If you are anything like me when you get a new hunting toy you want to know everything about it right away. I was really exited about all the different reeds you can buy for the JJ Lares calls when I first purchased mine. Next was how to figure out why they provide us with so many options. I was told by many that the number on the reed was the thickness then it was the length then it was this and that. Seriously, there must be a answer for all this.
First thing is I have a JJ Lares Hybrid with the standard bore that comes from the factory. This call comes standard with a 1.350 inch reed. That 1.350 marking on the reed is the Length of the reed in inches. The kind folks at Final Flight actually right on the reed with a marker the length. Next purchase was every reed length they had in stock. The Hybrid typically uses reed lengths from 1.335 up to 1.380. The reeds are separated by .005 inches. The JJ Lares Timber call typically uses reed lengths from 1.315 to 1.325. The timber reeds are completely square at a 90 degree angles on the ends with no dog ears.
Now finding a reed that suits your #1 air pressure capacity and #2 style of calling. This is my theory of how to find the right reed length for you. I said #1 air pressure capacity. Let me explain my self. Have you ever “squealed out” on a duck call before? It usually happens when you are really trying hard on a come back call and the call just squeaks out loud like a goose call. That squeal happens on a JJ Lares call if your reed length is to short. That simple, just go up a .005 inch to the next size and try that one out. Make sure you give the new longer length reed a chance by using it more than just a few cadences. There are also certain times that you can go with a shorter reed if you know how to control your air pressure every time. The shorter reeds definitely require less air pressure. The #2 style of calling is whether or not you like a raspy sound or more of a clean sound. The timber reeds which I mentioned earlier have a completely square end on them. These reeds are more raspy and especially easy to use. You can interchange Timber reeds with the Hybrid call and vice versa.
I hunt with guys that use the 1.370 and love em. I use a Timber reed that is 1.315 inches long. The reason I chose this one is because we hunt exclusively in really tight timber. I don’t like to get that loud on my call and I really enjoy the raspy nature of the Timber reeds. The shortest of all the reeds makes it easy to use all day without getting winded. I hope this helps you in your search for that perfect call. Cheers, Ryan