Primos Duck Call Review

The Primos Duck Call Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve blown a duck call or two in my time, guiding hunts across the Mississippi Flyway for over a decade. So, when I saw the Primos Duck Call for just $11.99, I was instantly curious. Could something so affordable actually produce a convincing ducky serenade? My years in the field have taught me that price isn’t always an indicator of performance, but I was definitely skeptical.

Years of experience have shown me that many affordable calls sound more like a strangled goose than a mallard hen. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use call for introducing novice hunters to the sport, and one that I could loan out without worrying about a major loss if it were damaged or lost. My go-to call, a custom acrylic single reed, is excellent, but its price makes it unsuitable for beginners.

The Primos Duck Call arrived in a simple, no-frills cardboard box—perfectly adequate for its intended purpose. Lifting it out, I was immediately struck by its lightweight polymer construction. The Primos Duck Call felt surprisingly solid for its cost.

I’ve used calls from Duck Commander, Haydel’s, and various smaller custom shops. The Primos offering, while noticeably less refined than my high-end calls, seemed more promising than a few other budget-friendly options I’ve tested. The plastic felt durable and the reed assembly seemed well-seated.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. This wasn’t going to replace my custom call, but at this price, the Primos Duck Call could be a useful tool for teaching newcomers the basics of calling. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it could deliver on its promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Duck Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Primos Duck Call came during an early teal season hunt on a local managed wetland. Conditions were typical for early September: warm, humid, and relatively still, with patches of open water and dense stands of smartweed. I positioned myself along the edge of a shallow pool, hoping to entice some passing teal.

The first few calls were… rough. The Primos Duck Call required a different air pressure and mouth position than I was used to with my single-reed calls. It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot, but once I did, the call started to produce a decent, if somewhat raspy, teal-like sound.

The call’s ease of use was a mixed bag. While relatively simple to operate, mastering the nuances of different calls definitely took practice. The Primos Duck Call wasn’t as responsive as my more expensive calls. I found that subtle changes in air pressure and back pressure were less effective.

There weren’t any major issues with the Primos Duck Call at first use, but its limitations became evident fairly quickly. While it could produce basic teal sounds, complex calling sequences and subtle variations were difficult to achieve.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use during teal and early duck season, the Primos Duck Call had held up surprisingly well. The plastic body showed no signs of cracking or warping, and the reed assembly remained secure. I made sure to clean the call after each hunt by disassembling it and rinsing it with fresh water, then letting it completely dry.

The Primos Duck Call remained remarkably durable given its low cost. The plastic is surprisingly resilient to scratches and impacts. I accidentally dropped it in the mud a couple of times.

Maintenance was exceptionally simple: a quick rinse and dry after each hunt was all that was needed. I did notice a slight buildup of moisture on the reed in very cold conditions, which occasionally affected the sound quality.

Compared to my previous experiences with other budget calls, the Primos Duck Call has exceeded expectations. It’s not the best call on the market, but it is reliable, affordable, and capable of producing convincing duck sounds in the right hands. It’s a great tool for beginners or as a backup call.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos Duck Call

Specifications

The Primos Duck Call (Part Number 820, Buds Item Number: 79025) is a molded plastic duck call designed for ease of use and affordability. Key specifications include:

• Material: Molded Polymer. This ensures durability and resistance to moisture, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.
• Reed Type: Single Reed. Single-reed calls are generally easier for beginners to learn and produce a consistent, basic duck sound.
• Intended Use: General Duck Hunting. Designed to mimic the sounds of mallard hens, making it effective for attracting a variety of duck species.
• Price: $11.99. The low price point makes it an accessible option for beginner hunters or as a backup call.
• Weight: Extremely Lightweight. This makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s performance and suitability for different users. The polymer construction offers durability, while the single reed simplifies operation. The affordable price makes it a great entry-level option.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos Duck Call performs its intended job adequately, especially considering its price point. It’s capable of producing a basic, raspy mallard hen sound that can attract ducks in close range. The call’s strengths lie in its simplicity and reliability. The single reed design makes it relatively easy to produce consistent sounds, even for novice callers.

One weakness is the limited range of tones and variations achievable with the call. It’s difficult to create complex calling sequences or subtle nuances that experienced callers can produce with more advanced calls. It doesn’t replace a high-end call, but it excels for the money!

The Primos Duck Call meets expectations for its price and intended use. It’s a solid entry-level option that will work in many common hunting scenarios.

Design & Ergonomics

The Primos Duck Call features a simple, straightforward design focused on functionality. The molded polymer body is lightweight and durable, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The call is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, and the reed assembly is securely mounted.

The Primos Duck Call is definitely user-friendly, even for beginners. There’s minimal learning curve involved in producing basic duck sounds, and the call requires relatively little air pressure to operate. More advanced techniques take practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Primos Duck Call is constructed from durable polymer that can withstand the rigors of hunting. It’s resistant to moisture, scratches, and impacts, ensuring it will last for multiple seasons with proper care.

Maintenance is exceptionally easy. Disassembling the call, rinsing it with water, and allowing it to dry is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. Oiling is not recommended.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos Duck Call is a standalone product with no included accessories. Due to its simple, molded design, there are limited customization options available.

The Primos Duck Call is designed to be used as-is. It’s not intended for extensive modification or customization with third-party accessories.

Pros and Cons of Primos Duck Call

Who Should Buy Primos Duck Call?

The Primos Duck Call is perfect for beginner duck hunters, youth hunters, and anyone looking for an affordable and reliable backup call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a simple, no-frills call for specific situations.

Those seeking advanced calling capabilities, complex tones, and extensive customization options should skip this product and invest in a higher-end call.

A must-have accessory for the Primos Duck Call would be a lanyard to keep it secure while hunting.

Conclusion on Primos Duck Call

The Primos Duck Call offers exceptional value for its price. It’s a durable, reliable, and easy-to-use call that’s perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a budget-friendly option. While it lacks the advanced features of more expensive calls, it delivers on its promise of producing basic duck sounds that can attract birds in close range.

The price is absolutely justified. The Primos Duck Call provides a solid entry point into the world of duck calling.

I would personally recommend the Primos Duck Call to anyone starting out in duck hunting or needing a reliable backup. It’s an excellent tool for learning the basics and getting ducks in the bag without breaking the bank. So, grab a Primos Duck Call, get out in the field, and start calling in some ducks!