The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting has always been more than a sport for me; it’s a connection to the land, a test of skill, and a thrill that gets my blood pumping every spring. Over the past decade, I’ve cycled through countless mouth calls, each promising to be the “one” that would finally unlock the secrets to luring in those wary toms. When I saw the Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call, something about it just felt different. The Bone Collector brand has a strong reputation, and the promise of increased volume with a light to medium rasp piqued my interest, especially considering its budget-friendly price of $6.99.
My typical turkey hunting environment varies from dense hardwood forests to open fields, so I need a call that can cut through the noise or softly seduce a gobbler at close range. Previously, I was using a slate call for softer calls and a double-reed diaphragm for cutting yelps. The constant switching was cumbersome and not always effective. Could this single, inexpensive call truly deliver the versatility I craved?
Unboxing the Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call, I immediately noticed the quality of the tape and the reed construction. It felt sturdy, and the reeds were precisely cut. Compared to a similarly priced Primos call and a slightly more expensive Zink call, the Grandstander had a more refined feel, despite its simplicity. The Primos felt flimsy, and the Zink, while well-made, seemed geared more toward aggressive calling. My initial thought was, “This might actually work.”
I was cautiously optimistic. Many calls promise the moon, but few truly deliver. I was excited to test its range and versatility in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call was on a misty morning in the Appalachian foothills. Visibility was limited, and the air was damp, conditions known to affect the performance of some mouth calls. Setting up against a large oak, I began with some soft clucks and purrs, testing the call’s responsiveness.
The Grandstander performed surprisingly well. The moisture didn’t seem to affect the reeds, and I was able to produce consistent, clear sounds with minimal effort. I then transitioned to some louder yelps, trying to reach a tom I’d heard gobbling about 200 yards away. The call lived up to its promise of increased volume, carrying effectively through the trees. It was easy to produce consistent, clear sounds, though initially I needed some practice to consistently hit the high front end for kee-kees.
After about an hour, a young Jake came strutting into view, responding to my calls. I passed on the shot, but it confirmed that the Grandstander was indeed effective at drawing in turkeys. There were no immediate issues; no reed sticking, no excessive air leakage, just consistent performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call has become a staple in my turkey vest. It holds its own against higher-priced calls. The reeds haven’t stretched or lost their shape, and the tape remains securely bonded.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear. I’ve cleaned it a few times with warm water and allowed it to air dry, and this has kept it performing optimally. Compared to some of my previous calls that required constant adjustments and tweaking, the Grandstander has been remarkably low-maintenance. Its consistent performance has exceeded my expectations, especially considering the price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call boasts a combo-cut, triple reed design featuring a 2.5 back reed. This unique configuration is engineered to deliver increased volume with a light to medium rasp.
The call is designed to allow for a high front end, essential for producing clear kee-kees and yelps. Furthermore, it is proudly Made in the USA. These specifications directly influence the call’s ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds. From soft clucks and purrs to aggressive yelps and kee-kees, it covers nearly all the bases. Its versatility makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Its strength lies in its balance; it’s loud enough to reach distant birds yet capable of producing subtle sounds for close encounters. A minor weakness is the slight learning curve required to master the kee-kee, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. It meets and even exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call is designed for comfort and ease of use. The materials are high quality. The tape is soft and conforms well to the roof of the mouth. Its lightweight construction prevents fatigue during extended calling sessions.
The call has a user-friendly design. The learning curve is short compared to some more complex diaphragm calls. It’s comfortable to use for long periods.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call should last for at least one full turkey season, if not longer. The tape is durable. The reeds are resistant to moisture and wear.
Maintenance is simple; rinsing it with warm water after each use will prevent the buildup of saliva and prolong its life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but this is typical for mouth calls in this price range. There are no customization options available beyond potentially trimming the reeds, though this is generally not recommended for beginners. It is compatible with standard mouth call cases and storage solutions.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call
Pros
- Exceptional Value: At $6.99, it’s incredibly affordable and delivers performance that rivals much pricier calls.
- Versatile Sound: Capable of producing a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations, from soft clucks to loud yelps and kee-kees.
- Easy to Use: Even for beginners, the learning curve is relatively short, making it a great option for new turkey hunters.
- Durable Construction: The tape and reeds are made from high-quality materials that hold up well to repeated use and moisture.
- Made in the USA: A testament to quality and craftsmanship.
Cons
- The Kee-Kee sound requires some practice to perfect consistently.
- Lacks a protective case, so proper storage is important to avoid damage.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call?
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call is perfect for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile call. Experienced hunters needing a reliable backup or a budget-friendly option will find it useful.
This call might not be ideal for professional guides or hunters who demand the absolute highest level of customization and nuanced sound control. A must-have accessory is a mouth call case to protect the reeds during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call
The Bone Collector The Grandstander Mouth Call is a surprisingly effective and versatile turkey call. Its budget-friendly price point makes it an outstanding value.
The price is more than justified given its performance and durability. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable mouth call. Don’t let the low price fool you; this call can bring gobblers running! Pick one up today and get ready for a successful turkey season!