The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent years chasing gobblers in the dense hardwoods of the Southeast and the wide-open prairies of the Midwest. I’ve tried countless turkey calls, each promising to be the magic bullet for luring in that elusive tom. When I first saw the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks, I was intrigued by the promise of a wide range of sounds and the reputation of WoodHaven for quality.
What led me to this call was the need for a versatile tool that could produce both high-pitched, sweet yelps and the raspy, aggressive sounds needed to fire up a stubborn bird. My old slate call just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I needed something with more range and a more distinct personality.
Unboxing the call, I was immediately impressed. The cherry wood pot felt solid and well-crafted in my hand. The crystal surface appeared smooth and ready to sing. It certainly felt like a premium product, something that would hold up to the rigors of a long season.
Compared to my well-worn slate call and a cheaper glass call I had been experimenting with, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks felt like a significant step up. The slate call was consistent but lacked range. The glass call was too finicky and difficult to control. I was hoping this WoodHaven call would provide the perfect balance of control and versatility.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. I knew crystal calls could be tricky to master, but the promise of a wider range of sounds and the feel of quality construction had me eager to get into the woods and try it out.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The weather was typical for the season: damp and cool in the early morning, warming up to a pleasant temperature by mid-day. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to catch a tom coming off the limb.
Initially, I struggled a bit to find the sweet spot on the crystal surface. The sound wasn’t as immediate or intuitive as my slate call. However, after some adjustments to my grip and striker angle, I began to produce some convincing yelps. The call performed exceptionally well in the quiet morning air. The sound carried clearly across the valley.
The biggest surprise was the call’s ability to produce both sweet, clear yelps and raspy, aggressive clucks simply by changing the pressure and angle of the striker. This versatility proved invaluable as I tried different calling sequences to entice a response.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, hunting in various terrains and weather conditions, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. I’ve used it in light rain, dry dusty fields, and even during a brief snowfall. The call has maintained its sound quality and consistency throughout.
While the crystal surface requires occasional conditioning with the included kit to maintain optimal performance, it hasn’t shown any significant signs of wear and tear. The cherry wood pot has held up well to being carried in my vest pocket and occasionally bumped against trees and rocks. The surface saver lid is a great addition. It prevents accidental scratching or damage during transport.
Compared to my previous experiences with less expensive friction calls, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks stands out for its consistent sound quality, durability, and overall ease of use. It outperforms them in almost every aspect.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. These include:
Crystal Striking Surface: Provides a clear, crisp sound with a wide range of tonal possibilities. This allows for versatility in mimicking different hen vocalizations.
Cherry Wood Pot: Offers a warm, resonant tone and durable construction. The cherry wood not only looks beautiful but also contributes to the call’s overall sound quality.
Two Hand-Matched Strikers: Ensures optimal sound production and control. Having two strikers allows you to experiment with different tones and pitches.
Surface Conditioning Kit: Helps maintain the crystal surface for consistent performance. This ensures the call continues to produce quality sound after repeated use.
Surface Saver Lid: Protects the crystal surface from scratches and damage during storage and transport. This is crucial for maintaining the call’s longevity and sound quality.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s ability to produce realistic and effective turkey vocalizations. The quality of the materials and the thoughtful design contribute to a superior user experience.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. Its ability to create both high-pitched yelps and raspy clucks makes it a versatile tool for any turkey hunter.
The call’s strengths lie in its versatility, sound quality, and ease of use after a short learning curve. The crystal surface allows for precise control over the tone and volume of the call. The main weakness is that mastering a crystal call takes practice.
Overall, the call meets and exceeds expectations. It is a reliable and effective tool that has helped me bring several toms within range.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks is well-designed and comfortable to hold. The cherry wood pot is smooth and fits nicely in the hand.
The call is user-friendly, but requires some practice to master. There is a learning curve involved in finding the optimal striker angle and pressure for different sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks should last for many seasons. The cherry wood pot is durable and the crystal surface is resistant to scratches and wear.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. The included conditioning kit makes it easy to keep the crystal surface clean and ready to use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks comes with a surface conditioning kit, a surface saver lid, and two hand-matched strikers.
WoodHaven also offers custom engraving options for the Cherry Classic Crystal calls. You can have photos or laser-engraved logos added to the pot for a personalized touch.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Pros
- Wide range of realistic turkey sounds (yelps, clucks, cutts, purrs).
- High-quality cherry wood pot for warm, resonant tones.
- Durable crystal striking surface for consistent performance.
- Includes surface conditioning kit and surface saver lid for easy maintenance and protection.
- Two hand-matched strikers for optimal sound production and control.
Cons
- Requires practice to master the crystal surface and produce consistent sounds.
- Crystal surface needs occasional conditioning.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks?
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters looking for a versatile and high-quality friction call. Hunters who appreciate the nuanced sounds and control offered by a crystal surface will love the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks.
Who should skip this product? Beginners might find the learning curve of a crystal call frustrating. They should consider a simpler slate or box call to start with.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A good striker case to protect the strikers.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks is a well-crafted and versatile turkey call that offers a wide range of realistic sounds. It is a worthy investment for experienced hunters looking to elevate their calling game.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the overall performance of the call. This call is a testament to WoodHaven’s commitment to excellence.
I would personally recommend it to any serious turkey hunter. This call is not just a tool; it’s a work of art that can help you connect with the wild and bring home that prized gobbler. If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting to the next level, invest in the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Cherry Classic Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks. You won’t regret it!