The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut promises advanced calling capabilities for serious turkey hunters. Marketed by Bone Collector, this call is designed to produce both delicate, seductive purrs and loud, aggressive cuts and yelps. It immediately caught my attention with its promise of versatility in a single, competition-style mouth call.
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers across varied terrain and understand the importance of a versatile call. I needed a call that could adapt to different hunting scenarios, from luring in a wary bird to shocking a distant one into response. The Ridge Beater seemed to offer that adaptability at an accessible price point.
Upon opening the package, the call felt substantial, despite its diminutive size. The reeds were neatly trimmed and appeared to be of decent quality. While I couldn’t visually assess the “competition style combo cut” in detail without dismantling the call (which I wasn’t about to do pre-testing), the overall construction seemed solid.
Having used several diaphragm calls over the years, including Primos and Quaker Boy models, I was particularly intrigued by the Ridge Beater’s promise of being “more advanced.” I chose this call over others because of its dual capability: delivering both soft, close-range enticements and powerful, long-distance calls. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut during a spring turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains. The conditions were cool and slightly damp, a typical early-morning scenario in that region. I primarily focused on using the call in areas with mixed hardwood timber and open fields.
The initial learning curve was steeper than I anticipated. The “more advanced” nature of the call required significant jaw actuation to produce different sounds, demanding a level of control I hadn’t needed with simpler calls. While I could produce basic yelps and clucks, the soft, subtle purrs and seductive whines proved challenging.
My first attempt at a cutting sequence resulted in more of a squawk than a crisp, aggressive cut. I spent a good portion of the morning practicing and refining my technique. It was not a complete disaster, but certainly far from the seamless transition between calls that I had hoped for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut showed minimal signs of wear. The reeds remained intact and retained their shape, a testament to the call’s durability. Cleaning was simple: rinsing with water after each use and storing it in a dry, ventilated container.
My calling improved significantly with practice. I became more comfortable modulating my breath and jaw movement to produce a wider range of realistic turkey sounds. The Ridge Beater eventually allowed me to execute convincing soft yelps to draw birds in close, and later blast out aggressive cuts to shock gobblers into responding across ridge lines.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Ridge Beater demanded more from the user but offered greater potential for nuanced calling. The versatility truly started to shine as I mastered its capabilities, outperforming my previous, simpler calls in certain scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut
Specifications
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut is a diaphragm-style turkey call designed for producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The call is constructed with multiple layers of latex reeds, precisely cut to create distinct tones. These reeds are layered to allow for a combination of soft, subtle sounds and loud, aggressive calls.
The exact dimensions and materials of the frame are not explicitly stated by the Manufacturer. However, the call is designed to comfortably fit in the roof of the mouth. The specifications matter because the reed configuration and tension determine the range of sounds the call can produce and the level of user skill required to operate it effectively.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut performs admirably once the user masters the required techniques. It excels at producing a variety of realistic turkey sounds, from soft purrs and clucks to loud yelps and cuts. Its strengths lie in its versatility, offering the ability to adapt to different calling scenarios with a single call.
The call requires precise breath control and jaw actuation, potentially a weakness for beginners. It also does demand practice and patience to master the subtle nuances required for convincing, realistic calls. Overall, the Ridge Beater meets expectations for experienced callers, offering an expansive range of potential calls.
Design & Ergonomics
The call is designed to fit comfortably in the roof of the mouth, allowing for extended use without excessive fatigue. The materials used are relatively thin and flexible, conforming to the user’s palate. The ergonomic design is generally good, though some users may find the larger reed configuration slightly more difficult to position initially.
The build quality seems decent, suggesting a reasonable lifespan with proper care. There is a slight learning curve due to the call’s advanced design, but the potential rewards are significant for experienced turkey hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut is reasonably durable, showing minimal signs of wear after weeks of use. Proper cleaning and storage are crucial for maximizing its lifespan. Regular rinsing with water and storing the call in a dry, ventilated container will help prevent reed deterioration.
Maintaining this call is simple and straightforward. There are no replaceable parts, but taking care of it will ensure that it lasts through at least one full hunting season.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut comes as a standalone product without any included accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this particular mouth call. Generally, mouth calls are not readily customizable beyond trimming the reeds (which is not recommended for beginners).
While the call is designed to be used as-is, hunters often experiment with different mouth call combinations to create their preferred sound profile. It is compatible with various call lanyards for convenient carrying.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut
Pros
- Offers a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Adaptable to various hunting scenarios, from close encounters to long-distance calling.
- Relatively durable construction with proper care.
- Affordable price point.
- Potential for nuanced and advanced calling techniques.
Cons
- Requires a significant learning curve for beginners.
- Demands precise breath control and jaw actuation.
- May not be as user-friendly as simpler diaphragm calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut?
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters seeking a versatile call capable of producing a wide range of realistic sounds. Competitive callers needing a call to execute complex calling sequences. Hunters looking for a challenge and willing to invest time in mastering advanced calling techniques.
Who should skip this product? Beginners just starting to learn turkey calling. Hunters who prefer simpler, more user-friendly diaphragm calls. Those unwilling to invest time in practicing and refining their calling technique.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A call lanyard for convenient carrying. A small container for proper storage and cleaning.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut
The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut is a solid choice for experienced turkey hunters looking for a versatile and capable call. While it presents a steeper learning curve than simpler models, the potential rewards are significant. It offers a broad range of realistic turkey sounds with a bit of effort and technique.
At a price of $6.99, the Ridge Beater represents good value, especially for those seeking to elevate their calling game. The price is justified by the call’s versatility and potential performance.
I would recommend it to experienced hunters seeking a challenge, but suggest beginners start with simpler calls. The Bone Collector Ridge Beater – Mouth Calls- Competition Style Combo Cut is an investment in your hunting arsenal, offering the potential for greater success with practice. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself speaking the language of the turkey like never before.