The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting is as much about the hunter’s skill as it is about understanding and speaking the language of the wild turkey. After years of relying on box calls and diaphragm calls, I was looking for something that could deliver a more nuanced and realistic sound profile. I wanted to be able to produce those subtle clucks and purrs that can entice a wary tom into range. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts promised just that.
My interest was piqued by the description of its ease of use, similar to a crystal pot call, and its ability to create a range of authentic hen turkey sounds. I had previously tried a slate call from a different manufacturer, but struggled to get consistent results. I chose the Red Ninja over other friction calls based on Woodhaven’s reputation for producing high-quality, realistic-sounding calls, and the promise of a user-friendly design.
Unboxing the Red Ninja was a pleasant experience. The call felt solid and well-constructed, with a smooth glass surface that looked promising. The inclusion of two matched strikers, a surface saver lid, and a conditioning kit was a thoughtful touch. I was immediately excited to try it out, hoping it would live up to the hype and become a reliable tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Red Ninja came during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The morning was crisp and cool, with a light mist hanging in the air, perfect conditions for enticing a gobbler. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to call in a tom as the sun began to rise. The open woods provided a clear sound stage for the Red Ninja to be heard.
I practiced a few yelps and clucks before daylight, getting a feel for the call. The Red Ninja produced surprisingly realistic sounds, even for a novice user. The sounds maintained their quality even with the dampness. However, the surface needed a bit of extra conditioning to maintain consistent sound production in the humid conditions.
I was surprised at how easy it was to generate a variety of turkey vocalizations with minimal effort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts has proven to be a reliable and versatile tool. It has accompanied me on multiple hunts in varying weather conditions, from dry and dusty fields to damp and foggy forests. The calling surface has held up well.
The glass surface shows no signs of significant wear, although regular conditioning is crucial to maintain optimal sound quality. The call has become a trusted companion on my hunts. It is easy to clean with the included conditioning kit. Compared to my previous slate call, the Red Ninja offers a greater range of realistic sounds and is significantly easier to use consistently.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is designed for ease of use and realistic sound replication. It comes with a glass calling surface, offering crisp and clear tones. The package includes two matched strikers, allowing users to experiment with different sound profiles. A surface saver lid protects the calling surface during transport and storage.
A conditioning kit is included to maintain optimal sound quality. These specifications contribute to a user-friendly experience. They also enable the creation of authentic turkey vocalizations, which are essential for successful turkey hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Red Ninja excels at replicating a wide range of hen turkey sounds. It is very easy to produce realistic yelps, clucks, cutts, and purrs. The call’s consistency and clarity make it a valuable asset in the field. One minor drawback is that the glass surface requires regular conditioning to maintain optimal sound quality, especially in humid conditions.
Despite this, the Red Ninja consistently meets my expectations, providing a reliable and effective means of communicating with turkeys. The call’s versatility allows me to adapt to different hunting scenarios. It performs especially well at enticing wary toms into range.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts features a well-thought-out design. It is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The materials used are durable and high-quality, ensuring longevity. The call is lightweight and easy to carry in a vest or pack.
The smooth glass surface provides excellent sound quality, and the overall design minimizes the learning curve for new users. The call has an intuitive design, and is easy to pick up and produce good sounds right away.
Durability & Maintenance
The Red Ninja is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting. The glass surface is resistant to scratches and wear. Proper maintenance, including regular conditioning, will ensure the call lasts for many seasons. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe-down with the included conditioning kit keeps it in top condition.
The call’s robust construction and ease of maintenance make it a reliable investment for serious turkey hunters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts comes with two matched strikers and a conditioning kit. This provides everything needed to start calling right out of the box. While there are no specific customization options for the call itself, users can experiment with different strikers to alter the sound. The call is compatible with most commercially available pot call strikers.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Pros
- Produces highly realistic hen turkey sounds, including yelps, purrs, clucks, and cutts.
- User-friendly design makes it easy for beginners to produce quality calls quickly.
- Durable glass surface ensures long-lasting performance with proper maintenance.
- Comes with two matched strikers and a conditioning kit for added value and versatility.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a vest or pack.
Cons
- Glass surface requires regular conditioning to maintain optimal sound quality, especially in humid conditions.
- At $94.99, the price point may be higher than some other friction calls on the market.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts?
This call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use and ability to produce realistic sounds. Experienced hunters will value its versatility and durability. This is a great call for hunters who are looking for a friction call that can produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
Hunters who prefer calls that require minimal maintenance or who hunt in extremely humid conditions might want to consider other options. There are no must-have accessories, as the call comes with everything needed to start calling. However, experimenting with different strikers could enhance the call’s versatility.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Red Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is a high-quality turkey call that delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Its ease of use, realistic sound replication, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. The $94.99 price tag is justified by the call’s performance and the included accessories.
I would highly recommend the Red Ninja to anyone looking to elevate their turkey hunting game. It has earned a permanent place in my hunting vest and has already contributed to several successful hunts. If you are ready to speak the language of the turkey and bring home that elusive gobbler, the Red Ninja is a tool you won’t want to be without.