ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth Review

How I Used the ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth and What I Found

For years, I’ve relied on a diverse array of tools to navigate various environments, from dusty workshops to remote field locations. When it came to expanding my predator calling arsenal, I was searching for a unit that offered reliability, advanced features, and above all, practical effectiveness without breaking the bank. The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth, manufactured by ICOtec, immediately caught my eye with its promise of quality, performance, and ease of use, combining a powerful electronic call with an integrated decoy. I’ve dealt with plenty of electronic calls over the years, and many underperform, delivering tinny sounds and unreliable remotes. My previous go-to unit was starting to show its age, offering limited sound options and a weak Bluetooth connection that often dropped mid-hunt.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of solid, practical construction. The gray, matte finish of the caller felt durable, and the remote, though simple, had a reassuring heft. It felt like a tool built for the field, not a delicate piece of equipment. While I briefly considered a competitor’s model that boasted a larger sound library, the ICOtec 320+ PLUS‘s integrated decoy and confirmed Bluetooth functionality offered a more compelling, all-in-one solution that promised greater convenience. My first reaction was one of quiet optimism; this seemed like a unit designed to actually get the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Real-World Testing: Putting ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with this calling unit was on a crisp pre-dawn morning, just before sunrise. I chose a familiar coyote hunting spot with good visibility, allowing me to get a feel for the remote’s range and the decoy’s effectiveness. I’d charged all the necessary AA batteries the night before, as indicated in the manual, and was eager to put the 300-yard remote range and Bluetooth up to 100-yards to the test. Setting up was straightforward; the unit is designed for tripod mounting, which I appreciate for stability in uneven terrain. The decoy itself attaches easily to the top of the caller.

Operating the call for the first time was intuitive. The backlit buttons for night hunting are a thoughtful touch, making adjustments easy even in low light without fumbling. The ability to play two sounds simultaneously is a feature I’ve found invaluable for creating more complex and realistic soundscapes. The initial sound quality was impressive, with a clarity that surpassed my older unit, especially on the animal distress calls. I did notice that the remote’s power button is a new addition, and while functional, it felt a bit small initially.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of dedicated use across multiple hunting trips, the ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth has proven itself to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve deliberately exposed it to light dust and morning dew without any ill effects, reinforcing its field-ready design. The tremendous battery life is not an exaggeration; I’ve only had to replace the AA batteries in the caller and decoy once, and the remote’s A23 battery is still going strong after numerous activations.

Durability has been excellent. Despite being set down on rough ground a couple of times, there are no cracks or significant scuffs. The decoy’s motion has remained consistent, and its ability to be activated or deactivated via the remote is a significant advantage for tactical retreats or repositioning. Compared to other electronic calls I’ve used, this ICOtec unit strikes a fantastic balance between robust build and user-friendly operation. The only minor point of wear is on the decoy’s toppers, which naturally attract dirt but clean off easily.

Breaking Down the Features of ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth

Specifications

The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth is designed with serious hunters in mind, packing a punch in a compact package. It boasts a 300-yard remote range, which I found to be quite accurate in open country, allowing for strategic placement away from my position. The Bluetooth range of up to 100-yards is a modern convenience, enabling control via a smartphone app if preferred, though the included remote is highly capable on its own. A key feature is the ability to play two sounds simultaneously, which greatly enhances realism by layering different calls.

The unit comes pre-loaded with 30 professional audio calls, covering a wide spectrum of predator attractants and distress sounds. The new crystal audio sound clarity is a significant upgrade, delivering crisp, clear vocalizations that are crucial for attracting wary predators. For nighttime operations, the backlit buttons for night hunting are a godsend, ensuring you can adjust settings without needing a headlamp. The external speaker port offers the option to connect an additional speaker for increased sound dispersion, though the internal speaker is quite powerful on its own. The AD400 adjustable speed predator decoy is a standout inclusion, adding visual attraction that can be the difference-maker on a still predator. It also includes 2 prey decoy toppers for added realism.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this call is to produce realistic sounds and attract predators, and the ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth excels at this. The sound quality is exceptional, with no discernible distortion even at maximum volume. I was particularly impressed with the clarity of the coyote howls and distress calls, which have brought in coyotes faster than any other call I’ve used. The ability to play two sounds simultaneously is a game-changer, allowing for complex sequences that mimic real-life scenarios, such as a fawn in distress while a coyote mother is nearby.

The decoy’s motion, controlled by the adjustable speed predator decoy, is fluid and natural-looking, a vital component for drawing a predator’s eye. The decoy activation/deactivation button on the remote is a brilliant feature; I’ve used it to quickly shut off the decoy when a coyote is approaching my setup, preventing it from spooking the animal as it gets close. The new remote power switch is a welcome improvement over older models, offering more direct control. The remote itself works flawlessly within its stated range, and the pause button is useful for those moments when you need to quiet down without completely stopping your sequence.

Design & Ergonomics

ICOtec has clearly put thought into the design of this call. The gray color is unobtrusive in natural settings, and the overall build feels robust and weather-resistant. The AA battery requirement for both the unit and the decoy, while requiring a stash of batteries, is a common and easily replaceable power source, offering great tremendous battery life. The remote, with its backlit buttons, is easy to operate even in the dark, and its layout is logical.

The designed for tripod mount feature is a definite ergonomic plus, allowing for hands-free operation and stability, which is critical when you need to be still and ready. The external speaker port is a thoughtful addition for those who hunt in wide-open areas or need to cover more ground. The decoy attaches securely to the top, and its visual appeal is enhanced by the 2 prey decoy toppers, which can be swapped out to mimic different prey animals.

Durability & Maintenance

The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth appears to be built for the long haul. The materials feel sturdy, and the unit has withstood minor impacts and exposure to the elements without issue. Maintenance is minimal: keeping the speaker grilles clear of debris and wiping down the unit and decoy after use is sufficient. The battery compartment seals are tight, preventing moisture ingress.

One area for potential future concern, common to most electronic callers with moving parts, is the long-term reliability of the decoy’s motor. However, based on my extended use so far, it shows no signs of weakening. If issues were to arise, the availability of replacement parts for ICOtec products is generally good, which is a positive for any gear user.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth comes with a comprehensive set of accessories right out of the box. The most significant is the AD400 adjustable speed predator decoy, which is a premium addition not always found in base models. The inclusion of 2 prey decoy toppers adds an extra layer of customization for visual appeal. The remote itself, with its impressive 300-yard range and Bluetooth connectivity, is the primary accessory enabling full control.

While the 30 professional audio calls pre-loaded onto the unit are excellent, some users may wish for more. ICOtec does offer additional sound files for purchase through their Animal Audio app, although as one user noted, this can become expensive. The external speaker port also opens up customization for those seeking to expand their sound coverage. The Bluetooth feature allows for potential integration with smart devices, though the Animal Audio app‘s selection of free sounds is currently limited.

Pros and Cons of ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth

Who Should Buy ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth?

The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth is an excellent choice for avid predator hunters who are looking for a reliable and effective calling system without the premium price tag of some high-end units. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the added visual attraction of a decoy and the convenience of remote operation, especially in challenging lighting conditions thanks to the backlit buttons. If you hunt species like coyotes, foxes, or bobcats and want a unit that can produce realistic sounds and visual cues, this combo is a strong contender.

However, this unit might not be the best fit for someone who exclusively hunts in extremely dense cover where a decoy’s effectiveness is limited, or for those who desire a vast, expandable library of sounds and are unwilling to invest in additional purchases. Also, if you are an absolute beginner who might be intimidated by features like playing two sounds simultaneously, a simpler, single-sound unit might be a less complex starting point. For those who find the sound library limiting, purchasing additional sound files or investing in a unit that allows direct loading of custom sounds might be a better long-term solution.

For users who decide to go with this ICOtec call, I’d highly recommend ensuring you have a good supply of AA batteries for the caller and decoy, and an A23 battery for the remote. A sturdy tripod is also a must for optimal placement and stability, especially given the designed for tripod mount feature.

Conclusion on ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth

The ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth delivers exceptional value and performance for the predator hunter. Its combination of superior sound quality, robust remote control with impressive range, and the integrated, effective decoy makes it a formidable tool in the field. The crystal audio clarity and the ability to play two sounds simultaneously truly elevate the realism of its vocalizations, making it a powerful attractant for wary predators.

While the inability to directly add sounds to the unit and the limited free options in the accompanying app are points to consider, the 30 professional audio calls provided are more than sufficient for most hunting scenarios, and the overall package represents a significant step up in performance for its price point. The tremendous battery life and durable construction further solidify its position as a reliable companion for serious hunters.

I would absolutely recommend the ICOtec 320+ PLUS Predator Call/Decoy Combo with Bluetooth to any predator hunter looking for a feature-rich, effective, and reasonably priced calling solution. It strikes a masterful balance between advanced technology and practical usability, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about increasing their success rates in the field.