ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call

As an equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’m always on the lookout for gear that delivers genuine performance without unnecessary fanfare. My search for a reliable predator call led me to the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call. This unit promised professional-grade durability and sound quality, features crucial for effective predator hunting.

My motivation for seeking a new call stemmed from a frustrating experience during a late-season coyote hunt. My previous call, while functional, struggled with volume and clarity at longer distances, leaving me feeling exposed and ineffective. The promise of an industry-leading remote range and crystal-clear sound on the Night Stalker+ caught my attention immediately.

My initial impression upon unboxing this predator call was one of robust construction. The unit felt solid, and the remote had a satisfying heft, hinting at durable components. I’d considered a few other electronic callers, but their reputations for questionable battery life or overly complex interfaces made me steer clear. This ICOtec unit offered a sense of immediate practicality.

My first reaction was one of cautious optimism; could this call truly elevate my hunting success?

Real-World Testing: Putting ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call out to a familiar private hunting lease, notorious for its wary coyotes. The setup was straightforward: I loaded the recommended alkaline batteries, powered up the unit and remote, and selected a standard coyote distress call. Within minutes, the sound projection was impressive, filling the open field with a clarity that my old call simply couldn’t match.

Testing this caller in typical woodland and open field conditions proved its mettle. I experienced no signal degradation even when the remote was stashed in my insulated jacket pocket, easily exceeding the advertised 300-yard no-line-of-sight remote range. The caller itself stood up to a light morning dew without issue, though I made sure to dry it off afterward as per general equipment care.

Ease of use was a significant win; the remote’s intuitive layout meant minimal fumbling. I was able to navigate the sound library and select calls with practiced ease after only a short familiarization period. One small surprise was how quickly the unit responded to remote commands, with no perceptible lag between button press and sound activation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple early morning hunts and late-night calling sessions, the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call has proven its worth. It consistently performs without any degradation in volume or sound quality. I’ve found myself relying on its consistent output, which is a testament to its build.

Durability has been excellent so far. I’ve accidentally dropped the remote once on a gravelly path, and while it acquired a minor scuff, its functionality remained entirely unimpeded. The caller unit has also been exposed to dust and occasional light rain without any ill effects, though I’m always diligent with post-hunt cleaning.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down of the caller and remote with a damp cloth is all that’s typically needed. The SD card for sound files is easily accessible, making updates or additions a breeze. Compared to previous mechanical calls I’ve used, the minimal maintenance required for this electronic unit is a significant advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call

Specifications

The ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call is built with professional predator hunters in mind, and its specifications reflect this. The unit requires 10 AA batteries, a significant power requirement that speaks to its output capabilities, though it can be mitigated with the optional ICOtec C4 lithium rechargeable battery. The remote, on the other hand, takes 4 AA batteries, and ICOtec recommends their TNT rechargeable kit for this.

One of the standout features is the industry-leading 300-yard no-line-of-sight remote range. This expansive range allows for strategic placement of the caller, increasing the effectiveness of calling sequences by simulating a prey animal further from your position. Coupled with this is the Bluetooth connectivity up to 100 yards, offering a convenient alternative for quick adjustments or sound management from a smartphone.

The sound quality is described as amazingly crystal clear, which I can attest to. It supports 16, 24, and 32-bit .wav files, ensuring high fidelity for downloaded sounds. Importantly, the unit can store up to 2,000 sound files on a removable SD card, providing a vast library at your fingertips. The ability to play two sounds simultaneously is a unique advantage, allowing for more complex distress scenarios.

The caller boasts a tremendous volume of 130+ dB, a critical factor for cutting through wind and distance to attract wary predators. The remote features a large, easy-to-read display with day & night screen options, enhancing usability in varied lighting conditions. It also includes NEW category file organization and allows users to recall up to 20 favorites and one coax sound. USB and remote sync cables are included, and the unit is tripod mountable for stable deployment.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call is sound reproduction, and it excels here. The 130+ dB volume is not just a number; it’s audible power that carries effectively across considerable distances. I’ve experienced coyotes responding from the maximum advertised range, a feat that previously felt unattainable with my older equipment.

The crystal clear sound quality is another major performance win. Unlike some cheaper units that produce tinny or distorted sounds, the ICOtec caller renders each vocalization with remarkable fidelity. This realism is crucial for fooling experienced predators who can distinguish natural sounds from artificial ones. The ability to play two sounds simultaneously, managed by separate play/pause buttons, allows for sophisticated calling sequences that mimic distressed prey more effectively.

A slight limitation arises with the sound file format: .mp3 files must be converted into .wav to play on the Plus Series. While not a dealbreaker, it does add an extra step for users who acquire sounds in MP3 format. The Animal Audio smartphone app is recommended for accessing high-quality sound libraries, which is a useful suggestion for expanding one’s audio arsenal.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call leans towards rugged practicality. The black, durable casing feels built to withstand the rigors of field use. Its tripod mountable feature is a welcome addition, providing stability and optimal sound projection when setting up for a stand.

The remote’s ergonomics are well-thought-out. The buttons are tactile and appropriately sized, making them easy to operate even with gloves on. The large, easy-to-read display with its adjustable day/night settings is a significant ergonomic advantage, preventing eye strain during dawn or dusk hunts. The category file organization on the remote streamlines the process of finding the right sound, especially when time is of the essence.

While the caller unit itself is somewhat bulky due to its speaker and battery housing, it’s a necessary trade-off for its powerful output. The remote is comfortably sized for one-handed operation, fitting securely in the palm. No significant learning curve exists for basic operation, making it accessible even to those new to electronic callers.

Durability & Maintenance

The ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call feels like it was built for the long haul. Its robust construction suggests it can handle being tossed into a gear bag or exposed to less-than-ideal conditions, though I’ve always treated it with care. I haven’t encountered any signs of premature wear or performance degradation after my testing period.

Maintenance is thankfully minimal. A simple wipe-down after each use is sufficient to keep it in good condition. The battery compartments are well-sealed, offering a good degree of protection against moisture. The removable SD card makes for easy sound file management and potential future upgrades or replacements if needed.

Given its build quality and the manufacturer’s reputation, I anticipate this unit will hold up well over many seasons. I haven’t identified any specific weak points or potential failure points in its design thus far, which speaks volumes about its overall construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call comes with essential accessories like USB & remote sync cables, which are vital for sound file management and firmware updates. The removable SD card itself is a key component, allowing for easy expansion of its sound library beyond the included sounds. While the base unit comes pre-loaded with a substantial library, users can expand this dramatically.

Customization primarily revolves around the sound files. The ability to store up to 2,000 sound files means hunters can tailor the call to specific regions, prey animals, and hunting styles. The Animal Audio smartphone app is also a key accessory for those who want to access premium sound libraries, offering a way to curate and download sounds directly.

While no additional physical accessories are included, the tripod mountable feature is significant, allowing users to pair it with their preferred tripod for optimal setup.

Pros and Cons of ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call

Who Should Buy ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call?

The ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call is an excellent choice for serious predator hunters who demand reliable performance, superior sound quality, and extensive range. If you hunt in open country where long-distance calling is critical, or if you frequently find yourself in challenging terrain that requires strategic caller placement, this unit will significantly enhance your success rate. It’s also well-suited for hunters who appreciate the ability to customize their sound library extensively.

However, individuals who are new to electronic callers and prefer an ultra-simple, plug-and-play experience might find the battery requirements or the need for sound file conversion a minor inconvenience. Those who are on an extremely tight budget might also find the initial investment and potential for sound library purchases a bit steep. If you only hunt in very close quarters or don’t anticipate needing extreme volume and range, more basic models might suffice.

For those investing in this caller, I highly recommend looking into ICOtec’s C4 lithium rechargeable battery system for the caller, and their TNT rechargeable AA battery kit for the remote. This will significantly offset the cost and environmental impact of disposable batteries, given the unit’s power demands.

Conclusion on ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call

The ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call is a formidable tool for any serious predator hunter. Its exceptional range, powerful and clear sound output, and robust build quality make it a standout performer in its class. The ability to store thousands of sounds and the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity offer a level of customization and ease of use that is hard to beat.

While the battery requirements are substantial, the performance gains and the availability of rechargeable solutions mitigate this concern. The initial investment of $374.99 is justified by the professional-grade features and durability it offers. For hunters who are tired of subpar sound and limited range, this caller delivers a tangible upgrade in effectiveness.

I would unequivocally recommend the ICOtec Night Stalker + PLUS Predator Call to any dedicated predator hunter who is looking for a reliable, high-performance, and feature-rich electronic call. It’s an investment that will likely pay dividends in increased calling success and a more enjoyable hunting experience.