Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call Review

Let’s Dive into Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call, brought to you by Duck Commander, promises to deliver that authentic, raspy sound every serious duck hunter craves. It’s positioned as a must-have, especially for fans of the Duck Dynasty series, offering the chance to emulate the calls of the Robertson family. I’ve spent years in the field, testing countless calls, and I’m eager to see if this one lives up to the hype, or if it’s just riding the coattails of its famous name.

As a seasoned waterfowler, I was looking for a call that could cut through the wind and bring in those wary mallards. I was after a call that offered realistic hen mallard sounds and that was easy to use, especially in the cold, damp conditions I often find myself in. My initial unboxing experience was straightforward; the call is lightweight, constructed primarily of plastic, and feels solid enough.

Compared to my tried-and-true acrylic calls, like my favorite Haydel’s DR-85, and even some of the higher-end timber calls from RNT, the Ole Raspy felt…different. I wanted to test if this call was more than just a novelty item. My initial impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism, a feeling I often get when a product relies heavily on its brand recognition.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call was on a frigid morning in the flooded timber of Arkansas’s Delta. The air was thick with mist, and a biting wind threatened to steal the heat from my gloved hands. I wanted to see how it would perform in a realistic hunting scenario.

The call performed adequately in the wet conditions, though I noticed a slight drop in responsiveness as moisture accumulated inside. I found I needed to adjust my breath control slightly to maintain a consistent sound. The call was easy enough to use, though it took a few minutes to find the sweet spot for achieving those realistic, raspy hen mallard sounds. The biggest surprise was how loud the call could get, definitely capable of reaching out across larger open water.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Ole Raspy has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear, despite being subjected to the rigors of waterfowl hunting. Maintaining it is straightforward; a quick rinse with fresh water after each hunt has been sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.

Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end calls, the Ole Raspy, predictably, doesn’t quite reach the same level of sonic sophistication or nuanced control. However, for its price point, it offers a decent level of performance and reliability that would be suitable for beginner to intermediate duck hunters.

Breaking Down the Features of Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call

Specifications

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call features a simple, straightforward design centered on producing a raspy hen mallard sound. Its key specifications include:

• Material: The call is constructed primarily of Plastic, which helps keep the cost down and contributes to its lightweight design. This makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, but potentially impacts its overall resonance compared to calls made from wood or acrylic.
• Species: It’s specifically designed to mimic the sound of Mallard Hens, making it ideal for attracting mallards, which are among the most popular and widely hunted duck species. This specialization can be a strength in the right situation, but it lacks versatility for other duck species.
• Color: The call comes in Black, a neutral color that blends in with hunting environments. While not a performance factor, the subdued color helps avoid spooking ducks that might be wary of bright or unnatural colors.
• Additional Features: The call is designed to produce Ducks Sound, focusing on hen mallard vocalizations. The ability to produce accurate hen mallard sounds is crucial for effective calling.
• Manufacturer: Duck Commander is the manufacturer, known for its association with the Duck Dynasty series and its line of hunting products. The brand name carries a certain level of recognition and trust within the hunting community, though some may view it as more of a novelty brand than a serious hunting gear provider.

These specifications dictate the performance and user experience by defining the call’s sound profile and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call performs its primary function—producing duck sounds—relatively well, especially for its price point. It is capable of achieving the desired raspy tone, although it requires a bit of practice and breath control to master. The call delivers on its promise of a raspy tone, but it lacks the dynamic range and nuanced sound control of more expensive calls.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and affordability, making it accessible to beginner and intermediate hunters. The weakness, is the lack of versatility.

It meets expectations for a budget-friendly call but doesn’t exceed them in terms of sound quality or advanced features.

Design & Ergonomics

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call features a basic design, prioritizing function over aesthetics. The plastic material makes it lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.

The design is user-friendly, with no complex mechanisms or adjustments required. It requires a bit of practice to master, especially for achieving the desired raspy tone.

Durability & Maintenance

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call should last several seasons with proper care. The plastic construction is reasonably durable and resistant to cracking or breaking under normal hunting conditions.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with fresh water to remove dirt and debris. There are no user-serviceable parts, so repairs would likely require replacement of the entire call.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call does not come with any additional accessories or customization options. It’s a standalone product designed for immediate use.

The product is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Its focus is on simplicity and affordability, rather than modularity.

Pros and Cons of Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call

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Who Should Buy Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call?

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call is perfect for beginner duck hunters who are learning the basics of calling and want an affordable, easy-to-use option. It’s also a good fit for casual hunters who primarily target mallards and don’t want to invest in expensive, high-end calls. It can also be a good “backup” call to have on your lanyard if you are an experienced hunter.

Experienced hunters seeking nuanced control and a broader range of sounds should skip this product and opt for higher-end calls made from wood or acrylic.

A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory. Consider a call holder as well, especially in marshy environments.

Conclusion on Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call

The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call is a decent entry-level duck call that delivers on its promise of producing raspy hen mallard sounds. It won’t blow you away with its sound quality or advanced features, but it gets the job done at an affordable price. The Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call isn’t going to win any sound competitions, but it’s a great addition for any beginner’s lanyard!

The price is justified for what it offers, making it a good value for beginner and casual hunters.

I would recommend it to those just starting out in duck hunting or those looking for a budget-friendly backup call.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable way to get started in duck hunting, give the Duck Commander Ole Raspy Duck Call a try. You might just be surprised at how effective it can be.