First Impressions of Zink Nos Goose Call
The Zink Nos Goose Call arrives promising to deliver the premium quality sounds of Zink‘s custom acrylic calls at a more accessible price point. Crafted from polycarbonate, the call aims to replicate the realistic sounds expected from more expensive models, all while remaining budget-conscious. I was curious to see if it lived up to this claim, especially considering my years of experience with calls across a wide range of prices.
My journey to this call began with a common frustration: needing a reliable backup call that wouldn’t break the bank. I have several high-end acrylic calls that I treasure, but I always worry about damaging or losing them in the field. I was seeking a durable and effective alternative, capable of producing convincing goose sounds without the premium price tag.
Upon unboxing, the Zink Nos Goose Call felt surprisingly solid for a polycarbonate model. The finish was clean, and the call had a decent weight to it, suggesting reasonable build quality. While it didn’t possess the visual appeal of my custom acrylic calls, it didn’t feel cheap either.
Compared to my custom calls from Gander Valley or RNT, the Zink Nos Goose Call obviously lacks the visual appeal and nuanced tone of the high-end calls. However, compared to other budget calls like the Buck Gardner Canada Hammer, the Zink Nos Goose Call felt like a step up in both build quality and potential sound. This was a key factor in my decision to try it out.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the Zink Nos Goose Call. The build quality seemed decent, and the Zink name carries weight in the hunting world. I was eager to get it out in the field and see if it could truly deliver on its promise of premium sound at an affordable price.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Nos Goose Call to the Test
First Use Experience
The Zink Nos Goose Call saw its first action on a frigid morning in a flooded cornfield in Southern Illinois. The temperature hovered around freezing, and a light drizzle added an extra layer of challenge. My goal was to see how the call performed in realistic hunting conditions, particularly when trying to lure in wary Canada geese.
The Zink Nos Goose Call performed surprisingly well, even in the damp, cold conditions. I was able to produce a variety of sounds, from deep honks to higher-pitched clucks, with relative ease. The call didn’t freeze up, and the tone remained consistent even with moisture present.
The Zink Nos Goose Call was relatively easy to use, even for a less experienced caller. The easy-blow sound system made it simple to produce realistic goose sounds. It took only a short time to get accustomed to the back pressure and find the sweet spot for different calls.
After my first use, I was impressed by the Zink Nos Goose Call‘s performance. It wasn’t as refined as my high-end acrylic calls, but it was more than capable of bringing birds in. There were no major issues and the call exceeded my expectations for a call in its price range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the waterfowl season, the Zink Nos Goose Call has held up remarkably well. It’s been subjected to a range of conditions, from sub-freezing temperatures to mud and rain, and it has continued to perform reliably. The Zink Nos Goose Call remains a functional and reliable call.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the Zink Nos Goose Call after a full season of hunting. The polycarbonate material has proven to be durable and resistant to scratches and damage. The call still looks and sounds as good as it did on day one.
Maintaining the Zink Nos Goose Call is incredibly simple. A quick rinse with warm water and a wipe down with a soft cloth is all it takes to keep it clean and functioning properly. It requires no special tools or cleaners.
Compared to my previous experiences with budget goose calls, the Zink Nos Goose Call is a clear winner. It outperforms most other calls in its price range in terms of sound quality, ease of use, and durability. It offers a great value for the money.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Nos Goose Call
Specifications
The Zink Nos Goose Call is a short-reed goose call crafted from durable polycarbonate. It is made in the USA by Zink Calls. The call is designed to mimic the sounds of a Canada goose and features an easy-blow sound system.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the call’s performance and user experience. The polycarbonate construction ensures durability in harsh hunting conditions. The easy-blow design makes it accessible to both novice and experienced callers.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Nos Goose Call performs its job admirably, producing realistic goose sounds that are effective for attracting birds. I was able to produce a wide range of calls, including honks, clucks, moans, and murmurs, all with relative ease. The Zink Nos Goose Call is capable of producing a wide range of sounds.
The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use, consistent tone, and affordable price. One weakness is that it doesn’t offer the same nuanced sound or aesthetic appeal as a custom acrylic call. Despite that one weakness, the Zink Nos Goose Call delivers on its promises.
Overall, the Zink Nos Goose Call meets and even exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. It is a reliable and effective tool for goose hunters of all skill levels. The affordable price makes it a great choice for beginners or experienced hunters looking for a backup call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Nos Goose Call features a simple yet functional design. The polycarbonate material is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The call has a smooth finish and a comfortable mouthpiece.
The Zink Nos Goose Call is very user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The easy-blow design makes it simple to produce realistic goose sounds without excessive effort. Even novice callers can quickly learn to use the call effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Nos Goose Call is built to last, thanks to its durable polycarbonate construction. The material is resistant to scratches, cracks, and other damage. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the Zink Nos Goose Call is incredibly easy. A quick rinse with warm water and a wipe down is all it takes to keep it clean and functioning properly. No special tools or cleaners are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Nos Goose Call is available as a single call or in a Power Pak with an instructional DVD. There are also multiple finishes to choose from, including a Custom Hunter with cocobolo wood. The option to include the DVD and choice of finish further increases the calls user value.
While the Zink Nos Goose Call is not highly customizable in terms of aftermarket parts, it is compatible with most standard lanyards and call holders. Hunters can easily add their personal touch with custom lanyards or braided call holders. The ability to personalize the call with standard items increases its value and practicality.
Pros and Cons of Zink Nos Goose Call
Pros
- Affordable price: Provides great value for the money, making it accessible to hunters on a budget.
- Easy-blow sound system: Allows even novice callers to produce realistic goose sounds with minimal effort.
- Durable polycarbonate construction: Ensures long-lasting performance in harsh hunting conditions.
- Versatile sound capabilities: Capable of producing a wide range of goose calls, including honks, clucks, moans, and murmurs.
- Simple maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain with just warm water and a soft cloth.
Cons
- Polycarbonate material: Lacks the refined sound and aesthetic appeal of custom acrylic calls.
- Limited customization options: Not highly customizable in terms of aftermarket parts or modifications.
Who Should Buy Zink Nos Goose Call?
The Zink Nos Goose Call is perfect for:
- Beginner goose hunters: Its easy-blow design and affordable price make it an excellent starting point.
- Experienced hunters on a budget: Offers a reliable and effective call without breaking the bank.
- Hunters seeking a durable backup call: Its polycarbonate construction can withstand harsh hunting conditions.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who demand the absolute best sound quality and are willing to invest in a high-end acrylic call.
- Hunters who prefer highly customizable calls with a wide range of aftermarket options.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.
- An instructional DVD (if not included in the Power Pak) to learn proper calling techniques.
Conclusion on Zink Nos Goose Call
The Zink Nos Goose Call is an impressive budget-friendly option that punches above its weight. It delivers realistic goose sounds, is easy to use, and built to last. The call is a great choice for any level of goose hunter.
The value proposition is strong, as the Zink Nos Goose Call provides excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of custom acrylic calls. For $52.49, you get a reliable and effective tool that can significantly improve your goose hunting success. The quality for the money is phenomenal.
I would definitely recommend the Zink Nos Goose Call to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable goose call. It’s a great choice for beginners, experienced hunters on a budget, or anyone in need of a durable backup call. The call’s value makes it an easy purchase to recommend.
So, if you’re ready to start bringing in more geese this season without breaking the bank, give the Zink Nos Goose Call a try. You won’t be disappointed! The value, ease of use, and durability, all combined make it a worthwhile product for any goose hunter.