Wooden Duck Calls vs Acrylic Duck Calls

wooden duck calls vs acrylic duck calls

Introduction

Do you need help deciding between a wooden duck call or acrylic duck call?

You are in the market for a new duck call but can’t decide between wood or acrylic. Each has its merits and place in hunting, and both are good choices. The following article has compiled several advantages and disadvantages of both materials. Keep reading to get all of the facts and information about wooden duck calls and acrylic duck calls.

Wooden Duck Calls Resonate Better Than Acrylic

A wooden duck call typically provides a softer, more mellow sound. Although some types of wood, such as Cocobolo or African Blackwood, create a clearer, more commanding tone. Wooden calls are available in a large variety of wood species. Every wood species offers different tonal qualities, different densities, different resistances to moisture absorption, and different levels of durability.

Each of these qualities provides unique options for various hunting situations. A harder, more dense wood can produce the tone and volume for effective open water or field hunting. A softer, less dense wood can provide the tone and lower volume for calling to highly pressure ducks or outstanding timber hunting.

There is a reason a lot of musical instruments are made of wood. Wood resonates better than acrylic. This resonating quality allows a wooden duck call to produce a richer sound than an acrylic duck call.

Wooden Duck Calls Tend To Be Less Expensive

wooden duck calls vs acryllic duck calls

In general, wooden duck calls are less expensive than acrylic duck calls. The lower cost may allow a hunter to purchase multiple calls to cover various hunting locations. Also, attaining multiple calls gives the duck caller the ability to find the duck call that best fits their calling style and calling needs.

Wooden Duck Calls Require More Maintenance

Wooden calls need to be taken apart and allowed to dry, and the finish needs to be maintained to prolong the life of the call.

On the downside, wooden calls are affected by moisture. Moisture absorption can cause the wood to swell and alter the sound and tonal abilities. Each species of wood is affected by moisture to different degrees. Wood types within a large number of natural oils are usually more resistant to moisture absorption.

These types of woods can better maintain their sound and tonal abilities. However, some types of wood can absorb enough moisture to cause them to crack. The reason callmakers started putting bands on duck calls was to prevent the insert from swelling and cracking the barrel. In many cases, wooden calls are usually less durable than acrylic calls.

As a result of the durability factor and moisture absorption, wooden duck calls require more maintenance and care than acrylic duck calls. Wooden calls need to be taken apart and allowed to dry, and the finish needs to be maintained to prolong the life of the call.

Acrylic Duck Calls Are Louder

wooden duck calls vs acrylic duck calls

Acrylic duck calls produce a crisp, loud sound. The increased volume and crisp tone makes them ideal for open water and field hunting. At the same time, an acrylic call can be manufactured to produce a lower volume and softer tone making them equally effective for marsh or timber hunting. An acrylic call is strong and extremely durable, but they are not indestructible. Acrylic can take a lot of abuse while maintaining its sound.

Acrylic Is Not Affected By Moisture

Being a type of plastic, acrylic is not affected by moisture. Since acrylic will not absorb water, an acrylic duck call will not swell or crack from moisture exposure. This attribute makes acrylic calls a good choice for hunting in wet weather. The biggest disadvantage of acrylic calls is their price tag.

They are more expensive to produce, and that expensive is often passed on to the duck hunter. In some opinions, an acrylic call lacks the natural and unique beauty a wooden call provides.

Key Takeaways: Wooden Duck Calls vs Acrylic Duck Calls

Wooden Duck Calls

Pros:

  • Lower price (on average)
  • Rich and natural sound,
  • Sound can be loud
  • Made from various types of wood creating various styles & options

Cons:

  • Less resistant to moisture
  • Requires more maintenance and upkeep

Acrylic Duck Calls

Pros:

  • Loud, piercing sounds
  • Requires less maintenance
  • Resistance to moisture

Cons:

  • Higher price (on average)
  • Less tonal variety due

Conclusion

If you are a novice or seasoned hunter, we recommend you choose the call your budget will allow. The current call market is flooded with call options. You need to determine what style of call you need based on your calling requirements and budget. Then you need to test the call to make sure it meets your needs. Once you make the choice and purchase, practice as much as you can to learn the full potential of the call.

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