The Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call arrives promising simplicity and duck-like sounds, an enticing prospect for any waterfowl hunter. Offered by Primos, this single-reed call boasts ease of use, requiring minimal air to produce convincing calls. The affordable price point made it an irresistible addition to my gear, especially as I often loan calls to newer hunters.
My journey to this call stemmed from a need for a reliable, easy-to-use option for introducing beginners to duck hunting. Many newcomers struggle with the air control required for more complex, double-reed calls. The Primos Easy Mallard seemed like the perfect solution to bridge that gap, allowing them to focus on other essential aspects of the hunt.
Unboxing revealed a compact, lightweight call with a no-frills design. The plastic construction felt durable enough for field use, though not as robust as some higher-end acrylic calls I own. Its simplicity was immediately apparent, and it felt comfortable in hand, ready for the marsh.
Compared to my higher-end calls, like my Duck Commander double-reed and a custom acrylic single-reed, the Primos Easy Mallard felt noticeably less refined. However, those calls come with a significant price jump. I chose the Primos Easy Mallard for its accessibility and ease of use, hoping it would deliver on its promise of simplicity without sacrificing sound quality.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call felt lightweight and simple, as advertised. I was eager to test its sound and ease of use in a real hunting scenario to determine if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Primos Easy Mallard was on a chilly morning in a flooded timber area known for attracting mallards. The conditions were damp, with a light drizzle falling intermittently. This provided a perfect opportunity to test the call’s advertised ability to blow when wet.
The Primos Easy Mallard performed admirably, requiring very little effort to produce basic mallard sounds. Even with moisture affecting other calls, this one consistently produced consistent, if somewhat basic, quacks. However, it lacked the tonal range and complexity of my more advanced calls.
Getting used to it was instantaneous. The call’s design and easy air requirements made it incredibly intuitive for even the most inexperienced callers. I handed it to a friend who had never used a duck call before, and within minutes, he was producing recognizable duck sounds.
Initially, I was impressed with its ease of use, but also somewhat concerned about its limited range of tones. I worried it wouldn’t be versatile enough for attracting call-shy ducks later in the season. The call worked well, but the basic sounds did lack the nuances needed for advanced calling sequences.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Primos Easy Mallard in various hunting conditions, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. It continues to be a reliable and easy-to-use call. It has proven its worth, particularly for introducing new hunters to the sport.
The call has held up reasonably well, showing only minor cosmetic scratches from being tossed in my gear bag. The plastic construction, while not premium, seems durable enough for regular use. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call is built to last a few seasons if treated with care.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to keep it clean. I’ve occasionally disassembled it to clean the reed, but this is a simple process that takes only a few minutes.
Compared to my higher-end calls, the Primos Easy Mallard doesn’t offer the same level of performance or versatility. However, for its intended purpose—teaching beginners or as a backup call—it performs admirably and exceeds expectations for its price point. Its simplicity and reliability are a welcome change from more temperamental, high-end calls.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call
Specifications
The Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its ease of use and accessibility:
- Single-reed design: This simplifies the calling process, requiring less air control than double- or triple-reed calls. It allows beginners to produce sounds with minimal effort.
- .010 thin Mylar reed: This thin reed requires very little air pressure to vibrate, making it incredibly easy to blow. Beginners can produce realistic duck sounds quickly.
- Plastic construction: While not as aesthetically pleasing or durable as acrylic, the plastic construction keeps the call lightweight and affordable. It makes the Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call accessible to a wider range of hunters.
- Waterproof design: The call is designed to function even when wet, a crucial feature for waterfowl hunting. The ability to blow when wet helps maintain consistent calling even in inclement weather.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the call’s primary goal: ease of use. The single reed and thin Mylar reed eliminate the steep learning curve often associated with duck calls. The plastic construction keeps the price down, making it an excellent entry-level option.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call excels in its intended role as a simple, easy-to-use call for beginners. It produces decent mallard sounds with minimal effort. It will work in a pinch, but should not be considered a replacement for a higher quality duck call.
Its main strength lies in its ease of use. Even someone with no prior experience can produce recognizable duck sounds within minutes. Its primary weakness is its limited tonal range, lacking the nuances necessary for advanced calling techniques.
It meets expectations for a call in its price range, providing a functional and reliable option for beginners or as a backup call. The call is extremely beginner friendly.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price. The plastic feels durable enough for regular use, though it lacks the premium feel of higher-end calls. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call features simple construction.
The design is user-friendly, with no complicated adjustments or components. There is virtually no learning curve. It feels comfortable in hand, even during extended use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call should last for several seasons with proper care. Its simplicity also aids durability. The plastic is rugged enough to withstand normal wear and tear, though it’s not indestructible.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick rinse with water after use is usually sufficient. Periodically disassembling the call to clean the reed can help maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call does not come with any accessories or customization options. Its simplicity is its defining characteristic. There are no aftermarket reeds or other modifications available.
The call is designed to be used as-is, focusing on ease of use rather than customization. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call is a complete, self-contained package for beginner duck hunters.
Pros and Cons of Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call
Pros
- Extremely easy to use: Perfect for beginners or anyone who struggles with more complex calls. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call allows anyone to quickly produce realistic duck sounds.
- Affordable price: An excellent value for the money, making it accessible to a wide range of hunters. The call is an affordable entry point into duck hunting.
- Reliable performance: Functions consistently, even when wet, ensuring consistent calling in challenging conditions. Its ability to blow when wet is a huge plus.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket, making it a convenient addition to any hunting setup. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call will not weigh you down.
- Durable enough for normal use: The plastic construction is rugged enough to withstand regular wear and tear, ensuring a decent lifespan. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call will survive a few seasons if properly cared for.
Cons
- Limited tonal range: Lacks the nuances and versatility of higher-end calls, potentially limiting its effectiveness in certain situations. More experienced hunters may want a more robust set of sounds.
- Plastic construction: While durable enough, the plastic feels less premium than acrylic or wood calls. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call does not feel as high quality as other calls.
Who Should Buy Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call?
Pros
- Extremely easy to use: Perfect for beginners or anyone who struggles with more complex calls. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call allows anyone to quickly produce realistic duck sounds.
- Affordable price: An excellent value for the money, making it accessible to a wide range of hunters. The call is an affordable entry point into duck hunting.
- Reliable performance: Functions consistently, even when wet, ensuring consistent calling in challenging conditions. Its ability to blow when wet is a huge plus.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to carry in a lanyard or pocket, making it a convenient addition to any hunting setup. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call will not weigh you down.
- Durable enough for normal use: The plastic construction is rugged enough to withstand regular wear and tear, ensuring a decent lifespan. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call will survive a few seasons if properly cared for.
Cons
- Limited tonal range: Lacks the nuances and versatility of higher-end calls, potentially limiting its effectiveness in certain situations. More experienced hunters may want a more robust set of sounds.
- Plastic construction: While durable enough, the plastic feels less premium than acrylic or wood calls. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call does not feel as high quality as other calls.
Perfect for: New duck hunters, young hunters, or anyone looking for a simple, reliable backup call. Those who struggle with the air control required for more complex calls will also appreciate the Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call. This call will help them learn the basics.
Who should skip this product? Experienced duck hunters looking for a versatile call with a wide range of tones and advanced features. Hunters looking for a high-end call with premium materials and superior sound quality should also look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None are necessary. The call is designed to be used as-is. No additional equipment is required.
Conclusion on Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call
The Primos 00805 Easy Mallard Duck Call is a simple, affordable, and reliable tool for beginner duck hunters. Its ease of use is its greatest strength, making it an excellent choice for introducing new hunters to the sport. While it lacks the tonal range and premium feel of more expensive calls, its value proposition is undeniable.
The price is definitely justified, considering its ease of use and reliable performance. For under $10, it offers a functional and accessible entry point into the world of duck calling.
I would definitely recommend it to beginners or anyone looking for a simple backup call. It’s an excellent tool for learning the basics and building confidence. The Primos Easy Mallard Duck Call is a great learning tool.
If you’re new to duck hunting or looking for a reliable, no-frills call, the Primos Easy Mallard is an excellent choice. Get yours today and start making some duck sounds!