The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED Made a Bold First Impression
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED waterfowl call from ECHO Calls promises to be a versatile tool for both novice and seasoned duck hunters, particularly in timber-rich environments. I’ve spent over a decade chasing waterfowl in diverse habitats, from flooded rice fields to thick, green timber, and a reliable call is paramount to success. The lure of a handcrafted wood barrel coupled with a user-friendly double reed system immediately piqued my interest.
I was looking for a call that could consistently produce soft, alluring tones without requiring advanced calling techniques. Many calls on the market require a lot of air pressure or specific tongue movements to achieve the right sound, which can be tiring and frustrating. The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED seemed to offer a good balance of aesthetics and functionality, promising ease of use and a realistic duck sound.
Upon receiving the call, the first thing I noticed was the rich, warm feel of the natural diamondwood barrel. The craftsmanship was evident, with a smooth, polished finish that felt comfortable in my hand. Compared to mass-produced acrylic calls, the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED exuded a sense of quality and artistry.
I considered other double-reed timber calls like the Duck Commander Duck Picker and the Primos Yo Sista, but the allure of the handcrafted wood and the promise of a softer, more realistic tone drew me to the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED. Many mass produced calls sound shrill and unnatural, especially in close quarters. I was hoping that the hand-tuned wood barrel would provide a richer, more natural sound.
My initial impression was one of excitement. The call looked and felt like a premium product. I was eager to put it to the test in the field and see if it lived up to its promise of being easy to blow and effective in timber environments.
Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED during an early teal season hunt in a flooded green timber reservoir. The reservoir was surrounded by thick cypress and willow trees. The conditions were relatively calm, with a light breeze and overcast skies.
The call performed admirably in the close-quarters environment of the timber. It was noticeably easier to produce soft, subtle quacks and feeding chuckles compared to my single-reed calls. The double reed design allowed me to create a convincing impression of contented ducks without overblowing the call or sounding too aggressive.
I didn’t encounter any significant issues during the first use. The call was relatively easy to control, and the sound quality remained consistent even after extended periods of calling. The only slight surprise was the amount of moisture buildup in the call after prolonged use, which slightly altered the tone until cleared.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the duck season, the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. The diamondwood barrel has held up well to regular use, showing no signs of cracking or warping despite exposure to wet conditions. The polycarbonate insert has also maintained its integrity, ensuring consistent sound quality.
Maintaining the call has been relatively simple. After each hunt, I disassemble the call and allow the components to air dry. I occasionally clean the reeds with a cotton swab to remove any debris or moisture buildup.
Compared to some of my other calls, the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED requires slightly more frequent cleaning due to the wood barrel being more susceptible to moisture absorption. However, the ease of use and realistic sound quality more than make up for this minor inconvenience. It outperforms many of my acrylic calls in close-range, timber scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED
Specifications
- Barrel Material: Natural Diamondwood. This provides a warm, natural sound and a comfortable grip.
- Insert Material: Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate ensures durability and consistent sound production.
- Reed Type: Double Reed. The double reed design simplifies calling and produces a soft, appealing tone.
- Intended Use: Green Timber. This call excels in environments with close-range calling scenarios.
- Price: $51.99. The price point makes it an accessible option for both beginner and experienced hunters.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the call’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The diamondwood barrel provides a distinct sound that cannot be replicated by acrylic or plastic calls. The double reed configuration minimizes the learning curve and maximizes the call’s effectiveness in close-range hunting situations.
Performance & Functionality
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED performs exceptionally well in its intended environment. The soft, subtle tones it produces are highly effective at luring ducks into close range in timber settings. The double reed design makes it easy to create a range of duck sounds, from soft quacks to contented feeding chuckles.
The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and realistic sound quality. Its primary weakness is its slightly increased maintenance requirements compared to fully synthetic calls. It definitely meets my expectations for a user-friendly and effective timber call.
Design & Ergonomics
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED boasts a well-designed and ergonomic construction. The natural diamondwood barrel feels comfortable in the hand and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The call is lightweight and easy to carry, even for extended periods.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. Even novice callers should be able to produce convincing duck sounds with minimal practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED is reasonably durable, but requires more care than all-synthetic calls. The diamondwood barrel is treated to resist moisture, but should be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent warping or cracking. The polycarbonate insert is highly durable and should withstand years of use with proper care.
Maintaining the call involves disassembling it after each hunt, allowing the components to air dry, and occasionally cleaning the reeds. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble the call.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED does not come with any specific accessories. There are no officially supported customization options, but the reeds could potentially be replaced with aftermarket reeds if desired. The call is compatible with standard lanyards for easy carrying.
Pros and Cons of ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED
Pros
- Produces soft, realistic duck sounds ideal for timber hunting.
- Very easy to blow, making it suitable for beginners.
- Handcrafted natural diamondwood barrel provides a comfortable grip and unique aesthetic.
- Affordable price point.
- Durable polycarbonate insert ensures consistent sound quality.
Cons
- Requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance compared to acrylic calls.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED?
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED is perfect for duck hunters who primarily hunt in timber environments and are looking for a user-friendly call that produces soft, realistic sounds. It is an excellent choice for beginner callers who want to quickly master the basics of duck calling. This is also a good call for seasoned hunters who want to add a soft-toned, close-range option to their arsenal.
Hunters who primarily hunt in open water or large fields may find that a more aggressive single-reed call is better suited to their needs. Individuals who are unwilling to dedicate the time to properly maintain a wood-barreled call should also consider other options. A must-have accessory is a high-quality lanyard.
Conclusion on ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED
The ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED is an excellent waterfowl call that delivers on its promise of being easy to blow and effective in timber environments. The combination of a handcrafted natural diamondwood barrel and a user-friendly double reed system creates a call that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The price is justified by the call’s performance, durability, and ease of use.
I would personally recommend the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED to any duck hunter looking for a reliable and effective timber call. Its soft, realistic tones and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s gear. So, if you’re ready to enhance your timber hunting game, give the ECHO TIMBER NATURAL DIAMNDWOOD/POLY DBL REED a try – you won’t be disappointed!