The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call, crafted by Bone Collector, promised a versatile turkey calling experience, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. This hand-crafted, double-sided wild cherry pot call boasts both slate and glass surfaces, aiming to deliver the full spectrum of turkey vocalizations. It comes paired with a diamond wood striker, promising a complete package right out of the box.
As an experienced hunter, I was looking for a friction call that could handle varied terrains and call for different turkey behaviors. The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call’s dual-surface design immediately grabbed my attention. While I’ve used similar pot calls like the Primos Heartbreaker and the Quaker Boy Hurricane, the Bone Collector seemed to offer a potentially more refined sound quality, justifying a purchase for comparison.
Unboxing the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call revealed a well-made instrument. The wild cherry pot felt solid and comfortable in hand. The slate and glass surfaces were smooth, promising good friction. My initial thought was a sense of anticipation. The craftsmanship felt good, and the sound potential was alluring.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call during a spring turkey hunt in the dense forests of Northern Michigan. The weather was damp, typical for that time of year. I wanted to see how the call performed under less-than-ideal conditions.
The slate side produced soft clucks and purrs that seemed perfect for drawing in cautious hens. The glass side, with its higher pitch, carried well in the wind and mimicked the excited yelps of a hen looking for a mate. It took a little experimentation to find the sweet spot for each surface. The striker needed to be held at the right angle and pressure applied consistently to achieve the desired sound.
There were no immediate issues during my first use. The call seemed to perform as advertised, though getting accustomed to the double-sided design took some focus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, across multiple turkey seasons and varying weather conditions, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call has held up well. There are some minor scratches on the slate surface. It’s expected with use, but overall the call’s construction is durable.
Cleaning the call is relatively straightforward. A simple scrubbing with a Scotch-Brite pad and a bit of water removes residue. Maintaining the striker is also key. Keeping it roughed up with sandpaper helps maintain consistent contact.
Compared to my previous friction call experiences, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call offers increased versatility due to the dual-surface design. It allows me to switch between subtle and loud calls quickly. It is proving to be a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance.
- It is a hand-crafted double-sided cherry pot call. The wild cherry wood provides a warm tone and durable construction.
- The call features a slate surface on one side. This is for soft clucks and purrs.
- The other side has a glass surface. This is for loud and higher-pitched tones.
- It includes a diamond wood striker. The striker is designed to generate optimal friction on both surfaces.
- Made in the USA. Ensuring quality craftsmanship and materials.
These specifications are crucial to the call’s performance. The dual-surface design allows hunters to mimic a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The quality of the materials directly impacts the call’s sound and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call performs admirably in its intended role. It allows a hunter to create both soft and loud turkey sounds. Its two surfaces provide greater flexibility.
The slate side is exceptional for close-range calling, producing realistic clucks and purrs that are ideal for coaxing in wary toms. The glass side shines when needing to reach out across longer distances. The striker’s design, while functional, can be a bit finicky. Consistent contact is crucial for clean sounds.
The call meets expectations for versatility and sound quality. Minor adjustments in technique are required to maximize its potential.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The wild cherry pot fits comfortably in hand. Its weight is balanced.
The transition between slate and glass surfaces is seamless, allowing for quick adjustments in calling style. The design is user-friendly, though mastering the nuances of each surface takes practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call appears to be built to last. The wild cherry pot is resistant to cracking and warping. The slate and glass surfaces are also reasonably durable.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and occasional resurfacing of the slate and striker are all that’s needed to keep the call in top condition. The call seems like it should last many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call comes with a single accessory: the diamond wood striker. There are no included customization options. The call is primarily designed for use with the included striker.
While no specific accessories or modifications are directly marketed for this call, hunters could experiment with different strikers. Strikers made from other materials might alter the sound. Also, aftermarket lanyards can be added to keep the call readily accessible.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
Pros
- Versatile dual-surface design: Offers a wide range of turkey vocalizations with both slate and glass.
- High-quality materials: The wild cherry pot and diamond wood striker contribute to durability and sound quality.
- Realistic sound reproduction: Produces authentic clucks, purrs, yelps, and cutts that mimic real turkeys.
- Made in the USA: Guarantees quality craftsmanship and materials.
- Relatively easy to maintain: Simple cleaning and resurfacing keeps the call in top condition.
Cons
- Striker technique is crucial: Requires practice to achieve consistent and clean sounds.
- No case included: Lacking protection during transport.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is perfect for:
- Experienced turkey hunters who want a versatile and high-quality friction call.
- Hunters who appreciate the ability to switch between soft and loud calls quickly.
- Individuals who value American-made products with quality craftsmanship.
Who should skip this product?
- Beginner turkey hunters who might find the dual-surface design initially challenging.
- Hunters who prefer simpler, single-surface pot calls with less technique required.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A protective case or pouch to prevent damage during transport.
- A lanyard for easy access in the field.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is a well-crafted and versatile turkey call that offers excellent sound quality and durability. Its dual-surface design allows hunters to mimic a wide range of turkey vocalizations, making it a valuable asset in the field. While it may require some practice to master, the call’s performance and craftsmanship justify its price of $35.99.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call to experienced turkey hunters looking to enhance their calling capabilities. Its versatility and realistic sound reproduction make it a worthwhile investment. Don’t just sit there; get yours today and start calling in those gobblers!