High temps caused zink to go puff on the decoy stake. Now have to think of what to fill it with to take shape...finished out tx trip with it was unable use in ks and now looks like going have patch for ky...called zink feeders in low stock not sure when it will get replaced....so my take on the decoy is not real high praises.
Thanks for the heads up! Was thinking about getting one before our season starts up here.
DSD and done. Price of one zink=$80 + a replacement if/when it goes flat=$40-$80. Total cost of $120-$160. DSD is $120.....once. Not to mention they can take a load(or three) of #6's and come out lookin close to new. I was hesitant at first to get a DSD but glad I did. Ive had inflatables and learned the hard way....ain't no decoy gettin in the way of me and a gobbler! :fud: :OGani:
Tire slime might work.
Yeah, if you are gonna pay $80 for a zink, you might as well pay a little more and get a DSD. There is no comparison between the two. The postures of the Smiths are just so much more realistic, as is the paint. The zinks look fine in pictures or if you have never seen a DSD, but once you see them side by side you will want the smith.
Plus DSD is made in the USA Zink is not.
I've got the opposite problem with a Zink breeding hen. Blow her up, three hours later she's flat. GOOD quality control for a mere $80.. Them ol" chinee have REAL quality workmanship standards..
I know of a Zink Jake that was spurred and popped....
3 letters: dsd
fill it with expanding foam
Gman
my zink decoy (JAKE) got spurred now has holes in it. the stake on which it sits on is now crooked and will not hold the weight, i bent over to fix my boot the other day and the bag flipped over my shoulder. well when that happened the strap BROKE! NOT HAPPY AT ALL WITH THEM!
Sorry to hear your bad luck with the Zink. I've had the opposite luck with mine.
Several guys who have witnessed them in the field are buying them as well.
I ran the breeder hen for 3 weeks and she went 10 for 10 on toms that spotted her. Most of those toms were 3-5yos.
My Jake got his butt whipped the first time out. The tom was relentless and spurred him over and over. No damage at all. Sad thing is he took a crossbow bolt broad side that left a giant X cut and he still held air!! You could squeeze it out, but he'd stay aired up while on the stake even with that huge hole. I opened the hole and squirted Fletchtite Platinum fletching glue in, then smeared a fine bead on the outside with a q-tip. He's fixed and holds air like a champ now. The glue is flexible and seems to be durable.
There was one at the NWTF convention that had 25 holes in it from a shotgun blast and it still held air as well. Great decoys.
DSD are really nice decoys as well, but you're not going to fold one up and put it in a vest.
The carry bag on the zink is very durable as well. I put two toms in two of them and toted them nearly a mile back to the truck over my shoulder.
Quote from: bigthunderchicken on April 09, 2012, 03:24:06 PM
my zink decoy (JAKE) got spurred now has holes in it. the stake on which it sits on is now crooked and will not hold the weight, i bent over to fix my boot the other day and the bag flipped over my shoulder. well when that happened the strap BROKE! NOT HAPPY AT ALL WITH THEM!
Extra stakes are only $5 a piece from Zink. Nice folks to deal with. Tell em about your bag and I'm betting they'll send a new one for free.
I was never, and still am not, impressed with the Zink decoys.
DSD for local work, Primos Pocket Hen or no decoy for traveling hunts...
mudhen
didnt think zink had any inflatables
Zink hen:
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/zinkhen.jpg)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/zink.jpg)
Zink Jake:
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/Zinkjake.jpg)
DSD hen:
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/DSDhen2.jpg)
DSD Jake:
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/DSDJake.jpg)
Primos Pocket hen:
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/Reloader7RM/Primospockethen.jpg)
Mudhen, you like the PHD better than the Zink?
Quote from: Reloader on April 09, 2012, 06:01:43 PM
Mudhen, you like the PHD better than the Zink?
For traveling, yes. The Zink is heavy and bulky, even when 'deflated'. Not sure the Pocket Hen is a great deal at $40, but it looks pretty good to me, and packs well in my vest.
I knew the Zink's would leak, the displays didn't even hold air at BPS. I'm sure they will figure something out, as some folks swear by them.
Even DSD had their problems when they were resin. I've got an old one that is more glue than decoy.
But, the ACE DSD's are really great I think.
mudhen
I bought a Zink and everything that has seen it (jakes, hens, and gobblers) come to her and accept her as real. It is by far the best decoy I have hunted over. A buddy of mine bought a Flambeau® Flocked Shady Lady Turkey Decoy, and birds would walk right by it to get to my Zink.
That's how the PHDs were that I've seen on display around here too, heads flopped over. I think it and the Zink suffer a bit from air expansion. My Zinks are a little cushy on a cool morn, but tight as the sun shines on them and warm them up. Luckily they are stiff enough it doesn't matter. I've even had them with the air valve open and they keep their form on the stake.
That PHD would definitely be lighter.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk.
That PHD looks pretty terrible. Go to Wal-Mart and pick up one of the Cherokee Sports inflatable hens for about $15. They look better than the PHD and pack super easy.
Go DSD all the way! I have been filming a bunch over the past two weeks and the gobblers come unguled when they see the jake or strutting gobbler with the hen. I had three big toms pound the heck out of my strutting gobbler to the point where it was covered in blood when they get done with it. All they did was bend the stake which is easily straightened. Buy DSD and buy them once. I will admit it is quite a handful when you are carrying the gobbler, jake and hen along with video equipment :) Once I figure out how to post video I will put it up.
Another Zink fan here. Knock on wood, no problems with mine. I've yet to find a more realistic decoy I could fold up and carry in my vest. I have a budd with 3 DSD's, and they generally stay in the truck when we are running and gunning.
I would like to weigh in here a little bit. I own DSD and Zink. Hands down I prefer the Zink for in field conditions. As accurate as the DSD anatomical accuracy is, the exaggerated colors and feather detail are a lot better looking on the Zink at a distance in my opinion. My hunting buddy and I both ordered a new DSD hen. When we received them the paint jobs were way less then acceptable. Several phone calls and emails later we were both made happy. So this is quality control both ways. I also agree to purchase American made products when ever possible. Again close up the DSD is more accurate, but once they come in the game is over and I think that the Zink is a better visual for the Gobbler at a distance. Good Luck, they are both awesome decoys. My Grandchildren have bounced and kicked my Zinks and let me tell you they are as tough as a basketball.
I cant speak for the DSD but I can for the Zink. I have the breeder hen and the jake. They work well together and the turkeys love them. I did have an issue with the head on the hen decoy but I called Zink and it was replaced promptly and at no cost to me. Great customer service. I am sure if you had a problem with your decoy they would make it good.
I'm a lot more worried about how a decoy looks uo close than far away. You could put a brown balloon on a stake and a gobbler would investigate to a point
A lot of times you can't go by the demo inflatables you see on the store shelves. They have been blown up weeks prior or even months...and I wouldn't expect them to stay completely inflated for that period of time...plus I don't think they made them to stay inflated that long. Most stuff like this will lose air over time. I personally like the inflatables nothing comes close to being as easy to pack...which I don't use decoys much but when I do its an inflatable...just my 2 cents worth.
God Bless
I purchased a zink feeder hen a few weeks ago and blew it up and then placed it in the garage in the bag. It still is holding air fine. I followed directions to the T by blowing it up and running hot water over it in the shower.
Are you not suppose to keep them inflated?
I purchased the HS strut hard body jake because I think it personally looks better than the zink jake. The HS jake looks very similar to the DSD.
Quote from: darron on April 10, 2012, 08:36:23 PM
I purchased the HS strut hard body jake because I think it personally looks better than the zink jake. The HS jake looks very similar to the DSD.
Yes, yes it does. That is because HS strut COPIED the exact shape of DSD's jake and upright hen, although they failed to match the realism on the paint. I lost a ton of respect for HS over that deal.
Here are my thoughts on the Zink decoy.
First and foremost I have to praise the Lord that I don't consider a 2lb 14oz decoy TOO HEAVY, it certainly would make it difficult getting around with even just a shotgun and a few calls.
I have no interest in comparing them to DSD there are pros and cons to both but Dave Smith puts out an exceptional product. In fact they are one of the ONLY decoys you don't have to compared to DSD because they are one of the only companies that didn't completely mimic or steal design elements from the DSD's.
I got a very good deal on both my Zink hen and jake so it's hard to attest to the value per retail when I've paid more for a single pot call than I have for both of my decoys. My buddy has the feeding hen and we can fit all 3 partially decompressed in one decoy bag that's really easy to carry. I still have the option of putting a single decoy on my vest for run and gun.
I love the detail and full size making them easier to see in tall grass; mine are durable, and hold air well but I can see how there might be issues with the valves and leaking. I trust that zink would take care of this issue if it ever happened.
I have had my Zink decoy for two seasons now, zero complaints and the BEST decoy I have ever had. I dont use it too often, but when I did, it worked
Quote from: NYbassman on April 11, 2012, 05:44:37 AM
Quote from: darron on April 10, 2012, 08:36:23 PM
I purchased the HS strut hard body jake because I think it personally looks better than the zink jake. The HS jake looks very similar to the DSD.
Yes, yes it does. That is because HS strut COPIED the exact shape of DSD's jake and upright hen, although they failed to match the realism on the paint. I lost a ton of respect for HS over that deal.
Yup. :OGturkeyhead:
Does Zink not warranty their work????
Quote from: Reloader on April 09, 2012, 03:40:56 PM
Quote from: bigthunderchicken on April 09, 2012, 03:24:06 PM
my zink decoy (JAKE) got spurred now has holes in it. the stake on which it sits on is now crooked and will not hold the weight, i bent over to fix my boot the other day and the bag flipped over my shoulder. well when that happened the strap BROKE! NOT HAPPY AT ALL WITH THEM!
Extra stakes are only $5 a piece from Zink. Nice folks to deal with. Tell em about your bag and I'm betting they'll send a new one for free.
Quote from: I-55Bandit on April 10, 2012, 04:46:51 PM
I'm a lot more worried about how a decoy looks uo close than far away. You could put a brown balloon on a stake and a gobbler would investigate to a point
2 weeks ago I watched a 4yo do his dance for a while around my Zink Breeder hen. He'd dance around one side and bump into her, then dance around the other side and bump into her. I'd say that's good enough detail when a 4yo comes in silent and falls in love, especially since it was in a high pressure area.
Pullit had a jake mount his breeder hen several times a couple weeks back.
I believe that any decent decoy will get them in, seen it happen way too many times. That said, I've seen many older toms slam on the brakes and know something isn't right when they got close, but that was most times well in range for the kill. Since going to the Zinks, I've waited a bit longer to shoot and they flat love those decoys.
are you suppose to keep the zink decoys inflated or not?
I keep my two in one bag so I deflate to make that happen.
Quote from: darron on April 11, 2012, 12:01:15 PM
are you suppose to keep the zink decoys inflated or not?
I've got a feeder been and loved it from the time I saw it. Super realistic. I leave mine inflated while hunting. A bit cumbersome in the back of my vest, but it works. If not in use, it makes a nice back rest.
Last year I had several hunts where she was seen, but the gobblers wouldn't come...one was henned up bad and the other was just weird. He had a real hen come straight by him and he still wouldn't follow. This was an Osceola. He did come eventually and I shot as soon as I could.
This year I've had some good action with her. I coupled the zink with my b-mobile one morning for a group if gobblers and it worked nicely. I have video of both hunts this year with the zink. I will post em here.
Dsd are nice too. Can't say I don't like em cause id be lying. Never used one, but wouldn't be afraid to if I had one. The strutter and jake look better to me than the hen...but all are top notch.
For service, just call zink. Im sure they will work with any of you that may have troubles. They know, we don't. Id like to think a company y of that size with a good reputation will be glad to help more gobblers come running in to ya for more success and praise
5 seasons , thats how long I have had my DSD hen - looks exactly as good as the day I got it
thats great!
Quote from: Old Gobbler on April 11, 2012, 09:13:04 PM
5 seasons , thats how long I have had my DSD hen - looks exactly as good as the day I got it
I like the ability to carry two decoys in one bag (partially inflated). I certainly like the looks of the Zinc too. I think I would be on the phone with the manufacture seeking some satisfaction.
Dave Smith gets it done around here!
(http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii269/limbwalker1/11ead9dc.jpg)
No matter how you try and justify it... A Zink is still a Red Communist Chinese Made Tire Balloon DSD Wannabe!
Obviously with the complaints and problems already being reported by hunters first hand. The Zink Red Communist Chinese Made Tire Balloon DSD Wannabe has not only design flaws but also quality control issues!
LCD's are best kept semi inflated during the off season.
I'm curious. did any of you guys that have had issues with your decoys get hold of Zink? chances are if you did and they were in the office you would be transferred to Fred or Josh directly.
Quote from: Barry Keicks on April 14, 2012, 04:56:46 PM
LCD's are best kept semi inflated during the off season.
I'm curious. did any of you guys that have had issues with your decoys get hold of Zink? chances are if you did and they were in the office you would be transferred to Fred or Josh directly.
You are correct , it is always better to address any issue directly with the company first rather than to bounce up on the internet - I often see threads on OG where I scratch my head thinking are we some type of customer service hotline for whatever issue arises with any type of product
If the Zink was of comparable quality and was American made it would stand a fighting chance with the notoriously picky turkey hunters - Other than that I don't see this particular product having any gain in sales or market share in the future for the maker/importer
I think the title of the thread says it all. :you_rock: ;)
DSD believer here. All four of my DSDs fit in one decoy bag. It's a big bag that is backpack style. Half the Zink users say they don't deflate them so I don't see that advantage. I'll happily pay $40 to help support American workers.
(http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab312/Cooter2575/3501-04-13-2011_bird.jpg)
Quote from: agturkey on April 08, 2012, 11:57:15 PM
High temps caused zink to go puff on the decoy stake. Now have to think of what to fill it with to take shape...finished out tx trip with it was unable use in ks and now looks like going have patch for ky...called zink feeders in low stock not sure when it will get replaced....so my take on the decoy is not real high praises.
Are you saying that heat caused it to expand to the point that it ruptured?