Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball Review

Let’s Talk Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball

The Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball duck call is a versatile tool designed for hunters of all skill levels. Manufactured by Duck Commander, this call promises a blend of loud, attention-grabbing highballs and soft, nuanced cadences for finishing ducks. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the blind, I’m always on the lookout for a call that delivers consistent performance in varying conditions.

What drew me to the Hi-Ball was the claim of ease of use coupled with its ability to produce both loud and soft calls. I needed a call that could reach out to distant flocks but also coax wary birds into close range on calm days. The marketing hype promised an affordable, all-weather solution, and I was eager to put it to the test.

Unboxing the Hi-Ball, my initial impression was that of a no-nonsense, utilitarian design. The shortened poly barrel felt lightweight yet solid, and the brown/clear color scheme was understated and practical. The build quality seemed decent for a call in this price range, but I was more interested in how it sounded than how it looked.

Compared to my trusty wood-barrel call and a more expensive acrylic model, the Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball felt different immediately. My wooden call offers a richer, warmer tone, while my acrylic cuts through the wind with piercing clarity. I chose the Hi-Ball hoping to get a balance of both at a more accessible price point.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to get to the marsh and see if the Hi-Ball could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball on a cold, blustery morning in a flooded timber setting. The wind was howling, and the ducks were flying high. The call needed to cut through the noise and get their attention.

The Hi-Ball performed admirably in the challenging conditions. It was surprisingly easy to generate loud, ringing hail calls that carried across the flooded timber. The call’s shortened barrel truly requires less air to produce sound.

I did notice a slight learning curve with the finesse required for softer, more subtle calls. After about 30 minutes of practice, I was able to dial in the quieter quacks needed for close-range finishing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in varying conditions, the Hi-Ball has proven to be a reliable performer. Whether it was a drizzly morning or a dry afternoon, the call consistently produced clear, consistent sounds. The polycarbonate construction held up well, showing no signs of swelling or shrinking due to moisture or temperature changes.

Durability-wise, the call has held up well, showing only minor surface scratches from being jostled around in my gear bag. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with water and a wipe-down is all it takes. Compared to my wood-barrel call, which requires more careful cleaning and oiling, the Hi-Ball is a low-maintenance dream.

The Hi-Ball hasn’t completely replaced my other calls, but it has earned a permanent spot in my lanyard. It’s a reliable, all-weather option that I can confidently reach for when I need a call that just works.

Breaking Down the Features of Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball

Specifications

• Mfg Item Num: DCPROHB
• Supplier SKU: 28515
• Category: GAME CALLS
• Type: Duck Call
• Species: Duck
• Material: Plastic
• Sound Species: Ducks
• Electronic: No
• Color: Brown/Clear
• Style: Mouth

The Hi-Ball’s plastic construction makes it resistant to moisture, ensuring consistent sound quality regardless of weather. Its mouth-blown design provides a more natural and responsive calling experience compared to electronic calls.

Performance & Functionality

The Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball excels in its ability to produce a wide range of duck sounds. The call offers loud, attention-grabbing hail calls and soft, subtle finishing quacks.

The Hi-Ball’s main strength is its ease of use. Beginners will appreciate how quickly they can produce realistic duck sounds. More experienced callers will value its versatility.

While the call is primarily designed for mallards, it can also effectively mimic the sounds of other duck species. It is not necessarily a specialized call for divers or teal.

Design & Ergonomics

The shortened poly barrel of the Hi-Ball is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The brown/clear color scheme is unobtrusive and blends well with natural surroundings.

The call is well-balanced and fits comfortably in the hand. It doesn’t require excessive air pressure to operate effectively.

The Hi-Ball is designed for ease of use and durability. The call lacks the aesthetic flourishes of more expensive models, but it is built to withstand the rigors of the hunt.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hi-Ball’s plastic construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to the elements. It does not swell or crack like wooden calls and requires minimal maintenance.

Cleaning is simple: just rinse with water and wipe dry. It is designed to withstand frequent use in demanding conditions.

The Hi-Ball is built to last. It will provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball does not come with additional accessories. There are no customization options beyond potentially adjusting the reed tension for different sound preferences.

As a standard mouth call, it does not require specialized attachments or optics. Its focus is on simple, reliable performance straight out of the box.

While customization is limited, the Hi-Ball is compatible with standard call lanyards. This allows hunters to keep it readily accessible along with other calls.

Pros and Cons of Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball

Who Should Buy Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball?

The Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball is perfect for beginner duck hunters seeking an affordable, easy-to-use call. It is also well-suited for experienced hunters who need a reliable, all-weather backup call.

Hunters who prefer the nuanced tones of wood or acrylic calls should consider other options. Those seeking extensive customization may also find the Hi-Ball lacking.

A call lanyard is a must-have accessory to keep the Hi-Ball readily accessible. A small cleaning brush can help remove debris from the reed area.

Conclusion on Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball

The Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball delivers on its promise of being an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use duck call. It might not have the exquisite tone of high-end models, but it gets the job done consistently and reliably.

The price is absolutely justified for the performance and durability it offers. It’s a great value for beginner and experienced hunters alike.

I would definitely recommend the Duck Commander DCPROHB Pro Series Hi-Ball to anyone looking for a dependable call that won’t break the bank. So grab one, hit the marsh, and get ready to call in some ducks!