First Thoughts on the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit
The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit promises a focused approach to wildlife feeding, a departure from the wide-spread chaos of traditional broadcast feeders. Designed by Moultrie, this kit aims to deliver feed precisely where you want it, minimizing waste and maximizing attraction in a specific area. Its anti-clog technology and digital timer features intrigued me; features that could potentially solve frustrating issues I’ve encountered with other feeder systems.
My need for a directional feeder stemmed from years of struggling with attracting deer to a specific corner of my property, bordered by thick woods. Broadcast feeders scattered feed everywhere, benefiting squirrels and birds far more than the deer I was targeting. The promise of pinpoint accuracy, offered by the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit, was the key selling point.
Upon unboxing, the kit felt solid and well-constructed, despite being predominantly plastic. The motor housing felt robust and the directional shroud was surprisingly sturdy. It was immediately apparent that the Moultrie Quick-Lock system would make attaching this to my existing Moultrie barrel a breeze.
I considered the Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 225 Directional Feeder and the Banks Feed Bank Gravity Feeder. The Wildgame Innovations option seemed too similar to a broadcast feeder with a shield, failing to address the underlying problem of over-scattering. The Banks Feed Bank, while intriguing, relied solely on gravity, which might not consistently deliver feed, especially with varying kernel sizes. The Moultrie kit appeared to offer the best blend of control, technology, and convenience.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed adequate, and the directional design held promise. I was eager to put the anti-clog technology to the test and see if it could truly deliver on its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit in the aforementioned corner of my property, facing the treeline where deer frequently emerged. The initial setup was straightforward, thanks to the Moultrie Quick-Lock system. I programmed the digital timer to dispense feed twice daily, early morning and late afternoon.
The first test run was promising. The feeder ejected the corn in a focused stream, reaching about 20 feet in the desired direction. Even in a light drizzle, the feed remained relatively contained, not spreading wildly as it would with a broadcast feeder. I did notice that heavier, wetter corn caused a slight reduction in distance.
The first use yielded no immediate problems, and the feeder operated as expected. The only initial issue was setting the digital timer. It took a few tries to navigate the menu, but it was not overly difficult.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit has proven to be reasonably reliable. It consistently dispensed feed at the programmed times, with minimal variation. The durability, however, has been a mixed bag.
While the motor and timer have functioned flawlessly, the plastic directional shroud has shown signs of wear and tear. It’s become slightly brittle and faded from sun exposure. Cleaning the feeder is relatively easy; simply wiping down the components with a damp cloth is sufficient.
Compared to my previous experience with a standard broadcast feeder, the Moultrie kit offers superior control and reduced waste. It has successfully attracted more deer to the target area, although squirrels and other critters still manage to snag some of the feed. Its directional capabilities significantly outperform standard feeders in terms of focus and efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit
Specifications
- Directional Feed Cast: The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit is designed to cast feed in a single, focused direction. This directs feed precisely to the desired location, reducing waste and maximizing attraction in specific areas.
- Advanced Anti-Clog Technology: This feature is designed to prevent and clear clogs as soon as they are detected. This ensures consistent feed dispensing and reduces the need for manual intervention.
- Digital Timer: The integrated digital timer allows for precise programming of feed times. This enables users to customize feeding schedules to match their specific needs and the habits of the local wildlife.
- Moultrie Quick-Lock System: The Moultrie Quick-Lock System provides a versatile and secure attachment method. This enables easy installation and removal of the feeder kit from compatible Moultrie barrels.
Performance & Functionality
The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit excels at delivering feed in a concentrated area, drastically minimizing waste compared to traditional broadcast feeders. The anti-clog technology, while not foolproof, significantly reduces the frequency of jams, improving overall reliability. It certainly meets expectations, providing a focused feeding solution.
The major strength of this feeder is its directional accuracy, which is critical for attracting animals to specific locations. One weakness is that the plastic components aren’t particularly resistant to prolonged sun exposure. Improvement could be made by the manufacturer with better weather-resistant materials.
Design & Ergonomics
The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit is primarily constructed from durable plastic, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The Moultrie Quick-Lock system greatly simplifies installation. The digital timer interface is functional but could be more intuitive.
The design is functional, prioritizing ease of use and directional accuracy. The learning curve is minimal, with straightforward setup and programming. However, the plastic housing does feel somewhat flimsy, raising concerns about long-term durability in harsh conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit should last several seasons. Regular cleaning of the dispensing mechanism and occasional inspection for damage will extend its lifespan. Replacing the batteries in the digital timer is the only regular maintenance required.
While the motor and timer are well-protected, the plastic housing is vulnerable to impacts and prolonged sun exposure. The relatively simple design facilitates easy repairs, if needed. The ease of maintenance is a definite advantage, making it a user-friendly option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with everything needed for basic operation, including the motor, timer, directional shroud, and Quick-Lock attachment hardware. There are no officially supported customization options. Aftermarket batteries for the timer are really the only accessory to consider.
While not officially supported, the Moultrie Quick-Lock system is compatible with a range of Moultrie barrels and accessories. This offers some flexibility in terms of feeder capacity and mounting options. However, modifying the directional shroud or motor is not recommended.
Pros and Cons of Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit
Pros
- Directional feed casting minimizes waste and targets specific areas.
- Anti-clog technology significantly reduces jams.
- Moultrie Quick-Lock System allows for quick and easy installation.
- Digital timer enables precise feeding schedules.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Plastic construction lacks durability in harsh weather conditions.
- Limited customization options.
- The timer interface could be more user-friendly.
Who Should Buy Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit?
The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit is perfect for hunters looking to attract deer to specific areas, or anyone wanting to control the distribution of feed for wildlife. This product is also great for land managers wanting a more efficient and targeted feeding system.
This product may not be the best option for those in extreme weather conditions, or those needing heavy-duty construction for prolonged use. Users seeking advanced features or extensive customization options should also explore alternative feeders.
A must-have is a durable, weather-resistant barrel to house the feed. A good quality battery for the timer is essential.
Conclusion on Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit
The Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit offers a compelling solution for focused wildlife feeding, especially considering its price. It effectively delivers feed to targeted areas, reducing waste and improving efficiency compared to traditional broadcast feeders. While the plastic construction raises some concerns about long-term durability, the benefits of directional accuracy and anti-clog technology outweigh the drawbacks for many users.
At $59.99, the price is justified for the functionality it provides. It is a valuable investment for those seeking a more controlled and effective feeding strategy. I would personally recommend it to hunters and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an affordable and practical directional feeder.
If you’re tired of wasting feed and want to attract wildlife to a specific area, the Moultrie MFG13264 Quick Lock Directional Feeder Kit is worth considering. Give it a try and see the difference it can make on your property!
