First Impressions of Faulks Popular Goose Call
The Faulks Popular Goose Call promises to deliver a realistic goose sound in a simple, affordable package. Manufactured by Faulks, known for their variety of game calls, this call utilizes both plastic and wood to achieve its tone. It is designed to appeal to both beginner and experienced goose hunters, and the inclusion of instructions suggests a focus on ease of use. What intrigued me most was the promise of a natural, realistic tone, something crucial for attracting geese effectively.
I needed a reliable and versatile goose call for the upcoming waterfowl season, one that could mimic a range of goose vocalizations without breaking the bank. I’ve tried several high-end calls in the past with mixed results, often finding their complexity hindering rather than helping my calling sequences. The Faulks Popular Goose Call, with its straightforward design, offered a potentially refreshing return to simplicity.
Upon unboxing, the call felt surprisingly lightweight, a consequence of the plastic barrel construction. The wood insert provided a touch of traditional craftsmanship and a hint of authenticity. The build quality seemed adequate for the price point, though it lacked the refined finish of more expensive calls.
Compared to my Buck Gardner Canada Hammer II and a Zink Calls ATM Green Machine, the Faulks Popular Goose Call felt less refined. The Buck Gardner offers a louder, more aggressive tone, while the Zink is designed for nuanced, subtle calling. I chose the Faulks Popular Goose Call hoping for a good balance of both, without the hefty price tag.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While not visually stunning, the call felt solid enough, and the promise of a realistic tone held significant appeal. The light weight was a welcome surprise, potentially reducing fatigue during long calling sessions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Faulks Popular Goose Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Faulks Popular Goose Call during an early-season goose hunt on a local agricultural field. Conditions were mild, with a slight breeze and overcast skies. The surrounding fields held small flocks of Canada geese, providing ample opportunity to put the call through its paces.
The call required a bit of practice to get the hang of, initially producing more of a squeak than a honk. After about 30 minutes of experimentation, I was able to consistently produce basic goose sounds. I experienced some difficulty with back pressure, requiring some adjustment to my air presentation.
The initial calling session revealed the call’s limitations. While it could produce passable honks and clucks, it lacked the tonal complexity and responsiveness of more expensive calls. The instructions were helpful for beginners but didn’t offer advanced techniques.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Faulks Popular Goose Call has held up reasonably well. The plastic barrel shows no signs of cracking or warping, despite exposure to varying weather conditions. The wood insert has retained its shape and finish.
The call requires occasional cleaning to remove moisture and debris, preventing reed stickiness. The plastic and wood components are easily wiped down with a soft cloth. Periodic cleaning with a small brush improves the overall sound quality.
Compared to my previous experiences with higher-end calls, the Faulks Popular Goose Call is noticeably less refined. It serves as a solid entry-level option for casual goose hunters, but it doesn’t offer the nuanced control and responsiveness of professional-grade calls. The Faulks Popular Goose Call is not as loud or versatile.
Breaking Down the Features of Faulks Popular Goose Call
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Plastic/Wood. The combination provides tonal qualities of both materials.
- Weight: 0.1 oz. It’s incredibly lightweight for extended use.
- Length: 1 ft. Relatively compact and easy to handle in various hunting scenarios.
- Width: 5.2 in. This provides adequate space for proper hand placement and control.
- Height: 8 in. Offers sufficient length for proper resonance and sound projection.
These specifications highlight the Faulks Popular Goose Call’s focus on portability and ease of use. The lightweight design reduces fatigue, while the plastic and wood construction balances durability and sound quality. The dimensions contribute to comfortable handling and effective sound projection, though the plastic/wood materials are more basic than acrylic/metal construction of some higher-end calls.
Performance & Functionality
The Faulks Popular Goose Call performs adequately for basic goose calling scenarios. It can produce honks, clucks, and moans with practice. The sound quality is acceptable but lacks the richness and depth of more expensive calls.
The call’s strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. Its weakness is the limited tonal range and responsiveness. It meets the basic expectation of producing goose-like sounds, but does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Faulks Popular Goose Call features a straightforward, utilitarian design. The plastic barrel is durable and lightweight, while the wood insert adds a touch of traditional appeal. The overall weight and shape are comfortable to hold and operate.
The call is relatively user-friendly, especially for beginners. Some practice is required to master the proper air pressure and tongue control. The instructions provided are helpful for learning basic calling techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The Faulks Popular Goose Call is reasonably durable for its price point. The plastic barrel is resistant to cracking and warping, while the wood insert is treated to resist moisture damage. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for several seasons.
The call is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional cleaning with a small brush will keep it in good working condition. The simple design minimizes the risk of mechanical failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Faulks Popular Goose Call comes with basic instructions. No other accessories are included. Customization options are limited due to the call’s simple design and construction.
The call is generally not compatible with aftermarket reeds or tone boards designed for higher-end calls. Its design is fairly self-contained.
Pros and Cons of Faulks Popular Goose Call
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Lightweight and easy to carry in the field.
- Durable plastic and wood construction.
- Relatively easy to learn basic goose calling techniques.
- Produces acceptable honks, clucks, and moans.
Cons
- Limited tonal range and responsiveness.
- Lacks the richness and depth of more expensive calls.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Faulks Popular Goose Call?
Perfect for: Beginner goose hunters, casual waterfowl enthusiasts, and hunters on a tight budget. It’s also well suited to those looking for a simple, no-frills call for occasional use.
Who should skip this product? Experienced goose hunters seeking a high-performance call with advanced features should look elsewhere. Professional guides and competitive callers will also find its capabilities lacking.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard for carrying the call is essential. Practice and patience are the most important “accessories” for maximizing its potential.
Conclusion on Faulks Popular Goose Call
The Faulks Popular Goose Call is a solid entry-level option for aspiring goose hunters. It offers a balance of affordability, durability, and ease of use. While it lacks the nuanced performance of higher-end calls, it serves its intended purpose adequately.
The price is certainly justified for what you get. The Faulks Popular Goose Call is inexpensive.
I would recommend it to beginner hunters or those needing a backup call. Experienced hunters will likely want to invest in something more advanced. Overall, it is a practical and cost-effective tool for introducing newcomers to the art of goose calling. Get out there, practice those honks, and good luck filling your freezer!