22/23 New Gear review

[blacktail]

I'm not a gadget guy. I'm the exact opposite of most waterfowlers, I just don't buy anything new ever, unless what I have broke. So my list is small, but absolute game changers.

1. KUIU Yukon shell rain coat. Actually a Christmas present, because I never would have spent that kind of money. Wow! First time in years I was never wet underneath a "raincoat" while sitting through 4 hours of steady rain. Drake and Columbia shells would leave my outer layer soaked beneath coat.

2. Hevi-steel #3's 1500fps 1 1/4oz. Absolutely reduced my cripple rate by half.
I shot 6 different shells this season. At least 6 boxes of each kind. These are great for same price as other popular rounds($210 a case).

The cons:
1. Banded waders(again). On my 3rd pair in 5 years. Was using Kobuks($100) due to a pair of Banded sent back for warranty. Kobuks gave out in Nov after almost 1.5 years. Banded leaked in crotch and inseams by mid January. Getting sent back again.

2. Browning wicked wing shells #2's. 3". Struggled with them. Lots of cripples, dirty, brass rusted just looking at saltwater, Powder in my eyes, etc. opened one up to look at shot. Poured them on a cutting board. I bet you'd have to go past tipping point of 30 degrees to get them to roll off board

Y'all have any reviews?

 

[Goosekiller]

Tetra custom shield. Well worth it.

 

[FriedPotatoes]

Shotkam. Definitely helps improve your shooting. Also helps shut your buddies up when they think they shot your duck

 

[AzSprig]

I'm not a Sitka pro staffer by any means and wouldn't have bought anything Sitka without a hefty discount, but they've made me a believer. I used a military/vet coupon and got a Duck Oven jacket and some shooting gloves last spring.

With the exception of one of the seams on the finger of one of the gloves separating, which I repaired in 5 minutes myself, both have been bulletproof and very warm.

I'm 100% impressed with the jacket as far as warmth and blocking the wind. I pretty much live in the arctic of the lower 48 and I can go out in sub zero temps with just a tshirt underneath the jacket with no issues. I don't believe it's advertised to be waterproof and haven't had it on during a rain storm, but it does great in snow. I gave up on waterproof jackets around 20 years ago and use Frogg Toggs over my jacket or pants if I want to stay dry.

The shooting gloves fit great, keep my fingers warm as long as it's 20 degrees or more. They weren't made for extreme low temps, but I didn't buy them for that.

 

[FriedPotatoes]

I'm not a Sitka pro staffer by any means and wouldn't have bought anything Sitka without a hefty discount, but they've made me a believer. I used a military/vet coupon and got a Duck Oven jacket and some shooting gloves last spring.

With the exception of one of the seams on the finger of one of the gloves separating, which I repaired in 5 minutes myself, both have been bulletproof and very warm.

I'm 100% impressed with the jacket as far as warmth and blocking the wind. I pretty much live in the arctic of the lower 48 and I can go out in sub zero temps with just a tshirt underneath the jacket with no issues. I don't believe it's advertised to be waterproof and haven't had it on during a rain storm, but it does great in snow. I gave up on waterproof jackets around 20 years ago and use Frogg Toggs over my jacket or pants if I want to stay dry.

The shooting gloves fit great, keep my fingers warm as long as it's 20 degrees or more. They weren't made for extreme low temps, but I didn't buy them for that.

The Duck oven definitely isn't meant to be waterproof. If you're wanting to stick with Sitka and want waterproof, the delta wading jacket is 100% waterproof (and windproof)

 

[orangelegs73]

I'll be looking for a new pair of waterproof mittens. Have a pair of pre-BP Cabela's mittens that have lasted me forever and been the best handwear I've ever had. Waterproof, incredibly warm, stays snug on the wrist but covers well above the wrist...just a great design all-around. Got stupid when I was using the leaf-blower the other day to clear snow off the wife's car. Put my hand right in front of the exhaust of the leaf-blower and instantly burned two holes right through my left glove (and put a pretty good blister on my hand in the process!). Kicking myself as I just know I won't find anything near as good...but such is life!

 

[bbfky]

My 2 investments this season were worth the money especially to keep my daughter comfortable

HEATED HAND WARMER SPORT - The Hottest Heated Apparel Brand On the Market

"Stay warm and perform at your best with G-Tech Apparel's heated sport hand warmers. Perfect for golf, football, and other outdoor sports, these hand warmers use advanced technology to provide quick, consistent heat. Don't let the cold weather affect your game - keep your hands warm and ready to...

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Rechargeable Heated Socks

Heated socks

www.westonstore.com

Socks give them 9/10 only deduction is it takes the batteries a few hours to charge but on low they will last all day and never get cold and don't sweat which is awesome
They are now on sale for 79$ I paid 100$

Hand warmer is awesome on high it is almost too hot so we run medium and low My daughter plans on taking it to college she loves it so much

Also bought the duckoven for both of us when it was on the crazy sale for 130$ it keeps you warm have to take it off in order to drive and not overheat My daughter is taking it to college as well

 

[QuaaackerJack]

2 lucky duck bubbler butts- love them
Lucky duck 2x4 blind- love it
Franchi affinity 3.5 elite-love it
Cabelas hw base layers-love em
Cabelas 2000 gram rubber boots - love em

 

[BigSkyDuk]

Avery messenger bag style blind bag. Lots of pockets helps keep things organized, small enough to discourage me from bringing the kitchen sink with me, comfortable to carry. And the zippers are all high quality and operate smoothly with none broken yet--busted zippers on my previous blind bag were the reason for the new purchase. Cons: it's not rubber bottomed or waterproof, especially the back side, so you've got to pay attention to where you set it down.

 

[Quackerattacker]

ShotKam as already mentioned. Several times this year I reviewed footage in the blind to fix issues with shooting in various wind conditions. Drastically reduced wasted shells. That was the main reason I bought it anyway, high wind situations seemed to be my bugaboo and I got to see exactly the lead I was needing for the situation. I also got to settle several debates on who shot what, so that was an added bonus.