First Impressions of Faulks Champion Duck Call
The Faulks Champion Duck Call, a name synonymous with waterfowling tradition, promises a call that “anyone can blow.” It’s a bold claim in a market saturated with high-tech, meticulously engineered calls. My own journey with duck calls started over a decade ago, learning from seasoned hunters on the flooded timber of Arkansas. I was curious to see if Faulks, a respected name, could deliver on its promise of simplicity and effectiveness with the Champion Duck Call.
My duck hunting experiences, spanning flooded timber to open water, have made me appreciate the subtle nuances that differentiate a good call from a great one. I was looking for a call that would be reliable in various conditions and easy for anyone to use, especially when guiding less experienced hunters.
The Faulks Champion Duck Call arrived in simple packaging, showcasing the beautiful zebrawood and walnut construction. The wood grain was immediately striking, giving the call a classic, almost heirloom-quality feel. It felt surprisingly lightweight, but solid in my hand.
Compared to my more modern, acrylic calls like the Duck Commander Classic and the Buck Gardner Double Nasty, the Faulks Champion Duck Call felt decidedly old-school. I chose this call hoping for simplicity and reliability over the sheer volume and intricate sound manipulation offered by the others. My immediate impression was that this call was made for a hunter who values tradition and dependability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faulks Champion Duck Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Faulks Champion Duck Call was on a cold, drizzly morning in a flooded cornfield. The wind was calm, and a small flock of mallards were circling overhead. I started with a simple greeting call, a series of soft quacks. The Faulks Champion Duck Call responded easily, producing a surprisingly rich, full sound.
The call worked well in the slightly wet conditions, not sticking like some of my calls that are less tolerant of moisture. It took very little effort to get a decent mallard sound out of it, reinforcing the claim that “anyone can blow” this call. There were no immediate issues, and I found the call easy to control despite not having used a wooden call in quite a while.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Faulks Champion Duck Call in various conditions, I’m impressed with its consistent performance. It held up well to the daily rigors of duck hunting, showing no signs of cracking or splitting. Cleaning the call after each hunt was simple, just requiring a quick wipe down with a dry cloth.
The call’s durability is surprisingly good considering it is made of wood; it does scratch easier than acrylic calls, but this adds to the call’s character. Compared to my experience with other calls, the Faulks Champion Duck Call strikes a good balance between ease of use and realistic sound production. It may not have the pure volume of a high-end acrylic call, but it makes up for it in simplicity and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Faulks Champion Duck Call
Specifications
- The Faulks Champion Duck Call is constructed from select Zebrawood or other fancy wood and walnut, providing a classic aesthetic. This combination offers both visual appeal and decent durability for a wooden call.
- It is designed specifically for mallards and large ducks, emphasizing its focus on specific species. This targeted design aims for accurate and effective calls for those waterfowl.
- The call’s length is 8 inches, offering a comfortable grip for most users. This length contributes to the overall balance and ease of handling the call.
- The weight is 0.15 oz, making it exceptionally lightweight and easy to carry on long hunts. This minimizes fatigue and allows for effortless use throughout the day.
- The height is 1.5 inches and the width is 5.1 inches, giving it a compact size that fits comfortably in a hunting vest or pocket. This ensures it’s easily accessible when needed.
These specifications matter because they define the call’s overall feel and performance in the field. The lightweight design and comfortable size make it easy to carry and use for extended periods, while the wood construction contributes to a warm, natural sound.
Performance & Functionality
The Faulks Champion Duck Call excels at producing realistic mallard sounds with minimal effort. It is incredibly easy to blow, making it suitable for hunters of all skill levels.
Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and reliability; it consistently produces clear, realistic calls even in less-than-ideal conditions. The only potential weakness is its volume, which may be slightly less powerful than some high-end acrylic calls designed for open water hunting. It more than meets expectations for a traditional wooden call designed for mallards and large ducks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faulks Champion Duck Call boasts a classic, elegant design with its zebrawood and walnut construction. The lightweight design feels comfortable in the hand, even after hours of use.
The call’s user-friendliness is a major selling point; there’s virtually no learning curve involved. Anyone can pick it up and start producing decent duck sounds within minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Faulks Champion Duck Call is reasonably durable for a wooden call, holding up well under normal hunting conditions. With proper care, this call should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth and proper storage when not in use. The wood should be treated with respect, avoiding long periods of direct sun, and keeping it dry when stored will go a long way to increasing it’s longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faulks Champion Duck Call does not come with any specific accessories, focusing on simplicity and essential functionality. Customization options are limited, as it is a traditional wooden call designed for a specific purpose.
While not designed for extensive customization, the Faulks Champion Duck Call can be paired with a lanyard for easy carry and access. There are no known compatibility issues with generic lanyards or other common hunting accessories.
Pros and Cons of Faulks Champion Duck Call
Pros
- Easy to Blow: Suitable for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Realistic Sound: Produces authentic mallard sounds.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Easy to carry and use for extended periods.
- Durable Construction: Made with quality materials that withstand normal hunting conditions.
- Classic Design: Attractive zebrawood and walnut finish.
Cons
- Volume: May not be as loud as some acrylic calls for open water.
- Wood Requires Care: Needs proper maintenance to prevent cracking or splitting.
Who Should Buy Faulks Champion Duck Call?
The Faulks Champion Duck Call is perfect for: Hunters who appreciate a traditional, easy-to-use call. Also great for beginner duck hunters who need a forgiving and reliable instrument. Perfect for hunters targeting mallards and other large ducks in timber or smaller bodies of water.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who require maximum volume for open water or prefer highly customizable, high-end acrylic calls should look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality lanyard is essential for keeping the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Faulks Champion Duck Call
The Faulks Champion Duck Call is a reliable, easy-to-use instrument that delivers authentic mallard sounds. The price of $49.99 is justified by its quality construction, ease of use, and effectiveness in the field.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a traditional duck call that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter who appreciates simplicity and reliability, the Faulks Champion Duck Call is an excellent choice. Pick one up and experience the tradition for yourself – you might just find your new favorite call.