The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call promises to deliver raspy, realistic turkey sounds, tailor-made for the serious hunter. Made by Duck Commander, the call features a triple reed design geared toward professional-level calling. The goal is a wide range of tones, from sharp cutts to seductive purrs, all from a single, latex diaphragm.
I’ve spent over a decade chasing longbeards across various terrains and weather conditions. Finding a call that consistently produces the right sounds, is comfortable to use, and holds up to the rigors of the hunt has always been a quest. This search, coupled with Duck Commander’s reputation, led me to the Gob-Father.
The packaging was simple, letting the call speak for itself. Immediately, I noticed the thinness of the latex. It seemed delicate but potentially responsive.
Compared to my usual slate call and a competitor’s single-reed diaphragm, the Gob-Father appeared more complex. The triple reed design hinted at greater versatility, which was the main selling point over my usual calls. Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Gob-Father was during a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The morning was crisp, with a slight breeze rustling through the oak trees. I was set up overlooking a field edge where turkeys often strutted.
The call required some initial practice to get the airflow and tongue pressure just right. I started with soft clucks and purrs to avoid spooking anything. The Gob-Father responded beautifully, producing incredibly realistic sounds. However, after around 45 minutes, the call started to get a little wet making it harder to produce consistent sounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple states and hunting scenarios, the Gob-Father has proven to be a reliable performer, with some caveats. It has held its tone and shape. The latex, while initially delicate, has not torn or frayed significantly.
Cleaning is relatively simple, involving rinsing it with water and letting it air dry. However, after repeated wet/dry cycles, the latex can become a bit stiff. Compared to my older diaphragm calls, the Gob-Father definitely requires more finesse. Its raspy tones are unmatched when executed properly.
Breaking Down the Features of Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call
Specifications
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call is defined by its key features.
- Material: The call utilizes latex for the reeds. This provides the flexibility needed for varied sound production.
- Reed Design: A triple reed configuration. This offers the potential for a broader spectrum of turkey vocalizations.
- Design Target: Specifically made for professional callers. This indicates a focus on advanced techniques and realistic sound replication.
These specifications matter because they dictate the call’s sound quality and ease of use. The latex is crucial for producing a wide range of sounds. The triple reed design offers experienced callers the tools to mimic realistic turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call shines when it comes to mimicking a wide variety of turkey sounds. It’s especially adept at producing raspy yelps and cutts. The Gob-Father allows me to create very convincing mature hen sounds.
The call’s biggest strength is its ability to produce diverse tones. A weakness, however, is the steeper learning curve. It definitely meets expectations for sound quality, but demands practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The call’s design is relatively standard for diaphragm calls. The Gob-Father’s build quality appears to be good. The latex seems adequately durable.
It is designed to fit comfortably in the mouth. There’s a moderate learning curve to master the air pressure and tongue movements.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Gob-Father should last at least a season, potentially more. Cleaning is simple. Simply rinse with water and allow to air dry.
The latex can degrade over time with repeated use. Replacement may be necessary to maintain optimal sound quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. The call is designed as a standalone product.
It is compatible with call holders commonly used for diaphragm calls. This allows for convenient storage and access while hunting.
Pros and Cons of Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Triple reed design allows for a vast range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Excellent raspy tones perfect for imitating mature hens.
- Relatively durable latex construction.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Produces realistic cutts, yelps, and purrs.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to single-reed calls.
- Latex can become stiff after repeated wet/dry cycles.
Who Should Buy Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call?
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters. It is also suitable for those who demand realistic sound quality. Also, hunters who are willing to dedicate time to practice and master diaphragm calling techniques.
Beginner turkey hunters might find the learning curve too steep. Hunters who prefer simpler, more forgiving calls should avoid this product. A call holder is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call
The Duck Commander Gob-Father Diaphragm Call offers outstanding realism and versatility for experienced turkey hunters. Its raspy tones and wide range of sounds are truly impressive. The price is justified for the level of performance.
I would recommend it to seasoned callers seeking to elevate their game. However, be prepared to invest time in mastering its nuances. Ultimately, the Gob-Father is a powerful tool.