As a call maker - I would have to say that my calls are the best for contest - LOL
On a more serious note - a good contest call needs all of these:
1) Should be relatively loud - you don't want a soft call - you need to get the judges attention.
2) The call you choose should be capable of making a wide variety of notes - but from the contests I've been to - the call needs to have a good low tone to it.
3) You need to be very confident in your call. Practice Practice Practice. Most calls will suit the contest ring - I have seen wood calls, acrylic calls and poly calls all win at different times. You just need to become comfortable with the call in hand.
4) Short Reeds are probably the favorite these days. People have figured out that a Short Reed goose call can make every sound a flute type call can and much more.
Hope this helps
On a more serious note - a good contest call needs all of these:
1) Should be relatively loud - you don't want a soft call - you need to get the judges attention.
2) The call you choose should be capable of making a wide variety of notes - but from the contests I've been to - the call needs to have a good low tone to it.
3) You need to be very confident in your call. Practice Practice Practice. Most calls will suit the contest ring - I have seen wood calls, acrylic calls and poly calls all win at different times. You just need to become comfortable with the call in hand.
4) Short Reeds are probably the favorite these days. People have figured out that a Short Reed goose call can make every sound a flute type call can and much more.
Hope this helps