Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote

As someone who has spent over a decade in environments ranging from dusty workshops to sterile labs and rugged outdoor expeditions, I’ve learned to appreciate gear that’s not just functional but reliable. The Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote caught my eye because it promised a more realistic and convenient approach to a common tool in outdoor recreation. My previous experience with spinning wing decoys had involved their limitations in deployment and their tendency to be somewhat temperamental, especially in less than ideal water conditions. I was looking for something that offered improved realism and simpler setup, particularly for duck hunting scenarios where every moment counts.

The initial impression of this floater decoy is one of solid engineering. The components feel well-integrated, and the molded float offers a stable base. It’s a far cry from some of the more flimsy alternatives I’ve encountered. I had been considering other brands, but MOJO’s reputation for innovation in this niche, combined with the specific features of this Elite Series, made it the leading contender. A quick unboxing revealed a thoughtfully designed unit, and I felt a sense of pragmatic optimism about its potential performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote was on a brisk autumn morning at a local wetland area known for its mallard population. Deployment was remarkably straightforward; the float snaps on with a simple twist, and I was able to place it in deeper water without needing a cumbersome support pole. The weather was calm, and the decoy immediately began to exhibit a subtle, lifelike motion as it drifted and rotated on the water’s surface.

The decoy performed exceptionally well in these initial conditions. Its movement was smooth and quiet, and the flexible body seemed to react naturally to the slight currents. I experienced no immediate issues or quirks, which was a welcome change from some earlier decoy models I’d used that required fiddling to get them operating correctly. The ease of deployment in water that was deeper than typical shorelines allowed for a more strategic placement of the decoy spread.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across multiple hunting trips, the Elite Series Floater has proven itself to be a robust and dependable piece of equipment. It has endured being deployed and retrieved in varying water conditions, from still ponds to areas with gentle waves. The snap-lock float system has held firm, and the decoy continues to rotate and create an appealing motion for waterfowl.

Durability has been impressive; despite being jostled during transport and briefly pulled across shallow, rocky areas, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The plastic housing remains intact, and the flexible body has not shown any stiffness or cracking. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only a quick rinse with fresh water and a dry-off after use, and then ensuring the battery compartment is clean and dry. Compared to previous decoys I’ve owned, which often developed creaks or required constant readjustment, this model exhibits superior longevity and requires far less fuss.

Breaking Down the Features of Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote

Specifications

The Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote comes as a single unit, designed to mimic a mallard drake. Its primary material is plastic, ensuring a balance of durability and buoyancy. The decoy is lifesize, contributing to its realistic appearance in the field. A key feature is its floater design, eliminating the need for a traditional support pole and allowing it to rest directly on the water.

The molded float is a crucial component, providing a stable base that can be easily attached or removed from the main decoy housing via a snap-lock mechanism. This system allows the decoy to float and turn naturally, mimicking the behavior of live ducks. The decoy operates on 4 AA batteries, conveniently housed in a snap-in battery housing. The unit also includes a state-of-the-art remote control for activation and deactivation, adding a layer of user convenience.

A notable inclusion is the stabilizing bar, designed to be threaded into the float. This bar, paired with an optional 14 oz lead weight, significantly enhances stability in rougher water conditions, preventing the decoy from being tossed around excessively. The float also features an eyelet for attaching an anchor cord, providing an additional method for securing the decoy. Importantly, the float can be removed, and the battery pack will then accept a standard MOJO support pole, offering an alternative deployment method if desired. This versatility means the decoy can adapt to a wider range of water depths and conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this floater decoy is to attract waterfowl with realistic movement, and in this regard, the Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote excels. The spinning wings, powered by a quiet motor, create a lifelike illusion of dabbling or preening ducks, a highly effective visual cue for other ducks. The flexible body enhances this realism, allowing it to sway and turn with the water’s subtle movements, making it appear truly alive on the surface.

Its main strength lies in its ability to deploy in a wider variety of water depths, including deeper sections where traditional decoys might struggle. The stabilizing bar and optional weight are particularly effective in mitigating the impact of wind and waves, maintaining a stable and natural presentation. However, a minor weakness can emerge if the batteries are low; the wing speed can become erratic, reducing the naturalism. It consistently meets and often exceeds expectations for realism and ease of use, especially when compared to simpler, non-moving decoys or older spinning-wing models.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Elite Series Floater is clearly focused on user-friendliness and realism. The solid housing for all components connected to the float contributes to a robust feel. The snap-lock float system is a standout feature for its ease of use; it’s a simple half-turn to attach or detach, making setup and breakdown swift. The overall aesthetic is that of a lifelike mallard drake, with appropriate coloration and detail.

Ergonomically, the decoy is straightforward. Once the batteries are installed and the float is attached, operation is primarily through the remote control. The remote itself is compact and intuitive, allowing for quick activation and deactivation of the spinning wings without disturbing the waterfowl. The only minor ergonomic consideration is ensuring the battery compartment is properly sealed to prevent water ingress, though the design seems to account for this effectively. The inclusion of the threaded bar for stability also adds a practical, ergonomic element for managing the decoy in challenging conditions.

Durability & Maintenance

This floater decoy is built with durability in mind, utilizing sturdy plastic for its main housing and float. Given its intended use in wet environments, the materials seem well-chosen to resist corrosion and degradation. Under normal use, particularly with proper care of the battery compartment, it should offer several seasons of reliable performance.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse with clean water after each use, especially in brackish or saltwater, is recommended to prevent mineral buildup or corrosion. Ensuring the battery compartment is completely dry before closing it is crucial for longevity. There are no obvious wear points that suggest premature failure, though repeated rough handling or extreme impacts could potentially compromise the internal motor or wing mechanisms. The design of the float and housing appears to protect the core components effectively.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote comes with a core set of components designed for immediate use. The included stabilizing bar is a vital accessory, enhancing performance in rougher water. The remote control is also a critical part of the package, offering convenient operation.

While the decoy itself is a complete unit, MOJO offers a wide range of other decoys and accessories that can complement this model. The ability to remove the float and attach a standard MOJO Support Pole means users can leverage existing MOJO accessories if they have them. The decoy is also designed to accept an anchor cord via an eyelet on the float, allowing for further securement in windy conditions. There aren’t extensive customization options for the decoy itself, as its realism is inherent in its molded design, but its compatibility with different deployment methods adds a layer of adaptability.

Pros and Cons of Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote

Who Should Buy Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote?

This Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote is ideal for duck hunters who frequently hunt on bodies of water with varying depths, including deeper lakes, rivers, and marshes. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate the realism offered by spinning-wing decoys but want a more convenient and stable deployment option. Experienced hunters looking to upgrade their existing decoy spread with a more versatile and realistic floater will find this model a significant improvement.

Anyone who requires sterile or medical-grade equipment should look elsewhere, as this is an outdoor recreational product. Additionally, those who primarily hunt in very shallow, dry, or heavily vegetated areas might not fully utilize its floater capabilities and may find a pole-mounted decoy more appropriate for their specific needs. For optimal use, I would recommend having a supply of fresh AA batteries on hand and considering an additional anchor cord for extremely windy days.

Conclusion on Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote

The Mojo Elite Series Floater Mallard Drake W/bar & Remote is a well-engineered and highly effective piece of waterfowl hunting gear. Its blend of realistic visual attraction, robust construction, and user-friendly operation makes it a standout product in the spinning-wing decoy market. The ability to deploy easily in deeper water and maintain stability in challenging conditions significantly enhances its practical utility, justifying its price point for serious hunters.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this floater decoy to any duck hunter looking to improve their chances of success with a dependable and lifelike addition to their spread. Its intuitive design and durable build ensure it will be a valuable asset season after season. If you’re looking for a decoy that offers both realism and reliability, this MOJO model is an excellent choice.