Acrylic vs cocobolo, thoughts?

[fishuhalik]

Never owned a good duck call and am looking at getting a Zink ph-2 or an Echo Timber. I noticed on their websites that you can get a wood one for quite a bit less $. What am I sacrificing If I chose wood? And does acrylic make that much of a difference? I notice the Timber has an acrylic insert btw. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also will be looking for a goose call soon. Haven't started looking around yet & would appreciate some tips

[TylerS]

Acrylic is very dense, so sounds are sharp and loud. Wood calls in general, because they are made of a semi-porous material, tend to be softer and quieter. This is not always the case, but a rule most hunters follow.

One exception is stabilized wood, which is wood that has acrylic forced into it, thus making it denser without losing the "look" of wood.

Personally, I like Echo calls. My go-to is a cocobola Timber that I've had on the lanyard for six years or so. I like their look and sound. The acrylic/wood Echo you're looking at would be a good "hybrid" for hunting. Probably won't be quite as loud as an all acrylic, but definitely will have more oomph than an all wood.

[TylerS]

Just saw your last remark about goose calls. Quick question before I delve into the topic: What do you want to blow, a short-reed or a flute?

[fishuhalik]

Definitely looking at a reed call. The call I have right now is a reed so I'm comfortable with it.

[Black Bear]

For Canada Geese I use Tim Grounds (acrylics), for snows and specks--I use poly carb Sean Manns and for ducks I use RNTs/acrylics. Absolutely love them.

[TylerS]

Definitely looking at a reed call. The call I have right now is a reed so I'm comfortable with it.

Boy, you can't really go wrong with a Tim Grounds Poly Super Mag. I bought an acrylic Super Mag last year, but I still fall back on the poly. For $60, it's an awesome call that will last you a loooong time.

It's also a little bit more user friendly than a Zink Power Clucker, but a little more high-end than a Buck Gardner. I'd say Grounds' Poly call is about the perfect combination of performance, price and functionality.

[Jcup]

Also, remember its what the INSERT is made out of that affects the sounds. I see some companies using wood and other material barrels but still put in a poly insert and hike the price.

[TylerS]

Also, remember its what the INSERT is made out of that affects the sounds. I see some companies using wood and other material barrels but still put in a poly insert and hike the price.

A lot of companies just order premade ply inserts because making inserts is the hardest part! I bet their are more Echo poly inserts in calls today than any other.

Not that it's wrong to do so, but I think a lot of new companies just like turning neat barrels and don't have the time, resources or knowledge to turn a successful barrel.

[dan z]

That TG poly super mag does the trick for me also, its tied up right next to a fat boy (bgb) and I feel that the black and blue poly finishes better but like most calls on the market its the guy behind the instrument that makes it shine.

[Jcup]

Couldn't agree with you more TylerS. I think you meant insert instead of barrel at the end. But I get what your saying.

Just my opinion. But if I were to start making my own calls, I think making an insert would be the most fun part! I'm sure its not easy but it could really set your call apart from the competition.