Haydel's Game Calls Variable Tone Mallard Duck Call

The variable tone mallard (VTM90) is a very versatile duck call. The VTM is essentially the same call as the DR85, which has been Haydel's most popular call for a very long time. The only difference (besides the color) is the VTM has a hole in the barrel, which can be covered or left uncovered (with your finger) to change the tone of the call, making it sound like more than one mallard hen calling. Either the DR85 or the VTM90 make very good beginner calls, from a certain standpoint.The term "easy to blow" gets thrown around a lot, and really means several different things depending on the type of calling being discussed, and I wouldn’t say that this call is really that easy to blow, so I'll tell you why I like this call for beginners. The first (and best) reason I like this as a beginner call is the price. If you don't like this call, then you are not out a lot of money, but most likely this will be a call you keep on the lanyard even if you do learn to run a call well enough to need/want a high-end Arkansas style single reed. These (the VTM90 and DR85) are a very unique design call, in that you will notice that there is very little difference in the size of the barrel (part you blow in) and the size of the insert exhaust port (where the sound exits). Many calls have a very narrow exhaust port which tightly regulates back pressure, and air pressure is one of the main factors of learning to properly operate the call. This call will not let the beginner get away will blowing into the duck call, as if you blow it like a kazoo, then that is exactly what it sounds like. (Haydel's describes a hybridized method of blowing from the diaphragm that they call "spinning" it into the call, and I recommend checking their website for the video.) This call will make the beginner learn the feel of air pressure within the call better than most calls will, and it will help the beginning caller to start with much better fundamentals. Some double reed calls allow the caller to develop (or get away with) some bad habits, that will prevent the caller form really being able to learn the more versatile single reed, but that is exactly what the Haydel's call will not do. That said, this is not a difficult call to learn to blow, it’s just not one that you’ll get that sound that sound okay in your head, but in reality sounds like a warning siren to every duck in the woods. The one drawback to this call is that it has a very small barrel, and requires a bit of a different lip placement to get the proper seal.Although these are very good beginner calls, you will find these hanging off the lanyard of many the experienced hunter, as well. One of the reasons is that these are a very easy call to tune, and can be tuned to a specific caller's needs. It also gives a fairly unique call that is realistic and effective but just a bit different from more traditional designs. I know some callers that can really make these hum, and can make the VTM sound like a very realistic version of two hens calling over each other.In summary, if I were to recommend a couple of duck calls for the first time buyer starting out, my number one would either be the Haydel's VTM90 or DR85, and my number two would be the Rich N Tone J Frame single reed, which is another value priced call, but is a great way to start off on the right foot and learn correctly. Side note - for those trying to decide between the VTM90 and DR85, there really isn't much difference other than the hole in the VTM. For the beginner, this is completely unnecessary, so I would lean DR85, but would go with whichever I found cheaper. For the more intermediate caller, go with the VTM for the added versatility.

Great call but shipping was slower that projected.