I'm looking at purchasing a new call once I can catch some on sale after the season...I know there are alot of opposing opinions on which duck calls are preferred, but if anyone who considers themselves an experienced caller could let me know what they use I would appreciate it. If you have the time I would also like to know what you have used in the past and why you think the call you have now is superior to what you used previously. I know there are alot of posts on calls so I hope I don't make anyone mad for seeking help.

Becoming a good caller is a process.

Most guys start out with some of the cheaper double reed models that you can get at Academy. The Haydel's DR-85 is the best of that bunch.

I don't know how much experience you have, but after you can make a double reed sound good then you might look at a single reed call.

Each call is slightly different and each guy has a different voice.

I use three calls. I have a Haydel's Smokin' Suzie that I use for hail calls. I use a RNT Timbre for softer, up close calling. I also use an Echo acrylic for open water calling.

The key is to practice all the time. Get instructioanl CD's and DVD's to learn from the pros.

Don't get discouraged, it takes a lot of time and practice to master the call.

Just FYI, hunting supplies went on sale about 3 weeks ago. Pickens are slim. Dont buy one just becauses its cheap. If its still on the rack for sale now, chances are the call sux

bump....

Dad gave me a Yentzen when I was 11, it was easy to run. Then when I was 14 got a Olt 66 single reed I liked the tone. At 18 got a RNT been runing one ever since. Can hit the top and bottom real easy. Tune it up the way you like it. And RNT has good resale value.

RNT Shortbarrel. Call is extremely easy for ME to run and I can easily make different sounding hens, lots of range, etc...No comparison.

Echo Diamondwood double reed is also a great call for the money.

I use RNT calls.

I have a RNT Timbre Acyrlic (Custom built to double reed) that is my all around call. I also have a RNT Short Barrel Cocabola (also custom built to double reed) for my soft calls and feed call/chatter. I also have a RNT Daisy Cutter Acyrlic that I got a guy that never used it. It is a single reed and I use it for my open water and loud calling on windy days.

DJ Calls out of Illinois make some great calls that are inexpensive otherwise you cant go wrong with a Duck Commander. I shy away from expensive calls

"I shy away from expensive calls"

Any particular reason?

Maybe because all his cash is tied up in expensive SxS

Not all SxS are expensive...

And even if it is, he could probably afford a $100 duck call. Im broke and I can afford a few...

I dont consider myself good enough to blow an expensive call. I shoot a Baikal SxS and i love it!

to buck gardner calls:
This is the only call maker you need to check out, start with a double nasty combo and you will have everything that you need except a whistle and a bigger duck strap!

Kelly

Lots of great calls out there. Go to callingducks.com and listen to all the soundfiles. You can find them using the search engine. There are also videos on how to pick out the right call for you and other articles and tips.
http://www.callingducks.com/media_item.aspx?ID=595

http://www.callingducks.com/content_article_type.aspx?TYPE=Duck Calls

Find the call that makes the sound you want and that fits your style the best. This will usually take going to the store and blowing a bunch of them.

People can talk all they want, bottom line, you're gonna have to figure out which call fits you personally.

For me, I went through about 4 different high end calls that I bought used online before I found the call and line of calls that fit me and gave me the sound I really wanted. I like calls with a lot of hold on the low end and the ability to sound like many different hens. For me that fit has been Echo Calls. I blow a Timber in Cocobolo and a Prime Meat in Acrylic.

Ive been around for a while in the duck marsh.And Ive found some calls are great for some and terrible for others.I started out with several wood calls that I couldnt do anything with.Then I got a Lohman Arkansas single reed wood call and i called in more mallards and others with that one call than any other.It got old and the sound got weird.10 years old that is.I should have taken care of it.Now I blow a Echo Timber double reed bourbon color.It gets loud,and then it gets quiet for close stuff.Go to bass pro and call their calls that way you dont have to pay forem.Then when you find a call ,wood ,double reed,single reed, plastic,acrilic,big barrel,slim barrel,well you get the picture.Then find it cheap somewhere and purchase.