A double reed call should give a hunter a consistent, responsive vocalization without making the setup feel complicated. The practical problem is choosing a call that matches the sound level, control method, and field conditions of the hunt. I compare mouth calls, electronic callers, speakers, batteries, and lighting here so the shortlist makes sense for different routines.
Your Options, Compared
FOXPRO Gun Slinger Howler Coyote Mouth Call
FOXPRO Hellcat PRO Electronic Predator Call
FOXPRO SP-60 10W External Speaker
FOXPRO Lithium 10 Cell Battery Kit
FOXPRO Hellcat Electronic Predator Call
FOXPRO SP-XHD External Speaker
FOXPRO Quadfire Scan Light
Why These Options Stand Out
The Gun Slinger Howler gives a hunter a direct, hands-on alternative to a battery-powered caller. Its three-reed design supports several coyote sounds, including howls, barks, yips, chirps, challenges, and distress calls, which makes it useful across a changing morning or evening setup.
Compared with the FOXPRO SP-60 External Speaker, this call does not depend on placement, cables, or stored electronics. The trade-off is manual effort, since the call depends on breath control and practiced technique rather than programmed playback.
Points In Its Favor
- Three-reed frame supports a broad range of coyote vocalizations.
- Manual operation keeps the setup simple for a quiet or stationary position.
- Red latex top and two prophylactic bottom reeds provide a defined reed configuration.
- It is a practical fit for hunters who prefer direct control over each call.
Things To Consider
- Breath technique takes practice, especially during a long outdoor session.
- Moisture or dirt on the reeds can affect consistent response, so cleaning and drying matter.
Who It Suits Best
This call suits beginners learning manual coyote sounds and experienced hunters who prefer a compact, battery-free option.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
FOXPRO Hellcat PRO Electronic Predator Call offers remote control and a larger sound library for hunters covering more distance.
The Hellcat PRO is built for hunters who want electronic control from a distance. A built-in decoy, full-color TX-1000 remote, and programmable sound sequences cover a lot of ground, but the extra complexity is worthwhile when one person must manage a call and watch the area.
Its 100 included sounds can expand to 1,000 through USB-C, with additional downloadable material available from FOXPRO. That library matters more than raw speaker volume for a hunter who changes locations or needs several species represented in one setup.
Real Benefits
- Remote operation changes sounds without walking back to the caller.
- Ten pre-programmed sequences reduce setup time for common calling routines.
- The rechargeable lithium battery and wall charger are included.
- FOXBANG, FOXCAST, and Auto-Volume add control options beyond basic playback.
Small Caveats
- The menu and programming system take more setup time than a simple mouth call.
- The remote uses three AA batteries, which are not included.
The Right Fit
This model fits serious predator hunters who value remote changes, repeatable sequences, and a broad electronic sound library.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
FOXPRO Hellcat Electronic Predator Call is the simpler alternative for hunters who value portability and a decoy design without extensive programming.
The SP-60 is a supporting speaker rather than a call by itself, so it belongs with a compatible electronic game call. Its 10W output and external-speaker role make it a straightforward way to extend sound away from the main unit, especially on open ground or around a vehicle setup.
For a hunter comparing this with the SP-XHD, the SP-60 is likely the more restrained choice. The SP-XHD adds a horn and tweeter, while the SP-60 keeps the focus on uncomplicated powered output and placement.
What It Does Well
- Adds external output without replacing the primary electronic caller.
- The 10W rating gives a clear reason to choose it for moderate sound extension.
- Its simple speaker role suits setups that need one extra piece of equipment.
Practical Considerations
- Compatibility depends on the output connection of the electronic call in the setup.
- Placement and cable management require attention, especially in wet or brushy ground.
Made For
This speaker suits hunters using a compatible electronic caller who needs moderate extra coverage without a more specialized horn system.
Consider Something Else When
FOXPRO SP-XHD External Speaker is the better fit for hunters prioritizing broader frequency response and higher-volume output.
This battery kit is a maintenance-focused accessory for compatible FOXPRO lithium callers. Rechargeable cells reduce repeated disposable-battery handling, while the included wall charger keeps the charging process straightforward before a long outing or during downtime between setups.
The practical limitation is compatibility. The listed models should be checked against the call in the field, because a battery kit only works with the intended FOXPRO equipment and does not turn a basic call into an electronic system.
Notable Upsides
- Rechargeable power is useful for hunters who run electronic callers repeatedly.
- The wall charger removes the need to source a separate charger for this kit.
- It supports a more organized power routine for compatible FOXPRO equipment.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Model compatibility is essential, and not every FOXPRO caller is supported.
- Charging time and cell condition still require planning before a long day outdoors.
Right Fit For
This kit suits hunters who already own one of the compatible FOXPRO lithium callers and want a rechargeable spare or replacement charging setup.
Skip It When
FOXPRO SP-60 10W External Speaker is the better fit for hunters whose priority is external sound coverage rather than caller power.
The Hellcat is a portable all-in-one electronic call and decoy for coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, crows, and hogs. That broad species coverage makes it a flexible center of a mixed predator setup, while the comfort-grip remote keeps operation manageable during a long wait.
Unlike the Hellcat PRO, this model emphasizes portable use and a backlit LCD with raised glow-in-the-dark buttons. The remote still needs a 9-volt battery, so the control convenience does not remove the need to carry a spare cell for the day.
What Works In Its Favor
- Combines an electronic call and decoy in one portable unit.
- Supports several predator species rather than one narrow sound category.
- The remote display and illuminated buttons help with low-light operation.
- Its carry-oriented design suits moving between hunting locations.
Where It May Fall Short
- It offers less explicit programming detail than the Hellcat PRO.
- The remote battery is an additional field item to keep available.
Best Suited To
This model fits predator hunters who want a portable electronic call, decoy, and remote control without a more elaborate programming system.
Another Choice May Suit
FOXPRO Hellcat PRO Electronic Predator Call better fits hunters who need remote sequences, downloadable sounds, and broader library capacity.
The SP-XHD is built for hunters who want more than basic external output. Its horn-style speaker and added tweeter work together to spread sound across frequencies, which can help in open fields where a small speaker may feel too limited in coverage.
Compared with the SP-60, this is the more specialized speaker choice. It connects to compatible FOXPRO game calls through a 3.5mm external speaker jack, and the attached legs raise the unit for more even sound distribution, though the extra equipment adds another item to carry.
A Strong Showing
- Horn and tweeter design targets fuller sound coverage.
- External output helps place sound away from the main caller.
- Attached legs improve elevation for a more even field setup.
Possible Compromises
- It depends on a compatible caller and a proper 3.5mm connection.
- The larger speaker setup requires more space and cable attention than a compact mouth call.
Who Will Love This
This speaker suits hunters using compatible electronic calls who want stronger output and broader sound character for open-field placement.
Reach For A Different Pick When
FOXPRO Gun Slinger Howler Coyote Mouth Call is easier for hunters who want battery-free, handheld vocalizations without a powered speaker.
The Quadfire Scan Light is a field-lighting accessory rather than a sound-making call. Its four LED choices, including red, green, white, and infrared, let the same light serve different hunting and outdoor tasks without carrying several separate flashlights.
The all-metal body and ambidextrous pistol-style grip make it practical for users who already handle a light this way, while the storage compartment adds a place for an extra battery. The tradeoff is that it does not improve caller output or vocalization control.
What Earns Its Place
- Multiple LED colors support different visibility needs.
- The metal housing is suited to demanding outdoor handling.
- The ambidextrous grip accommodates either hand.
- A storage compartment helps keep a spare battery organized.
Less-Strong Areas
- It is an accessory, so it does not replace a mouth call or electronic caller.
- Several light modes and a pistol-style grip may feel more elaborate than a basic flashlight setup.
Built With In Mind
This light suits outdoor hunters and campers who want several illumination colors in one durable, easy-to-carry tool.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
FOXPRO Hellcat Electronic Predator Call better fits hunters whose priority is remote-controlled sound rather than field lighting.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Double Reed Duck Calls
Reed design and response
A double reed call uses two vibrating reeds to shape airflow into a repeatable sound. For regular use, a hunter should consider mouth technique, reed condition, and the range of tones the frame supports, especially when a call must work across changing weather and calling conditions.
Sound control and field placement
Manual calls reward practice and direct control. Electronic callers add remote operation, memory, and preset sequences, while external speakers influence how far sound carries from the main unit. The right choice depends on whether the call stays in hand or remains placed ahead of the hunter.
Power and maintenance
Rechargeable systems need charging discipline, while a mouth call needs regular cleaning and drying after use. Outdoor setups also require attention to cables, speaker placement, batteries, and protection from moisture or dirt.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
The largest mistake is treating every accessory as a call. A speaker needs a compatible electronic caller, a battery kit needs a compatible power system, and a light serves visibility rather than vocalization.
What The Higher Tier Buys
More control costs more complexity. The Hellcat PRO adds remote programming, sound libraries, and sequences, while the SP-XHD adds a more specialized speaker design. Those additions suit dedicated setups better than a simple manual or portable configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions for Double Reed Duck Calls
What is a double reed call?
A double reed call uses two vibrating reeds to create airflow-driven vocalizations. The frame and reed materials influence tone, pitch, and response.
Are electronic calls easier to use?
Electronic calls simplify repeated playback and remote operation. They require charging, programming, and compatible equipment instead of continuous breath control.
Can an external speaker work with any game call?
Compatibility depends on the caller connection and electrical requirements. Check the 3.5mm connection or other compatibility details before pairing a speaker.
How should a mouth call be maintained?
Clean and dry the reeds after use, and keep dirt or moisture away from the frame. Regular care helps preserve a consistent response.
Which option is easiest to carry?
The Gun Slinger Howler is the most compact calling option here. The Hellcat and its accessories suit hunters who prefer electronic controls and placed sound.
Wrap Up
I would choose the Gun Slinger Howler for direct manual control, the Hellcat PRO for remote sound management, and the SP-XHD for stronger external coverage. Battery kits and lights are supporting pieces rather than substitutes for the call itself. The right choice comes down to technique, placement, and the amount of electronic control the setup needs.