The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade chasing thunder chickens across the country, I’ve learned that the right call can be the difference between strutting excitement and silent disappointment. So, when I saw the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks promising high-pitched yelps and clucks, I was eager to put it to the test. This striker, crafted by Woodhaven Custom Calls, boasted the use of purpleheart wood, a material I hadn’t encountered in turkey calling before.
I’ve always struggled to achieve those crisp, high-pitched kee-kees that drive gobblers wild. I needed a striker that could effortlessly produce those sounds without requiring Herculean effort.
Upon unboxing, the striker immediately impressed me. It felt solid, well-balanced, and the purpleheart wood exhibited a beautiful, rich color. The 5/16 dowel felt comfortable in my hand, and the smooth finish indicated a dedication to quality craftsmanship.
Compared to my trusty hickory striker from Primos, and a recent maple striker from Flextone, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks felt denser, promising a different tonal quality. While my hickory striker is known for its raspy tones, and the maple for its consistent all-around performance, the promise of high-pitched clarity with the Woodhaven was what tipped the scales.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The craftsmanship was undeniable, but the true test would be in the woods. Would it deliver on its promise of crisp, high-pitched calls? Only time and a stubborn gobbler would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks to my usual hunting spot in the Ouachita National Forest. The conditions were typical for early spring in Arkansas: damp, with a slight chill in the air. I paired the striker with a slate call from Lynch and a glass call from Quaker Boy.
The initial scrapes across the slate surprised me. The purpleheart wood produced a noticeably cleaner, higher-pitched sound than my other strikers. It required a slightly lighter touch, but once I adjusted, the yelps were incredibly crisp. Even in the damp conditions, the striker maintained its grip and sound quality with minimal effort. There was no need to constantly wipe off the call surface or the striker tip.
My first attempts yielded promising results, but it took some practice to master the nuances of the striker and extract the full range of tones. This wasn’t a “grab and go” striker; it required finesse.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting, and countless hours practicing, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks has proven to be a reliable performer. The purpleheart wood has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or cracking despite consistent use in varying weather conditions.
Maintaining the striker is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use keeps it in top condition. I occasionally use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly roughen the tip for optimal grip on my calls, but that’s about it.
Compared to my previous experiences with other strikers, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks stands out in its ability to produce consistent, high-quality calls with minimal effort once mastered. It has outperformed my expectations, becoming a staple in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks is constructed from solid purpleheart wood. This dense wood is known for its hardness and ability to produce clear, high-pitched tones.
It features a 5/16-inch dowel diameter. This provides a comfortable grip and allows for precise control when creating different calls.
The striker is specifically designed for producing high-pitch yelps and clucks. It excels at creating the sounds that attract wary gobblers.
The product weighs approximately 1 ounce. Its light weight ensures comfort and prevents fatigue during extended calling sessions.
The striker is compatible with various call surfaces including slate, glass, and crystal. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s gear.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the striker’s sound quality, ease of use, and durability. The purpleheart wood ensures a crisp, clear sound, while the dowel diameter provides a comfortable and controlled grip.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks excels at producing clear, high-pitched yelps and clucks. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you find the sweet spot, it’s incredibly effective.
Its strengths lie in its sound quality and ability to cut through wind and distance. The weakness is that it may require a bit more finesse and experience to master than other, more forgiving strikers.
It definitely meets my expectations, delivering on its promise of high-pitched clarity and reliable performance. The sound is superior to many other strikers I’ve used in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks features a simple, yet elegant design. The purpleheart wood is beautifully finished, and the 5/16-inch dowel feels comfortable in hand.
There is a slight learning curve to mastering the striker’s nuances, but it’s relatively user-friendly. It just takes practice to find the perfect angle and pressure to produce consistent calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The purpleheart wood is incredibly durable and should last for many seasons with proper care. It’s a dense hardwood and will withstand a decent amount of use and abuse.
Maintaining the striker is simple: wipe it down after use and lightly sand the tip when needed. With minimal care, it will continue to perform at its best for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available other than sanding the tip for desired texture and sound.
The striker is compatible with a wide variety of pot calls from different manufacturers. As long as you have a slate, glass, crystal, or aluminum surface, this striker will likely work well.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Pros
- Exceptional high-pitched sound quality. The purpleheart wood produces crisp, clear yelps and clucks that gobblers can’t resist.
- Durable and long-lasting construction. The dense purpleheart wood is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design. The 5/16-inch dowel provides a secure and comfortable grip.
- Versatile compatibility with various call surfaces. Works effectively with slate, glass, crystal, and aluminum calls.
- Affordable price point. Offers excellent value for its performance and quality.
Cons
- Requires a bit of practice to master. Beginners may find it challenging to produce consistent calls initially.
- No included accessories. Doesn’t come with a case or sandpaper for maintaining the tip.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks?
This striker is perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters who are looking to add a high-quality, high-pitched striker to their arsenal. It is also great for hunters who appreciate fine craftsmanship and durable construction.
Who should skip this product? Beginners who are just starting out with turkey calling may find this striker challenging to master. They may prefer a more forgiving striker that is easier to produce consistent calls with.
A must-have accessory is a piece of sandpaper or a striker conditioning kit to maintain the tip of the striker. This ensures optimal grip and sound quality on your calls.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks is a fantastic addition to any serious turkey hunter’s toolkit. It delivers on its promise of high-pitched clarity and durable performance.
The price is definitely justified given the quality of construction and the superior sound it produces. For $11.99, it’s a steal.
I would absolutely recommend this striker to any hunter looking to elevate their calling game. If you are looking for a striker that can cut through the wind and attract wary gobblers, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Purple Heart Striker Turkey Yelps, Clucks is a worthwhile investment. Go ahead, give your turkey calls a new voice, and get ready to hear those gobbles!