First Thoughts on the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE isn’t just another goose call; it’s a promise. A promise of crisp, authentic goose sounds, delivered through a durable, single-reed design. This call, from a manufacturer I’ll delve into later, immediately caught my eye with its gunsmoke finish, hinting at rugged reliability.
For years, I’ve been chasing the perfect honk. My quest has always been to find a call that not only sounds realistic but can also withstand the rigors of a waterfowl hunt. The promise of a single reed, known for its ease of use and consistent tone, drew me to this call.
Upon unboxing, the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE felt solid in my hand. The poly construction gives it a reassuring weight without feeling bulky. It’s a simple, no-frills design, and the gunsmoke color adds a touch of understated class.
I’ve used several calls in this price range, including the Buck Gardner Canada Hammer and the Olt CC Goose Call. The Buck Gardner, while producing good sound, sometimes felt a bit too fragile for my liking. The Olt, a classic, often required more air than I preferred for finesse calling. My hope was that the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE would offer a balance of durability and ease of use.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The call felt good, looked good, and the initial test blows sounded promising. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could truly deliver on its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE was on a frigid December morning in the flooded cornfields of Southern Illinois. A stiff north wind was blowing, and the temperature hovered just below freezing. This was the perfect environment to test the call’s capabilities under pressure.
The call performed surprisingly well in the adverse conditions. Even with the cold affecting my breath control, the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE consistently produced realistic honks and clucks. The single reed didn’t freeze up as quickly as some of my double-reed calls have in similar conditions.
It took me about 30 minutes to really dial in the sounds I wanted. I was able to produce everything from high-pitched greetings to low, guttural moans. The call was relatively easy to learn, although mastering the finer nuances would definitely require more practice. The responsiveness of the single reed was very impressive.
My initial surprise was how little air it took to produce a convincing goose sound. Many calls require significant lung capacity, but the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE responded with minimal effort. This was a huge advantage when fighting fatigue in a long, cold hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of heavy use, the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. It’s been through rain, snow, mud, and countless hours of calling. The polycarbonate construction has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of cracking or warping.
The call has held its tune throughout the season. I did perform a light cleaning and tuning after a particularly muddy hunt, but it wasn’t anything more than rinsing it with warm water and blowing out any debris. The single reed is also easy to replace if the need ever arises.
Compared to my previous experiences with other calls, the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE definitely stands out in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. Some of my more expensive calls have required more meticulous cleaning and tuning, but this one just keeps on working. It’s a no-nonsense, reliable tool.
Breaking Down the Features of COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE
Specifications
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE is a single-reed goose call constructed from durable polycarbonate. This material is known for its resistance to cracking, warping, and extreme temperatures. It’s a short-reed call, meaning that the insert, where the reed sits, is shorter than a traditional long-reed call. This typically results in quicker sounds and responses.
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Reed Type: Single
- Color: Gunsmoke
- Design: Short Reed
- Price: $31.99
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the call’s performance and longevity. The polycarbonate construction ensures that the call can withstand harsh weather conditions and repeated use. A single reed makes the call easier to learn and more responsive, while the short-reed design allows for quicker, more controlled sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE excels in producing a wide range of realistic goose sounds. From high-pitched clucks to deep, resonant honks, this call offers versatility. Its strength lies in its consistency and ease of use.
The call is relatively easy to pick up, even for beginners. The single reed responds quickly and requires minimal air pressure. The tone is consistent, reducing the likelihood of producing unwanted squeaks or squawks.
The main strengths of this call are its realistic sound reproduction and its user-friendly design. The only minor weakness I’ve noticed is that it can be slightly more challenging to produce very deep, guttural moans compared to some double-reed calls. However, with practice, even those sounds are achievable. It definitely meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE features a simple, functional design. The gunsmoke finish gives it a subtle, tactical look. The call fits comfortably in the hand, even with gloves.
The weight is well-balanced, and the mouthpiece is contoured for comfortable use over extended periods. There is no real learning curve beyond mastering your sounds, which is true for any call. Its design is user-friendly and durable.
Durability & Maintenance
The polycarbonate construction of the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE makes it exceptionally durable. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting, including exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and rough handling. This call should last for many seasons with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply rinsing the call with warm water after each use and occasionally blowing it out to remove any debris is usually sufficient. The reed can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged or worn. This simple maintenance ensures its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. However, due to its simple design, it is compatible with a variety of lanyards and call carriers. These accessories, though not essential, can enhance the call’s usability and portability.
While customization options are limited, the reed itself can be fine-tuned to adjust the call’s tone and responsiveness. Replacing the single reed with a different brand can offer some tone variance as well. These small changes allow fine tuning to personal needs.
Pros and Cons of COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE
Pros
- Produces realistic goose sounds, including honks, clucks, and moans.
- Durable polycarbonate construction withstands harsh weather and rough handling.
- Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Consistent tone with minimal air pressure required.
- Affordable price point makes it an excellent value.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end calls.
- May require practice to produce very deep, guttural moans.
Who Should Buy COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE?
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE is perfect for:
- Beginner goose hunters looking for an easy-to-learn and affordable call.
- Experienced hunters who need a reliable and durable backup call.
- Waterfowlers who hunt in harsh weather conditions and require a call that can withstand abuse.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who demand extensive customization options.
- Hunters who specialize in extremely deep, guttural goose sounds.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A good lanyard to keep it readily accessible.
Conclusion on COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE
The COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE is a solid, reliable goose call that delivers impressive performance at an affordable price. Its durable construction, realistic sound reproduction, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced hunters. For $31.99, you’re getting a call that punches well above its weight class.
I would absolutely recommend the COD GOOSE CALL POLY SINGLE – GUNSMOKE to anyone looking for a dependable and effective goose call without breaking the bank. It’s a valuable addition to any waterfowler’s arsenal. Get yours today and get ready to bring those honkers in close!