The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal Made a Bold First Impression
Duck hunting is in my blood. For over a decade, I’ve chased waterfowl from flooded timber to open water, always striving for that perfect call. I’ve tried countless calls, from high-end custom acrylics to basic, budget-friendly models, but I’m always on the lookout for a new sound to add to my arsenal.
My search led me to the Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal, a name that promised big sound for teal-sized targets. I was looking for a call that could cut through the wind and reach out to those fast-flying, early-season teal. I wanted something with enough volume to get their attention, but enough finesse to close the deal. The double mylar reeds piqued my interest. Would they deliver the volume Haydels promised?
Unboxing the call, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s a no-frills design, clearly built for function over form. It felt lightweight in my hand, made of what seems to be a durable molded plastic. The build quality seemed adequate for a call in this price range, suggesting it can handle a season or two of serious use.
Compared to my higher-end acrylic calls, the Big Blue Wing Teal obviously lacked the refined feel and aesthetic appeal. I own a RNT Original and a Duck Commander Triple Threat, both calls more than twice the price. The Haydels offering felt more utilitarian. But compared to some cheaper single-reed calls I’ve used, the Big Blue Wing Teal felt more substantial and better constructed.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price point of $15.99 made it an easy gamble. I was curious to see if the Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal could deliver on its promise of maximum volume. It remained to be seen if it could live up to its name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal to a local wildlife management area known for its early teal season. The weather was typical for early September: hot, humid, and with a steady breeze. I was hunting from a small, brushed-in blind on the edge of a flooded soybean field.
The first few notes I blew into the call were surprisingly loud. The double mylar reeds definitely lived up to the claim of maximum volume. I tried a series of high-pitched greeting calls and fast feeds. A small flock of teal responded almost immediately, banking in our direction.
They circled the decoys once, twice, and then committed. Two drakes folded and splashed into the water. It was the fastest action I’d seen all season! The call was easy to use, requiring minimal back pressure. It took very little to get a good sound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal on various hunts, it has held up remarkably well. The plastic construction has proven durable. There are no signs of cracking or fading despite being exposed to sun and water.
Cleaning the call is simple. A quick rinse with water and a blast of air is all it takes to remove any moisture or debris. Compared to my acrylic calls, which require occasional disassembly and cleaning with specialized tools, the Haydels is a breeze to maintain.
The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal hasn’t replaced my go-to calls. It has, however, earned a permanent spot in my call lanyard. Its volume and ease of use make it invaluable in certain situations. I can see this call becoming a key piece of equipment for those new to duck hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal
Specifications
The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal is a double-reed duck call designed specifically for attracting teal. It features a molded plastic barrel and insert. The call uses double mylar reeds for enhanced volume and a high-pitched tone.
The call is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use. Its dimensions are approximately 4 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. The weight is negligible, adding almost no bulk to your lanyard. The double reeds are crucial for producing the loud, raspy sound needed to get teal’s attention.
Performance & Functionality
The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal excels in producing loud, high-pitched teal sounds. Its primary strength is its volume, allowing it to cut through wind and reach distant birds. The double reeds make it easier to produce a consistent, realistic sound with minimal effort.
One potential weakness is its lack of tonal versatility. It’s really designed for one thing: mimicking teal. It may not be the best choice for hunters who want a call that can produce a wider range of duck sounds. Overall, it meets expectations for a specialized teal call.
Design & Ergonomics
The call’s simple design prioritizes functionality. The molded plastic construction is durable and lightweight. The call is comfortable to hold and use, even with gloved hands.
There’s no steep learning curve. Anyone can pick it up and produce a decent teal sound within minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction is built to last. It’s resistant to cracking and fading, even after prolonged exposure to the elements. The call requires minimal maintenance. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal doesn’t come with any accessories. It is a standalone call designed to be used as-is. There are no readily available customization options, such as different reeds or inserts. This is a basic, no-frills call, designed for simplicity and affordability.
Pros and Cons of Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal
Pros
- Excellent volume for attracting teal in windy conditions.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable plastic construction.
- Affordable price at just $15.99.
- Specialized teal sound that is highly effective.
Cons
- Lacks versatility; primarily suited for teal.
- No customization options.
Who Should Buy Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal?
This call is perfect for duck hunters who specifically target teal. The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal is also great for beginner hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. If you hunt in areas with high winds or need to reach distant birds, this call will perform.
If you’re looking for a versatile call that can mimic a wide range of duck species, or if you prefer a higher-end acrylic call with more customization options, you should skip this product. A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible would be a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal
The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal is a surprisingly effective call, given its affordable price point. It delivers on its promise of maximum volume, making it ideal for attracting teal in challenging conditions. It’s not the most versatile or aesthetically pleasing call, but it gets the job done.
The price of $15.99 is absolutely justified. The Haydels Duck Big Blue Wing Teal provides excellent value for money. I would definitely recommend this call to anyone looking for a reliable and effective teal call on a budget. Add this to your lanyard and get ready for some fast-paced, early-season action!