Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke Review

The Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist for over a decade, I’ve handled countless duck calls, from meticulously crafted acrylic masterpieces to more budget-friendly options. When I first laid eyes on the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke, I was intrigued by its promise: Zink quality at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank.

I was looking for a reliable, all-weather duck call that I could confidently recommend to novice hunters without hesitation. Many inexpensive calls on the market lack the responsiveness and tonal qualities to effectively mimic a hen mallard. I wanted to find something that bridged that gap.

My initial impression upon unboxing was surprisingly positive. The “Gun Smoke” color gave it a tactical, understated look, and the polycarbonate felt solid and well-molded. It was notably lighter than my usual acrylic calls, but not in a way that suggested cheapness.

Compared to a high-end acrylic call like a Duck Commander Triple Threat or a Echo Calls Pure Meat, the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke obviously lacks the same refined resonance. But compared to other budget calls I’ve used, like the Primos Wet Hen or the Buck Gardner Mallard Magic, the Zink immediately felt like a step up in potential.

I was definitely excited. Could this call deliver the sound and responsiveness I expect from Zink at such an affordable price?

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke to a local marsh during the early teal season. The weather was typically unpredictable: humid, with intermittent rain showers.

The call performed admirably under those conditions. The “easy blow” system, as advertised by Zink, lived up to its name, requiring minimal effort to produce a decent hen mallard sound. Even with wet reeds, the tone remained consistent.

Initially, I had some trouble getting the full range of sounds I wanted. With some practice, I learned to manipulate my air pressure and hand position to get those higher, nasally quacks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during teal and early duck season, the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the surface.

Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze. A quick rinse with water and a light blow to clear the reeds is all it takes. Compared to some of my more intricate acrylic calls, this is refreshingly simple.

Compared to other polycarbonate calls I’ve used, the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke consistently outperformed in tone quality and ease of use. It is definitely a winner in its price class.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke

Specifications

• The Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke is molded from durable polycarbonate, designed for all-weather use. This ensures reliability even in harsh conditions.

• It features Zink’s “easy blow” sound system, which is specifically engineered to allow even novice callers to produce realistic duck sounds. This is a huge advantage for beginners.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke excels at producing convincing hen mallard sounds, from soft feeding calls to louder comeback calls. Its versatility is impressive, especially considering its price point.

The call’s strength lies in its ease of use and consistent tone. Its weakness is a slight lack of resonance compared to higher-end acrylic calls.

It meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a polycarbonate call in its price range. It’s a solid performer that’s reliable and easy to use.

Design & Ergonomics

The “Gun Smoke” color gives the call a sleek, tactical aesthetic. The polycarbonate construction makes it lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.

The call is remarkably user-friendly. The “easy blow” system minimizes the learning curve, allowing beginners to quickly produce convincing duck sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The polycarbonate material is highly durable and resistant to cracking or chipping. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of hunting in various conditions.

Maintenance is simple: just rinse with water and clear the reeds. This ease of maintenance makes it a practical choice for hunters who prioritize convenience.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Due to its design, there are no practical customization options.

Its compatibility is limited to lanyards for carrying. There are no other customization options.

Pros and Cons of Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke

Who Should Buy Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke?

This call is perfect for beginner duck hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use option. It’s also a great choice for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a durable call for harsh conditions.

Hunters who prioritize ultimate sound quality and are willing to invest in a high-end acrylic call should skip this product. Those looking for extensive customization options should also look elsewhere.

A good lanyard is a must-have accessory. Otherwise, the call is ready to use right out of the package.

Conclusion on Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke

The Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke offers exceptional value for its price. It combines Zink’s renowned sound quality with the durability and affordability of polycarbonate.

The price is absolutely justified. This call delivers performance that far exceeds its cost.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable duck call. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of duck calling and a solid performer for seasoned hunters alike. Get out there, practice your calling, and let the Zink Power Hen PH-1 Polycarbonate Duck Call – Gun Smoke help you bring in those birds!