The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill Made a Bold First Impression
The spinning wing decoy, or SWD, has revolutionized waterfowl hunting. Mojo has been at the forefront of this evolution, and their Mojo Elite Series Decoybill promises to take realism and effectiveness to a whole new level. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor gear industry, specifically focusing on waterfowl hunting equipment, and I’ve seen firsthand the evolution (and occasional devolution) of decoy technology.
My journey to the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill began with a frustrating hunt last season. The ducks were wary of my spread, flaring at the last second despite my meticulous setup and calling. I suspected my old, pole-mounted spinning wing decoys were the culprit; their rigid posture and unnatural movement were likely spooking the birds. The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill’s promise of natural floating action and deeper water deployment caught my attention immediately.
Out of the box, the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill impressed with its solid, well-constructed feel. The molded float felt durable, and the snap-lock mechanism connecting it to the decoy housing seemed secure and reliable. Compared to my older spinning wing decoys, which use flimsy support poles and exposed wires, the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill felt like a significant upgrade in terms of build quality and design. I considered other floating spinning wing decoys, but the Mojo’s reputation for reliability and its remote control feature ultimately swayed my decision.
I was immediately excited by the potential of the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill. Its innovative design and promise of enhanced realism offered a solution to my frustrating duck hunting experiences. The hope of drawing in more ducks with a natural-looking, deeper-water-capable decoy was a compelling prospect.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mojo Elite Series Decoybill to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill on a shallow, flooded timber hunt in Arkansas. It was a drizzly morning with a slight breeze, typical duck hunting weather in the south. The timber presented a unique challenge, requiring decoys that could navigate around submerged logs and standing trees. The Decoybill’s ability to float freely proved invaluable in these conditions, allowing it to maneuver naturally without getting snagged like my pole-mounted decoys often do.
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill performed admirably in the wet conditions. The water-resistant housing kept the internal components dry, and the wings continued to spin smoothly. The remote control worked flawlessly, allowing me to adjust the decoy’s operation from a distance. I appreciated the convenience of being able to turn the decoy on and off without disturbing the spread. The ducks responded positively, committing to the decoy spread with confidence.
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill was surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. The float attached quickly and securely, and the battery compartment was easily accessible. No time was needed to become acquainted with using it. The only initial surprise was the need for 4 AA batteries, which aren’t included, so remember to bring them.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in various conditions, from calm open water to choppy bays, and it has consistently performed reliably. There are some minor scratches on the float, but the decoy housing and wings remain in excellent condition.
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill has proven to be quite durable. Even after being tossed in and out of my boat, and enduring some rough handling in the field, it shows no signs of structural weakness. Cleaning is also simple. A quick rinse with fresh water is usually enough to remove mud and debris. Compared to my previous experiences with other spinning wing decoys, the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Mojo Elite Series Decoybill
Specifications
Floating Design: The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill’s standout feature is its floating design, eliminating the need for a support pole. This allows for natural movement and deployment in deeper water, a significant advantage over traditional spinning wing decoys.
Remote Control: Equipped with a state-of-the-art remote control, the Decoybill allows for convenient operation from a distance. Hunters can turn the decoy on and off as needed, conserving battery life and adjusting to changing conditions.
Snap-Lock Float: The float conveniently snap locks on/off to the decoy housing with a half turn. This makes setup and takedown quick and easy, saving valuable time in the field.
Battery Powered: The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill operates on 4AA batteries (not included) in a convenient snap-in battery housing. This provides ample power for extended hunts, though carrying extra batteries is always a good idea.
Stabilizing Bar Compatibility: The float is designed to receive an 11″ threaded stabilizing bar with a 14 oz. lead weight (not included). This allows the decoy to remain stable in much rougher water, ensuring consistent performance in challenging conditions.
Anchor Cord Eyelet: An eyelet on the float accepts an anchor cord, providing additional stability and preventing the decoy from drifting away in strong currents or wind. This feature ensures the decoy stays in the desired location, maximizing its effectiveness.
Support Pole Compatibility: The float can be removed, and the battery pack will accept a standard Mojo support pole. This adds versatility, allowing the decoy to be used in shallow water or on land if desired.
Performance & Functionality
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill excels at attracting ducks. Its realistic floating action and spinning wings create a dynamic and enticing visual that draws birds from a distance. The remote control allows for strategic activation, maximizing its effectiveness in various hunting scenarios.
The main strength of the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is its ability to mimic natural duck movement, especially in deeper water. However, the battery life could be improved. While the remote control is a great feature, the stabilizing bar and weight are essential for hunting in rough water.
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill largely meets expectations. The floating action is a significant improvement over pole-mounted decoys, and the remote control adds a new level of convenience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is well-designed and constructed. The molded float is durable and buoyant, and the snap-lock mechanism is secure and easy to use. The decoy is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a convenient addition to any duck hunting spread.
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is user-friendly, with a simple setup and intuitive controls. The battery compartment is easily accessible, and the remote control is straightforward to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is built to last. The water-resistant housing protects the internal components from the elements, and the durable materials can withstand rough handling in the field. With proper care, this decoy should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is typically sufficient. Regular inspection of the wings and battery compartment will ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill does not come with many included accessories, requiring separate purchase of the stabilizing bar and weight. However, the compatibility with standard Mojo support poles allows for versatile deployment in various hunting situations.
While there are no specific customization options for the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill, the anchor cord eyelet allows for easy attachment of various anchor systems. This provides flexibility in securing the decoy in different water conditions.
Pros and Cons of Mojo Elite Series Decoybill
Pros
- Natural Floating Action: Eliminates the need for support poles, allowing for realistic movement in deeper water.
- Remote Control: Provides convenient operation from a distance, conserving battery life and adjusting to changing conditions.
- Durable Construction: Built with water-resistant housing and durable materials for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Use: Simple setup and intuitive controls make it a user-friendly addition to any decoy spread.
- Versatile Deployment: Compatible with standard Mojo support poles for use in shallow water or on land.
Cons
- Requires 4AA batteries (not included).
- Stabilizing bar and weight must be purchased separately for rough water conditions.
Who Should Buy Mojo Elite Series Decoybill?
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is perfect for waterfowl hunters who frequently hunt in deeper water or prefer a more natural-looking decoy spread. It’s also ideal for hunters who value convenience and ease of use, thanks to its remote control and simple setup.
Hunters who primarily hunt in shallow water and are on a tight budget might want to skip this product. A pole-mounted decoy might be a more cost-effective option.
A must-have accessory for the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is the 11″ threaded stabilizing bar with a 14 oz. lead weight. It’s imperative for maintaining stability in choppy water.
Conclusion on Mojo Elite Series Decoybill
The Mojo Elite Series Decoybill is a significant step forward in spinning wing decoy technology. Its natural floating action, remote control, and durable construction make it a valuable asset for any serious waterfowl hunter. While the need to purchase batteries and a stabilizing weight separately is a minor drawback, the overall performance and convenience of this decoy make it well worth the investment.
The price of $95.49 is justified by the enhanced realism and functionality offered by the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill. It is significantly more effective than traditional pole-mounted decoys.
I would highly recommend the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success in the field. Upgrade your decoy spread with the Mojo Elite Series Decoybill and experience the difference firsthand!
