The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call, a budget-friendly offering from Duck Commander, promises to deliver authentic duck sounds without breaking the bank. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve used my fair share of calls, from custom-made masterpieces to mass-produced options. The Ole Scratch piqued my interest because of its straightforward design and promise of usability for hunters with moderate experience.
I was seeking a reliable, simple slate call that I could loan to newer hunters without worrying about them damaging an expensive piece of equipment. The claims of being able to yelp, purr, and cluck with moderate experience were enticing, especially given the call’s affordable price point. My hope was that it could be a reliable backup and a user-friendly training tool.
Upon unboxing, the Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call immediately struck me as… well, basic. The plastic slate felt lightweight, and the hickory striker appeared functional. The build quality seemed adequate for the price, though not particularly inspiring. It felt like a no-frills tool designed for a specific purpose.
Compared to higher-end slate calls with exotic wood pots and meticulously crafted strikers, the Ole Scratch felt worlds apart. Calls from brands like Primos or Woodhaven, known for their premium materials and sound quality, are significantly more expensive. The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call, however, aims for accessibility and affordability, placing it in a different category altogether. I chose the Ole Scratch over these other options because I was prioritizing durability and affordability for newer hunters in my group.
My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and slight skepticism. I was intrigued by the potential of the call, but concerned about the quality of the sound it would produce, especially given the materials used. It seemed like a great value proposition if it could deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call during a pre-season scouting trip to a local wildlife management area. The weather was typical for early fall: cool mornings and mild afternoons. The area provided a diverse range of environments, from open fields to wooded areas and small ponds. I used the call in these varying conditions.
The performance in dry conditions was acceptable, producing relatively clear, if somewhat thin, duck sounds. However, the slate became slick and difficult to use in slightly damp conditions. This made producing consistent sounds a challenge. It definitely required some finesse.
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call required a bit of practice. Getting the right angle and pressure on the striker was crucial for producing realistic duck sounds. It took me about an hour of experimentation to consistently yelp, purr, and cluck. The “moderate experience” claim seemed accurate. A complete novice might struggle initially.
The biggest surprise after my first use was how sensitive the call was to moisture. Even a little humidity significantly impacted its performance. This was a major drawback. It forced me to constantly wipe the slate and striker.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call during scouting trips and early teal season, the call shows some signs of wear. The plastic slate is prone to scratches, which impacts sound quality over time. The hickory striker is relatively durable.
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call requires minimal maintenance. I simply wipe down the slate and striker after each use to remove dirt and moisture. Keeping it dry is essential to maintain its performance. Occasional cleaning with a mild abrasive cleaner helps remove build-up on the slate.
Compared to my higher-end calls, the Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call falls short in terms of sound quality and overall performance. While it can produce passable duck sounds, it lacks the richness and depth of more expensive calls. For someone starting out, or needing a backup, it does its job, but it’s not going to outperform professional-grade equipment.
Breaking Down the Features of Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call
Specifications
- The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call features a plastic slate construction. This reduces weight and lowers the cost.
- It includes a hickory striker. This material is known for its durability and ability to produce clear sounds.
- The call is designed to allow users to yelp, purr, and cluck. It aims to mimic a variety of duck vocalizations.
- The call weighs approximately 2 ounces. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry in the field.
- It is marketed as being suitable for hunters with a moderate level of experience. This suggests a user-friendly design.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the call’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The plastic slate makes it affordable, but may compromise sound quality. The hickory striker adds durability, while the ability to produce multiple sounds increases its versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call performs adequately for its price point. It can produce recognizable duck sounds with practice.
However, the sound quality is not as rich or realistic as higher-end calls.
The main strength is its affordability and ease of use for beginner and intermediate callers. The primary weakness is its sensitivity to moisture and the lack of depth in its sound. It meets the basic expectations of a slate call but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call has a simple, functional design. The plastic slate is lightweight and easy to hold.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for those familiar with slate calls. However, beginners may need some practice to master the different calls. It isn’t particularly comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Durability & Maintenance
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call is relatively durable, given its price. The plastic slate is prone to scratches but should withstand normal use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Wiping the slate and striker after each use is sufficient. This prevents the build-up of dirt and moisture. It is easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call comes with only the slate call itself and the hickory striker. There are no included accessories.
There are limited customization options for this call. Users can experiment with different strikers to potentially alter the sound. It isn’t really designed for accessories. The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call is primarily intended as a stand-alone, budget-friendly option.
Pros and Cons of Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginner hunters.
- Relatively easy to use with a moderate learning curve.
- Lightweight and portable for easy carrying in the field.
- Hickory striker offers decent durability.
- Can produce yelps, purrs, and clucks with practice.
Cons
- Plastic slate construction lacks the sound quality of higher-end materials.
- Performance is significantly impacted by moisture.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call?
Perfect for beginner duck hunters seeking an affordable and easy-to-use call. Also good for experienced hunters who need a backup call or a loaner for new hunters.
Those seeking professional-grade sound quality should skip this product. Hunters in consistently wet environments may find its performance unreliable.
A small microfiber cloth for wiping the slate and striker is a must-have accessory. Experimenting with different strikers could potentially improve sound quality.
Conclusion on Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call
The Duck Commander Ole Scratch Slate Call is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance for its price. It is easy to use, making it ideal for beginner duck hunters.
The price is justified for those seeking an affordable and functional call. However, those prioritizing sound quality and reliability in all weather conditions may want to invest in a higher-end option.
I would recommend it as a starter call or a backup option. Just don’t expect it to replace a custom-made slate call. It is a good, basic, and affordable tool for learning the fundamentals of duck calling. Grab one, practice, and get out there!