goose calls

[fasternu]

I've decided to get a new goose call, and after some research, I've narrowed it down to two: either the Field Proven Matrix, or the Banded Dark Magic. Both are about the same price, but the difference is I can get the Banded call for almost half price, while the Matrix comes with a lifetime warranty. Anybody have any experience with the Dark Magic call? I do have a friend with the Matrix, and it sounds awesome, but haven't been able to blow either of them myself.

[Neighbor_guy]

I can't make a short reed sound like anything other than a house cat stuck in a leg hold trap. 

Wish I could help, but those type of calls are to rich for my budget as well. I don't think you could go wrong with either. 

[TylerS]

Here's my honest to goodness advice: if you're going to spend $100 plus on a call, the company better back it up. Most reputable call companies have warranties of some kind, whether it's free tuning, replacing parts, etc. 

As for the calls you want, I can't specifically give you any anecdotes. My money has always gone to Tim Grounds. His calls rarely fail to fool the geese. 

But in all honesty, every short-reed today is based on the same design. Each company might tweak them to fit their style. And each one definitely tries to outdo the next with designs, colors and engravings. But when you break them down to the nuts and bolts, they vary by millimeters of tolerances. 

There are very few call companies today trying to innovate beyond what everyone has come to expect. Big Sean is one of them. He's honestly never satisfied, and is constantly tweaking, discovering and improving. My next call will be one of his. I'm impressed by his need to discover the next-best HUNTING call. 

C&S in Minnesota is up there. They sound pretty good, but what that guy does with his designs and materials is leaps ahead of other companies. Unique doesn't even begin to describe them. 

And, as I've said, Tim Grounds was the originator and is still, IMHO, one of the best. Can't go wrong with a classic. 

Now here's the rub: I have calls from probably a dozen different companies at home, and I can sit down and tune them so that they all sound virtually IDENTICAL. They may vary slightly with volume, but you have to strain to tell them apart. Where they do differ is in the amount of air they take to run, their ease of breaking over, and sometimes their pitch.

So if you really want to find a good goose call, don't read reviews. Don't take the advice of pro staffers. Don't factor price alone. And do NOT listen to guys like me who are obviously biased. Go to the store and try them out! Then go back after a few days and try them again. You might just be surprised which one comes out on top. 

Let us know what you wind up with and why!