Let’s Talk About ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded duck call promises to bring a loud, raspy quack and a “nasty hen sound” to your hunting setup. Crafted from tough polycarbonate, this double-reed call is designed for longer-distance calling, and aims to be a reliable tool for drawing in waterfowl from afar.
My quest for a dependable open-water call that could cut through wind and reach distant birds led me to the ECHO CALLS offering. I was searching for a call that wouldn’t break the bank but still deliver consistent, realistic sounds for attracting ducks.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed its solid, robust construction and bourbon-colored finish. The polycarbonate felt durable and comfortable in my hand, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of a waterfowl season.
Compared to my older acrylic single-reed call and a cheaper plastic double-reed call, the ECHO CALLS model felt like a significant step up in terms of quality and potential sound projection. I chose this call over others based on its reputation for producing loud, realistic duck sounds and its durable build quality.
My initial impression was positive – I was excited to see how well it performed in real-world hunting conditions, especially given ECHO CALLS’ reputation for producing quality calls.
Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded occurred during an early-season teal hunt on a large, open lake known for its strong winds. The call was used to attract birds from a distance, competing with the natural wind noise.
The call performed admirably in the windy conditions, its loud, raspy quack carrying well across the water. It proved easy to use, though it took a few minutes to adjust to the backpressure of the double reed and find the sweet spot for producing the desired sounds.
There were no immediate issues after the first use, and the call felt comfortable in hand even after extended calling sessions. The polycarbonate material remained grippy even with slightly wet hands.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full waterfowl season of use, the ECHO CALLS call continues to function reliably and demonstrates its durability. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the polycarbonate material, even after being exposed to mud, rain, and cold temperatures.
Maintenance has been minimal; rinsing the call with fresh water after each hunt has been sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly. Compared to my previous plastic call, the ECHO CALLS model has significantly outperformed it in terms of sound quality, durability, and ease of use in windy conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Echo Calls.
- Color: Bourbon.
- Fabric/Material: Polycarbonate. This is a hard, impact-resistant plastic.
- Species: Duck. This call is specifically designed for attracting ducks.
These specifications are important because they indicate a durable, weather-resistant call designed for the specific purpose of duck hunting. The polycarbonate material ensures the call can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded excels at producing loud, raspy quacks and realistic hen sounds that attract ducks from long distances. Its double-reed design provides a good balance between volume and realism.
The call’s primary strength lies in its ability to project sound effectively in open-water environments with strong winds. One potential area for improvement could be refining the reed design to make it slightly easier to achieve very soft, close-in calling sequences.
The call met my expectations for a durable, loud, and effective open-water duck call and has become a reliable tool in my hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The bourbon-colored polycarbonate construction feels solid and well-made, contributing to the call’s durability. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even during extended calling sessions.
The ECHO CALLS call is relatively easy to use, although some practice is required to master the various calling techniques. The double-reed design requires a bit more air pressure control than a single-reed.
Durability & Maintenance
The polycarbonate material is highly durable and resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading, ensuring the call will last for many seasons. The call requires minimal maintenance; simply rinsing it with fresh water after use is typically sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded does not come with any specific accessories. Aftermarket lanyards are a common and useful addition.
While the core sound-producing components are not designed to be user-modified, the call is compatible with most standard duck call lanyards, allowing for personalized carry options.
Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded
Pros
- Exceptional Volume & Projection: Its primary strength is its ability to project loud, raspy calls over long distances, perfect for open water.
- Realistic Duck Sounds: Produces convincing hen and quack sounds that are effective at attracting waterfowl.
- Durable Construction: The polycarbonate material is tough and resistant to wear and tear.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for its performance and build quality.
- Easy to Maintain: Requires minimal cleaning and upkeep.
Cons
- Slight learning curve for mastering the double reed.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded?
Perfect for: Waterfowl hunters who primarily hunt open water with strong winds, and those seeking a durable, loud, and realistic duck call on a budget. This call is ideal for hunters who need to reach distant birds.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in timber or smaller, confined areas where a quieter, more subtle call is needed may find this call too loud. Those seeking a highly customizable call with user-replaceable reeds may also want to explore other options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality lanyard is a must-have for convenient and secure carry in the field.
Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded
The ECHO CALLS, INC 77802 Open Water Double Reed Bourbon Polycarbonate Molded duck call is a solid, reliable, and affordable option for waterfowl hunters needing a loud, long-range call. Its polycarbonate construction ensures durability, and its double-reed design produces realistic duck sounds.
The price of $39.69 is definitely justified for the performance and durability offered. I would personally recommend this call to any hunter looking for a dependable open-water duck call that won’t break the bank.
If you’re serious about bringing in ducks from afar, give the ECHO CALLS open water call a try – you might just find it’s the missing piece in your hunting setup!