First Impressions of Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard
The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard promises to be a reliable and versatile tool for waterfowlers. With its ability to hold up to ten calls, a comfortable neck pad, and a finishing tool, it aims to keep essential gear organized and accessible in the field. This lanyard caught my eye because I’m always looking for ways to streamline my setup and minimize fumbling around when the birds are circling.
After years of using basic, often homemade, lanyards, I was looking for a more professional and functional upgrade. I needed something that could comfortably carry multiple calls for varying conditions and species, while also providing a convenient way to dispatch game ethically. My old setup was a tangled mess of paracord and split rings, proving slow and cumbersome.
The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard arrived in a simple, functional package. My initial impression was positive; the braided paracord seemed durable and well-constructed, and the neoprene neck pad felt comfortable to the touch. The inclusion of a paracord-wrapped finishing tool was a welcome surprise, demonstrating attention to detail.
Compared to a basic single-strand paracord lanyard, the Browning offers vastly superior organization and comfort. Against a more expensive, custom-made lanyard, the Browning comes in at a significantly lower price point while still offering a solid set of features. I also considered the Rig’Em Right Deluxe 4-Call Lanyard, but the Browning’s additional call capacity and included finishing tool ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the materials appeared high-quality and the design seemed well-thought-out, I was eager to see how the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard would perform in the demanding environment of a real duck hunt.
Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard during an early teal season hunt in the Louisiana marsh. The conditions were typical: humid, muddy, and buggy. I loaded it with four duck calls and the finishing tool, ready to put it to work.
The lanyard performed admirably, keeping my calls readily accessible even while wearing heavy waders and a hunting jacket. The adjustable drops made it easy to position the calls at the right height for quick access. I was impressed by the comfort of the neoprene neck pad, which didn’t soak up water and remained comfortable throughout the morning. One slight issue arose, the finishing tool’s paracord wrap became slightly slick when wet, which required a firmer grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard throughout an entire waterfowl season, it has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the braided paracord or the neoprene neck pad. Regular rinsing with fresh water after each hunt has kept it clean and free of mud.
Compared to my previous lanyards, the Browning has far exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, organization, and durability. The ability to quickly switch between calls based on wind conditions and bird behavior has undoubtedly improved my hunting success. It provides far more value than its price tag suggests.
Breaking Down the Features of Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard
Specifications
- The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard features a padded neoprene neck pad for enhanced comfort during long hunts. This minimizes chafing and discomfort, even when carrying a full load of calls.
- It’s constructed with braided paracord, offering exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. The braided design also prevents tangling, which is a common issue with simpler lanyards.
- The lanyard includes three fixed drops and two removable drops, accommodating up to 10 calls. This provides ample space for a variety of calls to suit different waterfowl species and hunting conditions.
- The drops are height adjustable, allowing users to customize the position of each call for optimal access. This feature ensures that each call hangs at the perfect length for quick and easy retrieval.
- A removable paracord-wrapped finishing tool is included, providing a convenient and humane way to dispatch downed birds. This eliminates the need to carry a separate tool, streamlining gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard performs its job exceptionally well, keeping calls organized and easily accessible. The adjustable drops allow for a customized fit, and the durable construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting. It excels at keeping frequently used calls at the ready.
The lanyard’s main strength lies in its combination of comfort, capacity, and durability. One area for slight improvement would be to add texture to the paracord wrap on the finishing tool for better grip when wet. Despite this minor point, it meets and exceeds expectations for a duck call lanyard.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and meticulous construction. The padded neoprene neck pad is extremely comfortable, even when fully loaded, and the braided paracord feels strong and secure. The overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The lanyard is user-friendly and requires no learning curve. The adjustable drops are easy to adjust, and the call attachments are secure and straightforward. It’s intuitive to use even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard should last for many seasons. The braided paracord is highly resistant to abrasion and the neoprene neck pad is easy to clean. Rinsing with fresh water after each hunt is sufficient for routine maintenance, but occasional washing with mild soap may be necessary for removing stubborn mud or grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The lanyard comes standard with the paracord-wrapped finishing tool. While there aren’t any direct Browning accessories designed specifically for this lanyard, users can easily customize it by adding different types of call attachments, such as clips or rings, to suit their preferences. The paracord construction allows for easy attachment of aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard
Pros
- Comfortable Neoprene Neck Pad: Provides all-day comfort, even when loaded with multiple calls.
- Durable Braided Paracord Construction: Withstands harsh hunting conditions and ensures long-lasting use.
- High Call Capacity (Up to 10 Calls): Accommodates a wide variety of calls for different species and situations.
- Adjustable Drops: Allows for customized call positioning for quick and easy access.
- Included Finishing Tool: Provides a convenient and humane way to dispatch downed birds.
Cons
- Finishing tool’s paracord wrap can be slippery when wet.
- Limited customization options beyond call attachments.
Who Should Buy Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard?
The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who use multiple calls and value organization and comfort. It is well-suited for both seasoned veterans and those newer to the sport looking to upgrade from basic lanyards. Experienced hunters will appreciate the adjustability and capacity of this lanyard.
This product might not be necessary for occasional hunters who only use one or two calls. Someone looking for a highly customized, hand-stitched, leather lanyard would likely skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a quality call cleaning kit to keep calls in top condition. Additional paracord or split rings for customizing call attachments could also prove useful.
Conclusion on Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard
The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard is a well-designed and durable product that offers excellent value for the price. It provides a comfortable and organized way to carry multiple duck calls, and the included finishing tool is a welcome bonus. It’s a noticeable upgrade over basic lanyards and offers most of the features of more expensive models.
The price is more than justified given the quality of materials, construction, and functionality. At under $35, it is a budget-friendly way to greatly enhance a hunter’s experience.
I would absolutely recommend the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard to any serious waterfowl hunter. It’s a worthwhile investment that will make your time in the field more efficient and enjoyable. So, ditch that tangled mess of paracord and upgrade to the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard today! You won’t regret it.