Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call Review

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call arrives with a promise: versatility in a compact package. Haydels has long been a respected name in the waterfowl hunting community, known for producing reliable and effective calls, and this multi-call seeks to continue that tradition. It intends to give you five distinct call sounds for teal, pintail, widgeon, mallard drake, all in one tool.

As a seasoned waterfowler, I was intrigued by the concept of simplifying my gear. I have often juggled multiple calls, each specific to a species, leading to fumbling in critical moments. I needed a more streamlined solution, especially for those early teal seasons where opportunities are fleeting.

Upon unboxing, the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call felt surprisingly light and compact. The molded plastic construction seemed durable enough for field use, though perhaps not as robust as some of my higher-end acrylic calls. Its design is straightforward, with distinct ends indicating their specific function.

Compared to carrying separate calls for each species, the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call is a clear space-saver. I did consider other multi-calls, but Haydels’s reputation for quality, combined with the specific combination of calls offered, ultimately swayed my decision. I had used Haydels products in the past and liked them.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The promise of five calls in one sounded appealing, but I was skeptical of whether it could truly replicate the nuanced sounds of each species effectively. I wondered if the quality would hold up.

Real-World Testing: Putting Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call during an early teal season hunt on a flooded rice field. The conditions were typical for early September: humid, with temperatures in the mid-70s. We saw a few scattered flocks of bluewing teal.

The bluewing teal quack end of the call was relatively easy to master, producing a decent imitation of their high-pitched calls. The whistle end took a bit more practice to get the inflections right for pintail and widgeon. It felt a little different from the single note of the typical whistle.

After a few awkward attempts, I managed to coax a small group of bluewings closer, resulting in a successful hunt. The call performed adequately, but I noticed that moisture buildup affected the sound quality slightly, requiring occasional cleaning. The biggest surprise was how well the Mallard drake whistle worked.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the early teal and early duck season, the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call has held up reasonably well. The plastic construction shows some minor scratches from being carried in my lanyard, but there are no signs of cracking or significant wear. It still sounds decent.

Durability seems acceptable for a call in this price range. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal sound quality, especially after exposure to moisture and field debris. Keeping it clean helps its performance.

Compared to my higher-end, single-species calls, the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call is a compromise in terms of pure sound quality and realism. However, its versatility and portability make it a valuable tool for specific situations. I still like the Haydels product.

Breaking Down the Features of Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call

Specifications

• The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call is a combination waterfowl call designed to mimic the sounds of five different species. One end produces bluewing/cinnamon teal quacks. The other handles greenwings, pintails, widgeon, and Mallard drake whistles.
• The call is constructed from molded plastic, making it lightweight and durable. This material choice keeps the cost down, making it accessible to a wider range of hunters.
• The call weighs approximately 2 ounces and is around 4 inches in length, making it easy to carry on a lanyard. Its compact size ensures it doesn’t take up much space.

The specifications matter because they dictate the call’s portability, durability, and ultimately, its effectiveness in the field. The light weight and compact size are crucial for hunters who prefer to travel light or carry multiple calls. Durability ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call performs reasonably well in replicating the sounds of the five intended species, though with some caveats. The bluewing teal quack is convincing, and the whistle end can produce passable imitations of pintail and widgeon calls with practice. The Mallard drake works well too.

Its main strength lies in its versatility, allowing hunters to cover a range of species without switching calls. The weakness is that it doesn’t perfectly replicate each call like a dedicated, single-species call. This is a compromise for convenience.

The call meets expectations for a multi-call in its price range. It provides a functional and affordable option for hunters looking to simplify their gear. However, it doesn’t exceed expectations in terms of sound quality or realism.

Design & Ergonomics

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call features a simple, functional design. The molded plastic construction is lightweight and easy to grip, even with wet hands.

The call is user-friendly, with each end clearly designated for its specific function. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the whistle calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call is reasonably durable for a plastic call. With proper care, it should last for several seasons of hunting.

Maintenance is simple: rinse the call with fresh water after use and allow it to air dry. This prevents buildup of moisture and debris that can affect sound quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available beyond adding a lanyard.

The call is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. Its molded plastic construction limits customization options.

Pros and Cons of Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call

Who Should Buy Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call?

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call is perfect for: hunters on a budget, beginners looking for a versatile starter call, and those who prefer to travel light and minimize gear. It’s also great for hunters who pursue multiple species of waterfowl and want to avoid carrying a large number of calls.

Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters seeking the highest level of realism and sound quality, or those who prioritize durability over affordability, should look elsewhere. Also, someone who only hunts one type of teal.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality lanyard to keep the call readily accessible. Also, consider a small cleaning tool for removing moisture and debris.

Conclusion on Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call

The Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call offers a compelling value proposition for hunters seeking versatility and affordability. While it doesn’t match the sound quality of dedicated single-species calls, its ability to mimic five different calls in one compact package makes it a practical choice for many situations. Haydels made a decent call.

At $27.49, the price is definitely justified, especially for beginners or budget-conscious hunters. It is worth every penny.

I would personally recommend the Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call to anyone looking for a versatile and affordable multi-call option. If you are new or on a budget, this could be what you are looking for. Streamline your gear and simplify your hunt – pick up a Haydels T2 5-N-1 Teal Call today and be ready for whatever flies your way.