Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop Review

First Thoughts on the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop promises versatility and ease of use for both beginner and advanced duck hunters. Crafted by Zink Calls, this call boasts an innovative double-reed design and a durable polycarbonate construction, making it a contender in the flooded timber and open water alike. The “Lemon Drop” moniker hints at its vibrant color, but the true test lies in its performance in bringing those wary waterfowl into range.

My duck hunting journey started with a hand-me-down call that sounded more like a strangled goose than a seductive mallard hen. I sought a call that offered a wide range of tones and prevented the frustrating reed lock-up I experienced regularly. The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop‘s advertised “Z-Cut Non-Stick” tone channel piqued my interest, suggesting a smoother, more reliable sound production.

Upon unboxing, the call felt solid and well-made for a polycarbonate model. The “Lemon Drop” color is definitely eye-catching, almost a safety-yellow, which some hunters might find either appealing or off-putting. Holding it, the call is comfortable in hand and feels like a quality molded piece.

Compared to my old, single-reed call and a friend’s higher-end acrylic call, the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop seemed to strike a balance between affordability and features. My friend’s acrylic call produced a richer, more complex sound, but at a significantly higher price. The other option lacked the double-reed design and the supposed non-stick tone channel.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The bold claims of versatility and ease of use needed to be proven in the marsh. If it lived up to its promises, the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop could become my go-to call for various hunting situations.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop was during an early-season teal hunt in a small, flooded timber area. The conditions were relatively mild, with a slight breeze and clear skies. I used it primarily to produce soft, close-range calling sequences, attempting to lure birds that were already circling the decoys.

The call was surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. I was able to produce a decent, albeit not perfect, mallard hen sound with minimal practice. The Z-Cut Non-Stick tone channel lived up to its name, as I didn’t experience any reed lock, even when the call got wet.

Initially, the sound seemed a little “plasticky” compared to higher-end calls, but it still proved effective in attracting the attention of the teal. One minor issue was that the bright yellow color of the call reflected sunlight, which could potentially spook wary birds at close range.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or fading in the polycarbonate material. The call has been subjected to everything from freezing temperatures to muddy conditions, and it has continued to function reliably.

Maintenance is incredibly simple; a quick rinse with water after each hunt is usually sufficient. I’ve occasionally used a cotton swab to clean the tone channel, but the non-stick design has minimized the need for extensive cleaning. Compared to my previous experiences with calls that frequently locked up or required constant tuning, the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop has been a significant improvement. It may not outperform high-end custom calls in terms of sound quality, but its durability and ease of use make it a solid performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop

Specifications

• Material: Molded Polycarbonate. This provides a durable and weather-resistant construction at an affordable price point.
• Reed Design: Double-reed. The double-reed design creates a versatile sound profile suitable for various calling styles and duck species.
• Tone Channel: Z-Cut Non-Stick. This feature is designed to prevent reed lock, ensuring consistent performance even in wet conditions.
• Color: Lemon Drop (Bright Yellow). This aids visibility, but may not be ideal for all hunting scenarios.
• Intended Use: Pot holes, marshes, timber, and open water on light wind days. This suggests versatility across different hunting environments.

These specifications are critical because they impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. A durable polycarbonate body ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting, while the double-reed design gives it the versatility to mimic different duck sounds. The Z-Cut Non-Stick tone channel is key to reliability, preventing frustrating reed lock-up when the call is wet.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop performs admirably for a call in its price range. It reliably produces a range of duck sounds, from soft quacks to louder hail calls. While the sound quality may not match that of high-end acrylic calls, it is still effective in attracting ducks.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and reliability. The double-reed design is forgiving for beginners, while the non-stick tone channel ensures consistent performance. The main weakness is the slightly “plasticky” sound quality, which some experienced callers may find less appealing. Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a poly call in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop is designed with functionality in mind. The molded polycarbonate body is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The call’s shape allows for easy manipulation and control, making it user-friendly for both novice and experienced callers.

The bright yellow color, while not everyone’s cup of tea, does make it easy to find in a cluttered blind or duck boat. The lack of any textured grip, however, could be a downside for those with wet or gloved hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The durable polycarbonate construction of the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop suggests it will last for many seasons of hunting. The simple design and lack of intricate parts minimize the risk of breakage or failure. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick rinse with water after each use.

The Z-Cut Non-Stick tone channel reduces the need for frequent cleaning, further simplifying maintenance. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop does not come with any specific accessories. Being a duck call, customization is limited, typically revolving around tuning the reeds. While you can’t swap out barrels or add optics like you would on a firearm, the ability to adjust reed tension can significantly alter the call’s tone and responsiveness.

Some hunters might experiment with different reed configurations or sanding techniques to achieve a more personalized sound. The call is also compatible with aftermarket lanyards, allowing hunters to keep it readily accessible.

Pros and Cons of Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop

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Who Should Buy Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop?

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop is perfect for beginner duck hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. It is also a good option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a durable call for tough hunting conditions. Hunters who frequent timber and marsh environments will likely find this call particularly useful.

Hunters seeking the absolute highest sound quality and realism might want to skip this product in favor of a more expensive acrylic or custom call. Those who prefer muted or camouflage-colored gear might also find the bright yellow color unappealing.

A must-have accessory for this call is a quality lanyard to keep it readily accessible. Some hunters may also benefit from purchasing a reed tuning kit to fine-tune the call’s sound to their specific preferences.

Conclusion on Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop

The Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop is a solid, reliable, and affordable option for duck hunters of all skill levels. While it may not have the refined sound of a high-end acrylic call, its ease of use, durability, and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment. The value proposition is strong; it delivers excellent performance for its price point.

I would personally recommend the Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile duck call that won’t break the bank. If you’re just starting out or need a dependable backup, this call is definitely worth considering. Grab a Zink Calls ATM Poly Green Machine Duck Call – Lemon Drop and get ready to bring those ducks in close!

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