Let’s Dive into Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic duck call isn’t just another piece of hunting gear; it’s a precision instrument designed to bring ducks in close. Crafted by Duck Commander, a brand synonymous with waterfowl hunting excellence, this call promises a blend of superior sound quality and durable construction. I’ve been using calls for over a decade, from cheap plastic models to custom-made timber calls, so I’m eager to see how this acrylic call stacks up.
My journey to this call started with frustration. I was consistently finding myself outgunned (or out-called, rather) by other hunters who seemed to have an uncanny ability to lure in even the most call-shy ducks. I needed a call that could produce a wide range of realistic duck sounds, and acrylic seemed the way to go for consistent tone and durability.
Unboxing the Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic was a pleasant experience. The call feels substantial in hand, the acrylic gleaming with a high polish, and the brushed aluminum band adds a touch of class. The White/Green color combination is aesthetically pleasing, a nice deviation from the standard camouflage often seen in hunting gear.
Compared to my previous poly-carbonate call from Primos and a wooden call from Buck Gardner, the Duck Commander call immediately felt like an upgrade. The Primos call was too raspy, the Buck Gardner too mellow; I was hoping this would hit a sweet spot. My initial thought was excitement – this looks and feels like a serious duck call.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic was on a frigid morning in a flooded timber area in Arkansas. The temperature hovered around freezing, with a light drizzle making everything slick and cold. I needed a call that wouldn’t freeze up and would still produce consistent sound, regardless of the weather.
The call performed admirably, even in the less-than-ideal conditions. The acrylic didn’t seem to be affected by the cold, and I was able to produce a range of calls, from soft feeding chuckles to aggressive comeback calls. I had to adjust my air pressure slightly to compensate for the humidity, but that’s typical with any call.
The Duck Commander call was relatively easy to use, although it took a few minutes to find the sweet spot. Unlike some calls that require a lot of backpressure, this one responded well to subtle changes in air flow and tongue pressure. After about an hour, I was confidently throwing out convincing duck sounds.
After the first use, I noticed a slight build-up of moisture inside the call, but this was easily remedied by taking it apart and drying it. No real surprises, just a solid performing call in tough conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the duck season, the Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic has held up beautifully. There are no visible scratches or signs of wear on the acrylic, and the aluminum band still looks pristine. This speaks volumes about the quality of materials and construction.
The call requires minimal maintenance. I simply disassemble it after each hunt, wipe it down, and let it air dry. I occasionally use a call cleaner to remove any stubborn residue, but that’s about it.
Compared to my older calls, the Duck Commander far outperforms them in terms of sound quality and durability. The poly-carbonate call became brittle in cold weather, and the wooden call required frequent tuning. The Duck Commander call has been consistently reliable and sounds great every time I use it.
Breaking Down the Features of Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic
Specifications
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance.
- Type: Duck Call.
- Species: Duck.
- Material: Acrylic.
- Sound Species: Ducks.
- Electronic: No.
- Color: White/Green.
- Style: Mouth.
The fact that it’s made of acrylic is a major selling point. Acrylic is known for its durability, weather resistance, and consistent sound projection. The White/Green color might seem cosmetic, but it adds to the call’s visual appeal, especially when you’re trying to look your best in a duck blind.
The “mouth” style indicates a traditional, non-electronic duck call, relying on the hunter’s skill to produce realistic sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic excels at producing a wide range of duck sounds, from the soft feeding chuckle of mallards to the aggressive comeback call of a hen looking for her flock. It has excellent range and volume.
Its strengths include its consistent tone, ease of use (once you get the hang of it), and durability. One weakness is that it can be a bit loud for close-range calling in timber.
The call absolutely meets my expectations. It’s a reliable, well-made call that produces realistic duck sounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic feels substantial and well-balanced in hand. The acrylic is smooth and comfortable, even after extended use.
It is user-friendly, but there is a slight learning curve. New users will need to practice to master the different tones and calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic construction ensures excellent durability. This call is built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
It is easy to maintain. Just disassemble, clean, and dry after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, the call is compatible with most standard duck call lanyards.
There aren’t many customization options available for this specific model, aside from adding a different lanyard. You could experiment with different reeds to adjust the tone, but the factory setup is excellent as is.
Pros and Cons of Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic
Pros
- Excellent sound quality: Produces a wide range of realistic duck sounds.
- Durable acrylic construction: Built to withstand harsh hunting conditions.
- Relatively easy to use: Suitable for both beginner and experienced callers.
- Aesthetically pleasing design: The White/Green color and brushed aluminum band add a touch of class.
- Consistent performance: Performs reliably in various weather conditions.
Cons
- Can be too loud for close-range calling in timber.
- Slight learning curve for new users.
Who Should Buy Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic?
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic is perfect for duck hunters of all skill levels who want a reliable, durable, and great-sounding call. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who hunt in open water or large fields, where the call’s volume and range are advantageous.
Those who primarily hunt in close-quarters timber might find the call too loud. Beginner hunters who are not willing to put in the time to practice may become frustrated with the slight learning curve.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality duck call lanyard to keep the call secure and readily accessible.
Conclusion on Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic
The Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic is a top-notch duck call that delivers on its promises. It combines superior sound quality, durable construction, and a sleek design.
At $71.99, the price is justified, especially considering the call’s performance and longevity. It’s an investment that will pay off in the duck blind.
I would highly recommend the Duck Commander DCPROAO Pro Series Acrylic to any duck hunter looking to upgrade their calling game. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality call can make!