IMO, the absoute best low cost call, as well as one of the best available at any cost, is the Winglock Walnut Short Reed which sells for $39.95.
The Winglock is not only affordable, it's the easiest to blow call I have ever used, requiring the least back pressure of any call I've tried. It's the one call I recommend both for beginners and old hands alike. The Winglock is extremely goosey with incredible range. Even a novice can produce everything from the softest moans & clucks to hail calls that will turn geese at a mile.
I've written this before, but I'll repeat it; I have used/tried quite a number of short reeds over the years and own & use quite a number of top end acrylics that run from $125-$200. What acrylic short reeds I have on the lanyard on any given day varies depending on the conditions, but the one call I ALWAYS have on the lanyard is a Winglock Walnut Short Reed...