Best Duck Calls · #6
Double Nasty II
Buck Gardner
Reader rating
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Poly double reed with a tone channel that stays clean — the best first call at the price.
Pros
- Very forgiving, easy for beginners to learn
- Durable polycarbonate construction handles abuse
- Clean tone channel resists sticking in wet conditions
- Produces realistic, versatile duck sounds
- Excellent value for consistent field performance
Cons
- Not the loudest call for reaching distant birds
- Less customizability compared to higher-end models
- Aesthetic is purely utilitarian
Best uses
- First duck call for new hunters
- Close-range calling in timber or small water
- Reliable foul-weather performance
- Everyday calling for consistent results
Specifications
- Call Type
- Duck Call
- Reed System
- Double Reed
- Material
- Polycarbonate
- Best Range
- Close to Mid
- Tone Quality
- Ducky, Versatile
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
First duck call for new hunters, Close-range calling in timber or small water, Reliable foul-weather performance, Everyday calling for consistent results
Where to buy the Double Nasty II
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Buck Gardner Double Nasty II has earned its reputation as a consistent performer, and for good reason. It’s often touted as an excellent entry point for new callers, but that undersells its capabilities slightly. This isn't just a beginner's toy; it's a workhorse call that seasoned hunters keep in their lanyard rotation. Its double-reed design and distinctive tone channel are engineered to provide reliable performance even when things get messy out in the blind. We’ve seen it perform through nasty weather, muddy conditions, and countless hours of calling practice without losing its edge. It’s a tool built for function first, and it delivers. What sets the Double Nasty II apart at its price point is its blend of forgiveness and genuine ducky sound. Many calls in this bracket compromise on one or the other. Here, you get a call that’s relatively easy to blow, allowing new callers to achieve decent sounds quickly, while still offering the range and tonal qualities that can convince wary birds. It excels in close-to-mid range calling, producing convincing quacks, clucks, and even some nuanced cadences. For hunters who prioritize dependability and effective results over flashy aesthetics or extreme volume, this call consistently punches above its weight.
Construction & Durability
This call is built from durable polycarbonate, a choice that makes sense for a workhorse tool. Polycarbonate handles drops, bumps, and temperature swings far better than some other materials without cracking or losing its tuning. The two-piece design is straightforward, meaning fewer parts to potentially fail. The reeds themselves are robust and designed to resist sticking, a common frustration in wet or cold conditions. Cleaning is also simplified due to the material and construction, an important factor for maintaining performance over a long season. It’s not flashy, but it’s engineered to last and perform consistently under field conditions.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Double Nasty II shines with its ability to consistently produce natural duck sounds. Its 'tone channel' design helps keep the sound clean, even with some moisture build-up, which is a significant advantage in real hunting situations. It’s not the loudest call on the market, nor is it designed to be. Its strength lies in its ability to generate realistic quacks and subtle hen talk that can finish birds in tighter setups. The double-reed configuration makes it forgiving for air control, which translates to less squealing and more genuine duck sounds for callers of all experience levels.
Weight & Portability
As expected from a polycarbonate call, this one is lightweight and doesn't add noticeable bulk to a lanyard. Its compact size ensures it sits comfortably alongside other calls without getting in the way. There are no delicate parts that demand special care, so it can be tossed in a blind bag or wader pocket without concern. This robust portability contributes to its 'go-anywhere, do-anything' utility, making it a reliable choice for diverse hunting scenarios where weight and bulk are always considerations.
Who It's For
This call is for the duck hunter who prioritizes function and reliability over flash. It’s an excellent choice for a dedicated beginner seeking a forgiving yet effective tool to learn on. However, its capabilities extend far beyond that. Intermediate and even experienced callers will appreciate its ability to produce consistent, realistic sounds in close-to-mid range setups. It’s particularly well-suited for timber hunters, small water fowlers, or anyone who frequently hunts in adverse weather where maintaining call performance is crucial.
Alternatives & Value
At this price point, you're primarily looking at other polycarbonate double-reed calls. Comparable options might include some basic RNT or Zink poly calls. What often sets the Double Nasty II apart is its reputation for a 'clean' tone even with spit and moisture, thanks to its specific tone board design. While other calls might offer slightly more volume or a more distinct high-end, few match its overall balance of user-friendliness, durability, and consistent ducky tone for the money. It offers exceptional value for its performance envelope.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best duck calls that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 9 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Double Nasty II — frequently asked questions
- Is the Double Nasty II worth it?
- We rank it #6 in Best Duck Calls. Poly double reed with a tone channel that stays clean — the best first call at the price.
- What is the Double Nasty II best for?
- Best for first duck call for new hunters, close-range calling in timber or small water, reliable foul-weather performance and everyday calling for consistent results. Standouts: very forgiving, easy for beginners to learn and durable polycarbonate construction handles abuse.
- What are the downsides of the Double Nasty II?
- Not the loudest call for reaching distant birds, Less customizability compared to higher-end models and Aesthetic is purely utilitarian.
- What are the key specs of the Double Nasty II?
- Call Type: Duck Call · Reed System: Double Reed · Material: Polycarbonate · Best Range: Close to Mid · Tone Quality: Ducky, Versatile
- Construction & Durability — what should I know about the Double Nasty II?
- This call is built from durable polycarbonate, a choice that makes sense for a workhorse tool. Polycarbonate handles drops, bumps, and temperature swings far better than some other materials without cracking or losing its tuning.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Double Nasty II?
- In the field, the Double Nasty II shines with its ability to consistently produce natural duck sounds. Its 'tone channel' design helps keep the sound clean, even with some moisture build-up, which is a significant advantage in real hunting situations.
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