What Happened When I Tried the ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic
For years, my waterfowl hunting kit has been a carefully curated collection, built piece by piece through trial and error in countless blinds and across thousands of acres. When the need arose for a duck call that could deliver both piercing volume and that sought-after rasp from a distance, my attention turned to ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic. This call promised a powerful, barking quack designed to cut through wind and wide-open spaces. It was the “barking quack” that initially piqued my interest, hinting at a sound profile distinct from the softer, more nuanced tones I often used.
My search began on a blustery late November morning. The usual suspects, the familiar calls in my lanyard, just weren’t cutting it against a stiff north wind that was pushing the ducks wide of my usual ambush points. I needed something with a bit more oomph, a call that wouldn’t get lost in the noise of nature and could project a consistent sound over a long distance. I’d heard whispers of Echo Calls’ reputation for loud, aggressive sounds, and the “Ace in the Hole” seemed to embody that ethos.
Upon receiving the call, the first impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The black matte finish was understated yet effective, providing a good grip even with damp hands. It felt substantial without being overly heavy, suggesting a good balance of material and design. I briefly considered a popular multi-reed polycarbonate model from another well-regarded brand, but the promise of greater volume and range from this single-reed acrylic swayed me towards the Echo Call. My initial feeling was a surge of anticipation, the kind that comes before a new tool promises to solve a persistent problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic to the Test
My initial testing ground was the familiar setting of a layout blind on a crisp, windy morning. The air was alive with the rustle of dry reeds and the distant calls of geese, a perfect auditory backdrop to push the limits of a new duck call. I started with short, sharp hails, aiming to mimic the excited chatter of a feeding flock. The ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic responded with an immediate and impressive volume.
The sound it produced was indeed a loud, almost insistent bark, precisely as advertised. It had a distinctive rasp that carried exceptionally well on the wind, reaching further than I expected. I found it surprisingly intuitive to operate, even with its single-reed design, which can sometimes be finicky. After a few minutes of practice, I was able to modulate the volume from a piercing comeback call to a more subtle finishing note, though the “bark” remained its dominant characteristic. There were no immediate issues or surprises; it simply performed as promised, exceeding my expectations for raw projection.
Over the following weeks, this acrylic call became a staple in my hunting gear. I used it in a variety of conditions, from calm, misty mornings to days with gale-force winds that threatened to swallow lesser calls. It held up remarkably well. The black matte finish showed only minor scuffs after being dropped once on a gravel bar – a testament to its resilience. Cleaning was straightforward; a quick rinse and a wipe were all it needed to restore its finish and internal clarity. Compared to some of the more “boutique” calls I’ve owned, which often require meticulous care, this one felt like a workhorse. It performed consistently, without any noticeable drop in volume or rasp, even after prolonged use in damp environments.
Breaking Down the Features of ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic
The core of the ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic lies in its design and the materials used. It features a single reed configuration, which is often the key to achieving that aggressive, loud sound profile sought by many serious waterfowl hunters. The manufacturer, Echo Calls, has specifically tuned these acrylic calls to be louder and possess more range than their polycarbonate counterparts, a claim that my testing largely supports.
The acrylic barrel construction contributes significantly to its sound projection. Acrylic resonates sound differently than other materials, allowing for greater volume and a crisper tone. This is particularly beneficial when trying to get the attention of wary ducks from a considerable distance, where a softer call might be missed entirely. The black matte finish is not just for aesthetics; it provides a practical, non-slip grip that is crucial in wet hunting conditions.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Echo Calls
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: Acrylic
- Species: Duck
- Reed Type: Single Reed
These specifications combine to create a call that prioritizes raw power and audibility. The acrylic material is inherently louder and has a greater tonal range than many plastics, making it ideal for open water or windy conditions. The single reed design, while requiring a bit more control, is often the choice for those seeking maximum volume and that signature raspy sound that can be so effective in attracting ducks.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic is to produce realistic and attention-grabbing duck vocalizations. In this regard, it excels. Its main job is to be heard, and it does so with remarkable effectiveness.
The call produces a loud, raspy quack that is undeniably effective at long distances. It truly sounds like a “barking quack” as described, cutting through wind and background noise with ease. For finishing ducks, I found I could get a slightly softer, more intimate sound with careful breath control, but its true strength lies in its ability to project. It meets and often exceeds expectations for volume and range, making it a powerful tool for drawing birds in.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this Echo Call is focused on functionality and sound production. The acrylic body feels solid and well-machined, contributing to its sound quality. The black matte finish offers a good tactile experience, preventing slippage even when hands are cold and wet.
Ergonomically, it’s a standard stick call. It fits comfortably in the hand, and the mouthpiece is neither too large nor too small. The single-reed system is simple, which reduces potential points of failure. The overall feel is one of robust construction, designed for the rigors of outdoor use rather than delicate handling.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, this acrylic call is built to last. The acrylic material is known for its durability, resisting cracks and chips better than some softer plastics. The black matte finish, while showing minor scuffs, has held up well and doesn’t seem prone to peeling or wearing off.
Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick soak in water to dislodge any debris, followed by a gentle wipe down, is usually sufficient. The internal reed system is straightforward and hasn’t shown any signs of sticking or degradation even after repeated use in humid conditions. I’ve experienced no significant failure points, and it seems poised to last for many hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic comes as a standalone call. There are no additional accessories included with the product itself. However, the world of waterfowl hunting calls offers a wide range of customization options for those who wish to further refine their setup.
Many hunters opt for lanyards to keep their calls secure and accessible. Beyond that, the primary customization comes from the user’s own skill in manipulating the call. While aftermarket reeds are sometimes available for specific models, the Echo Calls system is generally designed to perform optimally with its stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic
Pros
- Exceptional volume and range: This call is designed to be heard, and it delivers that in spades, making it ideal for windy days or long-distance calling.
- Distinctive raspy “barking” quack: The sound profile is aggressive and attention-grabbing, effectively mimicking certain duck vocalizations.
- Durable acrylic construction: The black matte acrylic build is tough and resilient, standing up well to regular outdoor use.
- Simple and reliable single-reed design: Fewer moving parts mean less chance of malfunction and a more straightforward learning curve for those accustomed to single reeds.
- Great value for the performance: Considering its powerful sound and solid construction, the price point is very competitive.
Cons
- Limited subtlety for close-range work: While capable of softer notes, its dominant characteristic is loudness, which might be too much for very close-in finishing calls.
- Single-reed can be less forgiving for beginners: Those unfamiliar with single-reed calls might find it takes more practice to master than a double-reed setup.
- No included accessories: It comes as the call only, meaning lanyards or cases would be an additional purchase.
Who Should Buy ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic?
This duck call is ideally suited for the serious waterfowl hunter who frequently encounters challenging calling conditions. If you hunt in areas with significant wind, wide-open fields, or large bodies of water where you need your calls to carry, this Echo Calls model is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for hunters who prioritize volume and a commanding presence in their calling sequence.
Those who prefer a more nuanced, subtle sound for close-range finishing might find it a bit overpowering. Beginners to duck calling, especially those new to single-reed instruments, may want to start with a more forgiving double-reed call before transitioning to this model. For optimal use, I highly recommend pairing it with a comfortable and secure duck call lanyard so it’s always at the ready and protected.
Conclusion on ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic
The ECHO CALLS, INC 90022 Ace In The Hole Ducks Black Matte Single Reed Acrylic has firmly earned its place in my hunting kit. It delivers on its promise of loud, raspy, and far-reaching duck sounds with remarkable consistency. For its price point, the performance it offers in terms of volume, clarity, and durability is outstanding.
If you are looking for a call that can cut through the wind and command attention from wary waterfowl, this Echo Calls model is a highly recommended option. It’s a robust, effective tool that offers serious value for any hunter prioritizing a powerful presence in their calling. This call is not just about making noise; it’s about making the right noise, loud and clear, when it matters most.