Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard Review

The Truth About Using the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard

The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard isn’t just another piece of hunting gear; it’s an essential component for any serious waterfowler looking to streamline their setup and keep their most critical tools accessible. As someone who’s spent over a decade out in the elements, from the duck blind to the workshop bench, I appreciate gear that’s built for purpose and performs without fuss. This lanyard, with its capacity for multiple calls and a focus on practical design, immediately caught my eye for its potential to solve the age-old problem of juggling calls and other essentials in the field.

My own experience in waterfowl hunting has frequently involved fumbling for a different call as conditions changed or a specific bird species appeared on the horizon. Juggling two or three calls, along with a flashlight or other small items, often led to dropped gear or missed opportunities. I was specifically looking for a solution that could comfortably hold my go-to calls, offer some adjustability, and not become a soggy, heavy nuisance after a few hours in the marsh. I considered a few more basic paracord lanyards, but they often lacked any sort of padding or dedicated features for multiple attachments.

My first impression upon unboxing the Browning lanyard was one of solid construction and thoughtful, if understated, design. The neoprene neck pad felt substantial without being bulky, and the braided paracord drops exuded a sense of durability that promised to withstand the rigors of a wet, muddy duck hunt. It offered a welcome sense of preparedness, a feeling that my tools would be right where I needed them, when I needed them.

Real-World Testing: Putting Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard to the test during a chilly late-season duck hunt. The conditions were less than ideal: driving rain, strong winds, and waterlogged fields that made every step a challenge. I loaded it with three of my most-used duck calls and a goose call, all of which fit snugly into the drops.

Performance in these conditions was surprisingly good. The neoprene neck pad, as advertised, didn’t soak up water like I expected, remaining relatively comfortable against my neck even after hours in the rain. The braided paracord drops held my calls securely, and I didn’t experience any slippage, even when reaching for a call in a hurry or when my hands were slick with mud. Ease of use was also a significant plus; the adjustable drops meant I could quickly fine-tune the position of each call for optimal access, and the entire system felt intuitive rather than cumbersome.

One minor surprise was how quickly the lanyard settled in. I was prepared for a bit of adjustment, but the ergonomic design meant it felt natural almost immediately. There were no glaring quirks or issues to report from that initial outing, which is a testament to its straightforward, functional design.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and multiple hunts, the lanyard has held up exceptionally well. It’s become an indispensable part of my waterfowl gear, accompanying me on every trip. I’ve subjected it to mud, water, and the occasional accidental bump against boat blinds or tree branches, and it shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The paracord remains robust, the stitching on the neoprene pad is still tight, and the adjustable drops function just as smoothly as they did on day one.

Maintenance has been remarkably simple. A quick rinse under the hose after a muddy hunt and allowing it to air dry is all that’s needed to keep it in top shape. I haven’t noticed any stiffness developing in the material, nor have the drops shown any signs of fraying. Compared to some of the cheaper, generic lanyards I’ve used in the past, which often become stiff and brittle after prolonged exposure to the elements or develop weak points where the loops attach, this model feels significantly more durable. Its construction seems designed for the long haul, outperforming budget options and holding its own against more premium offerings.

Breaking Down the Features of Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard

Specifications

The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard is designed with a waterfowler’s needs in mind. It features a padded neoprene neck pad that distributes weight comfortably and resists water absorption. The core of the lanyard is constructed from braided paracord, known for its strength and resistance to abrasion.

This lanyard boasts a versatile attachment system: three fixed drops and two removable drops, allowing it to hold up to 10 calls in total. These drops are not only adjustable for height but are designed to accommodate most call sizes, offering a high degree of customization. Included is a removeable, paracord-wrapped finishing tool, a thoughtful addition for field dressing harvested birds.

The specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the user. The neoprene neck pad is crucial for comfort during long days in the blind, preventing chafing and discomfort. The braided paracord drops ensure that your valuable calls are held securely and reliably, even in adverse weather. The adjustable and removable drops are a standout feature, providing unmatched flexibility to tailor the lanyard to your specific calling style and the calls you choose to bring on any given hunt. This makes it significantly more versatile than lanyards with only fixed loops.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – keeping your calls organized and accessible – the Browning lanyard excels. It performs its main function flawlessly, ensuring that your calls are readily available without being a hindrance. The three fixed drops and two removable drops provide ample space for a variety of calls, allowing you to carry everything from your go-to duck call to your favorite goose call, and still have room for more.

The biggest strength of this lanyard is its versatility and capacity. The ability to adjust the height of the drops means you can position each call exactly where you want it, minimizing fumbling. The removable drops are a game-changer, allowing you to lighten the load if you’re only bringing a couple of calls or rearrange attachments as needed. A minor area for potential improvement might be the finish tool; while functional, its paracord wrap, while grippy, could potentially fray over extensive use if not cared for. However, for its intended purpose, it performs admirably.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this lanyard is impressive for its price point. The materials used – the sturdy neoprene and the strong, braided paracord – feel robust and well-assembled. The overall feel is one of a piece of gear built to last through countless hunting seasons.

Ergonomically, the lanyard is well-designed for extended wear. The padded neoprene neck pad is a standout feature, significantly enhancing comfort and reducing neck strain during long days. The adjustable drops allow for personalized positioning, making it easy to access your calls quickly without looking. The paracord itself is smooth enough not to be abrasive, and the removable, paracord-wrapped finishing tool adds a practical touch with a comfortable grip.

Durability & Maintenance

Under normal hunting conditions, this lanyard is built to last. The braided paracord construction is highly resistant to abrasion and the elements, suggesting it will hold up for many years of rigorous use. The neoprene neck pad also appears very durable, with strong stitching that isn’t showing any signs of pulling or separation.

Maintenance is as straightforward as it gets. A simple rinse with fresh water after being exposed to mud or saltwater, followed by air drying, is sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. There are no complex parts to worry about or special cleaning agents required. Its robust construction means there are few obvious failure points, and the design avoids delicate mechanisms that could break down.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory included with the Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard is the removeable paracord-wrapped finishing tool. While simple, it’s a practical addition that saves you from having to dig through your pack for a knife when you need to field dress a bird.

Customization is a key selling point here. The three fixed drops and two removable drops offer a high degree of personalization. You can decide how many calls you want to carry, up to ten, and adjust their positions to suit your preferences. The drops are height adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the reach to each call. This level of customization means you can adapt the lanyard to various hunting scenarios or personal preferences without needing additional purchases.

Pros and Cons of Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard

Who Should Buy Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard?

This lanyard is an excellent choice for any serious waterfowl hunter who relies on multiple calls and values organization and quick access in the field. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who frequently switch between different calls depending on the species or conditions, or those who simply prefer to have their entire arsenal at their fingertips. If you hunt in wet or muddy environments, the water-resistant nature of the neck pad is a significant advantage.

However, individuals who only ever carry one or two calls and prefer a minimalist setup might find the capacity of up to 10 calls to be overkill. Those who are extremely budget-conscious and only need a basic strap might also look for simpler, less feature-rich options, though they would likely sacrifice comfort and durability.

For those who opt for this lanyard, ensuring you have a good selection of quality duck and goose calls to utilize its full potential is key. While not strictly necessary, having a method to easily detach and reattach calls to the drops would further enhance its user-friendliness for those who frequently swap calls.

Conclusion on Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard

The Browning Wicked Wing Collection Duck Call Lanyard stands out as a highly functional and durable piece of gear for the dedicated waterfowl hunter. It successfully combines comfort, capacity, and customizable access to your most important calling tools. The quality of the materials and construction suggests it will be a reliable companion through many hunting seasons, and its thoughtful design addresses common frustrations faced by duck hunters in the field.

At its price point of $34.89, this lanyard offers exceptional value. The combination of the comfortable padded neoprene neck pad, the versatile adjustable and removable drops, and the robust braided paracord construction makes it a worthy investment. For hunters looking to upgrade their setup, reduce fumbling in the blind, and ensure their calls are always within easy reach, I would absolutely recommend this lanyard. It’s a practical, well-executed product that genuinely enhances the hunting experience.