The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic Made a Bold First Impression
The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic call promises versatility, capable of both reaching out across open water and coaxing hesitant birds in the timber. Coming from Echo Calls, Inc, a name respected in the duck hunting world, the XLT immediately piqued my interest. This single-reed acrylic call aims to be a do-it-all solution for duck hunters, a claim I was eager to verify through extensive field testing.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a single call that truly excels in both open water and timber situations. I was hoping the ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic could finally fill that void, simplifying my lanyard and improving my hunting success. The promise of a “Loud Ringing Hail Call” that also gets “Soft and Nasty” had me very optimistic.
The call arrived securely packaged. My first impression was excellent, the black acrylic gleaming with a high-quality finish. It felt substantial in hand, a testament to the materials used, with a comfortable weight and a design that inspired confidence.
Compared to my other go-to calls, a Haydel’s DR-85 and a Duck Commander Triple Threat, the XLT seemed a bit more refined. I chose the XLT for its advertised versatility, while the others are more specialized for specific scenarios. The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic’s promise of a single call doing it all was enticing.
Initially, I was excited about the possibilities. The call looked and felt like a premium product, and I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype in the field. It definitely had me curious and ready to put it to the test against some real ducks.
Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic was on a public hunting area with a mix of flooded timber and open water. I wanted to see if it truly lived up to its “Xtra Loud Timber” designation. The weather was typical for late season: cold and drizzly.
In the open water, the XLT did a decent job of producing loud hail calls. It cut through the wind well, and I could tell the sound was carrying. Switching to the timber, I found I needed to adjust my air presentation significantly to get those soft, enticing sounds.
It definitely took some getting used to. At first, my “soft and nasty” attempts sounded more like a strangled goose. However, after about an hour of practice, I started to find the sweet spot, producing some realistic feeding chuckles and quiet quacks.
The first hunt yielded mixed results. While I did manage to call in a few mallards, I felt like I was working harder than usual to get the sounds I wanted, and I was not impressed on my first attempt..
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic has become a regular part of my lanyard, though not necessarily my first choice. It requires a very specific amount of air and back pressure to get just right, and on a cold morning, it can be finicky. The acrylic material held up great in different conditions, so I never felt worried about the construction.
The call still looks as good as new despite being exposed to mud, water, and the occasional accidental drop. Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with warm water, and it’s good to go. This is a plus over some of my calls with cork reeds, which require more careful maintenance.
Compared to my old faithful DR-85, the XLT requires more finesse. While the DR-85 is purely a loud, open-water call, it’s incredibly reliable. The XLT offers a broader range of sounds but demands greater precision from the user. It did exceed my expectations for build quality and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic
Specifications
- The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic is a single-reed duck call. This design is intended to offer a good balance of ease of use and versatility in creating realistic duck sounds.
- The call is constructed from acrylic. This material offers excellent durability and weather resistance, as well as producing a clear, crisp sound.
- The call is black in color. A simple design that blends well with hunting gear and conditions.
- The XLT is designed to produce both loud hail calls and soft timber calls. This versatility makes it a good option for hunters who hunt in a variety of environments.
- The price is $114.49. The cost positions it in the mid-to-high range for duck calls, suggesting a premium build and sound quality.
These specifications are important because they dictate the call’s performance, durability, and suitability for different hunting scenarios. The single reed impacts ease of use and range of sounds, while the acrylic construction ensures it will withstand harsh weather conditions. The sound clarity is a major factor and is crucial for realistic duck vocalization.
Performance & Functionality
The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic performs adequately, but not exceptionally, in both open water and timber situations. It can produce loud hail calls that reach out, but it requires practice to get the tone just right. Soft timber calls are achievable, but the learning curve is steeper than with dedicated timber calls.
The main strength is its attempt at versatility, but this is also its weakness. A dedicated open-water call will typically outperform it in loudness, while a dedicated timber call will be easier to manipulate for soft sounds. The XLT meets expectations in build quality and attempts to exceed them in sonic range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The acrylic is polished to a smooth finish, and the call feels comfortable in hand. It has a good weight to it, which contributes to the feeling of quality.
The design is generally user-friendly, but mastering the nuances of the single reed requires dedication. It does not have an intuitive learning curve. More experienced callers will likely adapt to it quicker than beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic construction suggests that the ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic will last for many seasons with proper care. Acrylic is very resistant to cracking or breaking under normal hunting conditions. The reed is easily replaceable.
Maintenance is straightforward. Rinsing with water and occasional cleaning of the reed is all that’s required to keep it in top condition. No special tools or cleaning agents are necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The call does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited to replacing the reed with a different brand or type. The acrylic material can be engraved if desired, but this is purely cosmetic.
The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic is compatible with standard lanyards. Its design is relatively universal, so it should work with most aftermarket accessories. This simplicity is a plus for hunters who prefer to keep things streamlined.
Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic
Pros
- Good build quality and durable acrylic construction.
- Versatile enough for both open water and timber hunting.
- Relatively easy to maintain.
- Produces clear and crisp sound.
- Respected manufacturer.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to dedicated open-water or timber calls.
- Price is relatively high for a single-reed call.
- Doesn’t excel in either open water or timber environments, but attempts to do both well.
Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic?
Perfect for: Duck hunters who primarily hunt in areas with a mix of open water and timber, and who want a single call to cover all situations. Also ideal for experienced callers who are willing to invest time in mastering the nuances of the call. This is for the hunter who wants to carry one call and be able to have several tones on it.
Who should skip this product? Beginner duck hunters might find the learning curve too steep. Hunters who primarily hunt in one environment (either exclusively open water or timber) would be better served by a dedicated call optimized for that specific situation. Those on a tight budget may also want to consider less expensive options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality lanyard is essential for keeping the call readily accessible. Extra reeds are also a good idea for maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic
The ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic is a well-built and versatile duck call that attempts to bridge the gap between open water and timber hunting. It’s a good option for experienced callers who appreciate the challenge of mastering a single reed and want the convenience of carrying one call for all situations.
The price of $114.49 is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the versatility of the call. However, beginner hunters might find the learning curve too steep, and those who primarily hunt in one environment would likely be better served by a dedicated call.
Personally, I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a good call, but not a great one. If you are looking for a do-it-all solution and are willing to put in the practice, the ECHO CALLS, INC XLT Ducks Black Single Reed Acrylic is worth considering. Give it a try, practice, and see if it becomes your go-to call this hunting season.