Heads Snapping Off

[Freedom]

I've heard some rumors from a few more seasoned waterfowlers that they don't like GHG goose decoys because the heads snap (break) off. Is this a known issue and has any re-design been done to the heads since last year?

I'm new to waterfowl and am just preparing to purchase my first set of full body decoys...

[goosehunter64]

I guess some guys are just rough on their gear. We've had ours for a couple or more years, and not even a broken base.

[h20fow1er]

Out of 10 dozen and two HARD years of waterfowling I have had one break off. I was also driving through a frozen corn field with the back of the trailer open letting them fall. So is it Avery's fault or mine? I'll say MINE!

[Rusty Hallock]

I have hunted over GHG for 3 seasons with out one head snapping off. If you follow the directions that come with your GHG Decoys, you will get years of service from your GHG Decoys.

[Quickshot]

the oversize floaters for several years now and we hunt the Platte River. We load them in a jon boat after every hunt and unload them every morning, which is usually EVERY morning of the season, they are handled by the bills to protect the flocking on some, and by the heads and necks on the ones that aren't flocked (older ones), and we haven't had one head break, snap or even get loose. They seem to be holding up extremely well and they look great.
Frank

[Dwayne Padgett]

I've never heard of that happening. I own 18 dz GHG decoys that are used about 30-40 days a season (picked up every day) and have had no problems with heads snapping off.

[Jeremy Abbas]

Freedom, Alot of the connections have changed for the better, let your buddies know to look into this, they might just be impressed.

[Josh Brugmans]

Really cause I had alot of my bases cracked, and they have only been in the field twice for photos, and I have had one of my heads split at the seam, so it seems like some bacthes are different. How much does it cost to get replacement bases.

[Cody Frazier]

Josh,
Why not give Avery Customer Service a call?? I think that would be my first step.

800-333-5119 - it's free!

[James Staten]

I gotta say I have never had this problem. My original 4 oversize floaters took a flying trip out of the boat on I-40 last year 3 bodies survived the tragedy and only one head and to this day it still stays on! And thanks to Averys great customer service I got 2 replacement heads asap and they still stay on the original bodies that were in the crash the head attachments are still good.

River Reaper

[GooseFlocker]

If a base cracked on your active and/or feeder full bodies you might consider going to the new RealMotion conversion kit and forget the earlier period Realfoot system. If you decide to get the new Real motion kit, consider getting the most recent dual option cone system, i.e. with Motionloc and RealMotion. Be known, there are earlier period upgrade kits with the RealMotion upgrade only!

If you’re dealing with a damaged “B” base on a Looker, Avery will replace the part if it is under warranty and you have a receipt. I have “A or B” bases and parts I’ll give any of you at no cost if you pay postage.

Split heads do occur; Avery is willing to replace these if you have your receipt and the one year warranty has not expired. I’ve had a few heads split and Avery’s service reps took care of the issue in an expedient manner. If your warranty has expired and a head splits the replacement heads are relatively inexpensive. Also, I was informed by an Avery service rep; you should leave the heads on the decoy and not remove once in position.

Finally don’t panic, there are a countless options. If you’re the least bit mechanical these Realfoot base parts are attached with screws, nuts and bolts and not very complex. If you take a moment and look at how they are constructed your mind will be relieved.


I’m attaching a picture of a couple heads that had split. I repaired the split heads with Gorilla glue and immediately applied black flocking. I’ve placed a repaired head in a horizontal position for your view, and attached one with aclothes pin on an earlier period GHG shell. I like to do this kind of stuff to get a different look and to improve my distinctive decoy spread!

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7370/1010104nr9.jpg

[Freedom]

Good enough for me. I'll be getting the FFD Harvester packs that I planned on!

Thanks!

[Wayne Radcliffe]

That Custom O/S Shell looks awesome.