First Impressions of Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single promises to bring the premium quality of Zink calls to a more budget-conscious hunter. With its polycarbonate construction and easy-blow sound system, it aims to deliver realistic goose sounds even for novice callers. Could this be the call that bridges the gap between professional-grade performance and affordability?
Years spent chasing waterfowl have taught me the importance of a reliable and effective call. I was particularly interested in the “easy-blow sound system” and how it would perform in real-world hunting scenarios, compared to my usual acrylic calls.
Upon unboxing the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single, my initial impression was favorable. The “Gunsmoke” color is subtle and practical, and the call felt reasonably sturdy for a polycarbonate model. It felt lighter than my acrylic calls, which could be a pro for long days in the field.
Compared to my trusted acrylic Zink calls, the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single felt noticeably different in hand. The Buck Gardner Canada Hammer II, another popular poly call, felt similar but the Zink call seemed to have a slightly better finish. I chose this call over others primarily because of the Zink name and the promise of a similar sound to their high-end models at a more accessible price point.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to see if the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single could deliver on its promise of realistic sounds and ease of use in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single to the Test
First Use Experience
The first real test for the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single was on a late-season goose hunt in the flooded cornfields of Southern Illinois. It was a cold, damp morning, with a slight breeze – typical goose hunting conditions. The visibility was limited due to the lingering fog.
The call performed surprisingly well in these challenging conditions. It produced clear, crisp honks and clucks, and even managed some decent moans. The “easy-blow sound system” seemed to live up to its claim.
It took me a few minutes to adjust to the call’s responsiveness, as it requires slightly less air pressure than my acrylic calls. There were no immediate issues, and the geese seemed to respond positively to the sounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single has held up admirably. There are no cracks or significant signs of wear and tear on the polycarbonate body, despite being exposed to mud, rain, and sub-freezing temperatures. The finish has remained consistent, with minimal fading or scratching.
The call requires minimal maintenance. I simply rinse it with water after each hunt and occasionally use a cotton swab to clean the tone board. Its performance has remained consistent, even after repeated use.
Compared to my previous experiences with other polycarbonate calls, the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single has definitely outperformed them in terms of sound quality and durability. While it doesn’t quite match the richness and depth of my acrylic calls, it offers a very respectable performance at a fraction of the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single
Specifications
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single is constructed from durable polycarbonate material. It features an “easy-blow sound system” designed for realistic goose sounds. The call is finished in a “Gunsmoke” color and is made in the USA.
These specifications translate to a call that’s both affordable and user-friendly. The polycarbonate construction ensures decent durability, while the easy-blow system makes it accessible to callers of all skill levels. Being made in the USA also hints at quality control and potentially supports local manufacturing.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single excels at producing a range of realistic goose sounds. It can effectively create honks, clucks, moans, and murmurs with relative ease. It’s forgiving for novice callers.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent sound production. The weakness is the lack of the richer, more complex tones achievable with higher-end acrylic calls. However, for the price, it greatly exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single boasts a streamlined and functional design. The polycarbonate material makes it lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. It weighs next to nothing.
The call is user-friendly. Its simple design means that there’s almost no learning curve for experienced callers and is welcoming for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its polycarbonate construction, the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single is reasonably durable. It should withstand regular use in the field for several seasons with proper care. It’s not indestructible, but it is resilient.
Maintaining the call is simple. Regular rinsing with water and occasional cleaning of the tone board is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single does not come with any additional accessories. The product details make a note that it is “Available as a single call or in Power Pak with instructional DVD”. As a polycarbonate call, there are no readily available aftermarket customization options.
Pros and Cons of Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single
Pros
- Affordable price point: Makes high-quality goose calling accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
- Easy-blow sound system: Allows even novice callers to produce realistic goose sounds.
- Durable polycarbonate construction: Ensures the call can withstand regular use in the field.
- Realistic goose sounds: Capable of producing a variety of honks, clucks, moans, and murmurs.
- Lightweight and comfortable design: Makes it easy to hold and use for extended periods.
Cons
- Polycarbonate material lacks the richness and depth of higher-end acrylic calls.
- Limited customization options compared to other calls.
Who Should Buy Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single?
Pros
- Affordable price point: Makes high-quality goose calling accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
- Easy-blow sound system: Allows even novice callers to produce realistic goose sounds.
- Durable polycarbonate construction: Ensures the call can withstand regular use in the field.
- Realistic goose sounds: Capable of producing a variety of honks, clucks, moans, and murmurs.
- Lightweight and comfortable design: Makes it easy to hold and use for extended periods.
Cons
- Polycarbonate material lacks the richness and depth of higher-end acrylic calls.
- Limited customization options compared to other calls.
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single is perfect for beginner goose hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a budget-friendly alternative to their expensive acrylic models. Anyone looking for a goose call made in the USA would also benefit.
Hunters who demand the absolute best sound quality and are willing to invest in a high-end acrylic call should probably skip this product. If a custom call is desired, this is not the correct option.
Consider purchasing a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible and prevent loss in the field. The “Power Pak with instructional DVD” would also be helpful for beginners.
Conclusion on Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single
The Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single delivers impressive performance for its price. It offers a great balance of affordability, ease of use, and realistic sound production. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of goose calling.
The price of $22.49 is absolutely justified. It’s a steal for the quality and performance offered.
I would definitely recommend the Zink Nos Goose Call Poly Single to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and reliable goose call. This call is a gateway to successful goose hunts, offering a path to mastery without breaking the bank. Pick one up and start practicing those honks.