Let’s Dive into Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call is a specialized whistle designed to mimic the sounds of several duck species, including Pintail, Widgeon, Teal, and Mallard Drake. Made by Haydels, this affordable call boasts a simple plastic construction intended for ease of use, even for beginners and children. Its super loud design aims to cut through wind and distance, attracting ducks from afar.
As an experienced waterfowl hunter, I’ve always been on the lookout for versatile and effective calls. The promise of being able to imitate multiple species with a single, easy-to-use whistle piqued my interest. I needed a backup call that could also be used to introduce youngsters to the sport.
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake arrived in simple packaging, the bright orange plastic immediately catching my eye. It felt lightweight, almost toy-like, which gave me pause initially. Its smooth, molded design looked functional but basic.
Compared to my higher-end acrylic calls, like my Duck Commander Triple Threat and my RNT Short Barrel Hunter, the Haydels felt incredibly basic. However, those calls cost significantly more and require far more finesse. This one promised simplicity and versatility, something my others didn’t offer.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity was appealing, but I wondered if it could actually deliver the range and authenticity of sound needed to fool wary ducks. It remained to be seen if the Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake could truly stand up to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test occurred during an early teal season hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were warm and humid, with a slight breeze. The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package.
The whistle design meant I could produce a decent pintail whistle with minimal practice. However, replicating a convincing Mallard Drake call took a bit more experimentation. The sound carried well across the flooded timber, even with the wind.
The initial results were mixed. While it drew the attention of a few passing teal, it didn’t seem to have the same drawing power as my dedicated teal calls. I also struggled to get a truly convincing Mallard Drake sound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across various hunting scenarios, including open water and flooded fields, the Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake proved to be remarkably durable. The plastic showed no signs of cracking or fading, despite constant exposure to the elements. Cleaning was a breeze – just a quick rinse with water.
While the sound quality didn’t improve dramatically with practice, I did become more proficient at producing consistent Pintail and Widgeon whistles. The Mallard Drake imitation remained the weakest aspect. Compared to my usual calls, the Haydels lacked the nuance and tonal complexity needed to fool experienced ducks consistently.
For teaching youngsters the basics of calling, it excels; for serious, expert-level calling, other options exist. For sheer, simple, effective whistling, it performs admirably.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake
Specifications
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call is primarily constructed from plastic, making it lightweight and durable. It is specifically designed to mimic the sounds of various duck species, including Pintail, Widgeon, Teal, and Mallard Drake. Its intended use is for duck hunting and attracting waterfowl.
The manufacturer, Haydels, is known for producing affordable and functional game calls. The plastic construction allows for mass production and keeps the cost down. This makes it accessible to beginners and hunters on a budget.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call performs best as a simple whistle call for Pintail and Widgeon. It’s easy to produce consistent, loud whistles that can attract ducks from a distance. The Mallard Drake imitation, however, is less convincing and requires more practice.
The main strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. Its weakness lies in its lack of tonal complexity and realistic Mallard Drake sound. It meets expectations as a budget-friendly, multi-species whistle call but doesn’t outperform dedicated, higher-end calls.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call features a simple, molded plastic design. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The user-friendly design means there’s virtually no learning curve for producing basic whistles.
Its simple design is both a pro and a con. While it’s easy to use, it lacks the aesthetic appeal and ergonomic refinements of more expensive calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-plastic construction of the Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call ensures excellent durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling without cracking or breaking. Maintenance is incredibly simple – just rinse with water and let it air dry.
Given its basic construction, it should last for many seasons of hunting with minimal care. There are virtually no parts that can break or wear out, making it a reliable and low-maintenance option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call comes as a standalone unit with no included accessories. There are no customization options available, such as adjustable reeds or different mouthpieces. Its simple design limits any possibilities for modification.
It is not compatible with any accessories from other brands, as it’s a self-contained whistle call. The focus is on simplicity and affordability, not customization.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners and hunters on a budget.
Cons
- The Mallard Drake imitation is not very convincing and requires significant practice.
Easy to use, requiring minimal practice to produce decent Pintail and Widgeon whistles.
Durable plastic construction can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
Versatile, capable of imitating multiple duck species (Pintail, Widgeon, Teal, and Mallard Drake).
Great for teaching kids, due to its simple operation and durable construction.
Lacks tonal complexity compared to higher-end, dedicated duck calls.
Who Should Buy Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake?
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake is perfect for beginner hunters, youth hunters, and those on a tight budget. It is also suitable for experienced hunters looking for a simple and durable backup call. It is a good option for situations where ease of use and versatility are prioritized over absolute realism.
Hunters seeking highly realistic and nuanced duck calls for specific species should skip this product. Those who demand the best possible sound quality and are willing to invest in higher-end calls will likely be disappointed.
A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake
The Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call is a solid, budget-friendly option for hunters seeking a simple and versatile whistle call. While its Mallard Drake imitation is not its strong suit, its ease of use and durability make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
The price is certainly justified, given its functionality and longevity. It might not replace your high-end calls, but it serves a valuable purpose as a backup or a beginner’s tool.
I would recommend the Haydels Duck Magnum Pintail Mallard Drake call to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-use whistle call. Pick one up, give it a try, and get out there and make some memories!