Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard Review

The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard Made a Bold First Impression

As an avid waterfowl hunter for over a decade, I’ve cycled through my share of duck calls, always searching for that perfect tone, the perfect responsiveness. When Haydels announced the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard, a hybrid of their two most popular calls, my interest was immediately piqued. The allure of a call aggressively tuned to handle any situation promised versatility I hadn’t yet found.

What drew me to this particular call was the promise of adaptability. Many calls excel in specific conditions, but struggle in others. I needed a call that could whisper sweet nothings to a cautious flock on a still morning and cut through the wind and rain during a late-season squall.

Unboxing the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard, the first thing I noticed was the feel in my hand. It possessed a substantial weight and a comfortable girth. The materials felt robust, promising durability against the elements.

Compared to my old faithful, a single-reed acrylic call renowned for its high pitch, and a timber call best suited for close-range work, the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard presented itself as a middle ground – a potential jack-of-all-trades. I chose it hoping to consolidate my call arsenal into a single, reliable tool. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It felt like a call that demanded to be put to the test, to prove its worth in the marsh.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard was a pre-season scouting trip on a local river. The air was crisp, the water still, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of reeds and the distant honk of geese. I wanted to see how the call performed in a quiet environment, mimicking the subtle calls needed to lure wary ducks.

The call performed admirably, producing soft, realistic hen mallard sounds with minimal effort. The cutdown design allowed for easy manipulation of tone and volume. There were no issues and it was surprisingly user friendly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hard use, the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. It has weathered driving rain, freezing temperatures, and countless hours spent tucked into my hunting jacket. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the call continues to produce clear, consistent tones.

Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after each hunt is usually sufficient. Periodically, I use a small brush to clean the reed and tone board. Compared to some of the more delicate acrylic calls I’ve owned, the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard is a breeze to maintain. It outperforms my previous “go to” call in versatility and ruggedness, though it doesn’t quite match the pure, high-end tone of my custom acrylic.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard

Specifications

• The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard is a single-reed duck call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen mallard.
• It features a cutdown design, allowing for greater control over tone and volume.
• The call body is constructed from durable molded plastic. This contributes to its resilience in harsh conditions.
• It’s designed as a hybrid of two of Haydels‘ most successful duck calls of the past. This promises a blend of proven features.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s performance in the field. The single-reed design offers a balance of user-friendliness and realistic sound. The cutdown design allows for nuanced calling. The plastic construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of waterfowl hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard excels at producing a wide range of mallard hen sounds. It smoothly transitions from soft, contented feeding chuckles to aggressive comeback calls. Its ability to handle different calling scenarios is a definite strength.

While it might not possess the crystalline clarity of some high-end acrylic calls, its versatility and user-friendliness more than compensate. It definitely meets my expectations for an all-around duck call.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard sports a comfortable and functional design. The larger barrel provides a secure grip. It allows for easy manipulation of the call, even with gloved hands.

The call is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. With a little practice, hunters can quickly master the nuances of its tone and volume control.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from molded plastic, the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard is built to last. It’s resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading. Proper care should extend its lifespan for many seasons.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The simple design makes disassembly and reassembly easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard does not come with any specific accessories. The user can, however, customize the lanyard for comfortable carry and quick access.

Due to its design, the call itself doesn’t lend itself to extensive customization like adding weights or changing reeds. This call is designed for reliable out-of-the-box performance.

Pros and Cons of Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard

Who Should Buy Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard?

This call is perfect for:

• Hunters who need a versatile and durable call that can handle a variety of situations.
• Beginners who are looking for an easy-to-learn and master duck call.
• Hunters who appreciate a call that can produce both soft and aggressive sounds.

Those who should skip this product:

• Hunters who demand the absolute highest-quality sound reproduction, regardless of price.
• Hunters who prefer highly customizable calls that can be tailored to their specific preferences.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality lanyard. It will keep the call readily accessible.

Conclusion on Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard

The Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard offers an impressive blend of versatility, durability, and user-friendliness. It is a reliable tool that can handle a wide range of calling scenarios. Its affordability makes it an excellent value for both novice and experienced waterfowl hunters.

The price is justified by its robust construction and ability to perform consistently in diverse conditions. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable and versatile duck call that won’t break the bank.

If you’re ready to step up your duck calling game, the Haydels Duck Big Barrelled Cutdown Mallard is a solid choice. Head to your local sporting goods store or online retailer and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!