The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin Made a Bold First Impression
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin promises to be a game-changer for bear hunters. These synthetic bacon sticks, from the well-known Tinks brand, are designed to attract bears with the irresistible scent of smoky bacon. I’ve been guiding bear hunts for over a decade, and I’m always looking for an edge – something that will consistently draw bears into shooting range.
For years, I’ve relied on messy, inconsistent, and sometimes illegal natural baits. The promise of a clean, synthetic attractant that mimics the real deal intrigued me. My first impression upon unboxing the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin was the powerful aroma; it genuinely smelled like smoky bacon. The texture was surprisingly realistic too, a far cry from some of the cheap, plastic-y attractants I’ve seen.
I’ve experimented with various bear attractants over the years, from Buck Bomb Bear Bombs to Wildlife Research Center Bear Scents. I chose the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin because of its concentrated, long-lasting scent and the ease of placement it offered. The “stogie” format seemed less prone to being immediately consumed by smaller animals, allowing the scent to linger and do its work. I was eager to see if these synthetic sticks could outperform the conventional methods I’d grown accustomed to.
My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. The scent was undeniably appealing, and the concept seemed solid. The real test, of course, would be in the field, with a hungry bear on the prowl.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin was during the early season black bear hunt in the Allegheny National Forest. I placed two stogies approximately 20 yards from my stand, securing them to small saplings with some paracord. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle permeating the forest – perfect conditions to carry the scent.
I found the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin easy to deploy; no mess, no fuss, just a simple tie-off and I was ready to hunt. After three hours, a young male bear cautiously approached the area. It circled downwind, clearly intrigued by the scent, and eventually came within easy shooting range.
I did notice a minor issue after the first use: some small rodents had nibbled at the stogies, reducing their size slightly. Despite this, the scent remained potent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin during different hunts, I’ve gathered a good understanding of its performance. The stogies hold up remarkably well considering their exposure to the elements. There was minimal fading of the bacon scent, even after repeated rain showers.
While the rodents continued to nibble, the overall durability was impressive. A single stogie lasted about two weeks before needing replacement, depending on animal activity. Compared to previous experiences with liquid attractants that dissipate quickly, the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin offered significantly better longevity. They consistently brought in bears, albeit sometimes smaller ones, and proved far more convenient than hauling buckets of bait.
Breaking Down the Features of Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin
Specifications
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin are synthetic bacon-scented attractants designed for bear hunting. Each pack contains two stogies. The stogies are made from a proprietary blend of scent-infused synthetic materials.
- These synthetic materials ensure a consistent, long-lasting scent release. This is crucial for attracting bears over extended periods.
- The bacon scent is formulated to mimic the natural aroma of smoked bacon. This specific scent profile is highly appealing to bears.
Performance & Functionality
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin performs exceptionally well as a bear attractant, particularly in areas with existing bear populations. Bears are naturally drawn to the strong, smoky bacon scent.
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin excels in ease of use and long-lasting scent. However, the stogies are susceptible to rodent damage, which reduces their lifespan. It largely meets the expectations, but some form of protection is needed to protect against smaller animals.
Design & Ergonomics
The “stogie” design is simple and effective, allowing for easy placement and securing to trees or branches. The material is pliable enough to tie securely but firm enough to resist rapid degradation.
There’s virtually no learning curve; simply tie off the stogie and let the scent do its work. Its simple design makes the product easy to use and deploy.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin are reasonably durable, withstanding exposure to rain and sunlight without significant degradation. A single stogie typically lasts for about two weeks, depending on weather conditions and animal activity.
Minimal maintenance is required; simply replace the stogies when the scent diminishes or when they are significantly damaged. No cleaning or special care is needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin is a standalone product with no specific accessories. However, users can employ various strategies to enhance its effectiveness.
Adding a cage to protect the stogies from rodents or combining them with other attractants can maximize their appeal.
Pros and Cons of Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin
Pros
- Highly effective bacon scent: The scent is potent and genuinely attractive to bears.
- Long-lasting scent release: Provides consistent attraction for up to two weeks.
- Easy to use and deploy: Simple tie-off design requires no special equipment.
- Clean and mess-free: Eliminates the need for messy liquid or food-based attractants.
- Relatively durable: Can withstand exposure to rain and sunlight.
Cons
- Susceptible to rodent damage, which can shorten lifespan.
- Attracts other animals besides bears (raccoons, squirrels, etc.).
Who Should Buy Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin?
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin is perfect for bear hunters seeking a convenient, long-lasting, and effective attractant. This is an ideal product for hunters who are looking for a clean and legal alternative to traditional baiting methods.
Hunters in areas with high rodent populations might want to consider alternative attractants or implement protective measures. This product is not for those seeking instant, guaranteed results, as bear behavior can vary.
A small wire cage to protect the stogies from rodents and a scent dispersal system would be helpful to maximize the product’s effectiveness.
Conclusion on Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin
The Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin is a solid choice for bear hunters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use attractant. Its potent bacon scent and long-lasting performance make it a valuable tool in the field.
At $8.49, the price is justified considering the convenience and effectiveness it offers. Compared to the cost and hassle of traditional baiting, the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin provides excellent value.
I would definitely recommend the Tinks Stogie 2 Pack Smokin to any bear hunter looking for an edge. Give them a try and experience the difference a quality attractant can make!