Let’s Dive into Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit offers an easy, do-it-yourself solution for showcasing your hard-earned turkey trophies. Mountain Mike’s aims to provide hunters with a simple yet attractive way to display their fan and up to five beards, creating a lasting tribute to successful hunts. The kit features reproduction shotgun shell bases for holding the beards, adding a unique touch to the display.
As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade of experience, I’ve accumulated a collection of fans and beards I’ve been meaning to display properly. I was tired of haphazardly storing them in boxes, so I sought a dedicated and aesthetically pleasing way to honor those hunts.
Upon unboxing the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the design. The materials seemed durable enough for their intended purpose, though perhaps not heirloom-quality. The reproduction shotgun shell bases were a nice touch, adding a bit of authenticity to the overall aesthetic.
Compared to other display options, such as custom taxidermy or generic wooden plaques, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit stood out due to its simplicity and affordability. Taxidermy can be expensive and time-consuming, while other plaques often lack character. This kit offered a middle ground, allowing me to create a personalized display without breaking the bank or waiting months for a finished product. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism about the long-term durability, but I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit immediately after returning from a successful spring turkey hunt in central Texas. The weather was hot and humid, but thankfully, the assembly of the plaque kit could be done indoors in the comfort of AC. Setting up the plaque was surprisingly simple.
The instructions were straightforward, and I had the fan and beard mounted within minutes. No special tools were required, which was a definite plus. My only initial concern was the robustness of the beard hold-downs, as they felt a bit fragile.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of displaying the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit in my home office, it has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, although I’ve noticed that the finish can attract dust easily. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous method of storing fans and beards (a cardboard box), the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is a vast improvement. It provides a presentable and organized display that I’m proud to show off. While I initially worried about the beard hold-downs, they’ve proven to be more durable than I anticipated, securely holding even larger beards.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit
Specifications
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is a do-it-yourself kit designed to display a turkey fan and up to five turkey beards. It is a simple, easy-to-use design. The kit includes the plaque itself, mounting hardware, and five reproduction shotgun shell bases for securing the beards.
The most noteworthy feature is the inclusion of the reproduction shotgun shell bases, adding a unique and thematic element to the display. This feature directly contributes to the aesthetic appeal and provides a functional means of securing the beards. The plaque itself is designed for easy mounting, ensuring that the display process is as straightforward as possible.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit performs its intended function admirably. It provides a stable and visually appealing platform for displaying turkey fans and beards. The reproduction shotgun shell bases securely hold the beards in place.
The primary strength of the kit is its ease of use and aesthetic appeal. It offers a simple and effective way to create a lasting tribute to successful turkey hunts. One potential weakness is the limited number of beard hold-downs; hunters with more than five beards will need to find alternative display solutions.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is adequate for its intended purpose. The materials used are lightweight yet reasonably durable. The overall design is simple and functional.
The plaque is easy to handle and mount, thanks to its lightweight construction and pre-drilled mounting holes. There’s no significant learning curve involved in assembling or displaying the kit.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is designed to last for several years with proper care. The materials are resistant to minor wear and tear. The plaque requires minimal maintenance.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and dust-free. The reproduction shotgun shell bases may require occasional tightening to ensure a secure hold on the beards.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit comes with everything needed for basic assembly and display. There are no included accessories beyond the plaque, mounting hardware, and reproduction shotgun shell bases. Customization options are limited, although hunters could potentially paint or stain the plaque to match their personal preferences.
The product is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. The focus is on providing a complete and self-contained display solution.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit
Pros
- The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is easy to assemble and use. It can be assembled in minutes with no special tools required.
- The kit provides an affordable way to display your turkey trophies. This is a great value compared to professional taxidermy.
- The reproduction shotgun shell bases add a unique aesthetic touch. This makes your display stand out from generic plaques.
- The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit offers a simple and organized way to showcase your fan and beards. No more disorganized boxes.
- The plaque is relatively durable and easy to clean. This helps ensure your trophies remain presentable for years to come.
Cons
- The kit only holds five beards, which may not be enough for some hunters. This limits its usability for serious turkey hunters.
- The materials are not heirloom-quality, lacking the premium feel of custom taxidermy. This is a potential drawback for those seeking a truly high-end display.
Who Should Buy Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit?
The Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is perfect for casual to avid turkey hunters who want an affordable and easy way to display their trophies. It’s also great for those who appreciate a simple, DIY project.
Those seeking a museum-quality display or who have a large collection of beards should skip this product. They might want to consider custom taxidermy or larger display options.
A must-have modification would be adding a clear coat for enhanced protection and shine. Consider adding additional shotgun shell bases for more beards.
Conclusion on Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit
Overall, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is a solid option for hunters looking to display their turkey trophies without breaking the bank. The value proposition is excellent, given its affordability and ease of use. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a simple and aesthetically pleasing way to showcase their fan and beards.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a good compromise between cost, convenience, and aesthetics. If you’re ready to finally get those fans and beards out of the box and onto the wall, the Mountain Mike’s Beard Collector Turkey Plaque Kit is worth considering.