First Impressions of Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister promises turkey calling perfection at a price that seems too good to be true. Made by Zink, a respected name in game calls, this mouth call features a triple reed design with a notched middle reed for extra rasp. Could a $5.49 call truly deliver the seductive yelps, cuts, and cackles needed to lure in a wary gobbler?
I’ve been turkey hunting for over a decade, and my mouth call is arguably the most important piece of gear in my vest. I was looking for a call that offered a good balance of clear tones and realistic rasp, something that could handle everything from soft tree calls to aggressive calling sequences.
Upon receiving the Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister, I immediately noticed its compact size. The latex reeds appeared to be neatly assembled, and the overall construction seemed surprisingly decent for such an inexpensive call. Compared to my higher-end diaphragm calls from brands like Primos and Woodhaven, the Wicked Sister felt a bit more basic, but I was intrigued by the W-cut and notched reed design, which I hadn’t seen implemented quite this way before. I was cautiously optimistic – hoping for a hidden gem, but prepared for a potentially underwhelming experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister came during the spring turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of Missouri. I started by practicing in my truck, trying to get a feel for the call’s responsiveness and range of sounds. The initial air flow felt a bit stiff, requiring slightly more pressure than my usual calls to produce a clear note.
Out in the woods, I used the Wicked Sister for a variety of calls, from soft clucks and purrs to excited yelps and cutts. In the dry morning air, the call sounded decent, producing a reasonable approximation of a hen turkey. After a couple of hours, the call became noticeably wetter, which negatively impacted the consistency of its sound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister during multiple hunts, I had a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call held up surprisingly well considering its price. There was no significant wear and tear on the latex reeds, and the frame maintained its shape.
However, I found that the Wicked Sister required more frequent cleaning and drying than my other calls. Excessive moisture buildup consistently led to muffled or inconsistent sounds. While it never completely failed, it certainly didn’t outperform my higher-quality calls. In fact, it lagged behind in terms of sound consistency and overall ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister
Specifications
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister features a triple reed design, custom built by hand in the USA. The call uses a slightly thicker top latex reed with a W-cut, covering two slightly thinner .003″ latex reeds. A small notch on the middle reed is included for added rasp.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s overall sound quality and ease of use. The W-cut is intended to create a broader range of tones, while the notched reed aims to add realistic rasp. However, the quality of materials and craftsmanship ultimately determines the call’s true performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister can produce a decent range of turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts. The notched reed does add a certain level of rasp to the call, which can be effective in attracting turkeys. However, the call requires a considerable amount of air pressure to operate effectively.
The Wicked Sister‘s weakness lies in its consistency. It is particularly susceptible to moisture buildup, which can negatively impact the sound. This makes it less reliable than higher-end calls that are designed to withstand moisture better.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister features a standard mouth call design. The latex reeds are securely attached to the frame, and the call fits comfortably in the mouth. However, the frame material feels slightly less flexible than those used in premium calls, which can make it a bit less comfortable for extended use.
The call is relatively easy to use, but it may require some practice to master the proper air flow and tongue control needed to produce a full range of realistic sounds. Novice callers may struggle initially, but experienced callers should be able to adapt quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its low price point, the Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister is surprisingly durable. The latex reeds hold up well to repeated use, and the frame maintains its shape. Regular cleaning and drying are essential to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Maintaining the Wicked Sister is simple, requiring only a quick rinse and air dry after each use. With proper care, the call should last for at least one or two turkey seasons, making it a decent value for the money.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister does not come with any accessories. As a standard mouth call, there are no customization options available. It is designed to be used as is, straight out of the package.
While there are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this call, users can experiment with different cuts and stretches on the latex reeds to customize the sound to their liking. However, this requires advanced knowledge and skill, and it could potentially damage the call.
Pros and Cons of Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available.
- Produces a decent range of turkey sounds.
- Notched reed adds a realistic rasp.
- Durable construction for the price.
- Hand-built in the USA by Zink.
Cons
- Inconsistent sound due to moisture buildup.
- Requires more air pressure than premium calls.
- Frame is less flexible and comfortable than higher-end models.
Who Should Buy Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister?
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable entry-level call. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters who want a backup call or a cheap practice call. Anyone on a very tight budget, yet determined to try turkey hunting, could get great initial value with this call.
Hunters who demand consistent performance and superior sound quality should skip this product. This is definitely a starter-grade call and might not meet the demands of the pro turkey hunters.
A must-have accessory for this call is a call carrier or case to protect it from damage and moisture. A call maintenance kit with cleaning solutions and reed conditioners can also extend the life of the call.
Conclusion on Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister
The Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister is an affordable option for turkey hunters, offering a decent range of sounds and surprising durability for its low price. However, its inconsistent performance due to moisture buildup and slightly less comfortable design may disappoint experienced callers.
At a price of $5.49, the Wicked Sister offers reasonable value, especially for beginners or as a backup call. While I personally wouldn’t rely on it as my primary call, I can appreciate its affordability and potential for those just starting out. If you’re on a tight budget and want to try your hand at turkey calling, the Zink Mouth Call Wicked Sister is a decent starting point, but be prepared to upgrade as your skills and needs evolve.