over the single-species packs. Ultimately, I chose this pack for its promise of increased realism and visibility due to its larger size and species variety.
My initial reaction was excitement; these decoys looked like they could make a real difference in my spread. The size and realistic paint jobs gave me confidence that they would draw birds in from a distance. If they held up in the field, I’d be a happy hunter.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack on a late-season hunt on a large, open marsh known for its fickle winds. I integrated the six decoys into a larger spread of mallards, placing them near the downwind edge to simulate a resting group. The conditions were cold and windy, with intermittent rain showers.
The decoys performed admirably, staying upright and displaying realistic movement even in the choppy water. Their larger size made them highly visible, even in the low light conditions of early morning. The weighted keels ensured they didn’t tip or spin excessively.
I did not encounter any initial issues; the decoys deployed easily and maintained their position throughout the hunt. I was surprised at how much more visible they were compared to my standard-sized mallard decoys. This visibility seemed to attract more attention from passing flocks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across a variety of conditions, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack has proven to be quite durable. I’ve used them in everything from calm backwaters to windy reservoirs. The paint has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of chipping or fading.
Despite being tossed around in the back of my truck and subjected to the occasional bump against rocks and branches, the decoys have remained intact. There’s only a small amount of wear on the keels. I rinse them off with fresh water after each hunt to remove mud and debris, a simple process that keeps them looking their best.
Compared to some cheaper decoys I’ve used in the past, the Higdon Outdoors pack has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability and realism. I anticipate getting several seasons of reliable use out of these. They’ve become a staple in my spread.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack
Specifications
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack includes two pintails, two gadwall, and two widgeon decoys, offering a diverse spread. These decoys are designed with weighted keels for stability in various water conditions. The Higdon Outdoors pack is manufactured to be extremely durable.
The species variety is important because it mimics a natural gathering of ducks, increasing the likelihood of attracting wary birds. The weighted keels ensure that the decoys remain upright even in windy conditions or strong currents. This enhances their realistic appearance and prevents them from looking unnatural.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack performs exceptionally well in attracting ducks. The varied species and larger size create a more enticing visual for passing birds. They have proven reliable in a range of conditions.
The primary strength of this pack is its ability to add realism and visibility to any decoy spread. A minor weakness might be the lack of a swivel attachment point on the keel, which could allow for more natural movement in some situations. Overall, they have exceeded my expectations by consistently drawing in more ducks than my previous, less varied spreads.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack is excellent. They are constructed from a durable plastic material and are weighted for stability. The paint jobs are realistic and well-applied.
The decoys are easy to handle and deploy. The weighted keels ensure they sit properly in the water. There is no learning curve; they are ready to use straight out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack is built to last, with durable construction and high-quality paint. The decoys should last for many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only rinsing with fresh water after each use to remove mud and debris. Any minor scratches or chips can be touched up with decoy paint. This will prolong their lifespan even further.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack does not come with any accessories. However, they are compatible with standard decoy cords and weights.
There are no specific customization options available for this pack, but hunters can add swivel clips to the keels for more natural movement. Some hunters also choose to flock their decoys for added realism. These are purely optional enhancements that can personalize the decoy’s appearance and performance.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack
Pros
- Excellent Visibility: Larger size makes them easy to spot from a distance.
- Realistic Variety: Mixed species create a more natural-looking spread.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use.
- Weighted Keels: Ensures stability and prevents tipping in choppy water.
- Enhanced Attractiveness: Proven to draw in more ducks compared to single-species spreads.
Cons
- No Swivel Attachment: The keels lack a swivel point for more natural movement.
- Price Point: Slightly more expensive than some basic decoy options.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack?
The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack is perfect for duck hunters looking to enhance their spread with realistic variety and increased visibility. It’s ideal for those who hunt on open water or in areas with fluctuating wind conditions. Experienced hunters seeking a reliable and durable decoy pack will find this a worthwhile investment.
Beginner hunters might find the price point a bit steep. Those who primarily hunt in small, confined areas might not fully benefit from the increased visibility. This is best suited for larger waters.
Must-have accessories include high-quality decoy cords and weights to ensure proper anchoring. Adding swivel clips to the keels can also enhance the decoys’ movement for added realism.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack
Overall, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack is a high-quality and effective addition to any duck hunter’s arsenal. Its realistic variety, durable construction, and excellent visibility make it a standout product in its category.
The price is justified by the increased success and longevity these decoys offer. They will save you from buying cheaper decoys every season.
I would absolutely recommend the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Puddle Pack Decoy – 6 Pack to any serious duck hunter looking to improve their spread. Invest in this pack. You’ll see more ducks in your sights.