Let’s Dive into Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal call is a specialized tool designed to mimic the distinct sounds of Blue-Winged and Cinnamon Teal. Haydels is a respected name in the hunting world, known for producing calls that are both effective and affordable. I was eager to test whether this particular call could live up to the brand’s reputation and improve my teal hunting success.
My teal hunting success had been…lacking, to put it mildly. I often found myself surrounded by other hunters who seemed to be consistently drawing in these fast-flying ducks while my own calls went unanswered. I needed a call specifically tuned to the higher-pitched, screechy quacks that differentiate teal from other duck species. The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal seemed like the perfect, budget-friendly solution.
Out of the package, the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is lightweight and compact. The acrylic construction feels solid enough for the price point. It’s a simple, no-frills design that prioritizes function over aesthetics.
Several other teal calls were on my radar. I considered a more expensive, custom-made call, but the price was prohibitive. I also looked at a few other mass-produced calls, but many reviews mentioned inconsistent sound quality. The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal struck me as a good balance of affordability and a reliable brand reputation.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The call felt good in my hand, and the price was certainly right. I was eager to get out in the field and see if I could finally trick those elusive teal into range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal was on a crisp morning in the flooded rice fields of Arkansas. The conditions were damp, with a slight breeze – perfect for teal hunting. I was positioned in a well-concealed blind, hoping to lure in some early-season migrants.
The call performed reasonably well in the moderately wet conditions. It didn’t clog up easily, a common problem with some cheaper calls. However, I noticed that the tone changed slightly when wet, becoming a bit more muffled.
The learning curve was minimal. I quickly picked up the basic calling sequences after a few practice runs. The call is relatively forgiving, even for a novice teal caller.
My initial experience was promising, yet not perfect. The call produced the desired screechy teal sounds, but I wasn’t blown away by its volume or clarity. Further testing would be needed to determine its true effectiveness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal has held up surprisingly well. It’s accompanied me on numerous hunts in varying weather conditions. From the early teal season in September to late-season hunts in December, it was a constant companion.
The call has proven to be quite durable. Despite being made of acrylic, it has withstood being dropped in mud and subjected to temperature fluctuations without cracking or breaking. The reed system is still intact and functional.
Maintenance is straightforward. I simply blow out any moisture after each use and occasionally clean the reed with a cotton swab to remove debris. So far, this minimal care has kept the call in good working order.
Compared to my previous experiences with generic duck calls, the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is a significant upgrade for teal hunting. While it might not rival the performance of high-end custom calls, it’s a reliable and effective tool for its price point. It definitely outperforms the cheap, multi-purpose calls I used before.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal
Specifications
- The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is specifically designed for mimicking the sounds of Blue-Winged and Cinnamon Teal ducks. This specialization allows for more realistic and effective calling.
- Haydels uses acrylic as the Fabric/Material for this call. Acrylic provides a good balance of durability and sound quality at an affordable price.
- The Species targeted is Duck, specifically Blue-Winged and Cinnamon Teal. This targeted design ensures the call produces the correct tones and frequencies.
These specifications are crucial for effective teal hunting. The acrylic construction provides sufficient durability for regular use in the field. The specific design for teal ensures that the call produces the high-pitched, screechy quacks that are most likely to attract these fast-flying ducks.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal performs its job admirably. It consistently produces the screechy quacks needed to attract teal. Its reliability and ease of use make it a valuable tool in the field.
The call’s strength lies in its ability to accurately mimic teal sounds. Its weakness is its relatively low volume compared to other calls. The volume can be a limitation in windy conditions or over large open areas.
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal mostly meets my expectations. While it’s not the loudest call, it is effective in close-range situations and offers excellent value for the money. It exceeded my expectations considering how budget-friendly it is.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal boasts a simple, functional design. It prioritizes practicality over aesthetics. The acrylic construction is lightweight and comfortable to hold.
The call is exceptionally user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. Even a beginner can quickly master the basic calling sequences.
Durability & Maintenance
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is reasonably durable. It should last for several seasons with proper care. Minimal maintenance is required.
Cleaning is simple. Blowing out moisture and occasional reed cleaning is all that’s needed. Repair isn’t really an option. If the reed system breaks down, it is best to replace the whole unit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal does not come with any additional accessories. This is a bare-bones, ready-to-use call. Customization options are limited.
There are no readily available aftermarket parts designed specifically for the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal. However, some experienced call tuners may be able to adjust the reed system to alter the tone or volume. In general, what you buy is what you get.
Pros and Cons of Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
- Produces accurate teal sounds. Mimics the specific screechy quacks of Blue-Winged and Cinnamon Teal, which is crucial for attracting these ducks.
- Durable acrylic construction for lasting use in the field. Can withstand various weather conditions and rough handling.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carry. Doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your hunting gear.
Cons
- Limited volume.
- Limited customization options. There are virtually no options to customize the color or sound of this duck call.
Who Should Buy Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal?
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is perfect for beginner teal hunters looking for an affordable and effective call. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a specialized tool for close-range situations. Hunters who are hunting on a budget will also find this call very appealing.
This call might not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in large, open areas where maximum volume is essential. Those seeking a highly customizable call or a premium sound quality might also want to consider other options.
A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory. Consider a camouflage lanyard to blend in with your surroundings. Also, learning basic teal calling sequences is essential for maximizing the call’s effectiveness.
Conclusion on Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal
The Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal is a solid, budget-friendly option for teal hunters. Its ease of use, accurate teal sounds, and reasonable durability make it a worthwhile investment. While it may not be the loudest or most customizable call on the market, it gets the job done.
The price is definitely justified. It offers excellent value for the money. You get a reliable, specialized call without breaking the bank.
I would absolutely recommend the Haydels BT85 Duck Blue Wing Teal to beginner and intermediate teal hunters. It’s a great starting point for learning to call these fast-flying ducks. Add this call to your hunting arsenal and get ready to bring those teal into range!