Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Decoys Review

Why I Chose the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack: A Hands-On Review

The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack aims to provide hunters with realistic and highly visible decoys. These decoys are designed to attract waterfowl from extended distances, featuring detailed paint schemes and durable construction. As a seasoned waterfowler with over a decade of experience, I’m always seeking tools that enhance my spread’s effectiveness.

I was looking for a decoy set that offered both realism and resilience. Many decoys on the market lack one or the other, sacrificing durability for detail or vice versa. I needed a decoy that could withstand the rigors of field use while still fooling wary mallards.

My initial impression upon unboxing the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack was positive. The decoys felt substantial, and the flocked heads added a touch of realism that I appreciated. The paint job seemed intricate, and the swivel heads promised versatility in creating a more natural spread.

I considered the Flambeau Storm Front 2 Mallard Decoys and the Avian-X Topflight Mallards, but ultimately chose the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack due to its unsinkable design and swivel heads. The Flambeau decoys felt less durable, and the Avian-X, while highly realistic, were a significant price jump. The promise of never having to worry about a shot-up decoy sinking was a major selling point.

I was excited to see how these decoys performed in real-world hunting scenarios. The combination of durability, realism, and the Higdon Outdoors reputation had me optimistic. I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype and could truly improve my success in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack during an early-season mallard hunt on a local river. The weather was cold and damp, with a light drizzle throughout the morning. I deployed the decoys in a typical “J-hook” pattern, placing the feeder decoys closer to shore and the upright drakes further out.

The decoys handled the conditions admirably, maintaining their position even with a slight current. Their size and detailed paint scheme made them highly visible even in the low light conditions. I did notice that the flocking on the heads seemed to attract a bit more moisture, but it didn’t significantly impact their appearance.

The ease of use was excellent. The weighted keels made for quick and easy setup, even in muddy conditions. I appreciated the short-stringing keel design, which allowed me to use them in shallower areas of the river without issue. No real surprises here, other than a pleasant affirmation of how smoothly the deployment process could be.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack has held up remarkably well. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being transported in the back of my truck and exposed to various weather conditions. The paint hasn’t chipped or faded, which is a testament to Higdon Outdoors‘ detailed painting process.

Cleaning these decoys is a breeze. A quick rinse with water removes most mud and debris. I’ve been impressed with their ability to withstand the abuse of regular hunting trips.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper decoys, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack significantly outperforms them in both durability and realism. I’ve already retrieved more birds this season compared to last, and I have no doubts that these decoys contributed to that success. The unsinkable feature gives me peace of mind, knowing that I won’t lose valuable decoys due to stray shots.

Breaking Down the Features of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack

Specifications

The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack includes six oversized mallard decoys, specifically two Upright Head Drakes, one Low Head Drake, one Feeder Drake, one Low Head Hen, and one Feeder Hen. Each decoy is crafted with a foam-filled body, rendering them virtually unsinkable. The heads are flocked for added realism and are also removable and swivel, allowing for varied posing.

The dimensions for each decoy vary slightly: Drake High measures 20.75 inches from beak to tail and 8.375 inches wide, weighing 40.55 oz; Drake Low measures 20 inches from beak to tail and 8.25 inches wide, weighing 41.125 oz; Drake Skimmer measures 20.75 inches from beak to tail and 8 inches wide, weighing 33.230 oz; Hen Upright measures 19.75 inches from beak to tail and 8.125 inches wide, weighing 40.425 oz; and Hen Skimmer measures 20.125 inches from beak to tail and 7.25 inches wide, weighing 28.395 oz. The decoys feature a weighted keel for stable placement and quick setup in different water conditions. The short-stringing keel design accommodates shallow water environments, and the Manufacturer is Higdon Outdoors.

These specifications are critical for several reasons. The oversized design and realistic paint job enhance visibility, attracting birds from greater distances. The unsinkable construction ensures longevity and reduces the risk of losing decoys to damage.

Performance & Functionality

The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack excels in attracting waterfowl, especially mallards. The realistic paint scheme and flocked heads provide a lifelike appearance, fooling even the most wary birds. The variety of poses offered by the swivel heads adds to the natural look of the spread.

The primary strength lies in their durability and realism. The unsinkable design is a game-changer, and the intricate paint job holds up remarkably well. However, the flocking on the heads can attract more moisture, which may require occasional cleaning.

These decoys meet and exceed expectations. The combination of durability, realism, and ease of use makes them a valuable addition to any waterfowler’s arsenal. They’ve undoubtedly improved my success in the field and reduced the stress of potentially losing decoys.

Design & Ergonomics

The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack boasts a well-thought-out design. The materials used are high-quality and feel substantial. The weight of each decoy provides stability in the water, and the swivel heads allow for dynamic posing.

The decoys are user-friendly. The weighted keels make for quick and easy setup, and the short-stringing design accommodates shallow water environments. There’s virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their foam-filled construction and robust paint job, the Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack is built to last. With proper care, they should provide many seasons of reliable use.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove mud and debris. Occasional spot cleaning of the flocked heads may be necessary, but overall, they are easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but their swivel heads offer a degree of customization in terms of posing. Aftermarket decoy anchors and cords can be used to customize the rigging to specific hunting conditions.

The decoys are compatible with most standard decoy rigging systems. While no additional customization options are directly supported by Higdon Outdoors, the standard design allows for widespread compatibility.

Pros and Cons of Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack

Pros

• Unsinkable design ensures long-term use and eliminates the risk of losing decoys to stray shots, offering peace of mind.
• Realistic paint scheme and flocked heads provide a lifelike appearance, effectively attracting waterfowl, even in challenging conditions.
• Oversized design enhances visibility, making the decoys noticeable from greater distances and increasing their overall effectiveness.
• Weighted keels enable quick and easy setup in various water conditions, saving time and effort in the field.
• Swivel heads offer varied posing options, creating a more natural and dynamic spread.

Cons

• The flocking on the heads can attract more moisture, potentially requiring occasional cleaning to maintain optimal appearance.
• At $155.99, the price point may be higher than some comparable decoy packs, potentially deterring budget-conscious buyers.

Who Should Buy Higdon Outdoors Battleship Oversized Mallard Pack?