The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg Made a Bold First Impression
Duck hunting isn’t just a hobby; it’s a deeply ingrained tradition passed down through generations in my family. For years, I’ve relied on hand-turned acrylic calls, appreciating their nuanced sound and craftsmanship. When I heard about the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg, promising similar sonic qualities at a much friendlier price point, I was intrigued, albeit skeptical.
My usual calls are meticulously crafted and cost a small fortune, so a molded acrylic call had a high bar to clear. I was looking for a reliable backup call that wouldn’t break the bank, something I could confidently hand to a less experienced hunter without fear of damage or loss. The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg seemed to address that need perfectly, offering a durable, affordable alternative without sacrificing essential sound characteristics.
Unboxing the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg, the first thing I noticed was its robust construction. It felt solid in hand, definitely not cheap or flimsy. The molded acrylic had a smooth, polished finish, and the overall design was reminiscent of classic duck calls, simple yet functional.
I compared it to my Primos Cut-Down Reeds and a Duck Commander Triple Threat. The Primos offers a similar aggressive, loud call, while the Duck Commander is known for its easy-blowing design. The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg seemed to aim for a middle ground, offering both volume and versatility.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it could live up to Haydel’s reputation for producing quality calls. I was surprised by the weight, it felt substantial for molded acrylic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg on a recent duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were challenging, with a stiff wind and intermittent rain. I wanted to see how it would perform under pressure.
The call performed admirably in the harsh conditions, cutting through the wind with its bright top-end sound. It was relatively easy to use, requiring only a moderate amount of air pressure to produce realistic mallard sounds. The double reed system seemed forgiving, allowing for a range of tones without much effort.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight tendency for the call to stick in extremely wet conditions. A quick tap on my waders solved the problem, but it’s something to be aware of. Overall, the first use was a positive experience, exceeding my initial expectations for a call in this price range.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg has held up surprisingly well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the acrylic body. The reeds have maintained their tone, even after repeated exposure to moisture and temperature changes.
Cleaning the call is incredibly simple, requiring only a quick rinse with water and a gentle wipe. Compared to my hand-turned calls, which require meticulous cleaning and occasional reed adjustments, the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg is remarkably low-maintenance. It outperforms some of my more expensive calls in this regard, offering reliable performance without the fuss.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg
Specifications
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg features a molded acrylic construction, providing durability and weather resistance. It utilizes a double reed system designed for ease of use and versatility. The call is specifically designed to mimic the sounds of a Redleg Mallard.
The AR-19 model is a standard size duck call, easily fitting in a lanyard or pocket. The double reed system is the key to the call’s ability to produce both a bright high-end and a raspy low-end. These specifications contribute to the call’s overall performance by offering a balance of durability, sound quality, and user-friendliness.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg excels at producing a wide range of mallard sounds. It easily transitions from high-pitched hail calls to soft, seductive feeding chuckles. The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and affordability, making it an excellent option for both novice and experienced hunters.
While it may not possess the same nuanced tonal range as a high-end hand-turned call, it certainly delivers a realistic and effective duck sound. It meets expectations for a call in its price range, providing a reliable and functional tool for attracting waterfowl.
Design & Ergonomics
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg features a simple, functional design. The molded acrylic body is comfortable to hold, even with wet or gloved hands. There is virtually no learning curve for experienced callers.
New users might require a bit of practice to master the full range of sounds. Overall, the design is practical and ergonomic, prioritizing ease of use and comfort.
Durability & Maintenance
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg is built to last. The molded acrylic body is resistant to cracking and chipping. With minimal care, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and moisture. The call’s robust construction and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for hunters who demand reliability in the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg does not come with any specific accessories. Being a duck call, there are no traditional customization options such as optics or grips. It can be used with any standard duck call lanyard.
The call is compatible with standard duck call replacement reeds, should the originals become damaged or worn. This ensures the call can be easily repaired and maintained, extending its lifespan.
Pros and Cons of Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg
Pros
- Affordable price point for an acrylic call.
- Versatile sound range, from high-pitched hails to raspy feeding calls.
- Durable molded acrylic construction.
- Easy to use, suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.
- Minimal maintenance required.
Cons
- Can stick slightly in extremely wet conditions.
- Not as nuanced in tone as high-end hand-turned calls.
Who Should Buy Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg?
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg is perfect for duck hunters of all skill levels looking for an affordable, reliable, and versatile call. It’s an excellent option for novice hunters who are just learning to call, as well as experienced hunters who need a durable backup call.
This call is not ideal for hunters who demand the absolute highest level of tonal complexity and realism. Hunters seeking the most subtle and nuanced sounds should consider investing in a high-end hand-turned acrylic call.
A quality duck call lanyard is a must-have accessory. Consider a call maintenance kit that includes reed replacements.
Conclusion on Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg
The Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg is an impressive duck call that offers exceptional value for the price. Its durable construction, versatile sound range, and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to any duck hunter’s arsenal.
The price is more than justified by the call’s performance and durability. I would absolutely recommend the Haydel’s Acrylic Red Leg to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable duck call. Pick one up today and experience the difference a quality call can make in your next hunt.