The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call, manufactured by Haydels, is a simple, affordable tool promising to bring those elusive geese into range. It arrives on the market as a no-frills option, catering to both novice and experienced waterfowl hunters. Does this call live up to its promise, or will it fall silent in the face of demanding conditions?
My quest for the perfect goose call started years ago, chasing flocks over frozen fields and wind-swept marshes. I needed a reliable call that could produce a realistic sound without breaking the bank. I wanted something durable enough to withstand the harsh elements and easy to master even with gloved hands.
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call arrived in a simple cardboard box, new in box. The black acrylic felt solid, smooth, and surprisingly substantial for its price point. My initial impression was that of a tool built for function over aesthetics.
Compared to my high-end, hand-tuned calls from Rich-N-Tone and Sean Mann, the Haydels call lacked the polished refinement. However, its simplicity and affordable price tag immediately set it apart. I chose the Haydels because I was looking for a durable, reliable backup call that I wouldn’t be afraid to take into the thick of things, without worrying about damaging it. The price point made it irresistible.
I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped the Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call would offer a reliable, no-nonsense performance in the field. A great sound at an unbeatable price would be a welcome addition to my arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call during the late goose season in the flooded agricultural fields of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The weather was brutal: a mix of freezing rain, biting wind, and near-zero temperatures. I was hunting from a layout blind, nestled among corn stalks.
The call performed surprisingly well in the challenging conditions. The acrylic construction meant it didn’t freeze up as quickly as my calls with wooden components. It took a few minutes to get the hang of the calling sequence, but I was soon able to produce a decent honk.
My first attempt resulted in a small flock turning and circling our decoys. Although they didn’t commit fully, it was encouraging. The call did its job in getting their attention.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call has proven to be a reliable performer. It’s consistently produced a respectable goose sound. The call’s simplicity is one of its strengths; there are no intricate reeds to adjust or delicate parts to break.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to mud, water, and freezing temperatures. The acrylic material seems highly resistant to scratching and cracking. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with water and a wipe-down is all it takes.
Compared to my more expensive calls, the Haydels call lacks the nuanced tones and complex sound profiles. The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call delivers on its promise of affordability and dependability. It has quickly become a trusted backup in my hunting bag.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call
Specifications
- The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call is a short-reed goose call designed for producing realistic goose sounds. Its part number is CS03 and Buds Item Number is 81182.
- It features a single reed design for ease of use. The acrylic material contributes to its durability and weather resistance.
The importance of these specs lies in their simplicity and reliability. A single reed design reduces the complexity of learning to call. The black acrylic ensures the call can handle harsh weather conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call effectively produces a range of goose vocalizations, from honks to clucks. It’s relatively easy to learn the basic calling sequence, making it accessible to beginners. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to attract geese.
The main strength is its simplicity and durability. The weakness is its limited range of tones compared to more complex, hand-tuned calls. It meets my expectations as a reliable backup call.
Design & Ergonomics
The call boasts a simple, functional design. The black acrylic feels solid and comfortable in hand.
It is very user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce a decent sound. There is almost no learning curve for experienced callers.
Durability & Maintenance
The call is designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. Its acrylic construction is resistant to cracking, scratching, and fading.
The call is easy to clean and maintain. A quick rinse with water is sufficient to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call comes as a standalone unit. There are no additional accessories included.
Due to its simplistic design, there are limited customization options. However, you can potentially replace the reed if necessary with aftermarket options.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: At $22.49, it’s accessible to hunters on any budget.
- Durable Acrylic Construction: Withstands harsh weather conditions and rugged use.
- Easy to Learn: Simple single-reed design is ideal for beginners.
- Reliable Sound Production: Consistently produces a decent goose sound.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and care for.
Cons
- Limited Tonal Range: Doesn’t offer the nuanced sounds of higher-end calls.
- Basic Design: Lacks the refined aesthetics of premium goose calls.
Who Should Buy Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call?
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call is perfect for:
- Beginner goose hunters.
- Experienced hunters seeking a reliable backup call.
- Hunters on a budget.
- Hunters who prioritize durability and simplicity.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who demand the highest level of realism and tonal complexity in their calls.
- Hunters who value premium materials and craftsmanship.
A lanyard is a must-have accessory. Consider purchasing a call-keeper to protect the call when not in use.
Conclusion on Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call
The Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call delivers excellent value for its incredibly low price. It offers a reliable and durable option for goose hunters of all skill levels.
The $22.49 price tag is definitely justified. It provides an accessible entry point into the world of waterfowl calling.
I would personally recommend this call as a backup or a starter call for novice goose hunters. It is a simple, effective, and affordable tool that gets the job done. Don’t let the low price fool you, the Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call is an essential piece of equipment for any goose hunter’s arsenal. So, grab a Haydels Black Acrylic Goose Call, hit the fields, and get ready to call in those flocks!