First Impressions of Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call immediately promises a powerhouse of sound, designed for the serious duck hunter. Flambeau has a long-standing reputation for producing affordable, reliable hunting gear, and this call seems to be squarely aimed at those needing to cut through the wind and reach distant flocks. It’s more than just a simple quacker; it’s designed for complex calling sequences.
My hunting grounds often feature large, open water expanses with gusty winds. I’ve struggled to get ducks to commit from a distance with quieter calls, which led me to search for a high-volume option. I needed a call that could deliver convincing hail calls and then transition to softer, more inviting quacks to seal the deal.
Upon unboxing the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call, the first thing that struck me was its robust construction. The molded plastic feels durable, and the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo pattern blends seamlessly with marsh environments. It felt surprisingly light, and well-balanced in my hand, not cumbersome like some other megaphone-style calls I’ve handled.
Compared to my old single-reed call and a higher-end acrylic double reed, the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call felt different. I considered a competing brand’s polycarbonate megaphone, but I opted for the Flambeau due to its reputation for ease of use with double-reed systems and the trusted name. The acrylic sounded fantastic, but it was more of an investment than I wanted to make for a dedicated “loud” call.
I was excited but also slightly apprehensive. Could this call deliver the volume needed to reach distant ducks without sounding harsh or unnatural? I knew I had to get it in the field and give it a real try.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call out to a local reservoir during the early teal season. The weather was classic early fall – a mix of sunshine and intermittent showers with a steady breeze blowing across the water. I set up along the bank, hidden amongst some cattails.
The call was immediately impressive. Its volume was noticeably louder than my other calls, and the sound carried well across the open water. I started with some aggressive hail calls, and I could see teal lifting off the water almost a mile away. I was able to bring several groups into range.
The transition to softer quacks was surprisingly smooth. I did have to adjust my air pressure and tongue control, but the double-reed J-frame design proved to be more versatile than I initially anticipated. My first day with the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call was a success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting with the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call, I can confidently say it’s a reliable piece of gear. There are no signs of cracking or fading in the plastic. The camo finish has held up well despite being subjected to mud, water, and general abuse in my blind bag.
Maintenance is a breeze. I simply rinse it with fresh water after each hunt and let it air dry. I haven’t had to adjust the reeds at all. My previous experiences with similar calls often involved constant tinkering with the reeds, making the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call a breath of fresh air (pun intended).
The call continues to outperform my expectations as a high-volume, long-range duck attractor. It has become my go-to call when the wind is howling or when I’m hunting large bodies of water. It is a tool that I keep in my blind bag for any situation, however extreme.
Breaking Down the Features of Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Flambeau
- Design: Double-reed J-frame
- Color: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
- Intended Use: Duck Calling
- Key Features: Hard-hitting, max-volume hail strings and commanding comeback calls; agile, tone-controllable quacks
These specifications translate to a call designed for long-range communication and close-range coaxing. The double-reed J-frame design allows for a wider range of tones and volume control.
Performance & Functionality
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call excels at producing loud, attention-grabbing hail calls that can reach distant birds. It transitions relatively smoothly to softer quacks, though this requires some practice. The call’s primary strength is its ability to cut through wind and cover vast distances.
The main area for improvement would be the refinement of the low-end sound; it can be a little raspy compared to high-end custom calls. The call undoubtedly meets my expectations. It is a reliable high-volume caller.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call is constructed from durable molded plastic. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, and its Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo finish provides excellent concealment. The ergonomics are good, fitting comfortably in the hand and allowing for easy manipulation.
The call is user-friendly. Even beginners can quickly learn to produce basic duck sounds. A little practice will allow the average hunter to achieve proficiency.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust plastic construction, the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call is built to last. It can withstand the rigors of duck hunting in various weather conditions. As mentioned previously, maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only a rinse with fresh water after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call doesn’t come with any accessories, nor is it really designed for extensive customization. The reeds can be replaced if necessary, but the call is primarily intended to be used as is. Its compatibility with after-market accessories is minimal.
Pros and Cons of Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call
Pros
- High Volume: Excellent for reaching distant ducks, even in windy conditions.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing both loud hail calls and softer quacks.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Easy to Use: Suitable for both beginners and experienced callers.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Low-end sound can be a bit raspy compared to higher-end calls.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call?
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call is perfect for duck hunters who frequently hunt large bodies of water or in windy conditions. It’s also an excellent choice for beginners looking for a reliable, easy-to-use call that won’t break the bank. This duck call is great for those who want to improve their success when visibility and sound travel are challenging.
Hunters who prefer a more refined, nuanced sound or who desire extensive customization options might want to skip this product and invest in a higher-end acrylic call. There are definitely calls out there that sound better, but for a general-purpose, high-volume, affordable call, this one delivers. A lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call
The Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call is a reliable and affordable option for duck hunters needing a high-volume call. Its ability to produce both loud hail calls and softer quacks makes it a versatile tool for attracting ducks in a variety of situations. Given its durable construction and ease of use, the price is certainly justified.
I would definitely recommend the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call to anyone looking for a dependable call that can cut through the wind and reach distant flocks. If you want to improve your success in the field, give the Flambeau Stuttgart Megaphone Duck Call a try and experience the difference it can make. Add it to your cart today and get ready to call in those ducks!