Background Info
The difference between a single and double reed call.
To give you a little background here I think it’s important to hop into the simple difference between single and double reed duck calls. Most people recommend beginners to start working with a double reed duck call to get yourself started and that’s because the double reed actually gives you a little more control with your air since you are just learning what to do and how to make the call work for you. It takes away what might otherwise be a high pitched squeal when you used too much air to quickly and tones it back down to something not quite as horrendous sounding. That being said, the best callers in the world blow single reed duck calls and you’re going to want to make that switch as soon as possible if you want to become a truly great caller with control and tone.
1. Haydel’s Deceiver
The first call I ever owned was a simple call to learn on. Haydel’s Deceiver is a call that I would highly recommend any beginner buying for their first call. It’s easy to blow, easy to control, and works with you to create a decent tone when you’re just starting to figure out different sounds. The best part about this call and something I always preach to new hunters is that it’s CHEAP. $20 will buy you the Deceiver almost anywhere you look and that’s about all you should be spending on your first call anyway. Don’t go out looking for some beautiful custom call to start on. It’s not going to make you like calling any more than this $20 call will. Not to mention, if you decide to become an avid waterfowl hunter, there will be a millennium of chances for you to blow your dough the more interested you get. START SMALL.
2. Flextone Single Reed
After I learned my quacks, feeds, welcomes, and hails to the point that it wasn’t embarrassing, I got interested in what that single reed might change for me. I was watching countless videos on how to call instructions from some of the world’s best callers and none of them were using a double reed call. I found my first single reed on sale at Scheel’s for a measly $5. I couldn’t pass on that price even if I was buying it just to out find out what it might be like. The call I bargain scooped was a Flextone Single Reed and even at full price this call rings in at about $15. Again, KEEP IT CHEAP MY FRIENDS! With my first welcome call I instantly turned up my nose at the thing. What in the heck this thing was different than my double reed that’s for sure. But as my buddy listened to me blow both he started telling me how much better he liked the single reed. I started to come around. Of course now I hear the differences and love single reed calls for so many reasons. It’s funny to say that even after purchasing many different calls that cost a lot more money, I still keep my crappy old Flextone on the lanyard sometimes. It’s a decent call and an absolute killer of a starter single reed.
3. The Baptizer
Though I don’t consider this a great starter call I know a lot of guys who learned on the Duck Commander Baptizer. It’s easy to learn to blow basic sounds on this call but it’s just not very realistic sounding and when you’re first starting out you get hooked most when it starts to sound good even to your own ears. Yet again, this call comes in at a great price at only $25. If you can’t find the Haydel Deceiver then give this starter call a look!
In Conclusion
Midwest Flyways is a huge supporter of new hunters and we are always willing to help. If you have any questions about hunting whether you are a new or old hunter, please shoot us a message or email and expect to hear back from us on whatever it is you might not be sure on!