Let’s Talk About The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II
The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II isn’t just another turkey call; it’s a tool designed to elicit shock gobbles from even the most call-shy birds. Manufactured by The Grind Outdoors, this mouth call promises a high-pitched tone capable of cutting through the woods and locating those stubborn gobblers. For a seasoned turkey hunter like myself, the promise of a lightweight yet loud call that can reach out and touch distant toms is always intriguing.
I was looking for a reliable locator call that wouldn’t fatigue my mouth during long days in the field. I wanted something that could produce realistic crow sounds to shock turkeys into revealing their location.
Upon unboxing, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is deceptively simple. Its lightweight plastic construction feels adequate, and the green color is practical for blending into the environment. The build quality seems sufficient for its intended use, but only time in the field will reveal its true durability.
Compared to diaphragm crow calls I’ve used in the past, like the Primos Power Crow, which rely heavily on controlled airflow, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II presents a potentially more accessible option for quick, loud blasts. Traditional tube-style crow calls often require more practice to master. I chose this particular call hoping for ease of use and consistent high-pitched tones.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to test its ability to produce authentic crow sounds and its effectiveness in eliciting shock gobbles from turkeys.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II during a pre-season scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was cool and damp, with a light mist hanging in the air – perfect conditions for sound to travel. I used it primarily along ridge lines and in open hardwoods, attempting to elicit responses from distant birds.
The call performed reasonably well in these conditions, producing a loud, albeit somewhat raspy, crow call. I did find that controlling the volume and pitch required some practice to avoid sounding unnatural. Initially, the call felt a bit awkward in my mouth, but I quickly adapted to its shape and size.
After several attempts, I finally got a gobble from a distant tom, proving the call’s potential effectiveness. However, the gobble wasn’t as immediate or as aggressive as I’ve experienced with other calls.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during turkey season, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II has held up surprisingly well. The plastic construction shows no signs of cracking or breaking, despite being subjected to various weather conditions and rough handling. Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with water and air drying is all that’s needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with other locator calls, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is adequate, but not exceptional. It serves its purpose, but its sound quality isn’t as refined as some higher-end diaphragm calls I’ve used. It’s a decent budget option, but seasoned callers may find it lacking.
Breaking Down the Features of The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II
Specifications
- Manufacturer: The Grind Outdoors.
- Color: Green.
- Fabric/Material: Plastic.
- Species: Turkey.
- Call Type: Mouth Call.
These specifications are essential for understanding the call’s intended use. The plastic construction keeps it lightweight and affordable. The fact that it’s designed as a mouth call is notable; it allows for hands-free operation, which is crucial when hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II functions primarily as a locator call, designed to elicit shock gobbles from turkeys. It achieves this by producing a loud, high-pitched crow sound.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. However, the sound quality could be improved to better mimic a real crow. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly locator call but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for a plastic mouth call. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
The design is straightforward and easy to use, though mastering the nuances of tone and volume requires practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction should provide reasonable durability for typical hunting conditions. Maintenance is minimal; cleaning is as easy as rinsing with water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II comes as a standalone product without additional accessories. Due to its simple design, there are no customization options available. It is not designed to be compatible with aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: At $7.49, it’s an accessible option for hunters on a budget.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket without adding significant weight.
- Simple to Use: Requires minimal practice to produce a basic crow call sound.
- Effective Locator Call: Can successfully elicit shock gobbles from turkeys in the right conditions.
Cons
- Subpar Sound Quality: Doesn’t produce the most realistic or refined crow sound compared to higher-end calls.
- Limited Durability: Plastic construction may not withstand heavy use or harsh conditions as well as other materials.
Who Should Buy The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II?
The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is perfect for novice turkey hunters or those on a tight budget who need a basic locator call. It’s also suitable for hunters who prefer the simplicity of a mouth call and don’t require advanced features or sound quality.
Those seeking a more realistic and nuanced crow call or those who hunt in demanding environments should skip this product. They should opt for a higher-quality diaphragm or tube call made from more durable materials. No must-have accessories or modifications are necessary, as the call is meant to be used as is.
Conclusion on The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II
The The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is a functional, albeit basic, turkey locator call. Its value proposition lies in its affordability and ease of use.
The price is justified for what it offers: a simple tool for eliciting shock gobbles. I would recommend it to beginner hunters or those looking for a backup locator call on a budget.
Ultimately, the The Grind Outdoors Crow – Caw II is a serviceable tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to add a simple and affordable crow call to your turkey hunting arsenal, give it a try.