Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call Review

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call Made a Bold First Impression

Duck hunting has been a passion of mine for over a decade. So, the constant pursuit of the perfect call is a never-ending quest. When I stumbled upon the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call, manufactured by Haydels, with its incredibly low price tag of $7.99, I was intrigued. This wasn’t about needing another call; it was about the challenge – could something so affordable actually perform?

I’ve been using high-end, custom-made calls for years, chasing that perfect raspy hen sound. But sometimes, simpler is better. My main hunting spots are varied, from flooded timber to open water, demanding different calling styles. The idea of a single call claiming to mimic multiple mallard sounds piqued my interest, promising versatility without the need to swap calls in the heat of the moment.

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call arrived in a simple, no-frills package, a new-in-box item identified by part number MP90 and Buds Item Number 81023. My first impression was…underwhelming. The plastic felt lightweight and cheap compared to my acrylic and wood calls. However, its compact size was a definite plus. Its design suggested simplicity, with no visible tuning mechanisms or intricate engravings, unlike my usual calls.

I own a few other beginner duck calls from Duck Commander and Primos, which I initially bought when learning to call. I picked the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call because of its low price and the promise of multiple sounds. The others only offer a single tone. I was excited to see if it could truly live up to its “four in one” claim, but also prepared for disappointment, given the price point.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at a local wildlife refuge. I brought it along on a scouting trip where I observed mallards feeding in a shallow marsh. The conditions were damp and breezy, perfect for testing the call’s performance in realistic hunting conditions. I immediately noticed a slight learning curve.

The call required a bit more air pressure than I was used to, and achieving a realistic sound took some practice. After about 30 minutes, I was able to produce some decent quacks and feeding chuckles. However, the call seemed to stick and require cleaning more often than my other calls.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call has proven to be surprisingly reliable for its price. It’s definitely showing signs of wear and tear, with some minor scratches on the plastic. I found it requires more frequent cleaning to maintain consistent sound, especially after heavy use in muddy or dusty environments.

Compared to my higher-end calls, the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call doesn’t quite match the richness and depth of sound. But it has become a useful backup call. It is excellent for teaching new hunters the basics, or for when I don’t want to risk damaging my more expensive calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call

Specifications

• The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call is a molded plastic duck call designed to produce multiple mallard sounds. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket.
• It’s designed to mimic the sounds of a drake, hen, feed call, and comeback call. This versatility is its key selling point, offering a range of vocalizations in a single device.
• The call is made of durable plastic, but specific details on the type of plastic or its resistance to temperature extremes are not provided. This raises questions about its long-term durability in harsh hunting conditions.
• There are no advertised customization options, such as interchangeable reeds or tone boards. This limits the user’s ability to fine-tune the sound to their specific preferences or hunting conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call does a decent job of producing basic mallard sounds. It can effectively mimic quacks, feeding chuckles, and comeback calls, albeit with a somewhat less refined tone than higher-end calls. The call’s “four in one” functionality is somewhat misleading.

While it can produce different variations, the range and realism aren’t comparable to using dedicated calls for each sound. Achieving consistent and realistic sounds requires practice and precise breath control. The call’s main strength is its simplicity and affordability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call is a simple, no-frills design. The plastic construction feels lightweight and comfortable to hold, but lacks the premium feel of acrylic or wood calls. The call’s design is straightforward and easy to use, even for beginners.

There isn’t a significant learning curve to producing basic sounds. But mastering the different tones takes practice. The absence of any specialized grip features or ergonomic enhancements doesn’t hinder its functionality, but it does lack the refined feel of more expensive calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic construction of the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call seems reasonably durable for its price point. However, it is prone to scratches and may not withstand extreme temperatures or rough handling as well as more robust calls.

Maintenance is simple. The call can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and occasional disassembly allows for a more thorough cleaning of the reed and tone board. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the reed from sticking and ensure consistent sound quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no advertised customization options. This limits the user’s ability to personalize the call or adapt it to different hunting situations.

While the call’s simple design might allow for some basic modifications, such as trimming the reed, it’s not designed for extensive customization. It is primarily intended as an affordable, entry-level call for beginners or as a backup for experienced hunters.

Pros and Cons of Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call

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Who Should Buy Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call?

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call is perfect for beginner duck hunters seeking an affordable and versatile entry-level call. It is also suitable as a backup call for experienced hunters who want a lightweight and reliable option. It is great for parents looking to introduce kids to the sport without investing heavily in equipment.

This product is not ideal for experienced hunters who demand the most realistic and nuanced sound reproduction. Those who require a call that can withstand heavy use and extreme conditions should also consider more robust options. A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call

The Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call is a decent entry-level option for beginner duck hunters. It offers a versatile range of sounds at an incredibly affordable price. While it doesn’t match the sound quality or durability of high-end calls, it performs adequately for its intended purpose.

Considering its price of $7.99, the value proposition is definitely justified. It provides a functional and reliable tool for learning the basics of duck calling. I would recommend it to beginners or those looking for a cheap backup.

For experienced hunters seeking top-tier performance, a higher-end call is a better investment. But for those just starting out, the Haydels Four In One Mallard Duck Call is a great way to get their feet wet (literally and figuratively). Pick one up and start practicing – the ducks are waiting!

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