First Thoughts on the Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack promises to bring realism and durability to the duck blind without breaking the bank. Higdon Outdoors is a respected name, and these decoys aim to capture the subtle beauty of Green Wing Teal with a focus on longevity. I was intrigued to see how well they perform, especially considering the often harsh conditions faced during teal season.
My motivation for purchasing these decoys stemmed from a need to expand my existing spread with more species-specific realism. I’ve been running a mixed bag of mallard and gadwall decoys, but the teal consistently skirted the edges, suggesting they weren’t entirely convinced. Adding dedicated teal decoys felt like the logical next step to boost my success.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the color variations between the drakes and hens. The foam filling provided a reassuring heft that suggested they could handle a few knocks. They felt well-made, and the paint job, while not perfect up close, looked convincing from a typical waterfowl hunting distance.
I considered options from other brands like Avery and Flambeau, but the Higdon Outdoors decoys offered a compelling balance of price, foam-filled durability, and realistic color schemes. Cheaper options felt flimsy, and higher-end brands were cost-prohibitive for expanding my spread significantly. The decision came down to value and practicality.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The decoys looked good, felt solid, and seemed like a worthwhile addition to my gear. Only time in the field would tell if they lived up to their potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack on a shallow, flooded rice field during the early teal season in Texas. The conditions were typically warm and humid, with occasional light rain showers. I deployed the six decoys in a small group, roughly 15 yards from my blind, near the edge of a grassy patch.
The decoys performed admirably. The self-righting weighted keel ensured they quickly settled into an upright position, even in a slight breeze. Teal responded positively, committing to the spread with greater confidence than before.
My only initial concern was the keel clip, which seemed a bit flimsy for more robust use. However, it served its purpose well in the shallow water.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Higdon Outdoors teal decoys have held up surprisingly well. The paint shows minimal signs of wear, despite being tossed into the back of my truck and occasionally scraping against vegetation. They’ve survived several rainstorms and even a brief encounter with some curious nutria.
The foam filling has proven its worth. One decoy took a direct hit from a stray pellet (my fault during some target practice) and remained afloat with minimal damage. Cleaning is simple – a quick rinse with water removes most mud and debris.
Compared to some older, hollow plastic decoys I own, the Higdon Outdoors teal decoys are significantly more durable and realistic. They outperform my expectations for decoys in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
Specifications
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack features several key specifications. These include foam filling for increased durability and buoyancy, and a self-righting weighted keel for stability. The pack contains six decoys: 2 Upright Drakes, 1 Rester Drake, 1 Skimmer Drake, 1 Rester Hen, and 1 Skimmer Hen, offering varied poses.
The standard size is slightly undersized compared to a live duck, offering a lightweight and packable option. They also feature a keel clip for short stringing in shallow water and multi-color paint schemes to mimic Green Wing Teal. These specs are important because they contribute to the decoys’ realism, durability, and ease of use in various hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack performs its job effectively. The decoys accurately represent Green Wing Teal, attracting birds and adding realism to a spread. Their lightweight and packable nature makes them ideal for hunters accessing remote locations or needing to carry a large number of decoys.
The varied head positions create a more natural look on the water, and the weighted keel ensures they remain upright even in choppy conditions. However, the keel clip could be more robust for longer-term use. Overall, the decoys meet and even exceed expectations for their intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid for the price point. The foam filling provides a reassuring heft, and the paint application, while not perfect up close, creates a convincing appearance from a distance. The decoys are lightweight and easy to handle, making them comfortable to carry and deploy.
There is no real learning curve associated with these decoys. The self-righting keel and keel clip make them quick and easy to set up.
Durability & Maintenance
The foam filling greatly contributes to the decoy’s durability. With regular care and storage, the Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack should last for several seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick rinse with water after each use is usually sufficient to remove mud and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack comes with six decoys with varying head positions, and attached weighted keels. There are no additional customization options or included accessories.
The decoys are compatible with standard decoy cords and weights from other brands. This allows for easy integration into existing spreads and rigging systems.
Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
Pros
- Realism: The varied head positions and detailed paint schemes accurately mimic Green Wing Teal, increasing the effectiveness of your spread.
- Durability: The foam filling protects against punctures and ensures the decoys remain buoyant even when damaged.
- Value: These decoys offer an excellent balance of quality and price, making them a budget-friendly option for expanding your spread.
- Easy Setup: The self-righting keel and keel clip make deployment quick and easy in any water depth.
- Lightweight and Packable: Slightly smaller than average duck decoys, these decoys are easy to carry to hard-to-reach honey holes.
Cons
- Keel Clip Durability: The keel clip seems somewhat flimsy and might not withstand heavy use or rough handling.
- Paint Finish: Up close, the paint finish isn’t perfect, although this is not noticeable from a typical hunting distance.
Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack?
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack is perfect for duck hunters targeting Green Wing Teal, particularly those on a budget or who frequently hunt in areas requiring long walks or boat rides to their hunting spots. It is also a great choice for hunters looking to add species-specific realism to their existing decoy spreads.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who demand absolute perfection in paint finish or who require the most robust decoy rigging systems for extremely harsh conditions. They are not as large or heavy as more premium decoys, and that may deter some hunters.
A must-have accessory would be a set of high-quality decoy cords and weights to replace the integrated keel clip if durability becomes an issue. Consider using a slotted decoy bag to keep these decoys from rubbing during transport to prevent premature paint wear.
Conclusion on Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack
The Higdon Outdoors Standard Teal Green Wing Teal Species Multi Color Foam Filled 6 Pack delivers impressive value for the price. They offer a compelling combination of realism, durability, and ease of use that makes them a worthwhile addition to any duck hunter’s arsenal. While not perfect, their strengths far outweigh their weaknesses.
The price is definitely justified. The enhanced realism improved my teal hunting success and the improved durability assures me that these decoys will last.
I would absolutely recommend these decoys to anyone looking to target Green Wing Teal or add variety to their spread without breaking the bank. They are a solid, reliable option that will help you put more birds in the bag. Don’t hesitate – give your decoy spread the upgrade it deserves!