Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard Review

First Impressions of Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard, model BDR-95A, promises to deliver the loud, aggressive calls needed to reach distant ducks, while also offering the finesse for close-in, soft, and raspy sounds. Haydel’s has built a solid reputation among waterfowlers, and this acrylic version of their popular BDR-95 piqued my interest, especially given my years of experience with various duck calls. It’s designed for versatility, a feature I greatly value.

My pursuit of a premium duck call stems from years of struggling with inconsistent and unreliable models. I needed a call that could handle the unpredictable demands of duck hunting – from windy, open fields to calm, timbered swamps. I’d hoped this call will be my go-to across all terrains.

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Upon unboxing, the acrylic call felt substantial, indicating a robust build quality. The call felt good in hand and the bore hole looked well polished, a characteristic I’d expect from a call in this price range.

Compared to my tried-and-true (but aging) Olt D-2 and a newer Primos Timber Wench, the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard stood out with its larger barrel and visibly different internal design. I was hoping this was the call that would finally retire the Olt to the mantle and give me more flexibility than the Wench. The size and design suggested a greater potential for volume and tone variation compared to the other two.

My initial impression was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. The price tag set my expectations high, but Haydel’s reputation and the call’s design hinted at fulfilling those expectations. Now, it was time to see if the call could live up to the hype in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard on a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of the Mississippi Delta. The conditions were challenging, with a biting wind and scattered flocks of mallards. The water was frigid and the wind made calling very tough as sound was carried away.

The call performed admirably in the tough conditions. The Big Barreled Double Mallard cut through the wind with a loud, clear hail call, grabbing the attention of distant flocks. The call transitioned smoothly to soft, coaxing quacks as the birds approached.

I was surprised by how easily I could produce both high-volume and low-volume calls. It took a bit of practice to master the nuances of the double reed system, but the learning curve was manageable. The call performed well right out of the gate and I quickly felt comfortable with it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard continued to impress. It showed no signs of wear and tear despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and frequent use. The call never ‘stuck’, and I never had a problem with it freezing even in below freezing temperatures.

The acrylic material proved to be durable and easy to clean, resisting moisture and grime buildup. A quick rinse with water and a wipe down were all that was needed to keep the call in top condition. I like how well the Haydels call has held up.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper calls that often crack or lose their tone after a season or two, the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard felt like a significant upgrade. It consistently delivered reliable performance, giving me the confidence to call in ducks in any situation. The Big Barreled Double Mallard has far exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard

Specifications

• The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard (BDR-95A) is an acrylic duck call designed for both loud and soft calling. This design allows it to perform a wide variety of calling scenarios.
• Length: 6 cm (approximately 2.36 inches), Width: 2.3 inches, Height: 2.1 inches. These dimensions make it comfortable to hold and operate, even with gloved hands.
• Weight: 0.16 lb (approximately 2.56 ounces). The weight is substantial enough to feel durable but light enough for extended use without fatigue.
• Material: Acrylic. The acrylic construction provides excellent sound quality, durability, and resistance to moisture.
• Additional Features: The product has no additional listed features. However, the double reed design is a crucial feature impacting its sound versatility.

These specifications are important because they dictate the call’s functionality and usability. The acrylic construction affects the sound quality and durability, while the dimensions and weight influence how comfortably it fits in the hand and how easy it is to control. The double reed ensures a raspier tone that’s critical for realism.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard excels at producing a wide range of mallard sounds, from loud, attention-grabbing hail calls to soft, seductive feeding chuckles. The double reed design allows for a realistic, raspy tone that is incredibly effective at fooling wary ducks. The volume control is excellent.

The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and realistic sound. It’s capable of reaching out to distant birds and then luring them in close with subtle variations in tone. The weakness, if any, is the slight learning curve associated with mastering the double reed, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

The call more than meets my expectations. It provides a level of control and realism that I haven’t found in other duck calls, making it a valuable tool in my hunting arsenal. This is a high-quality duck call that will serve me well for years to come.

Design & Ergonomics

The acrylic material feels smooth and comfortable in hand, even after extended use. The call’s design is simple and functional, with a slightly flared barrel that enhances sound projection. The call is also very easy to clean.

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard is undeniably user-friendly. While mastering the nuances of the double reed takes practice, the call’s responsiveness and ease of tone variation make it accessible to both experienced and novice callers. The call is comfortable to blow.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its acrylic construction, the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard is built to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. The material is resistant to cracking, chipping, and moisture damage, ensuring a long lifespan. The acrylic is very robust.

The call is remarkably easy to maintain. A simple rinse with water and a wipe down after each use is sufficient to keep it in top condition. The call design has few nooks or crannies for dirt to get stuck in.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, the call is compatible with standard duck call lanyards. I highly recommend a quality lanyard.

There are no listed customization options for the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard. While some may prefer aftermarket reeds, the factory-tuned reeds deliver exceptional performance. The call sounds great right out of the box.

Pros and Cons of Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard

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Who Should Buy Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard?

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard is perfect for serious duck hunters who demand versatility, realism, and durability in their calls. It’s an excellent choice for those who hunt in a variety of environments, from open fields to timbered swamps. This call is a great addition to any serious duck hunter’s arsenal.

Hunters on a tight budget or those new to duck calling might want to start with a less expensive, single-reed call before investing in the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard. Although, it is an excellent call that will serve you well.

A quality duck call lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard readily accessible and prevent loss in the field.

Conclusion on Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard

The Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard is an exceptional duck call that delivers on its promise of versatility, realism, and durability. While the price tag is substantial, the call’s performance and build quality justify the investment for serious waterfowlers. It is a worthwhile purchase.

The call’s ability to produce a wide range of mallard sounds, its realistic tone, and its rugged construction make it a valuable tool in any duck hunter’s arsenal. This is a high-quality call.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard to experienced duck hunters seeking a premium call that can handle any situation. If you’re serious about duck hunting, then this is the call for you. Upgrade your game – grab a Haydels Big Barreled Double Mallard and experience the difference.