The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call isn’t just another call; it’s a legacy. For seasoned waterfowlers like myself, the name Haydels evokes images of flooded timber, cold November mornings, and the satisfying sight of mallards cupping their wings to land. When I saw the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call, especially with the story behind its creation, I knew I had to try it.
My primary duck hunting is in thick timber where the sound needs to be just right. I’ve previously used polycarb calls that work okay, but lack the richness of tone I’m after, and some acrylic calls that are too loud and echo excessively in the confined space. The story of this call being born from requests to keep the 25th-anniversary call in the line piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The acrylic felt smooth and durable, and the double reed setup looked promising. Compared to my older, single-reed calls, this one felt like an upgrade, promising a wider range of tones and more realistic sounds. I chose this call over other acrylic options because of Haydels’s reputation for quality and the specific claim of it sounding great in timber.
My first impression was one of excitement mixed with anticipation. The weight and feel were reassuring, suggesting a quality product, and the story behind the call made me eager to get out into the field and put it to the test. I couldn’t wait to see if the claims of “filling the hole black with mallards” held true.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call was a crisp morning on a small, heavily wooded lake. The air was still, and a light fog hung over the water, perfect conditions for testing a timber call. I hunted from a natural blind along the shoreline, trying to blend in with the surrounding trees.
The call performed admirably, even with a bit of moisture from my breath condensing inside. The sound was rich and full, carrying well through the timber without being overly loud or echoing excessively. It did take me a few minutes to adjust to the double reed, finding the right pressure and air flow to produce the desired sounds. There were no immediate issues, though I noticed the tone changed slightly depending on my hand position on the call.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the duck season, the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call has held up remarkably well. The acrylic shows no signs of cracking or fading, even after being exposed to harsh weather conditions. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick rinse with water and a blast of air to clear the reeds is all it takes.
Compared to my previous calls, the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call offers a significant improvement in sound quality and versatility. It’s now my go-to call for hunting in timber and smaller, more confined areas. I’m much more confident in my ability to mimic realistic mallard sounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call
Specifications
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call features a double reed design, crafted from durable acrylic. Its single purpose is to sound like a Mallard Duck. The call is designed specifically for timber hunting, emphasizing a softer, more natural sound.
The acrylic construction provides excellent durability and resistance to moisture, crucial for withstanding harsh hunting conditions. The double reed configuration allows for a wider range of tones and greater versatility in mimicking different mallard vocalizations. The price of $23.96 makes it an accessible option for both beginner and experienced hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call excels in its primary function: producing realistic mallard sounds in timber environments. The double reed design allows for easy creation of quacks, feeding chuckles, and other common mallard vocalizations. The tone is rich and full, effectively attracting ducks without being overly loud or unnatural.
Its strength lies in its ability to produce a soft, realistic sound that is ideal for close-range calling in timber. A potential weakness could be its performance in open water where a louder, more aggressive call might be needed. It definitely meets my expectations, and has become my go-to call for timber hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call is designed with a focus on both functionality and durability. The acrylic material provides a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The call is lightweight and easy to handle, allowing for extended use without fatigue.
The user-friendly design minimizes the learning curve, allowing hunters of all skill levels to quickly master its use. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic construction ensures that the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call is built to last. It can withstand repeated use and exposure to harsh weather conditions without significant wear and tear. The smooth surface of the acrylic makes it easy to clean and maintain, preventing the buildup of dirt and moisture.
With proper care, this call should last for many seasons, making it a worthwhile investment for any duck hunter. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help to extend its lifespan and maintain its performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on the call itself. Customization options are limited, as the call is designed as a complete unit. However, the lanyard attachment point allows for easy integration with any standard duck call lanyard.
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call is compatible with most standard lanyards. Aftermarket modifications are not common, as the call is designed to perform optimally in its stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call
Pros
- Produces realistic mallard sounds perfect for timber hunting.
- Durable acrylic construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use, even for beginners, thanks to the double reed design.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.
- Rich, full tone effectively attracts ducks without being overly loud.
Cons
- May not be loud enough for open water hunting.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call?
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call is perfect for duck hunters who primarily hunt in timber, flooded fields, or other confined areas where a softer, more realistic call is needed. It’s a great choice for beginner callers who want an easy-to-use call that produces quality sounds. Experienced hunters looking for a reliable timber call will also appreciate its performance.
This product may not be the best choice for hunters who primarily hunt in large, open water environments where a louder, more aggressive call is necessary to reach distant birds. Those who prefer highly customizable calls with a wide range of aftermarket options may also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory is a quality duck call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible. Some hunters might also consider a call carrying case to protect the call when not in use.
Conclusion on Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call
The Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call is a well-designed, durable, and effective call that delivers on its promise of producing realistic mallard sounds in timber environments. Its ease of use and affordable price make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced duck hunters. The quality of sound you get at this price point is incredible.
The price of $23.96 is more than justified, considering the quality of construction and the effectiveness of the call. This is a call that will last and perform, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious duck hunter.
I would absolutely recommend the Haydels Acrylic Mallard Duck Call to anyone looking for a reliable and effective timber call. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality call can make in your next duck hunt!