Hi all, well been looking at my spread this year and noticed that most of my blocks are tired and worn out. Just plain getting old. So I thought I'd treat myself to some new ones.
What I'm looking for is a decoy that is realistic/lifelike, durable to banging around and one that the paint will wear well and not chip or fade with normal use. Looking at plastic type not cork.
Dakota Decoy Mallard Floaters fit that description perfectly. You better really feel like "treating" yourself though because they are around 15 bucks a single.
Dakota Decoy Mallard Floaters fit that description perfectly. You better really feel like "treating" yourself though because they are around 15 bucks a single.
X2 They are a little expensive but they will last. As far as lifelike, G&H make a great durable decoy as well but they don't look extremely lifelike. But, they work as well as any other decoy on the market.
I personally don't like the look of Dakotas but they so hold up. They now are in a softer plastic so should be even better than before. I'm trying some avians this season but won't know how good they hold up until they get some use.
As stated prior g&h are great blocks. I own a pile of them. They will hold up and they stand by there product. They are not the most lifelike but they kill ducks plain and simple.
I personally don't like the look of Dakotas but they so hold up. They now are in a softer plastic so should be even better than before. I'm trying some avians this season but won't know how good they hold up until they get some use.
As stated prior g&h are great blocks. I own a pile of them. They will hold up and they stand by there product. They are not the most lifelike but they kill ducks plain and simple.
I personally don't like the look of Dakotas but they so hold up. They now are in a softer plastic so should be even better than before. I'm trying some avians this season but won't know how good they hold up until they get some use.
As stated prior g&h are great blocks. I own a pile of them. They will hold up and they stand by there product. They are not the most lifelike but they kill ducks plain and simple.
Most of my three season Dakotas are much more like KK's than WD's. One has faded much like WD's, but I'll just pop a painted head on it and hunt on. And when all the flocked heads are eventually boogered, I'll probably stick with all painted heads - but Dakota sells replacement flocked heads pretty durn cheap for those feel they're important.
What I'm looking for is a decoy that is realistic/lifelike, durable to banging around and one that the paint will wear well and not chip or fade with normal use.
Sorry but the decoy isn't made so far, that is realistic AND has durable paint.
You will have to prioritize your requirements.
If you want durable above all else, get G&H.
If you want realism above all else, get GHG ProGrades or Avian-X. (the durability on these two are fair) I'm on my second season on the Avian-X and they are holding up well so far....we'll see what they look like at the end of the 2015 season.
Take a look at the Dead Ringer decoys. I saw some the other day and they look like a very nice decoy that should be durable, too.
If you want realism above all else, get GHG ProGrades or Avian-X. (the durability on these two are fair) I'm on my second season on the Avian-X and they are holding up well so far....we'll see what they look like at the end of the 2015 season.
Take a look at the Dead Ringer decoys. I saw some the other day and they look like a very nice decoy that should be durable, too.
The Avian-X look pretty slick. The Cherokee Sports Dead Ringers are over priced. $210 a dozen! Yikes. I never seen them in person though. I would think money could be well spent somewhere else.
This past weekend I hunted over 30-50 year old decoys. It opened my perspective about decoys and quality. Some were the crappiest looking decoys I ever seen. Some home repaints that were about 6/10 on quality paint job. One Hen was pure white and damaged all over. One decoy was shot up and sunk with only the head out of the water. The place I hunted keeps the out season long. I am telling you these were the garage sale decoys no one wanted! Birds worked and committed every time. Three mornings thirteen ducks and two geese. It makes you think a little bit more about our obsession over decoys. At least for me it did.
I leave a few Hot Buys out on the pond behind my house and they look fine. Only problem I have is I always forget about em and have to chip them out of 3-4" ice.
[This past weekend I hunted over 30-50 year old decoys. It opened my perspective about decoys and quality. Some were the crappiest looking decoys I ever seen. Some home repaints that were about 6/10 on quality paint job. One Hen was pure white and damaged all over. One decoy was shot up and sunk with only the head out of the water. The place I hunted keeps the out season long. I am telling you these were the garage sale decoys no one wanted! Birds worked and committed every time. Three mornings thirteen ducks and two geese. It makes you think a little bit more about our obsession over decoys. At least for me it did.
It happens; the most horrific-looking decoys imaginable....and guys kill birds over them! There are conditions where birds will come in regardless of....or in spite of....the appearance of the decoys. Usually in the early season. I've seen it, too.
Where I believe the realistic decoys pay their way is when you are late in the season, when birds are "educated". There are times in late December and January where I may have a chance at only two or three flocks all day. You've had 'em, too; flocks of 50 or 75 birds that circle and circle and circle, about 45 yards out, looking over the spread with 100 or 150 different eyeballs. These birds won't commit unless everything is darn near perfect; the calling, the hiding, the camo, the decoy spread.
Those are the times that I buy ProGrades and Avian-X for.
The rest of the year, they just look really good. :yes:
Ordered some more ProGrades from Mack's this morning. Gonna' be a good season.
Running nothing but Body Language this year. Buddy has the Dakota's and I just don't like the look of them. Just my 2cents though.
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