First Impressions of Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call promises high performance at a low cost, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. The Legendary Gear brand isn’t necessarily one that immediately springs to mind when you think of high-end calls, but they’ve been making waves in the budget-friendly sector lately. Could this call truly deliver the realism and quality comparable to calls costing significantly more?
My interest in this call stemmed from needing a reliable backup call for my waterfowl hunts. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but could still produce convincing goose sounds when my primary call was out of reach or experiencing issues. The promise of a hand-tuned, injection-molded acrylic call for under $60 was certainly appealing.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the woodland camo pattern. It’s a decent, standard camo, practical for blending in with common hunting environments. The call felt surprisingly solid for its price, though obviously lighter than calls made from machined acrylic. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – it looked like a functional tool, but the proof would be in the sound.
I’ve used calls from Zink Calls and Buck Gardner in the past, both well-regarded brands. While those calls offer exceptional clarity and responsiveness, their price point is considerably higher. The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call aimed to bridge that gap, offering a similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, I picked this call due to its low price point and promise of hand-tuned quality, making it an ideal contender for a dependable backup.
Initially, I was cautiously excited. I wanted to see if it lived up to its claims of delivering high performance at a budget price. There was a slight element of skepticism, given the price point, but also a genuine hope that it would be a reliable addition to my hunting gear.
Real-World Testing: Putting Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call was during an early-season goose hunt in a harvested cornfield. The weather was cool and damp, typical for the region. The call was used both from a layout blind and while standing in a cattail marsh.
The call performed surprisingly well in the field. It took a little getting used to, especially compared to my higher-end calls, but I was able to produce a range of goose sounds, from honks to clucks. The sound carried decently in the open field, and the geese seemed responsive. However, controlling the volume and tone required a bit more finesse than with premium calls. One surprise was that the call would sometimes stick if it got too wet. This required a quick tap on my leg to clear it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunts in varying weather conditions, the Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call has held up reasonably well. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the acrylic body, and the internal components seem to be functioning as expected.
Maintaining the call is straightforward. A simple rinse with water after each use and occasional drying with a cloth is all that’s needed. So far, the call has not disappointed, offering consistent performance. It’s not as refined as more expensive calls, but it certainly holds its own. Considering its price point, it’s proving to be a great value.
Breaking Down the Features of Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call
Specifications
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call features several notable specifications:
- Woodland Camo Pattern: The exterior boasts a standard woodland camo, practical for most hunting environments. The camo helps conceal the call in various natural settings.
- Injection Molded with Acrylic: Constructed via injection molding using acrylic, which impacts the overall sound and durability. While not as resonant as machined acrylic, it offers a cost-effective solution.
- Hand Tuned: Each call is supposedly hand-tuned to ensure quality and realism. This is crucial for producing accurate goose sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call performs its primary function – producing goose sounds – adequately. The range of tones achievable is decent, though not as diverse as more premium calls.
The call’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use for beginners. However, its weaknesses include a tendency to stick when wet and a slightly less refined sound compared to higher-end options. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly goose call, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for its price point. The injection-molded acrylic feels sturdy enough to withstand regular use.
The call is relatively lightweight and comfortable to hold. There is a slight learning curve for those accustomed to higher-end calls, as it requires a different air pressure and mouth positioning to produce the desired sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic construction should provide reasonable longevity under normal hunting conditions. Simple cleaning and occasional drying are sufficient to maintain the call’s performance.
Overall, it is expected to last several seasons with proper care. More rugged use might accelerate wear and tear, as can be expected with an injection-molded body.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, but the lanyard hole allows for easy attachment to a hunting lanyard.
The basic design restricts extensive modification, but experienced call tuners might be able to adjust the reed system for enhanced performance. No official accessories are offered by Legendary Gear.
Pros and Cons of Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $59.99, it’s an excellent option for budget-conscious hunters. This makes it accessible to beginners or as a backup call.
- Decent Sound Quality: Produces realistic goose sounds, adequate for attracting geese. Despite being injection molded, it offers reasonable sound fidelity.
- Hand-Tuned: Ensures a level of quality control not always found in budget calls. This improves the call’s overall performance out of the box.
- Durable Construction: The acrylic body is robust enough to withstand regular use. It can endure typical hunting conditions without showing immediate wear.
- Easy to Use: Suitable for beginners with a bit of practice.
Cons
- Sticking Issue: Tends to stick when wet, requiring frequent clearing. This can be frustrating during hunts in damp conditions.
- Limited Customization: Lacks the customization options available with higher-end calls. This restricts the ability to fine-tune the call to personal preferences.
Who Should Buy Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call?
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call is perfect for:
- Beginner goose hunters looking for an affordable entry point. The low price makes it a low-risk investment for learning.
- Experienced hunters seeking a reliable backup call. It’s suitable for situations where a premium call is unavailable or impractical.
- Hunters on a tight budget who still want decent performance. It offers good value for its price range.
Who should skip this product?
- Serious goose hunters who demand top-tier performance and sound quality. High-end calls offer superior realism and responsiveness.
- Hunters who frequently hunt in wet conditions and require a call that won’t stick. They should invest in a call with moisture-wicking features.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality hunting lanyard to keep the call accessible. Modifying the reed system, though not essential, could further enhance its performance.
Conclusion on Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call
The Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call is a solid, budget-friendly option that delivers reasonable performance for its price. It’s not a top-of-the-line call, but it offers good value and is well-suited for beginners or as a backup.
The $59.99 price is justified, considering its hand-tuned construction and durable acrylic body. For what it is, it provides more than satisfactory performance.
I would personally recommend it to anyone starting out in goose hunting or needing a reliable, inexpensive backup call. Overall, the Legendary Gear Big Dog Goose Call is a practical and affordable tool that can help you put geese on the ground. Give it a try, and you might be surprised by its capabilities!