Let’s Talk About DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC game call from DUCK promises to be a crucial piece of gear for any serious waterfowl hunter. Priced at $69.59, it enters a competitive market where sound quality, durability, and ease of use can make or break a hunter’s success in the field. My decade-plus of experience with outdoor and tactical equipment, including countless hours spent evaluating game calls, gives me a unique perspective to assess whether this call lives up to its “Pro Series” designation.
What drew me to this particular call was the promise of an acrylic build and smoke finish. I wanted to upgrade from my polycarb call to acrylic, as the denser material typically yields richer, more resonant tones. The fact that I don’t have any smoke acrylic calls in my arsenal sealed the deal.
Upon receiving the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC, my first impression was positive. The smoke acrylic looks great! The call feels substantial in hand, hinting at the density of the acrylic and potential for quality sound. I’ve owned several acrylic calls from other manufacturers, and the initial feel is comparable. Before using, I did note that the fit and finish could be slightly more refined, but this is a minor concern at this stage.
Compared to my other duck calls, like my Buck Gardner Double Nasty and my Haydel’s Red Leg, the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC has a different feel. The Buck Gardner call is louder, while the Haydel’s call is softer and designed for close-in work. I am eager to see where this call falls between the two in terms of volume, tone, and versatility. Ultimately, I chose the DUCK call hoping it would offer a blend of range and realistic duck sounds, a middle ground between my existing calls.
I was excited to try it out, with a measured sense of optimism. I was hoping the tone lives up to the expectation of a premium acrylic call, and that it will hold up in real hunting situations.
Real-World Testing: Putting DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC came during a scouting trip to a local waterfowl refuge. While there weren’t any ducks to hunt, it allowed me to experiment with different calling sequences and assess the call’s tonal range and responsiveness. The refuge offered a range of conditions, from open water to flooded timber.
I found that the call performed well in relatively calm conditions. The sound carried surprisingly well across the open water. However, in windy conditions, the sound seemed to get lost. The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC took a little getting used to. It requires a bit more air pressure than my other calls to produce the full range of duck sounds.
One issue that emerged after my initial use was moisture buildup. The call seemed prone to sticking, requiring me to disassemble it and dry the reed frequently. This could be a major problem in cold weather if moisture freezes inside the call.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, primarily during early teal season, the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC has held up reasonably well, but some initial concerns have persisted. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the acrylic body itself. The reeds, however, are showing slight discoloration and fraying.
Regular cleaning and drying are essential to maintain the call’s performance. I have found that blowing the call apart to dry it out after each hunt is a must. Despite this, it still requires more attention than some of my other calls. It performs adequately, but hasn’t wowed me.
Compared to my older Haydel’s call, which requires almost no maintenance, the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC falls short in terms of reliability and ease of use. The sound quality of the DUCK call is undoubtedly better, but the constant need for maintenance is a significant drawback.
Breaking Down the Features of DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC
Specifications
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC is a single-reed duck call constructed from smoke-colored acrylic. Its Mfg Item Num: is DCPROAS and Supplier SKU: 111428. The call falls under the Category: GAME CALLS. These technical details provide a basic understanding of the call’s construction and intended purpose.
The fact that it’s made of acrylic is crucial for sound quality. Acrylic is denser than polycarbonate, which is often used in less expensive calls. A denser material allows for greater resonance, resulting in a richer, more realistic duck sound, which is a key component for a quality hunting experience. The single reed design impacts the ease of operation, calling style, and tone.
Performance & Functionality
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC is capable of producing a wide range of duck sounds, from high-pitched hail calls to soft, close-in feeding chuckles. It is versatile enough for different hunting situations. However, its performance is heavily dependent on the user’s skill and the call’s condition.
The main strength of the call is its potential for producing realistic duck sounds. The acrylic construction provides a clear, resonant tone that can fool even wary birds. The biggest weakness is its tendency to stick, which can lead to missed opportunities. In my opinion, it partially meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC features a simple, straightforward design. The smoke acrylic is visually appealing, and the call feels comfortable in hand. Its weight provides a sense of quality and durability.
The call is reasonably user-friendly, although beginners may find it challenging to master. It requires a certain amount of breath control and finesse to produce consistent, realistic sounds. It also requires cleaning after each hunt!
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic body of the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC should last for many seasons with proper care. Acrylic is a durable material, resistant to cracking and fading. However, the reeds are likely to require replacement periodically, depending on usage and maintenance.
Disassembling the call for cleaning and reed replacement is relatively straightforward. However, the frequency with which it needs to be done is a concern. It’s worth noting that reeds are a consumable item and will eventually need replacing on any call, regardless of price.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC does not come with any additional accessories. There aren’t any readily available customization options, beyond potentially experimenting with different reeds from other manufacturers.
It would be beneficial if the DUCK offered replacement reeds specifically designed for this call. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited, as duck calls are generally not designed for extensive customization.
Pros and Cons of DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC
Pros
- The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC has the potential to produce very realistic duck sounds.
- The smoke acrylic construction offers good durability.
- The price point is reasonable for an acrylic duck call.
- Versatile tonal range allows for various calling styles.
- Comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Cons
- The call is prone to sticking due to moisture buildup.
- Requires frequent maintenance to maintain optimal performance.
- May be challenging for beginners to master.
Who Should Buy DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC?
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC is perfect for experienced waterfowl hunters looking for a reasonably priced acrylic call with the potential for realistic sound. It’s also a good option for hunters who are willing to dedicate the time and effort required for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Hunters who are new to duck calling or who prefer a low-maintenance call should skip this product. Those who hunt in extremely cold or wet conditions might also want to consider a different option.
A must-have accessory would be a small, absorbent cloth for drying the reeds during hunts. Carrying extra reeds is a good idea, as well as a small tool to disassemble the call if you’re really struggling.
Conclusion on DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC
The DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC is a decent option for experienced waterfowl hunters, at the $69.59 price point. Its acrylic construction allows for a rich, resonant tone, but its tendency to stick and require frequent maintenance is a significant drawback.
The price is justifiable, given the quality of the materials, but the overall value proposition is diminished by the call’s performance issues. This makes it a challenging decision for the user.
I would cautiously recommend it. Its ability to produce realistic duck sounds is undeniable. However, potential buyers should be fully aware of its maintenance requirements. Be prepared to spend some extra time cleaning the DUCK DCPROAS PRO SERIES SMOKE ACRYLIC. If you’re diligent, you’ll enjoy this call.