Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm Review

Let’s Dive into Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm

European mount taxidermy has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a way to honor the animals I’ve harvested, showcasing their natural beauty without the traditional shoulder mount. Securing these skulls in a way that’s both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, however, has often been a challenge – a challenge I hoped the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm could solve.

For years, I’ve wrestled with various mounting systems, from DIY contraptions to flimsy wire hangers. These solutions often lacked the adjustability needed for larger skulls or simply didn’t provide a secure, stable display. I needed a system that could handle the weight and size of elk, moose, and even the occasional bison skull, a system that looked as good as the trophies it displayed. The Skull Hooker promised exactly that: a robust, adjustable, and visually appealing solution.

Upon unboxing the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm, my initial impression was one of solid construction and thoughtful design. The powder-coated steel felt incredibly sturdy, and the overall build quality suggested a product built to last. Compared to some of the flimsier, mass-produced hangers I’ve used in the past, this felt like a significant upgrade.

I’d considered other options like the traditional Skull Hooker (without the long arm) and some DIY mounting kits involving metal brackets and welding. The standard Skull Hooker seemed insufficient for the larger skulls I intended to display, lacking the necessary reach and stability. The DIY route, while potentially cheaper, involved a considerable time investment and the risk of creating an unsightly, unstable mount. The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm offered a convenient, ready-to-use solution without sacrificing strength or aesthetics.

Honestly, I was excited to finally have a mounting system that seemed genuinely capable of handling my larger European mounts with ease and grace. The potential for a clean, professional-looking display was a major draw, and the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm seemed to deliver on that promise right out of the box.


Real-World Testing: Putting Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm involved mounting an elk skull that had been taking up space in my garage for far too long. The process was surprisingly straightforward. I tested it in my garage, which isn’t subject to environmental variables.

I found the prong system to be incredibly secure, fitting snugly into the natural opening at the back of the elk skull. There was a slight learning curve to achieve the perfect angle and presentation, but the adjustability of the Long Arm made it relatively easy. I didn’t have any issues, but I’ll admit I was initially cautious about putting all the weight of the elk skull on the mount, but my concerns quickly dissipated once I saw how securely it held.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The powder-coated steel shows no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to varying temperatures and humidity in my garage. It has held up incredibly well.

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm requires minimal maintenance. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or debris. This is a significant improvement over some of the older mounting systems I’ve used, which often required periodic tightening of screws or reinforcement with additional hardware.

Compared to my previous experiences with makeshift hangers and less robust mounting systems, the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm far outperforms them in terms of stability, adjustability, and overall aesthetic appeal. It has instilled confidence in the display of my trophies.

Breaking Down the Features of Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm

Specifications

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm is specifically designed for large to extra-large skulls, making it ideal for species like elk, bison, moose, caribou, and even larger African game such as wildebeest and oryx. It’s constructed from strong, powder-coated steel, ensuring both durability and a sleek appearance. The dimensions are crucial for understanding its capabilities.

The unit weighs approximately 3 pounds and is available in two colors: Robust Brown and Graphite Black. These color options allow you to choose a finish that complements your trophy room or hunting lodge décor. The Long Arm provides additional reach and adjustability compared to the standard Big Hooker, allowing for more customized display angles.

Performance & Functionality

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm excels at securely displaying large European skull mounts. Its prong system fits snugly into the natural opening at the back of the skull, providing a stable and wobble-free hold. The adjustability of the Long Arm allows you to fine-tune the presentation angle, ensuring the skull is displayed in an upright and natural position.

The primary strength of the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm lies in its robust construction and ease of use. The adjustability, while requiring a bit of initial setup, is a major asset. A potential area for improvement could be a more intuitive adjustment mechanism, perhaps with clearly marked angle increments.

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm has met and exceeded my expectations. It not only securely displays my largest European mounts but also enhances their visual appeal.

Design & Ergonomics

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm boasts a sleek, minimalist design that blends seamlessly with any décor. The powder-coated steel construction gives it a high-quality feel, and the weight provides a sense of stability. Its ergonomic design allows for ease of setup and adjustment, a plus for any user.

While the installation is generally straightforward, some users may benefit from watching an online tutorial to fully understand the adjustment process. Overall, I find the design to be intuitive and user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm is built to last. The powder-coated steel is resistant to rust, corrosion, and scratches, ensuring years of reliable use. It is a product that I expect to be usable for many years.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth is typically sufficient to keep it clean and looking its best.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm does not come with any additional accessories, as it is designed as a standalone mounting system. However, users can explore different hanging methods, such as using heavy-duty picture hooks or wall anchors, depending on the weight of their skull mount and the type of wall they are mounting it on. Experimentation with lighting can also enhance the display of the skull mount.

The Long Arm itself can be considered a customization option, providing greater reach and adjustability compared to the standard Big Hooker.

Pros and Cons of Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm

Pros

  • Robust construction: Made from strong powder-coated steel for long-lasting durability.
  • Adjustable Long Arm: Provides customizable display angles for a natural presentation.
  • Secure Prong System: Fits snugly into the natural opening at the back of the skull, ensuring stability.
  • Easy to Use: Straightforward installation and minimal maintenance.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing: Sleek, minimalist design that complements any décor.

Cons

  • Price: Slightly more expensive than some other mounting options.
  • Limited Customization: Does not come with additional accessories or extensive customization options.


Who Should Buy Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm?

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm is perfect for hunters and taxidermists who want a secure, adjustable, and aesthetically pleasing way to display large European skull mounts. It’s ideal for those who have harvested elk, moose, bison, caribou, or other large game species and want to honor their trophies with a professional-looking display. This model of skull hooker works well for anyone looking to preserve and display the animals that they’ve harvested.

Those on a very tight budget or who prefer DIY solutions might want to explore alternative mounting options. Also, if you only have smaller skulls to display, the standard Skull Hooker might be a more appropriate choice.

A heavy-duty picture hook or wall anchor is a must-have accessory to ensure the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm is securely mounted to the wall. Proper lighting can also enhance the display of the skull mount.

Conclusion on Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm

The Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm is an excellent investment for anyone looking to display large European skull mounts with confidence and style. Its robust construction, adjustable design, and ease of use make it a standout product in the market.

While the price may be slightly higher than some alternatives, the quality and performance of the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm justify the cost. It provides a secure, stable, and visually appealing display that will showcase your trophies for years to come.

I would absolutely recommend the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm to any hunter or taxidermist looking for a professional-grade mounting system. It’s a quality product, one that I’m glad to add to my trophy room. Secure your trophies and display them with pride – invest in the Skull Hooker Big Hooker Long Arm today!

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