The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve used countless turkey calls over the last decade. When I saw the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate pot call for such an affordable price, I was intrigued. Could a call this inexpensive really deliver the quality sound needed to lure in a wary tom?
My hunting grounds in upstate New York demanded a call that could produce both soft, seductive purrs and sharp, cutting yelps. I needed something versatile and reliable, without breaking the bank. The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate promised just that, prompting me to pit it against my trusted (and significantly more expensive) diaphragm and box calls.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the call’s solid construction. The molded pot felt substantial in my hand, and the Pennsylvania slate striking surface looked promising. Compared to some of the cheaper plastic calls I’ve encountered, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate had a definite air of quality. While it lacked the exotic wood finishes of higher-end calls, its simplicity was appealing.
I’ve used slate calls from Primos and H.S. Strut in the past, and while those offered exceptional sound quality, they also came with a hefty price tag. The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate seemed to offer a similar design at a fraction of the cost. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. Could this budget-friendly call truly live up to the hype?
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Lights Out Slate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test with the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate was during the spring turkey season in the Adirondack Mountains. The early morning air was crisp and damp, perfect conditions to test the call’s performance in less-than-ideal weather. I set up near a known strutting zone, eager to hear what the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate could do.
The call performed admirably in the cool, damp conditions. It required minimal effort to coax out soft clucks and purrs, sounds crucial for enticing a tom into range. I was pleasantly surprised by the responsiveness of the Pennsylvania slate surface. There was no need to spend time fumbling for just the right sound.
Initially, I did experience a slight learning curve in achieving the perfect rasp for yelps. This was quickly overcome after a few practice sessions. My initial surprise was that it produced better quality sounds than I expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate continued to impress. I took it out on multiple hunts. I also used it in various weather conditions. The call consistently delivered reliable performance.
The slate surface has held up remarkably well. There were no signs of cracking or chipping despite being exposed to dirt and moisture. Maintaining the call was straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after each use kept it in top condition.
Compared to some of the more delicate diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate felt significantly more robust. While I still value the realism of my diaphragm calls, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate offered a level of durability and ease of use that was hard to ignore. It has certainly outperformed some more expensive friction calls in terms of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
Specifications
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate from Bone Collector Game Calls features a molded pot designed to amplify sound. A Pennsylvania slate surface is included for producing realistic turkey vocalizations. The call also includes a hardwood striker designed to optimize sound production from the slate surface.
- The molded pot and soundboard contribute to the call’s overall volume and tonal quality. The Pennsylvania slate provides a realistic friction surface.
- The hardwood striker is specifically designed to interact with the slate, creating the desired turkey sounds. The material choice and construction are critical to the call’s functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate performs admirably, producing a range of turkey vocalizations with relative ease. It excels at creating mellow tones, perfect for soft purrs, clucks, and enticing yelps. The responsiveness of the slate surface allows for nuanced sound control.
- The call is particularly effective at close-range calling, coaxing hesitant toms into range. The quality of sound works perfectly.
- While it may require some practice to master the full range of yelps, the call is generally user-friendly, especially for beginners. There are virtually no weaknesses with the product given the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate features a simple, functional design. Its molded pot is comfortable to hold and provides a solid base for striking the slate. The hardwood striker feels balanced in the hand, allowing for precise control.
- The overall build quality is surprisingly good for a call in this price range. The weight is appropriate for a pot call, without feeling too bulky or cumbersome.
- The call is intuitive to use, even for those with limited experience with slate calls. This feature minimizes any learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate appears to be quite durable. The molded pot is resistant to cracking and chipping, while the Pennsylvania slate surface is surprisingly resilient. Proper maintenance involves simply wiping down the slate after use and storing the call in a dry place.
- With proper care, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate should provide years of reliable service. Regular cleaning will also extend the life of the call.
- The simplicity of the design also makes it easy to repair, should any issues arise. The product requires very little maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate comes with the essential hardwood striker. There are no additional accessories included, nor are there any direct customization options available from the Bone Collector Game Calls. However, users can experiment with different strikers from other brands to alter the sound profile.
- While the call is designed to work optimally with the included striker, aftermarket strikers can offer unique tonal variations. Users should choose accessories that match the product.
- Since it’s a slate call, there are no typical accessories like reeds or diaphragms. The customization is limited to striker selection and conditioning the slate.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
Pros
- Excellent value for the price. It provides quality sound at a fraction of the cost of high-end calls.
- Versatile sound production. Capable of producing soft purrs, clucks, and yelps to entice toms in various situations.
- Durable construction. The molded pot and Pennsylvania slate surface are built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- User-friendly design. It is easy to learn and use, even for beginner turkey hunters.
- Compact and lightweight. Easy to carry in a vest or pack without adding unnecessary bulk.
Cons
- Limited customization. Offers no direct customization options.
- Basic Aesthetics. The design lacks the aesthetic appeal of more expensive calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Lights Out Slate?
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is perfect for:
- Beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call.
- Experienced hunters needing a reliable backup call for various hunting scenarios.
- Hunters on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality sound.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters seeking highly customized or premium, exotic wood calls.
- Individuals only interested in diaphragm calls for maximum realism.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A conditioning stone or sandpaper to maintain the slate surface.
- A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible in the field.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is a surprisingly effective turkey call that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its versatility, durability, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced hunters. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end calls, its core functionality is undeniable.
The price is absolutely justified. It provides a quality calling option without breaking the bank. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable turkey call.
If you’re ready to fill your tag this spring, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is a must-have addition to your hunting arsenal. Don’t let the low price fool you, this call can bring those wary toms right into your lap!