Positives of the decoys:

First and foremost these decoys came with flocked heads that came with these decoys were very well done.  I have seen other decoys where the quality was pretty poor.  Another great feature of these decoys is that the water keel is removable.  This is great for storage, but also makes them possible to use in the field as well as the water.  I wouldn’t call them great replacements for the top of the line field decoys, but they do compare nicely to standard shells in this regard.  A great plus for the goose hunter who goes from water to field during the season.  The heads were easily added to the bodies, so assembly was a snap.  I paired mine with the Avery Greenhead Gear keel grabber anchors for what have proven to be a great combination in the field.  The thing I liked best about these decoys was the price, however, I found them on sale for $100 for 6.  Dividing out that equates to about $17 per decoy.  Given that most decoys of this ilk are priced at $25 to $50 per decoy, you can see that this is a great bargain.

Negatives of the decoys:

The 2 things that stuck out to me was that the heads of these decoys seemed a bit small compared to the body.  I think they look “ok” in the field, but they definitely could handle a little more size to them.  The other thing is that the plastic used is reasonably thin and dents easily if you step on it (something that I always seem to do on the bottom of my duck boat!).  I’m guessing these won’t have a super long life, but I guess that remains to be seen.

Overall take:

I would say these are definitely worth purchasing for your decoy spread.  I have used them this year and they sure seem to have helped my success.   They have decoyed geese well, but they have especially decoyed the ducks great.  Nothing seems to bring ducks into your spread like a bunch of goose decoys.

Why use this decoy and what is it trying to mimic?

Understanding why you would want such a decoy in your spread is pretty important.  While not many duck hunters use them, jerk string decoys have been around for decades.  The premise is that you bob the decoy so that ducks in the air see movement in the water and ripples which mimic what real ducks create when they are swimming and/or feeding.  If you ever watch puddle ducks tip up to eat you will see a lot of movement and stirring up the water.  This decoy tries to mimic that action and give the ducks a sense that all is right in the world.   Up here in Minnesota, we can't use motorized decoys until the 3rd Sunday of the season, and not at all on all wildlife management areas.  While I am a huge fan of spinners, you have to have a non motorized way of enticing birds for sure until the 3rd Sunday of the season.  This fits the bill completely.

First Impressions:

The first impression I had when I received this decoy in the mail was how light the decoy was.  It is solid foam and my expectation was that it was going to be heavy, similar to herter's duck decoys.  While it is solid and the foam in remarkably resilient (another positive when you are tossing into the bottom of your duck boat,  it is very light.  A good combination for any duck hunter on the go.  In addition, the paint job is well done and has a non shiny finish.  When in the sun is kind of absorbs light just like a real duck does.  In the looks and weight department it was a hit right out of the box for me.

On to the swamp:

Where the rubber hit the road with any decoy of course is how it works out in the field.  And this one didn't disappoint as the ripples and water splashes from the feet were impressive.  You could really get after that thing to make your ripples if you want to, which is better than most jerk string rigs I have seen used in the past.  And watching how the ducks reacted to it you see why Tracy was so adamant it would help your hunting.  I had at least 1 flock of mallards and 2 flocks gadwalls turn around and make a trip into the decoys when I thought they were gone for good.  Plain and simply, the kickin' butt decoy works.

Overview of Pro's and Con's

Pros:

Lightweight - I was impressed with it being much lighter than anticipated
Durable - Should stand the test of time
Works for its intended purpose - proof is in the pudding
Materials built to handle large range of temperatures - life in the duck blind is variable to say the least!

Cons:

Expensive - coming in at nearly $50 each
Some assembly required - I am sure this is to alleviate damage during transit, there is a bit of time requirement to get it ready.
Time consuming to deploy - this is the nature of the beast with jerk string rigs

Final Verdict

I say this one is a winner.  It is going to set you back some money, but in the grand scheme of things this probably replaces 1-2 dozen regular decoys which are going to be 2-6x the price of this one depending on what you buy.  The true test is when those ducks have their feet down and ready to drop into your decoys, and this decoy does its job superbly in that regard.

If you are interested in more information or to purchase a decoy, you can go to kickin' butt decoy.  You can also see a wealth of other information on Ureaducks youtube page.  Below is the video for this specific decoy:

So how do the Avery keel grabbers work in the duck blind?  I got my hands on some and gave them a try.  The benefits of the keel grabbers are obvious even before using them:

Keeps the weights adhered to the bottom of the decoy.  Strap weights went onto the neck or head of the decoys.  Staying below the waterline keeps the damage done by the weights to an area that the ducks will never see.

The bungee portion of the setup allows for a good bond that won’t let go while in transport and saves many headaches from detangling the decoys once setting them out

The weight of the anchors is sufficient to keep the decoys where you want them.

The cons of such a system are mainly twofold to me:

First and foremost, these things are expensive.  $30 for a dozen of the anchors with weights is the going rate.  You can find strap weights for probably 1/3 of this cost.

And to a lesser extend the bungee cords have a limited life due to stretching and breaking (both due to being on the decoys (especially between seasons) but also due to getting caught in the weeds and breaking while retrieving your decoys).

Final thoughts?  I would say these decoy anchors are a welcome addition to anyone’s decoy spreads.  For the longevity of your decoys and their looks alone you have to like the system.  In addition, the system works remarkably well and faster than the straps when it comes time to bring the decoys back in.  This is especially true when the wind is whipping and your hands are getting cold from that classic duck hunting weather!  I would suggest adding these to your duck hunting gear the next chance you get.

Top Features of the Avery Greenhead Gear Finisher

Dimensions: 80 inches long, 27 inches at the foot, 36 inches at the head.  Height adjusts from 17-19 inches.

Folds to a compact 42Lx16Wx7H.

Total weight without accessories: 18lbs.

1800 Denier polyester floor and 900D polyester top both resist water and weather.

Double polyurethane coating keeps out moisture and reduces UV fading.

2 rear frame height adjustments and 3 front frame adjustments offer 6 profile options.

Full-length double-padded seat, padded head rest for maximum comfort.

Zippered boot end for easy cleaning.

Multiple camo straps keep cover where you want it all day long.

Strengths of the Greenhead Gear Fred Zink's Finisher

This is a very durable layout blind that is built to last for many years of heavy hunting.  It features one of the sturdiest frames on the market, yet one that is light and folds very compactly.  The Denier polyester is thick and tough, held together with durable, smooth hinges that fold very flat.  Its light at 18lbs, so packing it into the field won’t wear you out.  The padding makes it a comfortable choice when you’ve got a full day of hunting planned.  The doors open smoothly and won’t be in your way when you’re sighting in a chunky mallard or a fat gander.  The position adjustments give you the profile you want for hunting comfort and success. The Avery Finisher sells well because it performs well.

Weaknesses of the Avery Finisher Layout Blind

This blind is quite a bit more expensive than some similar blinds, though the quality of the components is excellent.  Still, the price will be more than some hunters will want to pay.  The frame is sturdy but it also features more moving parts – and sometimes the more things that can move, the more thing that can break.

Who Should Consider the Avery Fred Zink's Finisher Layout Blind?

This model is geared toward the serious hunter who values comfort along and the ability to adjust the profile to fit their size or purposes.  The strong, 1800D polyester base is also a good choice for those who hunt in rough conditions.  For top of the line quality and durability, the Avery Finisher layout blind is one of the best on the market.

Our Hunters Specialties Earth Tone Hitman layout blind review will list the top features, pros and cons of this model, and conclude with suggestions for who this blind is best suited for.

Top Features of the Hitman Layout Blind from Hunters Specialties

Full dimensions in inches: 84Lx37Wx16H.

Weight without accessories: 20lbs.

Includes comfortable carrying strap.

Sets up in less than a minute with the patented Swift Set System.

1200 Denier polyester bottom is water-resistant and thick enough to resist tearing.

900 Denier top is weather and moisture resistant for a more comfortable hunt.

Padded reclining seat is comfortable, though not spring-loaded or multi-position.

Spring-loaded doors offer faster setup and shooting.

Zip-out boot door makes it easier to dump debris at the end of the hunt.

Zipped utility bag inside the blind provides room for valuable and accessories.

Strengths of the Hunters Specialties Hitman Layout Blind

This model covers all the basics, and does so with components and materials of pretty good quality.  The price is about 40% less than many other best-selling layout blinds.  It’s comfortable for hunters to about 6-4 in height.  The spring-opening doors work very well so you can focus on finding the target and getting the shot you want.  Hunters Specialties makes a snow cover for the Hitman layout blind that quickly covers the blind without the need of straps or snaps.  Finally, this is one of the most affordable layout blinds in its class.

Weaknesses of the Hitman Blind from Hunters Specialties

Hunters who want a spring-loaded seat will have to look elsewhere – though pay more – to find one.  This blind uses up to 1200 Denier polyester where some top models use 1800 Denier.  Be sure to use a base mat to protect it against corn stubble.  The shoulder strap is nice – backpack straps would be an improvement.

Who Should Consider the Hunters Specialties Earth Tone Hitman Blind?

This is a well-built layout blind with basic functionality.  It costs less than the best models on the market but may not have the long-range durability.  Therefore, it makes best sense for hunters who will give it occasional to moderate use but probably won’t work best for the most avid waterfowlers.

Top Features of the Killzone Layout Hunting Blind.

Dimensions in inches: 86Lx36Wx20H.

Total weight without accessories: 17lbs.

Lightweight steel frame with high tensile strength.

Unfolds quickly and folds up securely for transport.

Shoulder straps make it easier to carry and then detach to get out of sight.

900 Denier polyester body and 1500 Denier polyester floor are woven with a layer of PVC for extra water/weather resistance.

Field Khaki camo finish blends well with a variety of hunting settings.

Zippered foot end provides easy clean out.

Multiple stubble straps hold cover in place even in steady wind.

Padded shoulder and head rest offer a very comfortable wait.

Spring-loaded screen doors give you the view you need and open easily for shooting.

Strengths of the Killzone Lay ‘n Slay Layout Blind

What you get with this duck and goose blind is a very affordable model that gives you the comfort and cover you need in any field setting.  There is plenty of interior space that will be comfortable for hunters up to 6-6 in height or taller.  The Denier polyester and PVC material is of higher quality and density than some blinds that cost more.  It offers excellent protection from the wind and weather.  Set up and take down takes just a moment so you won’t waste time on either end of your hunting day.  The 17lb weight will serve you well on long hikes to the Killzone!

Weaknesses of the KillZone Layout Hunting Blind for Duck, Goose, Bird

The primary con of this model is that it does not have spring-loaded doors or seat, or an adjustable head rest.  It’s a basic layout hunting blind made from high-quality materials, but no bells and whistles.  For models with top of the line features, see the Avery Finisher layout blind or the Final Approach X'Land'r backpack layout blind reviews.

Who Should Consider the KillZone Layout Hunting Blind?

The Killzone Lay ‘n Slay is highly rated for affordability and quality for its class.  It’s a very good option for the hunter on a budget who still wants a good blind.  It also makes sense for the beginner who doesn’t want to invest in a more expensive blind at first.  Avid hunters who are looking for a backup blind or blind for a buddy they take hunting also choose the Killzone Layout hunting blind.

Top Features of the Final Approach X'Land'r Blind

Dimensions in inches: 84Lx26Wx14H.

Total weight without accessories: 15lbs.

Rust-proof frame constructed from high-temper anodized aluminum.

Built-in scabbard allows you to store your gun in the folded blind for easier transport.

Ample internal storage room to carry gear to the field: Space for 200 rag decoys or 48 silhouettes.

Multiple stubble straps keep your covering secure.

Camouflage face mesh gives you a better view without being spotted.

Zippered foot pouch makes it easy to clean out.

Padded head and gun rest.

Closed-cell interior is ¾ inches thick, providing warmth from cold and wind.

Strengths of the X'Land'r Blind from Final Approach

This blind, when folded, is a large storage bag that holds a ton of gear.  It’s easier to strap on one heavier item than to try to get 4 or 5 different bags to the hunting area.  The lining of the blind makes it one of the warmest on the market and this may allow you to wear lighter clothing for less hindrance in shooting.  Empty, the blind is one of the lightest on the market at 15lbs, yet it is still rugged due to the high-strength anodized aluminum frame.

Weaknesses of this Final Approach X'Land'r Duck Backpack Blind

This is an expensive blind, and while you get a lot of features for the money, it may be more than many will want to spend. For the money, a spring-assisted backrest would be nice, but you’ll have to sit up the old-fashioned way.  There are no headrest adjustments either.

Who Should Consider the Final Approach X'Land'r Duck Backpack Blind?

This feature-rich layout blind is designed for use where hunting pressure is heavy and you need all the help you can get bringing waterfowl to your location.  That’s why it’s built to hold so many decoys along with covering and the gear you need.  It’s a top of the line blind and hunters who are willing to pay the extra will certainly get more for their money.

That’s the centerpiece but there’s more.  The slide-lock setup uses no pins so your time is spent more efficiently preparing for the first fly-over of the day.  In this Beavertail Gunner layout blind review, we give you the details you need to effectively compare this layout blind to the others on your short list to consider.  Here are its main features.

Top Features of the Gunner Blind from Beavertail

Dimension in Inches: 88Lx34Wx20H.

Total weight without accessories: 24lbs.

Spring-loaded backrest made from rugged polyethylene.

1500 Denier waterproof base and 600 Denier water-resistant top.

Black aluminum frame is powder-coated for durability.

Mossy Oak camo finish.

Flagging holes and built-in vegetation straps offer secure convenience.

Interior storage for shells and gear.

Backpack straps for easier transporting.

Strengths of the Beavertail Gunner Blind

Hunters are going to want to try the spring-loaded backrest, and it certainly makes getting into position easier.  The action of the seat is very smooth and enhances your ability to rise and shoot effortlessly.  The padding in the headrest and seat is generous and will keep you comfortable all day.  The Mossy Oak Camo pattern works well in most field conditions, especially when accented with brush and stubble from your surroundings.  The backpack straps make this a very portable layout blind, even when your hike to the hunting spot is long.

Weaknesses of this Beavertail Layout Blind

The total weight is 24lbs, 4-6lbs more than comparable blinds and that can take its toll on a longer trek.  The 600 Denier polyester top is cause for some concern.  Most layout blinds use 900-1200 Denier on the top for tougher protection from stubble, branches, weather and wind.  Finally, the action of the spring-loaded backrest makes this a premium blind, no doubt, but it also pushes the price north to a place many hunters won’t want to go.  It’s pricey.

Who Should Consider the Beavertail Gunner Layout Blind?

Hunters who want a deluxe layout blind will be attracted to this one.  When the hunting is fast and furious, the spring-loaded functionality will come in handy.  In addition, any hunter who would normally have trouble rising into position will appreciate the assistance this one provides.

Here are the highest rated layout blinds for 2011.

1. Final Approach X'Land'r Duck Backpack Blind

The manufacturer says this blind was created with the professional hunter and guide in mind and it is a great choice for any avid geese, duck or bird enthusiast.  There’s no spring-assisted backrest, but other than that, it has all you’d want for a successful hunt.  It manages to be light at just 15lbs but also rugged, thanks to the high-strength anodized aluminum frame that is also rust-resistant.

Other notable features include the built-in gun scabbard and interior room – while folded – for all the silhouette and rag decoys you’ll need for an effective day in the field.  For comfort, the head and seat are padded and the entire cover features ¾-inch thick closed-cell padding for extra warmth and wind protection.  The Final Approach X'Land'r layout blind also comes with a camo face mesh, zippered boot area for cleaning ease, and a enough stubble straps to conceal the blind from the air.

2. Beavertail Gunner Layout Blind

The Gunner from Beavertail is one of the year’s most innovative layout blinds.  It features a spring-loaded backrest that assists you as you rise into position.  It’s ideal for those who aren’t as agile as they once were, and it will give any hunter a second or two advantage in getting into shooting position.  That can be the difference between knocking down your bird or hurrying the shot and missing.

The Gunner layout blind is covered in Mossy Oak camo that works well in all settings and is put together with a powder-coated aluminum frame.  It’s a little chunky at 24lbs, but the durable backpack straps help ease the haul to the field.  It sets up quickly and offers plenty of internal storage for shells, gear, your keys and wallet.

3. Avery Greenhead Gear Fred Zink's Finisher Ground Blind

Avery makes the best-selling blinds in the world, and this is their #1 model.  It goes by a variety of names, though why, we don’t know.  You may see it as the Avery Finisher or by its more complete name above, but apart from finish options, they’re the same blind.  The finisher has the heaviest material of any of the top layout blinds with an 1800 Denier waterproof bottom and 900 Denier top for better wind and water resistance.

The Avery Fred Zink Finisher offers 2 rear frame height adjustments and 3 front frame positions to let you customize your profile to your personal comfort level.  The fully-padded seat and headrest provide outstanding comfort for a long day’s hunt.  Features that add convenience include the zippered boot for easier cleaning and the camo straps to hold your added cover in place even in a brisk wind.  It’s not hard to see why this is a best-selling layout blind.

4. Hunters Specialties Blind Earth Tone Hitman Layout Blind

Fast setup is one of the top features of the Hitman blind from Hunters Specialties.  You won’t waste time or miss shots putting it together.  The patented Swift Set system lets you unfold it and be ready for action in seconds. Spring-loaded doors reduce the time it takes for you to get into position for your shot. To get to the field, comfortable carrying straps are included for over-the-shoulder or backpack transport.  The straps are also sturdy enough to allow you to pack the folded blind with some gear to carry in.

The Hunters Specialties Earth Tone Hitman Blind is one of the more affordable models in our list.  It costs far less than models it can definitely compete with for quality, comfort and usability.  It’s a very good first layout blind, extra blind for a buddy, or long-term blind for those who want to save money on their equipment.

5. KillZone Layout Hunting Blind for Duck, Goose, Bird 4T

This layout blind is also known as the Lay ‘n Slay and that sums up its effectiveness very well.  It features spring-loaded doors that let you acquire the target more quickly and improve your rate of hits.  The doors are mesh screen which conceal you while giving you a clear view of what’s approaching so your timing can be precise.  The field Khaki finish blends well with most field conditions and multiple straps let you accessorize it to match your surroundings.

The Killzone layout blind uses a light steel frame with high tensile strength to make it sturdy without being heavy.  The thick Denier polyester is lined with waterproof PVC to be more comfortable, rugged and warm. The Killzone Lay ‘n Slay layout blind is very affordable and is a good choice for hunters who want top of the line features at a very good value.

Conclusion

You can’t go wrong with any of these 5 best rated layout blinds for 2011.  None of them are perfect, but one or two of them might be perfect for the way you want to hunt.  Pick the features and the price that make sense to you, and these top rated layout blinds will help you bag more birds and fowl all season long.

To start with let's understand why and how to use the Windwhacker duck decoy.  The why of course is to add motion and realism to your spread.  The flashing produced by this decoy is meant to simulate the back peddling of a duck as it attempts to land.  If you haven't seen this in the wild check out mallards as they are landing in a agricultural field, the human eye can especially see the vision these decoys try to simulate.  Now there are many decoys on the market that attempt to mimic this motion, most notably the Mojo Mallard decoy and the Edge Expedite Lucky Duck.  I have personally used both and they work excellent.  The Windwhacker is a different animal completely.  The Mojo and Edge Expedite run off of a battery, the Windwhacker runs without the aid of anything, but mother nature's wind.  Now, with the wind driven spinning wing decoys I have seen in the past have left me wanting quite a bit.  Put plainly, they simply didn't work.  The wind simply never blew hard and constant enough to get them to give that true flash that brings in the ducks.

So first and foremost, in order for these to be effective they must be able to flash dark and light in low wind conditions.  The Windwhacker uses snap swivels on a large scale similar to those that are used in fishing (for those that are familiar).  I was impressed with how well they allowed a little amount of wind to get them moving.  I would estimate it will work great out in the field.  The true test will be how the duck react to it.

Secondly I look at how well the decoy is put together.  The flashing wings are made of metal and should hold up over time well.  The stake that you use to put into the ground (or bottom of the lake) is a composite that feels very strong and should hold up well to the rigors of duck hunting.  The standard unit won't work well in deep water, but they do offer a model that works in deep water.

On to the shortcomings of this in my opinion.  2 jumped out at me.  The first is the "pony tail holder like" part that holds the wings to the snap swivels.  I would guess these don't hold up that well over time after seeing my daughters go through these like water, but I guess time will tell.  The second one may just be my issue.  The directions included in the box were lacking to put it together easily (no pictures) and it said to check the site for more information.  I didn't see anything on the site that was directly aimed at showing how to assemble.  Looking at the pictures of it in action helped a bunch, but a quick article with pictures on how to assemble would have been nice.

Overall I would give this decoy a thumbs up for adding some motion to your duck spread.  I will check back after the hunting season commences up here and let you know how it works out in the real world.  If you have had experiences with this decoy please feel free to comment below.