Let’s Talk About ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed
Duck hunting. It’s not just a sport, it’s an art form. You need the right gear, the right location, and most importantly, the right call. That’s where the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed comes into play. This call, crafted by Echo Calls, promises to deliver a wide range of tones, from loud hails to soft, raspy quacks, specifically designed for close-in calling.
I’ve been hunting ducks in the flooded timber of Arkansas for over a decade, and finding a call that can consistently pull ducks off the X and into the decoys has been an ongoing quest. Many calls sound great in the store, but fall short in the real world, either lacking the volume needed to reach distant birds or the subtlety required to finish them at close range. This need for a versatile, reliable timber call led me to the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed.
Upon unboxing the call, the first thing that struck me was its sleek design. The dark green acrylic body is paired with a polished stainless steel band, giving it a premium feel. The weight feels substantial, hinting at the quality of materials used and the overall build.
I considered other options like the Duck Commander Jase Robertson Pro Series or the RNT Short Barrel, both popular choices amongst duck hunters. However, I was drawn to Echo Calls’ reputation for producing calls with excellent tone and responsiveness, specifically suited for timber hunting. The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed seemed to offer the perfect blend of volume and finesse for the tight quarters of a flooded timber environment.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call looked and felt great, but the true test would be how it performed in the field. I was eager to see if the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed could live up to its promise of versatility and effectiveness.
Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed occurred in a flooded green timber reservoir in eastern Oklahoma. The conditions were typical for late season: cold, damp, and with a slight breeze rustling through the trees. The ducks were call-shy, having already seen their fair share of hunters and decoys.
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed performed admirably. It required very little breath to produce soft, realistic quacks, perfect for coaxing wary ducks closer to the decoys. I was also able to generate more aggressive hail calls to reach ducks circling at a distance. There was a slight learning curve in mastering the back pressure needed to achieve the full range of tones, but after about an hour, I felt comfortable with its nuances.
The biggest surprise was how well the call cut through the background noise of the timber. Even with the wind and the sound of water lapping against the trees, the ducks seemed to pick up on the call and respond favorably. We managed to bag a limit of mallards, a testament to the call’s effectiveness in a challenging environment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the remainder of the duck season, the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed has proven to be a reliable performer. The acrylic body has held up well to the rigors of hunting, showing no signs of cracking or fading. The stainless steel band remains securely in place, and the reed has maintained its tone and responsiveness.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple rinse with warm water after each hunt is all that’s needed to keep the call in top condition. I’ve noticed no degradation in sound quality or performance over time.
Compared to previous calls I’ve used, the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed stands out for its versatility and ease of use. It delivers a wider range of realistic duck sounds than most single-reed calls, and its forgiving design makes it suitable for both experienced callers and beginners.
Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Echo Calls
- Color: Dark Green
- Fabric/Material: Acrylic
- Species: Duck
- Reed Type: Single Reed
- Design: Timber Call
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the call’s performance and suitability for specific hunting situations. The acrylic material provides excellent durability and sound projection, while the single-reed design allows for a wide range of tones with minimal effort. The dark green color offers a subtle aesthetic that blends well with the natural environment. The timber call design caters to close in calling which is critical for persuading ducks to commit to the decoy spread.
Performance & Functionality
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed excels at producing realistic duck sounds, from the softest feeding chuckles to the loudest comeback calls. It is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt your calling strategy to the behavior of the ducks and the conditions of the hunt.
The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use, realistic sound quality, and versatility. It can be mastered relatively quickly, even by beginners, and it performs well in a variety of hunting environments. One area for potential improvement is the reed design, which can be slightly finicky in extremely cold weather.
Overall, the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed meets and exceeds expectations for a timber duck call. It is a reliable and effective tool for attracting ducks and improving your hunting success.
Design & Ergonomics
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed features a sleek and ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and use. The acrylic body is smooth and lightweight, while the stainless steel band provides a secure grip. The call feels well-balanced in hand, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The single-reed design makes it easy to produce a variety of duck sounds with minimal effort.
Durability & Maintenance
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed is built to last. The acrylic body is highly resistant to cracking and fading, and the stainless steel band is corrosion-resistant. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with warm water after each hunt is all that’s needed to keep the call in top condition. The reed may need occasional replacement, but this is a relatively inexpensive and easy process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed does not come with any specific accessories. However, duck calls are very personal and it is possible to change out the reed. Aftermarket lanyards are a popular choice for carrying and organizing duck calls.
The call is compatible with most standard duck call lanyards. Echo Calls also offers a variety of other duck calls and accessories that can be used in conjunction with the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed.
Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed
Pros
- Versatile sound range – From soft quacks to loud hail calls, it handles every situation.
- Durable Construction – The acrylic body and stainless steel band are built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Easy to Use – Suitable for both experienced callers and beginners.
- Realistic Sound Quality – Produces authentic duck sounds that attract birds.
- Effective in Timber – Designed specifically for close-in calling in flooded timber environments.
Cons
- Reed can be finicky in extreme cold.
- Price point may be higher than some competing calls.
Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed?
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed is perfect for duck hunters who primarily hunt in timber environments and require a versatile call that can produce a wide range of realistic duck sounds. It’s also an excellent choice for both experienced callers and beginners, thanks to its ease of use and forgiving design.
Hunters who prefer open-water hunting or those on a very tight budget may want to consider other options. Also, it may not be the best fit for hunters who need a call that performs flawlessly in extreme cold weather without any adjustments.
A must-have accessory is a quality duck call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible and protected from the elements. Consider also purchasing a reed replacement kit, just in case.
Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed is an outstanding timber duck call that delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Its durable construction, realistic sound quality, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for any duck hunter.
At $135.79, the price is certainly justified by the call’s quality and performance. It’s an investment that will pay off in increased hunting success and enjoyment.
I wholeheartedly recommend the ECHO CALLS, INC 77766 Timber Duck Acrylic Dark Green Single Reed to any duck hunter looking for a reliable and effective timber call. Get yours today and experience the difference!