ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic Review

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic Made a Bold First Impression

Duck hunting isn’t just a pastime; it’s a deeply ingrained tradition passed down through generations. For over a decade, I’ve pursued waterfowl across diverse landscapes, and the tools I use are critical to success. That’s why I was particularly excited to get my hands on the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic.

My old call, a trusty polycarbonate double reed, served me well, but I was looking for something with more volume and rasp for those long-distance calls. I’d been struggling to reach birds on windy days and in larger bodies of water. I needed a call that could cut through the noise and get their attention.

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic arrived well-packaged. My first impression was one of quality; the black matte finish gave it a sleek, professional look. The acrylic felt substantial and well-machined.

I considered several other single-reed acrylic calls before settling on this one. Duck Commander’s Jase Robertson Pro Series and Haydel’s DR-85 were also in the running. However, the ECHO CALLS, INC call’s reputation for loudness and raspy tone, combined with its single-reed design for easier control, ultimately swayed me.

Initial impressions were excellent. I was immediately impressed by its weight and feel. I was excited to put it to the test in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic was on a sprawling marsh in central Arkansas. It was a crisp morning with a steady 15 mph wind, conditions where my old call often struggled. I wanted to immediately gauge its effectiveness under less-than-ideal conditions.

The call performed admirably in the wind. It produced loud, raspy quacks that carried across the marsh, quickly grabbing the attention of a distant flock of mallards. The single reed was surprisingly easy to control, allowing me to produce a range of calls, from aggressive greeting calls to softer feeding chuckles.

There was a slight learning curve. Achieving the perfect “barking quack” required a bit of practice to master the air presentation. However, after about an hour of experimenting, I felt confident in my ability to produce the sounds ECHO CALLS, INC intended.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hunting with the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic, I can attest to its durability and consistent performance. The acrylic has held up perfectly, showing no signs of wear or scratches. The tone and responsiveness have remained consistent across a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Maintenance is simple. I occasionally disassemble the call and clean the reed with mild soap and water. Keeping it clean is key to maintaining optimal performance.

Compared to my previous polycarbonate double-reed, the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic is a significant upgrade. Its increased volume and rasp have undeniably improved my ability to attract ducks, especially at longer distances. It’s a much more effective call in open water and windy conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic

Specifications

• Material: Acrylic. This ensures durability and superior sound projection compared to polycarbonate.
• Reed Type: Single Reed. This design allows for greater volume and easier control for many callers.
• Finish: Black Matte. The matte finish not only looks great but also provides a non-slip grip, even in wet conditions.
• Tuning: Loud and Raspy Barking Quack. Designed to cut through wind and distance, attracting ducks from afar.
• Price: $110.49. This places it in the mid-range for acrylic duck calls.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s performance in the field. Acrylic provides superior sound quality and durability. The single reed simplifies use while still delivering the necessary volume and rasp.

Performance & Functionality

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic excels in its primary function: attracting ducks. It consistently produces loud, raspy quacks that carry over long distances. The call is responsive and allows for a wide range of tones, from aggressive greeting calls to soft feeding chuckles.

The main strength of this call is its loudness and rasp. It cuts through wind and background noise far better than my previous calls. The main weakness is the learning curve; mastering the single reed takes practice.

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic meets and exceeds my expectations. It provides the volume and rasp I was looking for, and its durability inspires confidence in the field. It is a worthwhile upgrade for any serious duck hunter.

Design & Ergonomics

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic features a well-balanced design that is comfortable to hold and blow. The black matte finish provides a secure grip, even when wet. The weight feels substantial without being cumbersome.

The call is user-friendly, but mastering the single reed requires some practice. New users may need to experiment with different air pressures and tongue positions to achieve the desired sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The acrylic construction suggests that the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic should last for many seasons with proper care. The material is resistant to cracking and fading. It has survived an entire season of hard use without any signs of degradation.

Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembling the call, cleaning the reed with mild soap and water, and reassembling it is all that’s required. This is a simple task.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic does not come with any additional accessories. It’s a standalone call, designed for immediate use. There are no specific customization options available directly from ECHO CALLS, INC.

However, the standard reed size allows for the possibility of replacing the reed with aftermarket options, though I haven’t felt the need to do so. The core design is well-suited to its purpose, and swapping components would likely be unnecessary.

Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic

Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic?

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic is perfect for:

• Experienced duck hunters who need a loud, raspy call for open water and windy conditions.
• Hunters looking to upgrade from polycarbonate calls to the superior sound quality and durability of acrylic.
• Individuals who prefer the control and responsiveness of a single reed.

This product is NOT for:

• Beginner duck hunters who may struggle with the single-reed design and might be better off starting with a simpler double-reed call.
• Hunters on a very tight budget, as cheaper options are available.

A must-have accessory would be a lanyard for carrying the call safely in the field.

Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic

The ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic is a high-quality duck call that delivers exceptional volume and a realistic, raspy tone. Its acrylic construction ensures durability, and its single-reed design offers a degree of control that many hunters will appreciate. While there’s a slight learning curve, the improved performance makes it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.

The price of $110.49 is justified by the superior materials, construction, and performance. Cheaper calls are available, but they often lack the volume, realism, and durability of the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic.

I personally recommend the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic to any experienced duck hunter looking to upgrade their calling game. It’s a reliable, effective tool that will help you bring more birds to your spread. So, if you’re ready to take your duck hunting to the next level, give the ECHO CALLS, INC Ace in The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic a try; you won’t be disappointed!