Best of the Best: Daisy Cutter Double Reed vs Original Single Reed
Daisy Cutter Double Reed vs Original Single Reed
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Duck Calls, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
Choosing the right duck call can be as crucial as knowing your blind spot, and for serious waterfowlers, RNT Calls are a benchmark. This head-to-head pits two of their iconic offerings against each other: the Daisy Cutter Double Reed and the Original Single Reed. The Daisy Cutter, with its double reed system, is renowned for its ease of use and forgiveness, making it a favorite for those who prioritize realism and control with less effort. On the other hand, the Original Single Reed demands more skill but rewards the dedicated caller with unparalleled versatility and a broader range of duck vocalizations. Your decision hinges on your calling experience, the hunting environments you frequent, and your personal preference for a call's responsiveness and sound profile. Let's break down which RNT legend will be your next essential tool in the field.
Daisy Cutter Double Reed
RNT
The easiest genuinely good mallard call — raspy, forgiving, and impossible to blow out of control.
Buy on AmazonOriginal Single Reed
RNT
The Arkansas timber standard: cutting, ducky, and capable of everything if you put in the hours.
Find it on AmazonSpec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 Daisy Cutter Double Reed | #2 Original Single Reed |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 oz | Approx. 2.5 oz |
| Capacity/Size | Standard size duck call (acrylic body) | Standard size duck call (acrylic body) |
| Materials | Acrylic barrel, acrylic insert, double reed | Acrylic barrel, acrylic insert, single reed |
| Price Tier | Premium (typically $150-$180) | Premium (typically $150-$180) |
| Warranty | Not explicitly published, typical for small manufacturers (contact RNT) | Not explicitly published, typical for small manufacturers (contact RNT) |
| Best Use | Aggressive, 'in-your-face' calling, timber hunting, close-quarters | Open water, field hunting, competition calling, versatile range |
| Portability | Compact, fits in a lanyard or call pouch | Compact, fits in a lanyard or call pouch |
| Durability | Highly durable acrylic construction, resistant to wear | Highly durable acrylic construction, resistant to wear |
| Feature Highlights | Double reed system for ease of use, 'ducky' sound, forgiving | Single reed system for versatility, wide range of tones, precise control |
Daisy Cutter Double Reed
Best for: Hunters seeking an easy-to-blow, forgiving call that produces realistic, raspy duck sounds for close-in work.
Pros
- Extremely easy to blow and forgiving, great for new callers or quick 'finishing' calls.
- Produces realistic, raspy duck sounds with minimal air pressure.
- Excellent for close-in work and timber hunting due to its inherent 'duckiness'.
- Less prone to 'sticking' due to moisture compared to some single reeds.
Cons
- Lacks the extreme top-end volume and bottom-end guttural range of a single reed.
- Can be perceived as less versatile for callers seeking a wide tonal spectrum.
- May not offer the same level of precise control or expressiveness for advanced callers.
Original Single Reed
Best for: Experienced callers who desire maximum tonal range, volume, and precise control for versatile hunting situations and competition.
Pros
- Offers a massive range of tones, from deep hails to soft quacks and feed calls.
- Allows for superior volume and tonal manipulation by skilled callers.
- Highly versatile for various hunting scenarios, from open water to timber.
- Considered a benchmark for competition calling due to its expressive potential.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve; requires more air and calling technique to master.
- Can be less forgiving, making it prone to 'squeaks' or 'reeds locking up' for beginners.
- More susceptible to moisture affecting reed performance if not properly maintained.
The Verdict
For the majority of duck hunters, the **RNT Daisy Cutter Double Reed** emerges as the clearer winner due to its sheer ease of use and consistent, realistic duck sounds. It's incredibly forgiving, allowing hunters of all skill levels to produce convincing calls quickly, making it ideal for the high-pressure, close-quarters scenarios often found in timber or over decoys. However, for the seasoned caller who relishes absolute control and maximum versatility, the RNT Original Single Reed is an unrivaled instrument. It demands dedication to master, but its potential for a full symphony of duck vocalizations is unmatched. Choose the Daisy Cutter for dependable, natural duck sounds with less effort; opt for the Original Single Reed if you aspire to be a virtuoso caller.