ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic Review

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic Made a Bold First Impression

Duck hunting has been in my blood since I was a kid, tagging along with my grandpa in the frigid marshes of the Midwest. Over the past decade, I’ve become intimately familiar with all kinds of duck calls, from the classic wooden single reeds to the more modern double and triple reed acrylic calls. This led me to the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic, a call promising both long-range reach and close-in finesse, a balance often hard to achieve.

I needed a call that could cut through the wind on those vast open water hunts, yet still sound convincing when the ducks circled close. I’d grown tired of calls that were either all volume or all ducky sounds, never quite managing both effectively. I had been looking at calls from Duck Commander and Primos, but the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic boasted a reputation for quality acrylic and a unique single reed design specifically geared towards open water, swaying my decision. My initial impression upon unboxing was of a solid, well-crafted call. The dark green acrylic had a nice heft and a smooth, polished finish.

Compared to the cheaper polycarbonate calls I’d used in the past, this felt like a serious piece of equipment. The color is a muted, natural dark green, which blends nicely with marsh vegetation. It’s definitely a step up in both aesthetics and perceived quality. My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension – could this call really live up to the hype?

Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic on a late-season hunt on a sprawling reservoir known for its tough conditions. The wind was howling, and the temperature hovered just above freezing. I wanted to see if the call could truly cut through the wind and reach distant flocks.

The call performed admirably. It took a few minutes to get the hang of the air pressure required, but once I did, the hail call was loud and clear, easily reaching out several hundred yards as ECHO CALLS, INC claims. Even in the biting wind, the reed didn’t freeze up, a common problem with some cheaper calls.

The ease of use was surprisingly good. It’s a single reed, which generally means easier control for beginners, but the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic still allows for plenty of nuance for more experienced callers. After about 30 minutes, I felt confident enough to use it in my regular calling sequences. The only surprise was how little air it required to produce a very loud, ringing high ball.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hard use, the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic has proven to be remarkably durable. I used it in everything from early teal season in sweltering heat to late-season hunts in near-blizzard conditions. The acrylic shows no signs of cracking or fading, even after being dropped in the mud and banged around in my blind bag.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple rinse with water and a quick wipe-down is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The reed hasn’t required any tuning or replacement, which is a testament to the quality of the materials and construction. In comparison to my previous calls, the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic outperforms them in both range and reliability. The sound is consistently excellent, and the build quality gives me confidence that it will last for many seasons to come.

Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic

Specifications

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic is designed specifically for open water hunting situations. Its single reed design allows for easy operation and versatile sound production, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced callers. The call is constructed from high-quality dark green acrylic, which is known for its durability and consistent tone.

The acrylic material provides excellent sound projection and resistance to temperature changes, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. Its single reed is tuned to produce ringing hail calls at long distances and ducky sounds at close range. This versatility is crucial for attracting ducks over vast open areas.

Performance & Functionality

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic excels at reaching out to distant flocks. The ringing hail call is remarkably loud and carries well, even in strong winds. Its ability to transition to softer, more intimate calls is equally impressive.

The call is easy to control, allowing for realistic feeding chuckles and contented quacks when the ducks are close. It meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of long-range power and close-in finesse.

Design & Ergonomics

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic boasts exceptional build quality. The acrylic is smooth, polished, and feels substantial in hand. The call’s weight is balanced and comfortable for extended use.

The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and manipulate even with gloved hands. The call is extremely user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. It does not require any complex techniques to produce realistic duck sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The high-quality acrylic construction ensures the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic is incredibly durable. With proper care, this call should last for many years. Maintenance is simple: rinse with water after use and store in a dry place. The reed is designed to be long-lasting and requires minimal tuning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it’s compatible with standard lanyards for easy carrying. While the call itself isn’t customizable, you can adjust the reed slightly to fine-tune the tone to your preference, but this should be done with extreme care to avoid damaging it. The call works well with a variety of lanyards, including those from ECHO CALLS, INC and other brands.

Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic

Pros

  • Exceptional range: The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic‘s ringing hail call reaches ducks at impressive distances.
  • Versatile sound: It transitions seamlessly from loud hail calls to soft, ducky quacks.
  • Durable construction: The high-quality acrylic ensures long-lasting performance.
  • Easy to use: The single reed design is suitable for both beginners and experienced callers.
  • Reliable in all weather: It performs consistently even in cold and wet conditions.

Cons

  • The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic carries a higher price tag compared to polycarbonate calls.
  • The loud volume might be too much for very close-range, timber hunting scenarios.


Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic?

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic is perfect for duck hunters who primarily hunt open water environments, such as large lakes, reservoirs, and expansive fields. It’s also ideal for those who want a versatile call that can handle both long-range attraction and close-range finishing. Experienced callers and beginners alike will appreciate its ease of use and realistic sound.

This call isn’t the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in close-quarters environments like timber or small creeks. Its loud volume may be overkill in those situations. A must-have accessory is a high-quality lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.

Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic

The ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic is a high-quality, versatile duck call that delivers on its promises. The price is justified by its exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use. I would personally recommend it to any serious duck hunter looking to improve their calling game in open water situations.

If you are looking for a duck call that can reach out and touch distant flocks and then gently coax them into the decoys, the ECHO CALLS, INC Open Water Duck Dark Green Single Reed Acrylic will fill that role. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality call can make.


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