Best Duck Calls · #7
DR-85 Double Reed
Haydel's
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The old reliable — decades of hunters learned mallard talk on this call.
Pros
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant polycarbonate construction
- Easy to blow, forgiving double reed system for beginners
- Produces realistic, consistent mallard hen sounds
- Affordable price point for reliability and performance
- Lightweight and compact for easy carry
Cons
- Sound can lack nuance compared to premium calls
- Not the loudest call for very long-range hailing
- Tuning can be less straightforward than some designs
- Less tactile feel than wood or acrylic calls
Best uses
- Everyday hunting
- Beginner callers
- Rough conditions
- Budget-conscious hunters
- Reliable backup
Specifications
- Maker
- Haydel's
- Model
- DR-85 Double Reed
- Reed Type
- Double
- Material
- Polycarbonate
- Primary Use
- Mallard Hen Calls
Pricing
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Best for
Everyday hunting, Beginner callers, Rough conditions, Budget-conscious hunters, Reliable backup
Where to buy the DR-85 Double Reed
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The Haydel's DR-85 Double Reed duck call holds a specific, respected place in many waterfowlers' kits. It's a call that has been around for decades, earning its reputation not through flashy marketing or complex features, but through consistent performance where it matters most: in the field. This isn't the call designed to impress at a calling competition or replicate the nuanced calls of every duck species. Instead, the DR-85 focuses on what it does best: providing a reliable, user-friendly, and effective rendition of a mallard hen's basic vocabulary. Its simple design makes it accessible for beginners, yet experienced callers often keep one as a dependable backup or a primary workhorse for specific situations. While not the most versatile or intricate call on the market, the DR-85's strength lies in its predictability. It’s built to withstand the rigors of hunting season, from freezing temperatures to accidental drops, and continue to function. For hunters seeking a no-nonsense tool that delivers solid hen mallard sounds without a steep learning curve, this call is a familiar and often comforting choice. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for those starting out or looking to expand their calling arsenal without a significant investment.
Who it's for
The DR-85 is truly for the meat-and-potatoes duck hunter. It’s ideal for beginners who need a straightforward call to learn basic mallard sounds without fighting complex air pressure or tricky cadences. It’s also a favorite among seasoned hunters who appreciate its reliability and robust sound, often keeping it in their lanyard as a primary call for everyday hunting or a dependable backup. If you hunt public land or rough timber and need a call that can take a beating and still perform, this fits the bill. It's less for the competitive caller or those chasing highly nuanced sounds from shy birds.
Materials & Build
Constructed from durable polycarbonate, the DR-85 is built to survive the demanding conditions of duck hunting. Its simple, robust design features a double reed system, known for being more forgiving and easier to blow than single reeds. The mouthpiece and barrel fit securely, resisting loosening during use. While not a custom-turned wood or acrylic call, its synthetic construction means it’s impervious to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and swelling, ensuring consistent performance throughout the season. The overall build reflects a focus on function and longevity over intricate aesthetics.
Real-World Performance
Out in the blind, the DR-85 consistently delivers a solid, convincing mallard hen quack, feed call, and greeting call. The double reed system helps produce a raspy, realistic sound that carries well in open water or timber. It’s forgiving enough that slight variations in air pressure don't completely throw off the sound. While it excels at the core mallard vocabulary, it’s not designed for advanced, intricate calling sequences or subtle, soft notes often needed for pressured birds in close. Its strength lies in its ability to get a quick response from passing ducks or keep a spread engaged from a distance.
Weight & Packability
This call is remarkably lightweight and compact, making it an unobtrusive addition to any hunting setup. Its polycarbonate construction contributes to its minimal weight, ensuring it won't be a burden on a lanyard already laden with other gear. The small footprint means it tucks away easily into a pocket or blind bag without taking up valuable space. There are no delicate parts or elaborate designs that require special care during transport. It's a grab-and-go tool that's always ready, whether strung on a lanyard or tossed into a gear pouch.
Honest Trade-offs
While durable and effective, the DR-85 has its limitations. The sound, while realistic for mallards, can be a bit one-dimensional compared to more advanced or higher-priced calls, lacking some of the nuanced range. It’s also not the loudest call on the market, which might be a disadvantage on extremely windy days or when trying to reach birds at extreme distances. Tuning can be tricky if the reeds need adjustment, and it's not as customizable as some other options. Furthermore, its synthetic nature means it lacks the distinct character and feel of a quality wooden or acrylic call.
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.
DR-85 Double Reed — frequently asked questions
- Is the DR-85 Double Reed worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Duck Calls. The old reliable — decades of hunters learned mallard talk on this call.
- What is the DR-85 Double Reed best for?
- Best for everyday hunting, beginner callers, rough conditions and budget-conscious hunters. Standouts: extremely durable and weather-resistant polycarbonate construction and easy to blow, forgiving double reed system for beginners.
- What are the downsides of the DR-85 Double Reed?
- Sound can lack nuance compared to premium calls, Not the loudest call for very long-range hailing and Tuning can be less straightforward than some designs.
- What are the key specs of the DR-85 Double Reed?
- Maker: Haydel's · Model: DR-85 Double Reed · Reed Type: Double · Material: Polycarbonate · Primary Use: Mallard Hen Calls
- Who it's for?
- The DR-85 is truly for the meat-and-potatoes duck hunter. It’s ideal for beginners who need a straightforward call to learn basic mallard sounds without fighting complex air pressure or tricky cadences.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the DR-85 Double Reed?
- Constructed from durable polycarbonate, the DR-85 is built to survive the demanding conditions of duck hunting. Its simple, robust design features a double reed system, known for being more forgiving and easier to blow than single reeds.
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