I know this has been talked about multiple times. My main criteria is realism and durability.

From research I am thinking Dakota Decoys. I have heard good things on Avian X and I get a good deal on Tanglefree but no exposure to them. Opinions? Looking at floaters and full body duck decoys

G and H for durability for sure.

I like the Avian X stuff and the Tanglefree mallards

Plastic i like Flambeau, first choice is cork.

Realism is an over rated and over thought out issue for duck decoys. Geese and cranes are an entirely different game.

G&H for the longevity out of current market plastic deeks. I have some 25 year old flambeaus that are still ticking. The new breed of chinese junk is just junk

Agreed

Higdon

Why higdon?

G and H are durable and American made. I've hunted over them when I was a guest on a hunt. We hammered the birds, but I kept thinking how goofy they looked.

However, I stopped and talked to some other hunters on my walk back in one morning and they had avian x decoys out, and I couldn't stop staring at them because they looked so good, and rode perfectly in the water.

I won a bunch of Greenhead Gear decoys so that's what I use and they are ok, but I'm not sure I would recommend them

I think realism is overrated so durability is what i go for. I went with avian x. Very durable. (but they do look good also) 2 seasons slinging them around and they are fine. I do not use slot bags either. Your budget will determine what brand you go with. I know of some guides who detest the latest and greatest in decoys because of the price now days. But $60 to them for a half dozen is not the same for me or you....or maybe it is for you. Like I said, your budget is different than mine or someone's else. If price is no concern Avian or dakota will be hard to beat.

Avian X

I've got both Dakota and AvianX and without a doubt Dakotas are far more realistic in both looks and movement with wind. AvianX decoys look pretty good (not as good as Dakota) but they don't seem to react to wind as well. I'm sold on Dakotas.

G & H hands down!

In the last two years I have sold off some 300-400 decoys. Some I have had for 30 years. I am switching to all G and H. The realism part is what I don't really understand. I see a little of what your talking about in the mallards. The redheads, pintails and widgeon are outstanding looking. I think the pintails and widgeons are some of the best looking on the market. Honestly it doesn't matter. A bird coming in at 40 miles per hour will not be able to distinguish the little details.

Full Curls

Combine that with some of y'alls calling and you'll see less birds

Wooden blocks for me.

I ain't carrying no heavy wood deeks to only have to carry them back to the truck, you must be a healthy boy

For full bodys, GHG is the only way to go. IMO, motion is the most important think for full bodys. There are others that are a little more durable or realistic, but GHG is the only brand that gets any movement in less than 15 mph wind. Dakota, Avian X, and Hidgon make good looking fullbodys, but you need a tornado to get any consistent movement out of them.

As for floaters, I would go Avian X or Dakota. maybe a bird flying by at 40 can't tell the difference, but a flock circling 3 times at 60 yds sure can. Realism certainly isn't the most important thing, but it makes a little difference. Location, concealment, and motion are far more important, but all else being equal, the guy with more realistic decoys is going to shoot a few more birds.

That what Barney Who is for.

Well there you got a point.

Used to use GHG and swore by them for a lot of years. the last few years though have been noticing that the quality of the paint has gotten very poor and the durability of the decoy as well. I have switched to Avian X and love them. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but it's because they are worth it.

I cain't afford a bird boy, I am thinking of buying me some of those inflatable decoys, I could probably stuff 3-4 dozen in my pockets

Yep my 10 year old ghg's look better than my 3 month old ones as far as paint sticking.

The only decoys I have now that arent G and H are the GHG 3/4 bodies. They have held very well. When I go to the north country I consider the GHG an essential gear for where I am hunting. In the slotted bags I put a float decoy in the belly of the 3/4 decoy and then both into the slot. 2 dozen per bag, 2 bags is plenty and sometimes too much depending on the river.