Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call Review

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call, crafted by Haydel’s, promises a near-perfect imitation of a hen mallard. This call is designed to “blow wet” and features a double-reed system, intending to resonate and create realistic duck sounds. Could this relatively affordable call be the key to filling my duck blind this season?

I’ve spent years fiddling with calls, searching for that perfect tone that makes ducks commit. Too often, I’ve found myself frustrated with calls that either sound unnatural or require Herculean lung power. The promise of a call that’s easy to use and produces realistic sounds is what drew me to the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call.

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the call’s compact design and feel. The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call felt well-constructed and ready for the field. The double O-ring construction also immediately caught my attention, hinting at a tight seal against moisture.

Compared to my trusty (but temperamental) wooden single-reed call and a more expensive acrylic double-reed, the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call felt different. The other double-reed was more demanding, while the wooden one changed tone with every puff of moisture. Haydel’s promised consistency, and I was eager to see if it delivered.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt good in hand, but the real test would be in the field. I was both excited and slightly skeptical – could this call really live up to the hype?

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was a small, heavily pressured public hunting area. This area is known for educated ducks that have heard every call in the book. The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call was put through its paces during a cold, drizzly morning hunt.

The call performed surprisingly well despite the adverse conditions. Even when damp, the reed didn’t stick, and the sound remained consistent. It was noticeably easier to produce convincing quacks and feeding chuckles than with other calls I’ve used in similar conditions.

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call was easy to use right out of the box. I didn’t need a lengthy break-in period or any special techniques. The responsiveness of the call meant I could quickly switch between different calls and create subtle variations in tone.

The only surprise was how loud the call could get. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I needed to be mindful of not overblowing it in close quarters. Otherwise, the first hunt was a success.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of hunts, the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve used it in everything from flooded timber to open water, and it has consistently performed well. The double O-ring design kept water out, and the reeds haven’t required any adjustment.

The call shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The plastic construction has held up well to repeated use and exposure to the elements. It still looks and sounds as good as the day I took it out of the package.

Maintenance is a breeze. I simply rinse the call with fresh water after each hunt and let it air dry. I haven’t needed to disassemble it for deep cleaning. This simple maintenance makes it easy to keep the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call in top condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with other calls, the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is a clear winner. It outperforms my wooden single-reed in terms of consistency and ease of use. It has also proven more reliable in wet conditions than my higher-priced acrylic call.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call

Specifications

• The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is a double-reed duck call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen mallard. The double-reed construction allows for a wider range of tones and increased volume.
• The call features a double O-ring design for a tight seal against moisture. This prevents reed stick and ensures consistent performance in wet conditions.
• The call is hand-tuned by professional callers. This ensures that each call produces realistic duck sounds right out of the box.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s overall performance and ease of use. The double-reed system allows for more nuanced calls, while the O-ring design provides reliability in challenging environments. The fact that each call is hand-tuned makes it ready to use immediately.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call excels at producing a wide range of mallard sounds. It easily produces everything from soft quacks and feeding chuckles to loud, high-pitched hail calls. The call is responsive and allows for subtle variations in tone, which is crucial for fooling pressured ducks.

The call’s strength is its ease of use and consistency. Its only weakness is perhaps its volume, which might be too much for extremely close-range calling in confined spaces. Overall, this call is a high-performing and reliable tool for any duck hunter.

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call met and exceeded my expectations. I was initially skeptical, but the call’s consistent performance and realistic sounds quickly won me over. I’ve even had other hunters in my group comment on how good it sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call features a durable plastic construction. It feels comfortable and secure in hand even when wet. The call is also lightweight, which is a plus during long hunts.

The call is exceptionally user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. Simply blow into the call and adjust your hand position to create different sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is built to last. The durable plastic construction can withstand the rigors of duck hunting. It is showing no signs of wear and tear after a full season of heavy use.

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is easy to maintain and repair. A quick rinse with fresh water is usually all that is needed. The simple design means there are few parts that can break or require replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard lanyards for easy carrying. There are no real customization options available for this particular call.

Pros and Cons of Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call

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Who Should Buy Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call?

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is perfect for beginner to intermediate duck hunters. It’s easy to use and produces realistic sounds, making it a great tool for learning the basics of duck calling. Experienced hunters looking for a reliable and affordable backup call will also benefit from this product.

Hunters who primarily hunt in extremely tight quarters may want to consider a quieter call. Also, those who prefer highly customizable calls with a variety of material and reed options may find this call too basic.

A must-have accessory is a quality lanyard to keep the call readily accessible. There are no specific modifications needed, as the call performs well right out of the box.

Conclusion on Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call

The Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call is a solid, reliable, and affordable duck call that delivers on its promises. It produces realistic hen mallard sounds and is easy to use in various hunting conditions. The value proposition is excellent, making it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels.

I would personally recommend the Haydel’s RL-99 Mallard Duck Call to anyone looking for a quality duck call without breaking the bank. It has earned a permanent place in my hunting bag. Get yours today and start bringing in more ducks this season!

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