First Impressions of Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call enters a market saturated with turkey calls, promising a compact, weatherproof solution for hunters of all skill levels. Offered by Flextone, a well-known name in the hunting accessory world, this pot-style call aims to deliver realistic turkey sounds in a user-friendly package. My curiosity was piqued – could such an inexpensive call truly deliver the nuanced sounds needed to lure in a mature tom?
My own turkey hunting journey has seen me fumbling with diaphragm calls, scratching on box calls that sound more like fingernails on a chalkboard, and generally making a fool of myself in the woods. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use call that wouldn’t break the bank or require years of practice to master. The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call seemed to fit the bill perfectly, offering simplicity and portability, two qualities I desperately needed.
Upon receiving the call, I immediately noticed its compact size and lightweight feel. The carbon pot felt sturdy, and the slate surface appeared smooth and ready for action. Compared to more expensive slate calls with exotic wood pots, the Flextone felt a bit more utilitarian, but perfectly functional. This initial impression left me cautiously optimistic; it seemed like a solid tool, but the true test would be in the field.
Compared to a Primos Lil’ Easy hen box call, the Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call is significantly smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry in a vest pocket. Versus a diaphragm call, there’s no learning curve – it’s ready to use right out of the package. I ultimately chose the Flextone due to its simplicity and the promise of weatherproof performance, something my box call struggles with in damp conditions. My initial excitement was tempered by the price point; could something so inexpensive actually perform? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call was during a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. I set up near a known strut zone on a foggy morning, the kind of damp weather that renders many calls useless. The Flextone performed admirably, producing clear yelps and clucks despite the moisture.
The call was easy to use, even with gloves on. I produced a variety of calls without much effort, from soft tree yelps to louder cutting sequences. There were no issues with the striker slipping or the slate becoming unresponsive due to the dampness, a pleasant surprise.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call has proven to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. The slate surface has held up well, showing minimal wear despite frequent use. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe with a dry cloth removes any debris.
The call’s durability has been tested through accidental drops and exposure to varying weather conditions. It shows no signs of damage, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of the field. Compared to a more expensive custom slate call I own, the Flextone doesn’t produce quite the same rich, resonant tones, but it’s significantly more durable and less prone to weather-related issues.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call
Specifications
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance.
- Call Type: Pot Style. This design offers ease of use and consistent sound production.
- Surface: Slate over Glass Soundboard. This combination creates a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations.
- Striker: Loud Carbon Striker. The striker provides extra volume and rasp, even when wet.
- Design: Compact and Waterproof. These features make it ideal for hunting in various weather conditions and easy portability.
These specifications are crucial for a turkey call because they directly impact its ability to produce convincing turkey sounds in diverse hunting environments. The weatherproof design ensures reliable performance regardless of the weather, a huge advantage over traditional calls.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call performs its job admirably, producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It’s easy to create convincing yelps, clucks, purrs, and even the high-pitched locating calls crucial for attracting distant toms. The call excels in producing the raspy tones of an older hen, which often proves irresistible to mature gobblers.
While the sound quality might not match that of higher-end custom calls, the Flextone’s ease of use and consistency more than make up for it. The weatherproof design is a significant advantage, ensuring the call performs reliably even in wet conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call features a straightforward design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The carbon pot is lightweight and easy to grip, even with gloves on. The slate surface is smooth and provides excellent friction for creating consistent sounds.
There is minimal learning curve associated with this call; even beginners can produce convincing turkey sounds with a little practice. The compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or pack, ensuring it’s always readily available when needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call appears to be built to last. The carbon pot is highly durable, and the slate surface is resistant to scratches and wear. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe with a dry cloth after each use is typically sufficient.
Given its construction and materials, this call should provide several seasons of reliable use with proper care. The weatherproof design further enhances its durability, protecting it from moisture damage that can plague other calls.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call comes with a single, crucial accessory: the loud carbon striker. There are no other included accessories, and customization options are limited. However, the striker is specifically designed to work with the slate surface, maximizing volume and rasp.
While the call itself isn’t designed for extensive customization, hunters can experiment with different strikers to alter the sound. Many hunters find that a different type of striker can significantly affect the call’s tone and responsiveness.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call
Pros
- Weatherproof Design: Performs reliably in wet conditions, a crucial advantage for turkey hunters.
- Ease of Use: Minimal learning curve, making it ideal for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Realistic Sounds: Produces a range of convincing turkey vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, and purrs.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easily carried in a vest pocket or pack, ensuring it’s always readily available.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money, making it accessible to hunters on a budget.
Cons
- Sound Quality Not Top-Tier: While realistic, the sound quality doesn’t match that of higher-end custom calls.
- Limited Customization Options: There are very few ways to customize the sound or feel of the call.
Who Should Buy Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call?
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and affordable call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who need a reliable backup call or a weatherproof option for hunting in damp conditions. Anyone who values simplicity and durability will appreciate this call.
Those who are extremely particular about sound quality or require extensive customization options should probably skip this product. Hunters looking for the absolute richest, most resonant tones should invest in a higher-end custom call.
A must-have accessory would be a small conditioning stone to keep the slate surface properly roughed for optimal sound. Experimenting with different strikers could also enhance the call’s versatility.
Conclusion on Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call
The Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of simplicity, durability, and realistic turkey sounds. For the price, it’s an exceptional value, making it an excellent choice for beginner and experienced hunters alike. The weatherproof design is a game-changer, ensuring reliable performance regardless of the conditions.
The price is definitely justified, given the call’s performance and durability. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable turkey call.
If you’re tired of finicky calls that fail in damp conditions, or if you’re just starting your turkey hunting journey, give the Flextone Pot Luck Slate Call a try. You might be surprised at how effectively you can call in those stubborn toms.