MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER Review

The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER Made a Bold First Impression

Shed hunting is a passion of mine. Each spring, I scour the woods, hoping to find those prized antlers dropped by deer and elk. Often, I find single sheds, not the matching set. Finding a use for these lone antlers has always been a challenge, relegated to a pile in the shed. Enter the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER from Mountain Mike’s. It promised a simple solution: a way to mount those single sheds on a cape, turning them into respectable trophies.

For years, I’ve considered various ways to display these sheds, from simple plaques to more elaborate shadow boxes. The problem? I lacked an elegant and durable method to securely attach the shed to a simulated skull plate. This is where the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER stepped in. It promised a simple and effective solution to this long-standing problem.

Unboxing it, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity of the design. The polymer felt surprisingly robust. It wasn’t a heavy, cumbersome piece, but rather a lightweight, intelligently designed bracket. Compared to attempting a DIY approach with wood or metal, this looked far more professional and less time-consuming.

Initially, I had considered using traditional antler mounting kits designed for harvested bucks. However, these often involved irreversible drilling and modifications to the shed. The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER offered a less invasive, potentially reversible option. It also seemed sturdier and more reliable than some of the cheaper, flimsy mounting hardware I’d seen online.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this simple polymer bracket truly transform my collection of lonely sheds into something display-worthy? I was eager to find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved a decent-sized whitetail shed I found last spring in a particularly muddy section of the woods. I took the shed spreader to my workshop. My workshop is a haven where I tinker with taxidermy projects and reloading. The process of attaching the shed was surprisingly straightforward. I utilized the pre-drilled holes to secure it to the bracket with some self-tapping screws. It took less than ten minutes.

The polymer bracket felt secure against the burr of the antler. I was mounting the shed to an old taxidermy form for a mock whitetail. I wanted to get the feel of how it would perform on a true mount. Even under the slight pressure I applied mimicking hide tension, the spreader showed no signs of weakness or flex.

Extended Use & Reliability

Now, after several months of the shed being mounted, the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER is still holding strong. There’s no cracking, warping, or any other signs of degradation. Despite the fluctuating temperatures and humidity in my workshop, the polymer has remained remarkably stable. I expected some degree of wear and tear, especially given the relative low cost of the unit. It really held up well.

Cleaning is a breeze. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dust or grime. The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER significantly outperforms any DIY solutions I’ve attempted in the past. Those solutions often involve cumbersome wood or metal structures that are prone to rotting or rusting.

Breaking Down the Features of MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER

Specifications

  • The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER is constructed from a durable polymer. This allows for both strength and lightweight handling.
  • It is designed to provide a stable platform for mounting shed antlers to a spare cape or taxidermy form. The bracket mimics the skull plate of a harvested animal.
  • The spreader features pre-drilled holes for easy attachment to the shed antler. These holes allow for secure screwing.
  • Its primary function is to transform shed antlers into trophy mounts. This can be proudly displayed.
  • The intended use is to allow the user or a taxidermist to attach sheds to a taxidermy form. The form is attached as if it were a standard antler skull plate.

These specifications are crucial because they address the core problem of mounting shed antlers. The durable polymer ensures longevity. The pre-drilled holes simplify the mounting process. The overall design allows for a professional-looking trophy mount without the need for extensive modification or fabrication.

Performance & Functionality

The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER performs its intended function admirably. The shed is securely attached. The bracket provides a solid base for mounting to a cape. The greatest strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. It eliminates the need for complicated measurements, cutting, or welding.

However, the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Extremely large sheds might require some additional support or modification to the bracket. Also, the polymer material, while durable, might not have the same aesthetic appeal as a natural bone or antler base for some users.

Overall, the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER met my expectations and then some. It provides a cost-effective and reliable way to display shed antlers.

Design & Ergonomics

The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER boasts a simple, utilitarian design. The polymer material is lightweight yet feels robust. The bracket is shaped to mimic the natural curvature of a deer skull, allowing for a seamless transition to a cape.

There’s virtually no learning curve. Even someone with minimal experience in taxidermy or mounting can easily attach a shed to the bracket.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the polymer construction, the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER should last for years. The material is resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, unlike traditional wood or bone alternatives.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and looking new.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone bracket designed to be used with existing capes and mounting hardware.

While there aren’t any direct customization options for the bracket itself, the shed can be painted or stained to match the antler. The choice of cape and the overall presentation can also be tailored to individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER

Pros

  • Easy to Use: Simple design makes mounting sheds a breeze, even for beginners.
  • Durable Construction: The polymer material is resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • Cost-Effective: Provides a professional-looking mount at a fraction of the cost of custom taxidermy work.
  • Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport.
  • Versatile: Compatible with most standard capes and taxidermy forms.

Cons

  • Aesthetics: The polymer material may not appeal to those seeking a more “natural” look.
  • Size Limitations: Extremely large sheds might require additional support.


Who Should Buy MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER?

This product is perfect for shed hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and DIY taxidermists looking for an affordable and easy way to display their shed antlers. It’s ideal for those who have a collection of single sheds and want to create impressive trophy mounts without the expense of professional taxidermy services.

Those who should skip this product are individuals seeking a completely authentic or traditional look. They are the kind of people who require a natural bone or antler base for their mounts. Or those who exclusively use professional taxidermists.

Must-have accessories include appropriate screws for attaching the shed to the bracket and a suitable cape and taxidermy form for completing the mount. Depending on the size and weight of the shed, some additional adhesive or bracing might also be necessary.

Conclusion on MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER

The MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER offers a practical and cost-effective solution for transforming shed antlers into impressive trophy mounts. Its simple design, durable construction, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for shed hunters and DIY enthusiasts.

At a price of $10.49, the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER represents exceptional value. Professional taxidermy work can easily cost hundreds of dollars. This simple bracket allows you to achieve a similar result for a fraction of the price.

I would absolutely recommend the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER to anyone looking for an affordable and easy way to display their shed antlers. It’s a game-changer for those of us who have struggled to find a good use for those lonely, single sheds. If you’re tired of those antlers collecting dust in your shed, give the MOUNTAIN MIKE’S SHED SPREADER a try. You might just be surprised at how easily you can create a trophy mount you’ll be proud to display.


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