The Storm Front Green Wing Teal Made a Bold First Impression
The crisp morning air, the pre-dawn chill biting at my cheeks – it’s the feeling every waterfowler lives for. But a successful hunt hinges on more than just luck; it requires the right gear, starting with a convincing decoy spread. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys from Avery Outdoors. These decoys promise realism and durability, two critical elements for fooling even the wariest green-winged teal.
For years, my spread has been a mishmash of older decoys, some faded, others damaged. I needed an upgrade, something that would breathe new life into my setup and, hopefully, bring more birds to the blind. The Storm Front Green Wing Teal’s advertised realistic paint schemes, especially the UVision Technology, caught my eye.
Unboxing the Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys was a pleasant surprise. The paint jobs were indeed impressive, with subtle feather details and a matte finish that eliminated unnatural glare. They felt lightweight but sturdy, and the keel design looked like it would provide good stability.
I considered the GHG Pro-Grade Green-Winged Teal decoys and Higdon Outdoors Standard Green-Winged Teal decoys, both reputable brands. However, the Storm Front Green Wing Teal’s combination of UVision Technology and the innovative keel design won me over. The $32.49 price point for a six-pack also felt like a great value. I was excited to see how they performed in the field, but my initial impression was one of genuine excitement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Storm Front Green Wing Teal to the Test
First Use Experience
My first hunt with the Storm Front Green Wing Teal was on a small, secluded pond known for attracting early-season teal. I strategically placed the decoys, utilizing the center tie points on the keel to create some movement in the light breeze. The spread consisted of the two active drakes, two resting drakes, one resting hen and one dabbler hen, providing a realistic mix of postures.
Despite the calm conditions, the decoys moved naturally in the water, and the depth adjusting eyelet made it easy to set the line length without excess decoy line tangling. As the sun began to rise, a flock of teal circled the pond, giving the decoys a thorough inspection. They committed without hesitation, landing right in the middle of the spread. The Storm Front Green Wing Teal had passed its first test with flying colors.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys have proven to be remarkably durable. They’ve been exposed to rain, mud, and even a few accidental bumps against rocks and ice. The paint has held up exceptionally well, with minimal chipping or fading.
Cleaning them is a breeze; a quick rinse with water is usually all that’s needed. Compared to some of my older decoys, which required constant touch-ups, the Storm Front Green Wing Teal are incredibly low-maintenance. They have consistently performed well, attracting teal and adding a realistic touch to my spread.
Breaking Down the Features of Storm Front Green Wing Teal
Specifications
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys are designed with the specific needs of waterfowlers in mind. Each box contains six decoys: 2 active drakes, 2 resting drakes, 1 resting hen, and 1 dabbler hen. This variety of poses mimics a natural flock of teal.
The innovative keel design includes center tie points and a depth adjusting eyelet. These features allow for added motion and easy adjustments to water depth.
Performance & Functionality
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys excel in their primary function: attracting teal. The realistic paint schemes, developed with patent-pending UVision Technology, mimic the reflectance of real feathers.
They are lightweight and easy to deploy, making them ideal for hunters who need to quickly set up a spread. The only potential weakness is the lightweight construction, which might make them less durable in extremely harsh conditions, though my experience has been positive so far. Overall, they have consistently exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The decoys are well-balanced and float realistically in the water. The keel design provides excellent stability, even in choppy conditions. The lightweight construction makes them easy to carry and deploy, a significant advantage for hunters who walk long distances to their hunting spots.
There’s virtually no learning curve; simply attach your line and weight and toss them in the water. The depth adjusting eyelet is a particularly user-friendly feature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys are constructed from a durable plastic that has proven to be resistant to cracking and fading. As mentioned, the paint has held up remarkably well, even after repeated exposure to the elements. Maintenance is minimal; a quick rinse after each hunt is usually sufficient to keep them looking their best.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys come as a complete set of six, ready to be deployed straight out of the box. There are no specific customization options directly offered by the manufacturer. However, you can easily add your own decoy line and weights.
These decoys are compatible with standard decoy accessories, such as decoy bags and rigging kits.
Pros and Cons of Storm Front Green Wing Teal
Pros
- Realistic paint schemes with UVision Technology significantly enhance their attractiveness to teal.
- Innovative keel design with center tie points allows for natural movement in the water.
- Depth adjusting eyelet simplifies line adjustments.
- Lightweight construction makes them easy to carry and deploy.
- Affordable price makes them an excellent value for the money.
Cons
- The lightweight construction may not be ideal for extremely harsh conditions or rough handling.
- There are no specific customization options offered by the manufacturer.
Who Should Buy Storm Front Green Wing Teal?
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys are perfect for waterfowlers targeting green-winged teal. Their realistic appearance and ease of use make them a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters. Hunters who value realistic decoys that are easy to carry and deploy will find these decoys to be an excellent addition to their spread.
Those who hunt in extremely rugged environments or require decoys that can withstand heavy abuse might want to consider more robust (and potentially more expensive) options. There are no must-have accessories, but a good decoy bag and rigging kit will make deployment and retrieval even easier.
Conclusion on Storm Front Green Wing Teal
The Storm Front Green Wing Teal decoys are a fantastic addition to any waterfowler’s arsenal. Their realistic appearance, innovative design, and ease of use make them a highly effective tool for attracting teal. At $32.49 for a six-pack, the price is more than justified by their performance and durability.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Storm Front Green Wing Teal to anyone looking to improve their decoy spread and increase their success in the field. Upgrade your spread today and experience the difference!