Selecting the loudest mallard duck call is an important consideration for duck hunters looking to attract mallards from long distances. The loudness of a duck call is determined by its reed and toneboard construction, as well as the skill of the caller. In general, duck calls with multiple reeds tend to be louder than single reed calls. The toneboard shape and material also impact volume. When blown correctly by an experienced caller, certain duck call models stand out as being capable of producing extremely loud, far-reaching calls that are irresistible to inbound mallards.
Key Factors in a Loud Mallard Call
There are several key factors that contribute to making an exceptionally loud duck call:
- Multiple reeds – Calls with two or more reeds can create more sound volume than single reed models.
- Large toneboard – A longer, wider toneboard amplifies sound and projects it farther.
- Toneboard shape – Curved, convex shapes help focus sound waves outward.
- Toneboard material – Polycarbonate plastic creates the loudest sounds.
- Raspy tones – A raspy hen mallard “quitting” call carries farther than high pitched whistles.
- Skill of caller – Proper breath control and technique is required to make the call perform at maximum volume.
The Loudest Production Duck Calls
With the ideal design characteristics in mind, here are some of the loudest mallard duck calls currently available:
RNT Original Acrylic
With its loud, raspy tones, the RNT Original Acrylic call has been a popular choice for over 30 years. It has a curved polycarbonate toneboard and twin reeds made from dense mylar for high volume. Seasoned callers can make this call scream with an aggressive hen mallard feeding call.
Zink PH-2
The PH-2 from Zink Calls is a loud single reed polycarb call designed for creating raspy hen calls that get results. Its curved shape and extended toneboard give it the ability to produce screaming loud calls in the right hands.
Faithful Breathin’ Bruiser
Designed for high volume duck calling, the Breathin’ Bruiser from Faithful Calls lives up to its name. Using a curved maple toneboard and double reed system, this call can crank out loud, raspy calls heard over long distances.
Duck Commander Cuttin’ Edge
The Cuttin’ Edge call from the Duck Commander series uses an extended polycarbonate toneboard and twin reeds to deliver loud, far-reaching calls. The raspy hen sound it produces is ideal for calling high and hailing mallards from afar.
How Loudness is Achieved
Loud duck call volume relies on some key acoustic principles:
- Multiple reeds vibrating together displace more air, creating higher sound pressure and volume.
- Large toneboards amplified sound waves the way a speaker housing does.
- Curved surfaces help focus and project sound outward rather than muffling it.
- Hard, smooth plastic materials like polycarbonate resonant sound better than wood or metal.
- Raspy, grating tones carry much farther than high or low frequencies.
- Proper breath control sends air efficiently through the reeds/toneboard.
By combining these elements together in the call design and using good technique, hunters can achieve ear-splitting volumes that get the attention of mallards from huge distances.
Volume Versus Realism
One tradeoff with extremely loud duck calls is that realism can be sacrificed. While they excel at hailing and attracting birds from afar, loud calls may sound unnatural at close range.
Duck hunting experts recommend having a very loud call for open water long distance calling. But in timber, marshes, and other close settings, a moderate volume call that replicates subtle, realistic hen sounds may work better.
How Skill Impacts Volume
Loudness potential is also tied closely to calling skill. A champion caller can coerce loud, deafening calls from even average calls using proper technique. Meanwhile, a beginner will struggle to make loud calls very resonant.
Mastering breath control and manipulation of reeds and toneboard are required skills to unleash the full volume possible from premium loud duck calls.
Conclusion
For unmatched volume that reaches out over extreme distances, the RNT Original, Zink PH-2, Faithful Breathin’ Bruiser, and Duck Commander Cuttin’ Edge are proven models that allow skilled callers to create piercing, raspy hen mallard calls that attract ducks from far away.
By utilizing curved polycarbonate toneboards, twin or triple reeds, and ideal tone shaping, these calls achieve loudness through expert acoustic design. But controlling the air and working the reeds artfully is still required to hit peak volumes.
When mallards are finishing far out or high in the air, a loud raspy hen call is the go-to tool duck hunters need to call them into shotgun range. Practicing on the loudest duck calls available ensures you can hail mallards even from the next county when conditions align.
