Let’s Talk About Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker
As a seasoned hunter with over a decade dedicated to chasing gobblers, I’ve learned that the right call can make or break a hunt. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for tools that can add realism and versatility to my calling repertoire. Enter the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker, a two-piece striker promising unique tones and pitches.
I was seeking a striker to expand my current calling setup, specifically one that could elicit softer, more subtle clucks and purrs for close-range scenarios. My go-to striker was excellent for loud yelps, but lacked finesse. My initial unboxing revealed a visually appealing striker, the Diamond-wood Striker/Maple Head combination showcasing quality craftsmanship.
I’ve used strikers from Primos and Quaker Boy, and while they were functional, they didn’t offer the tonal complexity I desired. The Woodhaven striker immediately felt different. My first impressions were positive; the weight was balanced, the grip comfortable, and the laminated birch wood exuded a premium feel. I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker on a spring turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. The weather was damp, with a light drizzle and temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I paired the striker with my Woodhaven Cherry Classic crystal pot call.
The striker performed remarkably well in the wet conditions, maintaining consistent friction on the crystal surface. It produced clear, crisp notes even with moisture present. The learning curve was minimal; the striker felt natural in my hand, and I quickly dialed in the appropriate pressure and angle to achieve the desired sounds. The initial use confirmed my expectations of a quality product.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full spring season of rigorous use, the Woodhaven Deluxe Striker has held up beautifully. There are no signs of cracking, chipping, or warping of the wood. Regular cleaning with a Scotch-Brite pad keeps the tip roughed up and performing optimally. I’ve found it slightly outperforms other strikers I’ve used in generating consistent, realistic sounds, especially soft purrs and clucks that are crucial for coaxing wary toms into range.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Woodhaven Calls. The company is known for producing high-quality game calls trusted by hunters nationwide.
- Color: Laminated Birch. The natural wood grain provides an attractive and classic look.
- Fabric/Material: Laminated Birch. Birch is known for its density and ability to produce crisp, clear sounds.
- Height: 1.25 inches. This height provides a comfortable grip and precise control.
- Length: 9.9 inches. The length offers ample leverage for creating a wide range of sounds.
The birch construction is crucial for producing the striker’s distinct tonal characteristics. The Diamond-wood Striker/Maple Head combination enhances the striker’s sound versatility, enabling users to elicit completely different tone and pitches than traditional one-piece strikers.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Deluxe Striker excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft purrs and clucks to aggressive cuts and yelps. Its strength lies in its ability to generate subtle, realistic sounds, perfect for calling to wary birds at close range. I’ve found the striker to be highly responsive, allowing for precise control over tone and volume. It consistently meets and often exceeds my expectations.
One minor area for potential improvement could be a slightly textured grip to enhance handling in extremely wet conditions. Even so, the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker performs exceptionally well.
Design & Ergonomics
The laminated birch construction provides a solid, durable feel, while maintaining a manageable weight. The striker is comfortable to hold for extended periods, minimizing hand fatigue during long hunts. The design is simple yet effective, focusing on functionality and performance.
The grip is smooth, contributing to comfort, though a slightly textured finish might improve handling in excessively wet conditions. The striker’s balance is excellent, allowing for precise control and consistent sound production.
Durability & Maintenance
The laminated birch is a durable material that should withstand years of use with proper care. Regular cleaning with a Scotch-Brite pad to scuff the tip is the primary maintenance required. I anticipate this striker lasting for many seasons, making it a worthwhile investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker does not include any additional accessories, focusing solely on the striker itself. However, it’s compatible with virtually any friction call surface, including glass, crystal, slate, and ceramic. No specific customization options are available, but the beauty of a striker lies in its versatility across different call surfaces.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Produces incredibly realistic turkey vocalizations, especially soft purrs and clucks.
- Versatile: Works well on a variety of friction call surfaces (glass, crystal, slate, ceramic).
- Durable Construction: Laminated birch wood ensures long-lasting performance.
- Comfortable Grip: Designed for extended use without hand fatigue.
- Improved calling: Two-piece Diamond-wood Striker/Maple Head combination allows to produce completely different tone and pitches.
Cons
- Smooth Grip: A textured grip would enhance handling in very wet conditions.
- No Accessories Included: Comes with only the striker itself.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker?
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker is perfect for seasoned turkey hunters seeking to add realism and versatility to their calling setup. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and demand superior sound performance. This striker is also an great fit for hunters who are after soft, realistic purrs and clucks.
Hunters satisfied with basic strikers or those primarily hunting in open areas where long-range calling is the norm might not fully appreciate its subtleties. A must-have accessory would be a Scotch-Brite pad for maintaining the striker tip.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker is a premium-quality striker that delivers exceptional sound and versatility. At $21.99, the price is more than justified given the striker’s performance, durability, and ability to elevate your calling game. As someone who has chased turkeys for over a decade, I wholeheartedly recommend this striker to any serious turkey hunter.
If you’re ready to take your calling to the next level and fill your tag this season, invest in the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Deluxe Striker. It could be the difference between a close call and a successful hunt.