Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call Review

Table of Contents

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting has always been a passion of mine. The crisp morning air, the thrill of the chase, and the satisfying reward of calling in a wary gobbler all contribute to an experience unlike any other. But for years, I struggled to find a call that truly captured the nuances of a hen’s vocalizations, a call that could cut through the wind and coax even the most seasoned tom into range. That’s what led me to the Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call.

Opening the box, I was immediately struck by the call’s visual appeal. The walnut and padauk cup was beautifully milled, showcasing the craftsmanship that Lynch is known for. The slate surface appeared smooth and ready for action.

Compared to my old box call, which felt bulky and cumbersome, the round slate design was compact and seemingly more versatile. I also owned a cheaper, mass-produced slate call, but the difference in materials and construction was immediately apparent. The Lynch Annihilator felt substantial, a tool built for serious turkey hunting. My initial impression was one of excitement – I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first field-tested the Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call during the spring turkey season in the dense hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. The early mornings were often damp, with a persistent mist clinging to the trees. This made me nervous about the slate’s performance.

The Lynch Annihilator performed admirably, even in the damp conditions. It produced clear, crisp yelps and clucks that resonated through the woods. I had to adjust my technique slightly to compensate for the moisture, using lighter pressure on the striker, but it didn’t significantly impact the call’s effectiveness. There was a slight learning curve to mastering the diamond striker on the slate, but within an hour, I was consistently producing convincing turkey sounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop, the call shows no signs of wear or damage. The slate surface has maintained its smooth texture, and the walnut/padauk cup remains solid and free of cracks.

Maintenance is simple: I just wipe the slate clean with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally rough it up with sandpaper to maintain its texture. This is far easier than the meticulous care required for some of my other calls. Compared to my previous slate call, the Lynch Annihilator has consistently delivered superior performance and reliability. The sound quality hasn’t degraded over time, which speaks volumes about the quality of the materials used.

Breaking Down the Features of Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call

Specifications

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call boasts a premium slate surface meticulously fitted atop a piece of perfectly matched glass. This combination is nestled within a precision-milled walnut/padauk cup. The call comes complete with a diamond striker.

Slate Surface: The premium slate provides a consistent and responsive calling surface. This ensures a range of tones from soft purrs to loud yelps.
Glass Underlayment: The glass underlayment enhances the sound projection and clarity of the call. It allows the sound to carry further in the woods.
Walnut/Padauk Cup: The precision-milled cup not only provides a beautiful aesthetic but also contributes to the call’s overall resonance. The combination of walnut and padauk offers durability and tonal quality.
Diamond Striker: The included diamond striker is specifically designed to interact optimally with the slate surface. This provides consistent and realistic turkey sounds.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. A high-quality slate surface is essential for producing realistic turkey vocalizations, while the glass underlayment amplifies the sound, making it easier to reach distant birds. The walnut/padauk cup provides a comfortable grip and protects the slate from damage.

Performance & Functionality

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs and clucks to loud yelps and kee-kees. Its ability to produce both subtle and aggressive calls makes it a versatile tool for any turkey hunting scenario. The call is relatively easy to use, even for beginners, although mastering the nuances of each call requires practice.

One of the Lynch Annihilator’s strengths is its consistency. It consistently produces the desired sounds, even in varying weather conditions. The only weakness I’ve found is that the slate surface can become slick in extremely wet conditions, requiring more frequent roughening with sandpaper. Overall, the Lynch Annihilator meets and exceeds my expectations for a premium slate call.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call is well-designed and feels comfortable in the hand. The walnut/padauk cup provides a secure and ergonomic grip. The call is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a vest pocket or lanyard.

The round slate design is intuitive and allows for a variety of calling techniques. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the diamond striker, but the call’s overall design is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call is built to last. The high-quality materials and solid construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. With proper care, the Lynch Annihilator should last for many seasons.

Maintenance is minimal; simply wiping the slate clean after each use and occasionally roughening it with sandpaper is all that’s required. The call is also relatively easy to repair if necessary, as replacement slate surfaces and strikers are readily available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call comes with a diamond striker, which is specifically designed for optimal performance. While there aren’t many direct customization options, you can experiment with different strikers to achieve slightly different sounds. Using different types of strikers, such as wood or carbon, can alter the tone and pitch of the call.

The call is compatible with most standard slate call accessories, such as lanyards and cleaning kits. Some hunters also choose to add a small piece of abrasive material to their vest for quick slate roughening in the field.

Pros and Cons of Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call

Pros

Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
Durable construction with high-quality materials.
Easy to use and maintain.
Compact and lightweight design.
Excellent sound projection.

Cons

Slate surface can become slick in extremely wet conditions.
Slight learning curve to master the diamond striker.

Who Should Buy Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call?

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a versatile, durable, and realistic-sounding call. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who appreciate quality craftsmanship and are willing to invest in a premium product. Experienced turkey hunters will appreciate the call’s ability to produce a wide range of subtle and aggressive calls, while beginners will find it relatively easy to learn and use.

Hunters on a tight budget or those who only occasionally turkey hunt might find the Lynch Annihilator to be an unnecessary expense. A less expensive slate call or even a box call might suffice for their needs.

A must-have accessory is a small piece of sandpaper or a slate conditioning stone to maintain the slate surface’s texture. Experimenting with different strikers is also recommended to find the one that best suits your calling style.

Conclusion on Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call

The Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call is a top-tier turkey call that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and versatility. While it comes with a higher price tag than some other options, the quality of the materials, the precision craftsmanship, and the realistic sound reproduction make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Lynch Annihilator Premium Round Slate Call to anyone who is serious about turkey hunting and is looking for a call that will help them consistently bring gobblers into range. It’s a call that I’ll be relying on for many seasons to come. So, get yours today and experience the Lynch difference!