Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 Review

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 Made a Bold First Impression

The world of game calls can be overwhelming. There are countless options, each promising to be the key to bagging that trophy. When I first saw the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18, I was intrigued by its small size and the Haydel’s promise of versatile sounds. As someone with over a decade of experience in the field, I’m always searching for new tools to enhance my hunting strategy.

I was seeking a call that could produce convincing close-range bobcat sounds without being cumbersome. I wanted something easily pocketable and quick to deploy in tight situations. The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 seemed to fit the bill, offering a potentially diverse range of calls in a compact package.

Upon unboxing, the Mini 18 felt surprisingly robust for its size. The plastic construction appeared durable, and the overall design was simple and functional. It was definitely lighter and smaller than my diaphragm calls and traditional closed-reed predator calls. It was immediately clear that this was a purpose-built tool.

Compared to other small, specialized calls like the Primos Mouse Squeeze or the Johnny Stewart Preymaster, the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 offered a different approach. While the others focused on one specific sound, the Mini 18 claimed versatility through its two-way system. I chose the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 for its promise of broader sound capabilities and the Haydel’s reputation for quality calls.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The size was perfect, and the build seemed solid, but the true test would be in the field. I was eager to see if it could truly deliver on its promise of creating a variety of convincing bird sounds to lure in predators. I was also a bit skeptical about the “two-way voice system” hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 on a bobcat hunting trip in the dense brush of central Texas. The terrain was challenging, with limited visibility and plenty of cover for wary predators. The weather was cool and dry, typical for late fall.

The call performed admirably in these conditions. The lower volume was ideal for close-quarters calling, preventing me from spooking nearby animals. I was able to imitate various bird distress calls by varying my inhale and exhale techniques. There was a definite learning curve involved in mastering the different sounds.

The initial challenge was controlling the airflow to achieve the desired tone. I found that a consistent, steady breath was key to producing realistic sounds. However, after some practice, I was able to effectively mimic the sounds of injured sparrows, robins, and even smaller rodents.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting gear. There are no signs of wear and tear on the call, despite being exposed to various weather conditions. I have used it in light rain, and the call still functions perfectly.

The Mini 18 is incredibly easy to clean. A simple rinse with water and a quick wipe down is all it takes to remove any debris or moisture. Maintenance is minimal, ensuring it’s always ready for use.

Compared to my previous experiences with other predator calls, the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 stands out for its versatility and ease of use in close-range situations. It has become my go-to call for hunting in thick brush and wooded areas. While diaphragm calls offer a hands-free option, the Mini 18’s directed sound and ease of volume control make it ideal for targeting cautious predators.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18

Specifications

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 is a compact predator call designed for close-range hunting. It utilizes a two-way voice system, allowing for a variety of bird and rodent distress sounds. The body is constructed from durable plastic.

• The call’s dimensions are approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
• It weighs less than an ounce, making it extremely portable.
• The primary sound range is designed to mimic small birds and rodents.
• The two-way system allows users to create different sounds by inhaling or exhaling.

These specifications contribute to the call’s effectiveness in close-quarters hunting scenarios. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and deploy quickly. The versatile sound capabilities increase its appeal to hunters targeting a variety of predators.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 performs exceptionally well in creating realistic bird and rodent distress sounds. The ability to manipulate the sound by inhaling and exhaling gives the user greater control over the call’s output. This allows for subtle variations that can be crucial in luring in wary predators.

The call’s primary strength lies in its low volume, making it ideal for close-range calling. A weakness is that creating realistic, nuanced sounds requires practice. It takes time and patience to master the different techniques needed to mimic various animals convincingly.

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 meets and somewhat exceeds expectations for a call of this size and price. While it may not replace more specialized calls for specific sounds, its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 features a simple and functional design. The plastic body is durable and comfortable to hold. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly.

The Mini 18 is very user-friendly, although mastering the two-way voice system requires some practice. Once you learn the proper techniques, creating various sounds becomes intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 appears to be built to last. The durable plastic construction can withstand the rigors of regular use in the field. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Mini 18 is incredibly simple. Just clean with water.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this call. Its simple design is not intended to be modified.

However, its versatility means that it complements a wide range of other hunting gear. It can be paired with various predator decoys, camouflage clothing, and other calling devices.

Pros and Cons of Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18

Who Should Buy Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18?

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 is perfect for:

• Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush or wooded areas.
• Hunters targeting bobcats, foxes, and other predators that respond to bird and rodent distress calls.
• Beginner predator hunters looking for an affordable and versatile call.
• Experienced hunters seeking a compact and reliable back-up call.

Who should skip this product?

• Hunters who need a call with high volume for long-distance calling.
• Hunters who prefer specialized calls for specific animal sounds.

A must-have accessory is a lanyard to keep the Mini 18 readily available and prevent loss in the field.

Conclusion on Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18

The Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 is an impressive little call that delivers on its promise of versatility and ease of use. Its compact size, durable construction, and ability to create a wide range of realistic sounds make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. While mastering the two-way voice system requires some practice, the effort is well worth the reward.

At a price of $10.99, the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 offers exceptional value. Its versatility and reliability justify the cost.

I would definitely recommend the Haydel’s Haydel’S Mini 18 to any hunter looking for a compact, versatile, and affordable predator call. Give it a try. You might be surprised at how effective this little call can be!