[plainsman]

I've worked out a deal to trade over half of my decoys for another item. So I'll be re-building my duck spread this summer and have narrowed it down to 2 brands. The GHG life-size mallards or the Redhead brand from Bass-Pro. I want to end up with 2 doz. so I might go with a doz. of each. Has anybody have any experience with both brands?? I also don't know if Redhead offers 2 head positions for the drakes like GHG does. I might still work in 1/2 doz. pintail drakes into the mix. Any opinions??

 

[InTheDecoys]

Go with Avery/GHG. Redhead paint chips A LOT. Averys will lose some paint from normal scuffing so no biggy. Also you should look into some Gadwalls, wigeon, and some teal or woodies also. Your idea on the pintails sounds good. I would consider adding variety rather than just mallards.

 

[quackkiller]

I'd go with the GHG's. That's what I've started using and eventually hope to have nothing but GHG in my spread. I've had experience with the Redhead decoys and I was very disappointed. I was very surprised at how easily the paint chipped off of the decoys. Also, I think the GHG's are some of the most realistic looking decoys on the market. :salude:

 

[CALLEMQUACKTN]

:withstupid: I bought 2 dozen of the redhead decoys & they started flacking after the first hunt. :thumbsdown: I think the GHG decoys look the best. IMO

 

[ks_waterfowler]

Look at my GHG Paint Problems post. I would just buy 1 dozen G&H and not worry about paint problems. Just my .02

 

[Quackcephus]

If I was goin' to rebuild my spread & was gonna limit it to just 2 dozen, then there ain't no quality over quanity issue. I wouldn't get either brands you named, I would get G&H is the most derable mass produced plastic decoy on the market. You can also get moveable heads on them. :thumbsup:

I did the same thing a few years back & I have been very pleased in my investment... I got G&H in Mallards, Pintail & Widgeon & have been very pleased with the quality of the decoys & their effect on the ducks. :yes:

 

[plainsman]

I've been in touch with a very large number of hunters who've told me they've had no problems with the new GHG paint....looks like Avery has the problem solved. As far as the G&H dekes go....thats way to much $$$$ for something that doesn't look all that great to start with. I like the looks of their geese, but the ducks leave alot to be desired in my eyes.The paint looks like it's been slapped on and the detail is lacking.I'd rather continue to use the Flambeau master series....much nicer to the eye, with WAY more detail and realistic paint
http://www.decoys.com/waterfowl_ducks/dcoy_mallard.html

 

[DUKHTR]

Ever consider some more durable and "better" decoys such as foam core burlaps? Cork? Plastics have their place and I think we can all have some handy for the times we really need them....but if you are after a decoy that will last, rides great, is realistic and brings in birds season after season with little or no maintenance, plastic is not the way to go IMO.

So you spend a a few more $$ now.....in the long run you have made an investment that will more than make up for itself over the years. So a dozen Herter's burlaps (like the ones in the classifieds) cost you $120.....think of the unit cost over a ten season span and how many times you'll be re-painting plastics and buying new ones in that same period! The $$ and time spent on the plastics will outrun the initial investment of the burlaps!

 

[ks_waterfowler]

I would rather start out with something that may not have more detail and better paint schemes then something that looks good from the start and have all the paint chip off before the season is up. I made the mistake of trying Bond Decoys first(massive paint problems) and then giving GHG a try(still had paint problems) and finally switch to G&H and have no problems. I guess my preference may be different than yours, but I'm speaking from experience.

 

[SwampHunter]

...

 

[plainsman]

There is no doubt in my mind that the Avery dekes are FAR superior looking to any others out there. Now that they have the paint issue solved, I no longer have any concerns on whether or not to buy them. I see no reason to spend more $$$ on foam + burlap, afterall, I'm trying to save a few $$$ when I can, for a new gun this year.Lets face it, GHG look like ducks, not decoys. I'm suprised nobody brought up Higdon, even they look better than G&H.