Edge by Expedite Rapid Flyer Mallard Decoy
Dr. David Vaught 11.08.12
The idea that motion is attractive to waterfowl does not need a lot of discussion. While I have set decoys with motion, removed them and put them back, I am pretty much committed to the fact they work, especially late in the season. Edge by Expedite offers up some incredible wing-motion decoys and here is a look at their Duck Commander-endorsed Rapid Flyer Mallard, a flapping wing decoy. This decoy is a unique departure from a spinning wing decoy and has a creative attractiveness beyond the more common spinning wing decoys.
Like most duck hunters you want something that looks natural and attracts even the most cautious ducks, but is durable, well-engineered and comprised of the highest quality components. After all, you know what the weather can present to you the human, so your equipment better be a whole lot better at withstanding the elements plus handle the wear and tear.
The Rapid Flyer is a molded, painted, plastic body with a head molded to the body. When shipped, the body is shrink-wrapped to protect it from shipping rash. Included with the Rapid Flyer is a ready to operate six-volt power system, six-volt dry cell 4.0Ah battery, charger with LED charge indicator, wing frame covered in a silk-like material that is photo-realistic on the top side (available in Mallard Drake, Hen, Teal and Gadwall), orange feet, stand mounting system and a three-piece interlocking 42” stand that can be adapted to 1/2” round conduit for deeper water. Inexpensive replacement parts are available for all components.
The Rapid Flyer is heavy duty and built with a few design elements worth additional mention. First, the feet attach to bolt threads pre-inserted down and through the body. These are nice, because they can be tightened easily if they come loose. The switch and switch housing are water-proof and use a clear silicon cover over the two-position switch. The switch is pre-wired for a remote control ($49.99). With a remote control battery life can be extended, but otherwise the 4.0Ah battery will keep those wings moving for several hours.
The body of the Rapid Flyer has a single hinge point that is riveted in place. The back opens easy and provides plenty of access to the internal components. The battery is held in place between two clips and uses a small elastic band (extra one provided) to hold the battery in place. Blade connectors secure the clearly marked power leads to the battery. There is ample wiring to pull out of the Rapid Flyer in order to plug in the battery and to install the remote control. The brushed motor is unique to the Rapid Flyer. The back lid closes with an elastic loop that secures the lid perfectly.
The feet attach easily and are plenty orange enough to be seen. The stand mount is also attached with the feet and this is the unit you will likely carry into the field with the stand tubes. I thought the extra securely provided in the stand by not only including a pressure button but also a toggle bolt was well designed. This keeps the stand together and it cannot come apart.
Wings are easily attached by slipping the wing joiner into the hard plastic mount that resides on the back of the Rapid Flyer. Once in place they cannot come out. This point becomes the hinge of the wings. The plastic does not need to be lubricated. Each wing has an actuator mechanism that allows the motor to convert the rotating motion to the flapping motion. These components are well made and will last for years. The actuator is permanently attached to the wing and attached to the motor using a thumb screw onto a flattened detent on the motor shaft. There is really no way to attach the wings incorrectly. The motion is excellent and fully adjustable using the rheostat under the decoy. The wings are weather-resistant and the material reflects light well to not only look realistic as painted wings, but also with a flash. On a cold freezing day, they will shed water due to the motion.
The wing movement provided by the rapid Flyer is where this motion decoy really gets noticed. Rather than rotating, these wings flap up and down and the rheostat provides options with the speed of the wings. As for realistic, I am not sure how much better it can get. The Rapid Flyer has everything necessary to replicate a duck landing or lifting off the water and would be a great addition to your decoy spread.
As a final thought, Edge has designed the Rapid Flyer to also use the Super Luck Duck wings ($29.99) and convert your Rapid Flyer to a spinning wing in conditions that suggest a change in presentation. With both options, you increase your chances for a great hunt over the decoys.
MSRP $129.99
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