Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard Review

After the Test: My Review of Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard

For anyone who spends serious time in the field, especially those who rely on waterfowl calls, the right gear can be the difference between a successful outing and a frustrating day. The Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard, manufactured by Banded, promises to be a reliable and comfortable way to keep essential calls close at hand. Its design centers on a neoprene exterior with a fleece backing for neck comfort, featuring two call drops with quick clips, ideal for carrying up to three calls. This level of organization is crucial when you’re dealing with the unpredictable elements and the rapid pace of a duck hunt.

My journey to this specific lanyard began with a recurring annoyance: fumbling for the right call when the moment demanded swift action. I’d previously used a mix of paracord and basic elastic loops, which, while functional, offered little in terms of comfort or quick accessibility. The need for something more structured, something that could handle a couple of calls securely without becoming a tangled mess, became increasingly apparent. I considered a more elaborate chest pack, but that felt like overkill for my primary needs. This Banded model seemed to strike a perfect balance between simplicity and utility.

Upon first inspection, the lanyard feels substantial. The neoprene exterior suggests durability, while the fleece backing immediately hints at a more comfortable wearing experience than bare nylon or rougher materials. The quick clips on the call drops appear robust, hinting at a secure attachment system. My initial impression is one of practical design, geared towards functionality in demanding outdoor conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests for this lanyard were conducted during a late-season waterfowl hunt in a flooded timber environment. This meant long periods of standing and waiting, punctuated by moments requiring quick and accurate calling. The lanyard was loaded with a goose call and two duck calls, utilizing all three attachment points.

Performance in these conditions was largely positive. The fleece backing did an admirable job of preventing chafing against my neck, even after several hours. The neoprene exterior offered a decent grip, preventing it from sliding around too much, which was a welcome change from my previous setup. Adjusting the calls was straightforward thanks to the easy attaching quick clips, allowing me to switch between different calls with minimal fuss.

Ease of use was surprisingly high. There was no complicated setup or adjustment period; it was essentially ready to go out of the box. The only minor quirk was that, when fully loaded with three calls, the weight distribution felt a little uneven, but this is a common characteristic of most multi-call lanyards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across multiple hunting trips and practice sessions, this lanyard has held up remarkably well. It’s been exposed to damp conditions, the occasional brush against tree bark, and the general rigors of being out in the elements. There are no signs of premature wear and tear; the neoprene remains flexible, and the fleece backing is still soft.

The durability of the quick clips has been particularly impressive. They continue to provide a secure hold on the call lanyards, and I haven’t experienced any accidental unclips. Maintenance is minimal, which is ideal for field gear. A quick rinse with fresh water and a shake-off after muddy excursions are usually all that’s needed.

Compared to budget options I’ve used in the past, which often featured flimsy clips or rougher materials that quickly became uncomfortable, this Banded offering feels significantly more robust and user-friendly. It’s not a premium, custom-made piece, but for its price point, its performance and comfort level are well above average.

Breaking Down the Features of Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard

Specifications

The Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard is designed with specific features to enhance user experience during outdoor pursuits. Its neoprene exterior fabric offers a degree of water resistance and a pleasant tactile feel. The fleece backing for neck comfort is a standout feature, significantly reducing irritation during extended wear.

It comes equipped with two call drops with easy attaching quick clips, a crucial element for accessibility. This configuration is noted as being perfect for three calls, meaning one drop might hold two calls or a single call with an additional attachment. The manufacturer is Banded, and the specific color reviewed here is Bottomland.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits. The neoprene and fleece combination ensures comfort, which is vital when you’re out for long periods, especially in colder weather. The quick clips allow for swift and secure attachment and detachment of calls, saving valuable seconds when you need to change your sound or retrieve a different call. Being able to carry three calls is also a significant advantage for hunters who use a variety of sounds to attract different species or respond to varying field conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a call lanyard is to keep your calls organized, accessible, and comfortable to wear. The Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard excels in these areas. Its two call drops with easy attaching quick clips work precisely as intended, offering a secure hold without being overly difficult to operate, even with cold hands.

The main strength of this lanyard is its comfort, largely due to the fleece backing for neck comfort. This feature genuinely makes a difference during long hunts, preventing the familiar sore spots that can develop with lesser lanyards. The ability to comfortably carry up to three calls without excessive bulk is another significant advantage.

A minor weakness, as noted earlier, is that when fully loaded with three calls, the weight can feel a bit unbalanced if not adjusted properly on the neck. However, this is more of an inherent challenge with carrying multiple calls rather than a fault of the lanyard itself. For its intended purpose and price, it meets and often exceeds expectations for functionality and wearability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this lanyard is solid, with a noticeable emphasis on comfort. The neoprene exterior fabric feels durable and has a slightly grippy texture, while the fleece backing for neck comfort is plush and non-abrasive. The quick clips are made of a sturdy plastic that has resisted stress well during my testing.

Ergonomically, the lanyard is designed for straightforward use. The fleece backing distributes weight well across the neck, and the length is adjustable enough to accommodate various builds and preferences. The easy attaching quick clips are intuitive; a simple pinch and pull action is all that’s needed to secure or release a call.

Practical design details include the generous loop size of the call drops, accommodating various call diameters. The Bottomland color scheme is also a practical choice, offering good camouflage in natural environments. While there isn’t a steep learning curve, taking a moment to position the lanyard correctly on your neck ensures optimal comfort and accessibility.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal use for its intended purpose, this lanyard is likely to last for several seasons. The neoprene exterior fabric is resistant to abrasion and the elements, and the stitching on the call drops appears to be robust. The fleece backing is unlikely to pill or wear down quickly.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse with water to remove mud or debris, followed by air drying, is usually sufficient. There are no complex parts to clean or maintain, making it ideal for field use where time and resources are often limited.

The primary potential failure point, as with most lanyards, would be the clips. However, the easy attaching quick clips on this model seem well-constructed and haven’t shown any signs of weakening. It’s important to avoid overstressing them by attaching items far heavier than calls, but for their intended load, they should hold up admirably.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard comes with its core components: the lanyard itself with the fleece backing and the two call drops with easy attaching quick clips. The product is described as being perfect for three calls, implying that users might need to provide their own third attachment point or utilize one of the existing drops for a single call and add another call to it, depending on the call’s lanyard.

While no additional accessories are included, the quick clips offer a degree of customization by allowing users to easily swap out different calls. The Bottomland color is a functional choice for camouflage, and the overall design is adaptable to various calling styles. It’s a straightforward piece of equipment, and its strength lies in its focused simplicity rather than a plethora of add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard

Who Should Buy Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard?

This lanyard is an excellent choice for waterfowl hunters, particularly those who rely on multiple calls for different species or hunting scenarios. It’s ideal for individuals who prioritize comfort during long days in the blind or field and value quick, reliable access to their gear. It would also suit anyone who needs a durable and practical way to organize and carry a few essential items beyond just calls, provided they fit the clip system.

Those who need a sterile environment or are looking for a highly specialized tactical lanyard might want to look elsewhere. If your needs are strictly for medical or extremely sensitive laboratory work, this is not the product for you. For anyone heading into the marsh or timber for a day of duck or goose hunting, however, this gear is well-suited.

Essential complementary items would include your preferred waterfowl calls, of course. Users might also consider a small, lightweight carabiner if they wish to attach an additional item to one of the existing clips, although this would depend on the weight and size of the additional item.

Conclusion on Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard

The Banded Neoprene Call Lanyard delivers on its promise of comfort and functionality for the serious waterfowl enthusiast. Its combination of a durable neoprene exterior fabric and a supremely comfortable fleece backing for neck comfort makes it a pleasure to wear, even for extended periods. The easy attaching quick clips provide reliable access to your calls, and the capacity for up to three calls is a significant advantage for hunters who employ a varied repertoire.

Considering its price point of $43.99, the value proposition is strong. It offers features and comfort typically found in more expensive options, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends considerable time in the field. I would personally recommend this lanyard to any duck or goose hunter looking for a comfortable, reliable, and practical solution for carrying their calls. It strikes a fine balance between robust utility and user comfort, making your time in the elements more enjoyable and your calling more efficient.