Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag Review

First Impressions of Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag

The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag is a call combo designed to mimic the sounds of deer, specifically during the rut. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, this product aims to attract bucks using both vocalizations and the sounds of antler clashing. This package is designed for hunters looking for an affordable and effective way to enhance their deer hunting strategies.

I was seeking a reliable and versatile deer calling system that could handle various stages of the rut. Existing calls I’ve used in the past were either limited in their sound range or prone to freezing in colder conditions. The True Talker OG’s claim of an improved, freeze-resistant reed design and the inclusion of a rattling bag immediately grabbed my attention.

Upon unboxing, the True Talker OG felt familiar with its soft rubber exterior, reminiscent of the original True Talker design. The rattle bag felt dense and well-constructed. Compared to some higher-end, diaphragm-based calls, the True Talker OG’s ease of use felt appealing. I chose it over a couple of Primos calls I considered, primarily because of the combination of vocal and antler sounds at this price point.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic about the Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag. The simplicity of the design and the promise of improved freeze resistance were encouraging, but I remained curious to see how it would perform in real-world hunting situations.


Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag during a late-season deer hunt in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The temperature hovered around freezing, with light snow falling, creating a challenging environment for any call system. I set up near a known buck scrape and began using the call and rattle bag sequence as instructed.

The True Talker OG produced a surprisingly clear grunt, even in the cold. The rubber sleeve on the bellow allowed me to easily manipulate the volume and direction of the sound. The rattle bag emitted a realistic antler clashing sound, carrying well through the woods. A young buck responded within about 20 minutes, showing immediate interest, although it remained just out of shooting range.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag proved to be relatively durable. The rubber exterior of the True Talker OG showed no signs of cracking or significant wear, despite being exposed to varying weather conditions. The rattle bag maintained its integrity, with no noticeable degradation in the sound quality.

Cleaning the True Talker OG was simple; I just wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with more complex diaphragm calls, the True Talker OG was significantly easier to maintain. It performed consistently throughout the season, although the aggressive growl sound took some practice to master.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag

Specifications

  • The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG features a soft rubber exterior that provides a good grip, even in wet conditions. The rubber sleeve over the bellow tube allows for effective manipulation of volume, tone, and direction.
  • It produces mature buck grunt, young buck grunt, doe bleat, and fawn bleat sounds. An improved reed design is extremely resistant to freezing and produces an aggressive growl sound.
  • The Ruttin Buck Rattle Bag includes tuned internal hardwood rods. These rods are designed to mimic the sound of battling bucks.
  • The True Talker OG is black in color, offering some concealment in the field. The manufacturer is, of course, Hunters Specialties.

These specifications contribute directly to the call’s overall effectiveness. The variety of sounds allows hunters to adapt to different scenarios and attract deer based on the specific stage of the rut. The improved reed design is critical for reliable performance in cold weather.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag performs its job effectively, particularly when used in conjunction. The True Talker OG is easy to use, even for novice callers, while the rattle bag adds another dimension to the calling sequence. The main strength lies in its simplicity and the range of sounds it produces, while the aggressive growl sound requires some practice to execute convincingly.

While the sound quality is generally good, it doesn’t quite match the realism of some higher-end diaphragm calls. It still exceeded my expectations for a call system in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, considering the price point. The rubber exterior provides a comfortable and secure grip. The size and weight are manageable, making it easy to carry and operate in the field.

The True Talker OG is very user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The rattle bag is also simple to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag should last for several seasons. The materials appear to be reasonably durable. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag combo includes the True Talker OG call and the Ruttin Buck Rattle Bag. There are no specific customization options for the call itself, although some hunters might experiment with different lanyard attachments.

The call is compatible with most standard call lanyards. There is no other readily apparent customization beyond sound control.

Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag

Pros

  • Affordable price point.
  • Easy to use, even for beginners.
  • Versatile sound options (grunt, bleat, growl).
  • Includes both vocal and antler sounds.
  • Improved reed design resists freezing.

Cons

  • Sound quality isn’t as realistic as higher-end diaphragm calls.
  • Aggressive growl sound requires practice.


Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag?

The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag is perfect for novice to intermediate deer hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use calling system. It’s also well-suited for hunters who hunt in colder climates where freezing can be an issue. This is a great option for those who want to incorporate both vocal and antler sounds into their hunting strategy without breaking the bank.

Hunters seeking the absolute highest level of realism in sound quality may want to consider investing in more expensive diaphragm calls. Also, those who prefer highly customizable gear might find this setup too basic.

A good quality lanyard is a must-have accessory. Otherwise, the system is ready to go right out of the box.

Conclusion on Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag

The Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag offers excellent value for the price. It’s a versatile and easy-to-use deer calling system that combines vocalizations and antler sounds. While the sound quality may not be the absolute best on the market, it’s more than adequate for attracting deer, especially during the rut.

The $20.49 price tag is easily justified by its performance and features. I would definitely recommend the Hunters Specialties True Talker OG w/Rattling Bag to hunters seeking an affordable and effective way to enhance their deer hunting success. Grab one today and get ready to call in that trophy buck!

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