The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps Made a Bold First Impression
As an avid turkey hunter with over a decade under my belt, I’ve learned that the difference between a successful hunt and an empty freezer often comes down to the details. That’s why I was intrigued by the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps. It promised precision and consistency in a turkey call striker, a crucial element for coaxing those wary gobblers into range.
My quest for the perfect yelp had led me down many paths, and I was constantly seeking gear to give me that competitive edge. This striker caught my eye due to Woodhaven’s reputation for producing quality calls and the unique “flare tip” design, which suggested improved consistency.
Unboxing the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps, my initial impression was one of quality craftsmanship. The laminate wood construction felt solid and well-balanced. This gave me confidence that it could withstand the rigors of the field.
I’ve used strikers from Primos and HS Strut in the past. While those were functional, they often lacked the consistency and tonal control I desired. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps appeared to offer a more refined experience.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. This striker seemed like a tool crafted with care. I was eager to get it into the woods and see how it performed under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps came on a spring gobbler hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee. The morning was cool and damp, ideal conditions for calling. I paired the striker with a Woodhaven Cherry Classic crystal pot call.
The sound produced was instantly impressive: crisp, clear yelps with just the right amount of rasp. The flared tip design truly seemed to enhance the striker’s contact with the calling surface. This made it easier to produce consistent sounds.
Even in the slightly damp conditions, the striker maintained excellent grip and control. I didn’t encounter any slipping or inconsistent sounds due to moisture. That was a big relief.
I did find that it took a few minutes to dial in the perfect angle and pressure to get the most realistic sounds. It wasn’t difficult, but there was a slight learning curve.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during the turkey season, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps continued to impress. It held up remarkably well to the wear and tear of being carried in my vest. There were no noticeable signs of splitting or damage to the laminate.
The striker remained easy to clean. Any residue from the pot call was easily wiped away with a dry cloth. This ease of maintenance is a major plus for any piece of hunting gear.
Compared to previous strikers I’ve used, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps offers significantly improved consistency and tonal control. It allows me to create a wider range of turkey vocalizations with greater ease. This resulted in more birds responding to my calls.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps boasts a laminate birch construction, providing both strength and aesthetic appeal. Its flared tip design promotes consistent contact with the calling surface for enhanced sound quality. The overall length is approximately 6 inches.
The laminate construction enhances the striker’s durability, resisting warping and cracking. The flared tip, a key feature, creates a larger surface area for striking. This makes it easier to produce clean, consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps excels in producing realistic and varied turkey sounds. Its design allows for subtle changes in pressure and angle, resulting in a wide range of tones and inflections. This capability is critical for mimicking different hens and enticing gobblers.
The primary strength lies in its consistency. The flared tip offers a more forgiving strike, making it easier to produce quality sounds even in less-than-ideal conditions. The only minor weakness is the slight learning curve for achieving optimal tone, but this is quickly overcome with practice.
The striker definitely meets and, in many ways, exceeds my expectations. It’s a well-designed tool that delivers on its promise of enhanced consistency and realistic sound reproduction.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps is excellent. The laminate wood feels solid and well-finished. The weight is balanced and comfortable in hand, promoting precise control.
The striker is very user-friendly. While there’s a small learning curve to find the optimal angle and pressure, it’s relatively intuitive. Even novice callers will quickly adapt.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its laminate construction, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps is built to last. With proper care, it should withstand years of use in the field. Its robust design minimizes the risk of breakage.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe the striker clean after each use and store it in a dry place. No special cleaning agents or treatments are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps doesn’t come with additional accessories. However, it’s designed to pair with a variety of pot calls, especially those from Woodhaven. The flared tip design is compatible with crystal, glass, slate, and ceramic surfaces.
While there aren’t specific customization options for the striker itself, you can experiment with different pot call surfaces to alter the sound profile. This gives you a degree of flexibility in tailoring your calls to specific hunting situations.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey YelpsPros
- Improved Consistency: The flared tip design ensures reliable contact with the calling surface, resulting in consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Realistic Sound Reproduction: The striker allows for subtle variations in tone, mimicking different hens and enticing gobblers.
- Durable Construction: The laminate birch wood withstands the rigors of the field, resisting warping and cracking.
- User-Friendly Design: Even novice callers will quickly adapt to the striker’s intuitive design.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning is simple, requiring only a dry cloth and dry storage.
Cons
- Slight Learning Curve: Achieving optimal tone requires some practice and experimentation.
- Price: At $34.99, it’s pricier than basic strikers, though the quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps?
Pros
- Improved Consistency: The flared tip design ensures reliable contact with the calling surface, resulting in consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Realistic Sound Reproduction: The striker allows for subtle variations in tone, mimicking different hens and enticing gobblers.
- Durable Construction: The laminate birch wood withstands the rigors of the field, resisting warping and cracking.
- User-Friendly Design: Even novice callers will quickly adapt to the striker’s intuitive design.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning is simple, requiring only a dry cloth and dry storage.
Cons
- Slight Learning Curve: Achieving optimal tone requires some practice and experimentation.
- Price: At $34.99, it’s pricier than basic strikers, though the quality justifies the cost.
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who demand consistent performance and realistic sound reproduction. This is especially beneficial for hunters who want a reliable striker for various pot calls.
Hunters who are on a very tight budget or who only turkey hunt a few times per year might find cheaper alternatives sufficient. If they don’t require the refined control and consistent tone of this striker, other options might be more appealing.
A must-have accessory to pair with the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps is a high-quality pot call. Woodhaven pot calls are an ideal match, but any well-made call with a crystal, glass, slate, or ceramic surface will work well.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps is a top-tier turkey call striker that delivers on its promise of enhanced consistency and realistic sound. Its durable laminate construction, flared tip design, and user-friendly ergonomics make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At $34.99, the price is justified by the quality and performance. This isn’t just a striker; it’s an investment in your hunting success.
I wholeheartedly recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Strike 3 Flare Tip Striker Turkey Yelps to any turkey hunter seeking to improve their calling game. Don’t leave home without it! Upgrade your turkey hunting experience today!