The Zink Wicked Sister Call Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s an art. The perfect call can be the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. When I first laid eyes on the Zink Wicked Sister Call from Zink Calls, I was intrigued by its unique three-reed design and promise of turkey calling perfection. My quest was simple: find a call that delivers a consistent, realistic sound, capable of producing everything from subtle yelps to aggressive cutts and cackles.
The need arose from years of using various diaphragm calls, often struggling to achieve the consistent raspiness needed to lure in those wary gobblers. The Zink Wicked Sister Call seemed to offer a potential solution, promising a blend of clarity and rasp that could fool even the wisest old tom. Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed its compact size and the careful layering of the latex reeds. The build quality appeared solid, and the feel was comfortable against the roof of my mouth.
I’ve used calls like the Primos Killer B and the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper in the past. While those calls were decent, the Zink Wicked Sister Call stood out because of its specialized reed configuration. Its design promised easier control and a more versatile range of sounds compared to the more basic two-reed designs of the Primos or the overly complex four-reed setups I’ve encountered. My first impression was one of hopeful anticipation. If this call could deliver on its promise, it would become an invaluable tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Wicked Sister Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Zink Wicked Sister Call took place during a spring turkey hunt in the rugged hills of eastern Tennessee. The conditions were challenging: a cool, damp morning with a slight breeze. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to coax a gobbler into range.
Initially, I struggled to produce the desired sounds. The call required a different air pressure and tongue placement than I was accustomed to. After about an hour of practice, however, I began to find my rhythm. I started with soft yelps, gradually increasing the intensity. The call performed admirably, producing clear, crisp yelps that carried well in the early morning air. There were no unexpected squeaks or flat notes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Zink Wicked Sister Call during various hunts and practice sessions, I’ve found it to be a reliable and versatile tool. The latex reeds have held up well. There are no signs of significant wear or tearing.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply rinse the call with water after each use and allow it to air dry. This prevents the buildup of saliva and debris, which can affect the sound quality. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper calls that quickly lost their tone and raspiness, the Zink Wicked Sister Call has consistently delivered high-quality sound. It outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Wicked Sister Call
Specifications
The Zink Wicked Sister Call is a diaphragm-style turkey call featuring a unique three-reed design. The construction consists of carefully selected latex reeds to achieve optimal turkey calling sounds. The top reed is a slightly thicker latex with a W-cut, covering two thinner .003″ latex reeds.
A small notch on the middle reed adds a distinctive rasp. This reed configuration is designed to provide the perfect balance of clarity and raspiness, enabling hunters to produce a wide range of calls. The call is designed for producing cutts, cackles, and deep, raspy yelps. The W-cut is a specialized cut in the top reed, commonly used in diaphragm calls. This W-cut assists in creating the distinctive raspiness. The raspiness is critical for mimicking the natural sounds of a wild turkey hen.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Wicked Sister Call excels in its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It easily and accurately reproduces soft yelps, aggressive cutts, and deep, raspy yelps. The unique three-reed design allows for precise control over the tone and volume.
The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and realistic sound quality. The main weakness is the initial learning curve. New users may require some practice to master the proper air pressure and tongue placement. However, once mastered, the Zink Wicked Sister Call meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Wicked Sister Call features a compact and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the mouth. The materials used are high-quality latex. The build quality is excellent, ensuring the call will withstand repeated use.
The call is designed to be user-friendly, but it may require some initial practice for optimal performance. Experienced diaphragm call users will likely adapt quickly. Novices may need to spend some time experimenting with different techniques to achieve the desired sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality latex reeds of the Zink Wicked Sister Call are designed to withstand extended use without significant degradation in sound quality. With proper care, the call should last for multiple hunting seasons.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with water after each use and allow to air dry. Avoid storing the call in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the latex reeds.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Wicked Sister Call does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a self-contained diaphragm call. There are no customization options available. The call is designed to be used as-is, and its performance is optimized for its specific reed configuration.
The call is compatible with various lanyards or call holders for convenient carry in the field. This allows hunters to keep the call readily accessible while keeping their hands free.
Pros and Cons of Zink Wicked Sister Call
Pros
- Versatile sound range: Produces realistic yelps, cutts, and cackles.
- Durable construction: High-quality latex reeds that withstand extended use.
- Ergonomic design: Comfortable fit in the mouth for extended calling sessions.
- Realistic rasp: The small notch on the middle reed adds the right amount of natural turkey sound.
- Easy maintenance: Simple rinse-and-dry cleaning process.
Cons
- Initial learning curve for beginners.
- No customization options available.
Who Should Buy Zink Wicked Sister Call?
The Zink Wicked Sister Call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who demand a versatile and realistic-sounding call. It’s also suited for intermediate hunters looking to upgrade from basic diaphragm calls. Hunters who appreciate quality craftsmanship and durable construction will find this call a worthwhile investment.
This product might not be ideal for absolute beginners who are completely new to diaphragm calls. The initial learning curve could be frustrating for those who lack experience. New hunters might want to start with a simpler, single-reed call before progressing to the Zink Wicked Sister Call. A must-have accessory is a lanyard or call holder to keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on Zink Wicked Sister Call
The Zink Wicked Sister Call is a well-designed and expertly crafted diaphragm turkey call that delivers on its promise of realism and versatility. While there may be a slight learning curve for beginners, the effort is well worth the reward. Its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds makes it an invaluable tool for any serious turkey hunter.
At a price of $7.49, the Zink Wicked Sister Call offers exceptional value for the money. The quality of materials and craftsmanship justifies the price. I would highly recommend it to any turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, give the Zink Wicked Sister Call a try. You won’t be disappointed.