The Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade of experience handling tactical and hunting gear, I’ve seen my fair share of European mount display solutions. The Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel immediately caught my eye with its promise of a sleek, customizable, and damage-free way to showcase smaller trophies. Hunters Specialties aimed to offer a solution that caters to a specific need: displaying European mounts from game like deer, hogs, and smaller exotics, without resorting to drilling or other permanent alterations.
My garage wall was looking rather bare after a successful deer season and a recent hog hunt in Texas. I needed a way to proudly display my hard-earned trophies, but I was hesitant to start drilling holes in the skulls. Existing mounts felt bulky and ill-suited for the smaller, more delicate skulls. I was intrigued by the Little Hooker’s claim of being both strong and easily adjustable, promising a more natural presentation of my trophies.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. The graphite black powder-coated steel felt robust and durable. The individual components – the wall plate, arm, and prong – had a satisfying weight to them, suggesting a product built to last. Compared to some of the cheaper, plastic options I’ve seen, the Little Hooker felt like a significant step up in terms of materials and construction.
I considered a few other options before settling on the Hunters Specialties mount. There were the traditional skull hooks that require drilling into the skull. Then there were some universal mounts with a wider range of adjustability but appeared flimsy. Ultimately, I chose the Little Hooker for its targeted design, promising a secure, damage-free hold, and aesthetic appeal that blended well with my hunting-themed décor.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to try it out, but also slightly skeptical about whether it could truly live up to its claims of strength and ease of use. The quality of materials gave me hope, but the true test would be in the mounting and display of my trophies.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was with a medium-sized whitetail buck skull. I mounted the wall plate in my garage, ensuring it was securely fastened to a stud. The assembly was straightforward, and the provided hardware felt adequate. Adjusting the arm and prong to achieve the desired angle for the skull was surprisingly easy.
The Little Hooker performed admirably. Even with the substantial weight of the skull, the mount felt solid and secure. There was no wobble or slippage, and the skull displayed naturally, highlighting its unique features. I tested it in a relatively dry, moderate-temperature environment.
There were no significant issues during the initial setup. The only slight surprise was how precise the adjustments needed to be to achieve a perfectly level display. But this was a minor inconvenience, easily remedied with a little patience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hunters Specialties Little Hooker continues to hold up well. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the powder-coated finish remains pristine. The mount feels just as secure as it did on day one.
The graphite black finish has proven to be remarkably durable, resisting scratches and scuffs despite occasional bumps and knocks. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes. I have noticed zero degradation in the stability or appearance of the mount.
Compared to previous mounting solutions I’ve used (primarily the aforementioned drilled skull hooks), the Little Hooker offers a superior combination of security, aesthetics, and ease of use. The lack of drilling is a huge advantage. I feel much more confident about the long-term preservation of my trophies.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel is designed specifically for smaller to mid-sized European mounts. Its primary construction material is powder-coated steel, chosen for its strength and corrosion resistance. The graphite black finish provides a sleek and unobtrusive look.
The unit includes one wall plate, one adjustable arm, one prong, and all necessary mounting hardware. It is intended for trophies roughly the size of a large deer skull and smaller, encompassing species like hogs, aoudad, alligators, black bears, cougars, deer, antelope, and various medium-sized exotic game. The adjustable arm allows for customizable up/down and left/right positioning of the skull. This is key for achieving a natural display angle.
The absence of drilling requirements sets it apart. This avoids any potential damage to the trophy skull. This feature makes it attractive to hunters who value preservation. The weight capacity is substantial enough to securely hold most skulls within the specified size range.
Performance & Functionality
The Little Hooker excels at its primary function: securely and attractively displaying European mounts. Its adjustable arm allows for precise positioning, ensuring the skull is displayed at the desired angle. The prong design effectively grips the natural openings in the skull, providing a stable hold without the need for drilling.
Its strength lies in its simple yet effective design. The adjustable arm allows you to dial in the perfect angle. The graphite finish helps it to blend in with the trophy itself. One area for potential improvement would be a slightly more robust prong design, perhaps with some added texture for enhanced grip.
Overall, the Little Hooker meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of a damage-free and customizable display solution for smaller European mounts. It represents an elegant and functional alternative to traditional mounting methods.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is commendable. The powder-coated steel feels substantial and durable. The graphite black finish adds a touch of sophistication. The overall weight is well-balanced, making it easy to handle and install.
The design is inherently user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve involved. The adjustable arm and prong are intuitive to operate. The absence of sharp edges or protrusions makes it safe to handle.
Durability & Maintenance
With its robust steel construction and durable powder-coat finish, the Hunters Specialties Little Hooker is built to last. I fully expect it to provide years of reliable service. Its simple design minimizes the potential for mechanical failure.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s required to keep it looking its best. The powder-coat finish is resistant to rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Little Hooker is primarily a standalone product. It doesn’t come with a wide array of accessories. The adjustability of the arm and prong provides sufficient customization for most users.
There are no readily apparent customization options beyond adjusting the arm and prong positions. While third-party accessories may not be directly compatible, resourceful users may find ways to adapt existing hardware to further enhance the display. The standard wall plate can also be swapped with other compatible hardware for different mounting options.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel
Pros
- Damage-free mounting: Eliminates the need for drilling into the skull, preserving its integrity.
- Adjustable design: Allows for precise positioning and a natural display angle.
- Durable construction: Built with robust powder-coated steel for long-lasting performance.
- Sleek aesthetic: The graphite black finish provides a clean and unobtrusive look.
- Easy installation: Simple assembly and mounting with included hardware.
Cons
- Limited size range: Primarily suited for smaller to mid-sized European mounts.
- Prong design could be improved: Could benefit from enhanced grip or texture.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel?
The Hunters Specialties Little Hooker is perfect for hunters who want to display smaller European mounts without damaging the skull. It is especially well-suited for those who value preservation and aesthetics. It’s a great option for anyone with limited space.
Hunters with larger trophies, or those who prefer more traditional mounting methods, should skip this product. Also, those who need a mount with extreme adjustability beyond up/down and left/right may want to consider other options. A stud finder to ensure secure wall plate mounting is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel
The Hunters Specialties SKH-RTLH-ASSY-BLK Realtree Little Hooker Small/Mid-Size European Game Graphite Black Steel offers a compelling solution for displaying smaller European mounts in a damage-free and aesthetically pleasing manner. At $27.99, the price is justified given the quality of materials and the functionality it provides. I wholeheartedly recommend this product to hunters seeking a reliable and elegant way to showcase their trophies.
If you’re looking for a way to display your smaller European mounts without resorting to drilling, give the Little Hooker a try. You won’t be disappointed. Elevate your trophy display game today!