Let’s Dive into Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant call is a compact, plastic game call designed to mimic the sounds of pheasant, hawk screamer, bobwhite quail, raccoon, and mourning doves. Haydels has been a well-known name in the hunting world for years, producing calls that are effective and accessible. As someone with over a decade of experience in the field, I was curious to see if this simple, relatively inexpensive call could hold its own against higher-end, more specialized options.
My journey to the Haydels P90 stemmed from a desire for a lightweight and versatile call for small game hunting. I often find myself in situations where carrying multiple calls is impractical, and the promise of a single call that could attract various species was appealing. The low price point also made it an easy impulse buy, a factor many hunters can relate to.
Upon receiving the Haydels P90, my initial impression was that it was surprisingly lightweight. The plastic construction felt sturdy enough, though I wouldn’t describe it as ruggedized. It’s a small, easily pocketable device, which is a definite plus for the mobile hunter.
Compared to a Zink Calls ATM Single Reed Duck Call and a Primos Power Crow call, the Haydels P90 sacrifices the specialized, hyper-realistic sound for versatility. While the Zink excels at producing incredibly accurate duck calls, and the Primos is designed solely for crow sounds, the P90 aims to be a jack-of-all-trades. This trade-off seemed reasonable for my needs.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I wasn’t expecting perfection, but I hoped the Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant would prove to be a useful tool in the field. The lightweight design and multi-species capability held promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant to the Test
First Use Experience
My first foray with the Haydels P90 was on a late-season pheasant hunt in the rolling hills of South Dakota. The weather was cold, with a biting wind, and conditions were dry. The call was easy to use, producing a raspy sound that I hoped would entice a rooster pheasant to break cover.
In the dry, cold conditions, the call performed reasonably well, though I did notice that moisture from my breath could slightly affect the tone. I was able to produce a sound that resembled a pheasant call, although achieving a consistent, realistic tone required some practice. The hawk screamer call was less convincing, but the pheasant call worked pretty well.
The Haydels P90 has a straightforward design, making it very simple to use. I started getting a feel for the call within just a few minutes. However, mastering the subtle nuances to produce the most realistic sounds definitely required patience.
After my initial use, I didn’t experience any significant issues with the Haydels P90. It performed as expected, given its basic design and intended purpose. It wasn’t a showstopper, but it wasn’t a disappointment either.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various hunts, the Haydels P90 has held up surprisingly well. Despite its plastic construction, it hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or damage. The lanyard hole is still intact, and the call continues to produce sound without any degradation.
The only visible wear and tear is some minor surface scratching, which is to be expected with any piece of gear that gets tossed into a hunting vest or backpack. The call has proven quite durable considering its price point.
Maintaining the Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant is incredibly simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. The call requires no disassembly or specialized cleaning.
Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive calls, the Haydels P90 doesn’t offer the same level of sonic realism or nuanced control. However, it offers a cost effective alternative with simple maintenance, which is very valuable. It also offers a good level of performance for a fraction of the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant
Specifications
- Mfg Item Num: P90.
- Supplier SKU: 81039.
- Category: GAME CALLS.
- Type: Pheasant Call.
- Species: Pheasant, hawk, quail, raccoon, dove.
- Material: Plastic.
- Battery: None.
These specifications reveal a simple, straightforward design. The plastic construction keeps the call lightweight and affordable, while the lack of batteries ensures reliable operation in any condition. The multiple species call functionality speaks to its intended versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels P90 performs adequately in attracting pheasant and other small game within a reasonable range, typically 50-100 yards. It is a tool to help locating game. The sound quality is decent for the price.
Its strengths lie in its portability and ease of use. Its weakness lies in the somewhat generic sound production that lacks the realism of specialized calls. This is a solid choice for budget minded outdoorsmen.
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant meets expectations for a budget friendly, multi-species call. It’s not a high-end performer, but it gets the job done for casual hunting situations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant is made from molded plastic. The call is lightweight and easy to hold, even with gloved hands.
The call is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. There is a minimal learning curve involved in producing basic calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The Haydels P90 should last for several seasons with proper care. The plastic construction is durable enough for typical hunting conditions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water. The call is easy to maintain and requires no special tools or expertise.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant does not come with any additional accessories. The call isn’t really designed for customization.
There are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Haydels P90. Its simplicity limits the need for, and availability of, such accessories.
Pros and Cons of Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant
Pros
- Budget-friendly and affordable.
- Lightweight and highly portable.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Versatile, capable of mimicking multiple species.
- Durable enough for typical hunting conditions.
Cons
- Sound quality lacks the realism of specialized calls.
- Limited customization options.
- Plastic construction might not withstand extreme abuse.
Who Should Buy Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant?
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant is perfect for novice hunters, casual outdoorsmen, and anyone looking for an affordable and versatile small game call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a lightweight backup call.
Those who demand the highest levels of sonic realism, or who are hunting in areas with high hunting pressure where game is call-shy, should skip this product. Also, users expecting a rugged, indestructible call might be better served by a more robust option.
A lanyard is a must-have accessory for the Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant, as it helps to keep the call readily accessible in the field. Beyond that, no specific modifications are necessary; it’s ready to use straight out of the package.
Conclusion on Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant
The Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant is a decent option for hunters seeking a low-cost, versatile call. While it may not win any awards for sound quality, it offers a practical and accessible solution for attracting a variety of small game species.
At $17.99, the price is definitely justified. The call provides good value for the money, especially for those who prioritize portability and ease of use over hyper-realistic sound reproduction.
I would personally recommend the Haydels P90 Small Game Pheasant to beginner hunters, or those looking for a back-up or “beater” call that they don’t have to worry about damaging. It’s a solid entry-level option that will get the job done in most situations. Give it a try and experience the versatility for yourself!