Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter Review

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter Made a Bold First Impression

For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed the outdoor and tactical world, testing everything from high-end optics to the humblest of fire starters. Few things are as crucial to a waterfowler as their call, and the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter promised a blend of quality and affordability that piqued my interest. Could this polycarbonate call truly mimic the rich tones of its custom acrylic counterparts, all while being accessible to the average hunter?

My journey to the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter started with a familiar problem: the need for a reliable, realistic duck call that wouldn’t break the bank. I was looking for a call that could produce a wide range of tones, from the raspy quacks of a mature hen to the pleading calls of a young duck. I needed versatility without sacrificing sound quality.

Unboxing the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter was a pleasant experience. The call felt solid in hand, surprisingly weighty for a polycarbonate model, hinting at decent build quality. The “Custom Hunter” finish, with its cocobolo wood accents, gave it a touch of class unexpected at this price point.

I considered other budget-friendly calls like the Duck Commander Triple Threat and the Primos Buck Gardner Double Nasty, both popular choices. However, the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter stood out due to Zink’s reputation for producing high-quality calls, even in their more affordable lines. The promise of an easy-blow system also appealed to me, hoping it would deliver realistic sounds even for less experienced callers.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The fit and finish were better than expected, and the weight inspired confidence. I was eager to put the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter to the test and see if it could truly live up to its name.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter was on a crisp morning in a flooded timber area known for its mallards. The air was thick with humidity, and a light drizzle persisted throughout the hunt. I was eager to see how the call performed in less-than-ideal conditions.

The call proved surprisingly easy to use, as promised. Even with cold, slightly numb fingers, I was able to produce decent quacks and feeding chuckles with minimal effort. The sound carried well through the timber, cutting through the wind and rain.

Initially, I struggled to get the low, raspy tones I was after, but after a few minutes of practice, I found the sweet spot. One minor issue I noticed was that the polycarbonate seemed to collect moisture fairly easily, requiring occasional wiping to maintain consistent sound.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter on various hunts, it has proven to be a reliable performer. It hasn’t replaced my high-end acrylic calls, but it holds its own, especially in situations where I don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive call. The durability has been impressive.

Despite being tossed in my bag, exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional bump against branches, the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter shows minimal signs of wear. Cleaning is straightforward, typically just requiring a quick rinse with water and a wipe down. The call is ready for the next hunt in a matter of minutes.

Compared to some of the cheaper polycarbonate calls I’ve used in the past, the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter outperforms them in terms of sound quality and ease of use. It doesn’t quite match the depth and richness of an acrylic call, but it comes surprisingly close for the price. It’s a solid mid-range option for hunters who want performance without the premium price tag.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter

Specifications

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter is a polycarbonate duck call designed to replicate the sound of Zink’s popular acrylic Call of Death series. It’s marketed as an affordable and user-friendly option for both novice and experienced duck hunters. The specifications include:

• Material: Polycarbonate body with cocobolo wood accents (Custom Hunter finish). The polycarbonate construction provides durability, while the wood accents add a touch of aesthetic appeal.
• Sound System: Easy-blow design. This allows for a broader range of hunters to create realistic duck sounds with less effort.
• Design: Molded after the original Call of Death™ acrylic call. This design promises similar calling abilities to the high-end version.
• Availability: Sold as a single call or in a Power Pak with an instructional DVD. The Power Pak provides additional value for beginners.
• Price: $70.49. This price point makes it accessible to a wide range of hunters.

These specifications matter because they strike a balance between affordability, durability, and performance. The easy-blow sound system is a significant selling point for novice callers, while the durable polycarbonate construction ensures the call can withstand the rigors of hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter performs admirably, especially considering its price point. It produces a wide range of duck sounds, from high-pitched greeting calls to low, raspy feeding chuckles. The call is relatively easy to control, allowing for subtle variations in tone and volume.

The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and versatility. A potential weakness, however, is that it may not have the same depth and richness of sound as a high-end acrylic call. It’s more than adequate for most hunting situations but experienced callers might find it lacks some of the nuances they are accustomed to.

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter generally meets expectations for a call in its price range, and even exceeds them in some areas. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use call that produces realistic duck sounds.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter is solid. The materials used, while not as premium as acrylic, feel durable and well-constructed. The weight is comfortable in hand.

The call is user-friendly, with a design that fits well in the hand. The easy-blow sound system minimizes the learning curve for novice callers.

Durability & Maintenance

The polycarbonate construction suggests that the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter should last for several seasons with proper care. Its simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain.

A quick rinse and wipe down after each use should be sufficient to keep it in good working order. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter itself doesn’t offer a wide range of customization options. The “Custom Hunter” refers primarily to the cocobolo wood accent.

However, Zink does offer the call as part of a “Power Pak,” which includes an instructional DVD. This DVD provides valuable tips and techniques for using the call effectively.

Pros and Cons of Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter

Who Should Buy Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter?

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter is perfect for: hunters on a budget who want a reliable and versatile duck call. It’s also a great option for novice callers who are just starting to learn the art of duck calling.

Hunters who should skip this product: experienced callers who demand the absolute best sound quality and are willing to pay a premium for it. These hunters will likely prefer a high-end acrylic call.

A must-have accessory is a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible while hunting. It might also be useful to keep a small cloth on hand to wipe away moisture that accumulates on the call.

Conclusion on Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter

The Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter is a solid duck call that offers excellent value for money. It’s easy to use, versatile, and durable, making it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels.

The price is definitely justified, especially considering the quality of sound and construction. It offers a budget-friendly path to a Zink duck call.

I would personally recommend the Zink Call of Death (COD) – Custom Hunter to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable duck call. It’s a great way to improve your hunting success without breaking the bank. Get yours today and experience the Call of Death!