HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC Review

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC Made a Bold First Impression

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC slate pot turkey call arrives with a simple promise: to produce convincing turkey sounds at an affordable price. As an experienced hunter with over a decade of tactical gear expertise, I’ve seen countless calls come and go, each claiming to be the “best.” This offering from HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS, however, peaked my interest due to its synthetic slate construction and budget-friendly price of just $16.49.

My hunt for the ideal turkey call is a constant one. Over the years, I’ve found that success in the turkey woods often hinges on subtle nuances in sound. The synthetic slate was intriguing because it promised consistent sound regardless of weather, a common pitfall of traditional slate calls.

Upon unboxing, the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC felt surprisingly solid. The synthetic slate surface was smooth and even, and the pot felt well-constructed, if a bit lightweight. It lacked the visual appeal and heft of some of my higher-end calls with exotic wood pots, but aesthetics don’t bag a gobbler.

I picked the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC over other entry-level slate calls from Primos and Quaker Boy for one reason: the promise of consistent, all-weather performance. Other calls can sound great in the store or on a dry day, but turn into mush when moisture hits. I was excited to see if this synthetic version could overcome that hurdle.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The call’s price point made me skeptical of its potential. But the potential for all-weather consistency kept my hopes high.

Real-World Testing: Putting HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC was on a damp spring morning in the Allegheny National Forest. The air was thick with mist, the kind of morning that makes natural slate calls a liability. I wanted to see if this call could defy the elements.

The call performed admirably in the wet conditions. While my natural slate calls would have been producing muffled, inconsistent sounds, the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC maintained its tone and clarity. The ease of use was also immediately apparent; even with slightly damp hands, the striker maintained good contact with the synthetic surface, producing a consistent sound with minimal effort.

The only initial issue was a slight “plastic-y” sound compared to my high-end slate calls. I needed to adjust my technique and the pressure I applied with the striker to achieve the desired realistic turkey vocalizations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC proved its worth. It became my go-to call on mornings when the weather was questionable. The sound remained consistent through rain, light snow, and even heavy fog.

Durability has been surprisingly good. The synthetic slate shows no signs of wear, and the pot itself has held up well to being carried in my vest pocket. No cracks or chips have appeared, even after accidentally dropping it on rocky terrain.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after use is all it takes to keep the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC in top condition. I haven’t needed to resurface the slate or apply any special cleaners. This outperforms many natural slate calls, which require more diligent cleaning and conditioning.

Breaking Down the Features of HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC

Specifications

• Type: Slate Pot Turkey Call. The call features a handheld pot design with a striking surface made of slate.
• Material: Synthetic Slate Surface. The synthetic slate ensures consistent sound quality regardless of weather conditions, a critical advantage over natural slate.
• Pot Material: Undisclosed (likely wood or composite). While the specific material is not listed, it appears to be a durable wood or composite material to house the slate surface.
• Striker: Typically includes a wooden striker (not specified, but standard for slate calls). The striker’s material and design significantly impact the sound produced; different strikers can yield varied tones.
• Price: $16.49. This price point makes it an accessible option for beginners and experienced hunters alike.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s sound quality, weather resistance, and overall durability. The synthetic slate is the key feature, promising consistent performance regardless of external conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC performs its job admirably, producing a range of realistic turkey sounds. These include clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts. The synthetic slate allows for consistent sound production, a significant advantage over natural slate, which can be affected by moisture.

The call’s strengths lie in its consistency and ease of use. The primary weakness is its slightly less realistic tone compared to high-end natural slate calls. It meets expectations for a call in its price range, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC features a simple, functional design. The pot is comfortable to hold, although some may find it slightly small depending on hand size. The lightweight nature of the call is both a pro and a con: easy to carry, but lacks the substantial feel of higher-end calls.

The call is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve for those familiar with slate calls. Beginners may need some practice to master the different turkey vocalizations.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC is surprisingly durable for its price. The synthetic slate is resistant to chipping and cracking, and the pot itself seems well-constructed. With proper care, it should last several seasons.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after use is usually sufficient. No special cleaners or conditioning is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC typically comes with a striker. The striker is the only included accessory. Customization options are limited, but you can experiment with different strikers to achieve different tones and sounds.

It’s compatible with most standard slate call strikers. Experimenting with strikers from different brands is a worthwhile pursuit to find the ideal sound.

Pros and Cons of HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC?

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC is perfect for:

• Beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and reliable call.
• Experienced hunters who need a backup call for wet weather conditions.
• Hunters on a budget who want a call that will consistently produce turkey sounds.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced hunters who demand the absolute most realistic and nuanced turkey sounds.
• Those who prefer the aesthetic and feel of high-end, handcrafted calls.

A must-have accessory is a reliable striker with varying tip hardness to create different sound characteristics.

Conclusion on HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC

The HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC slate pot turkey call is a solid performer, especially considering its price point. Its all-weather consistency makes it a valuable asset for any turkey hunter who has faced the frustration of a soaked and silent natural slate call. While it may not replicate the exact tone of a high-end call, it produces convincing turkey sounds with minimal effort.

The value proposition is excellent. For around $16.49, you get a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use call that will perform consistently in various weather conditions.

I would personally recommend the HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC to any hunter looking for an affordable and dependable all-weather turkey call. Don’t let unpredictable weather ruin your hunt! Grab a HOOK’S CUSTOM CALLS SYNTHETIC and get ready to call in that gobbler, rain or shine.

Check Best Price HERE