First Impressions of Flextone Spur Collector Call
The Flextone Spur Collector Call is a remarkably affordable and simple game call designed for turkey hunters. Manufactured by Flextone, a company renowned for their innovative and often budget-friendly hunting gear, this call promises to deliver loud, raspy turkey sounds to lure in those stubborn gobblers. The unbelievably low price immediately caught my attention, but with years of experience using high-end custom calls, I was skeptical if something this cheap could truly perform.
I needed a backup call. My go-to slate call had taken a beating on a recent scouting trip, and I wanted something inexpensive to stash in my vest as a reserve. Other diaphragm calls I’d considered were significantly more expensive, and many required more skill to master. My initial thought was, “Can a call that costs less than a cup of coffee actually bring a tom into shotgun range?”
Unboxing the Flextone Spur Collector Call, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. It’s a basic three-reed diaphragm call, and the build quality felt…well, inexpensive. The tape holding the reeds together seemed a bit flimsy. Comparing it to my custom-made diaphragm calls, the difference was night and day, yet the low price point makes it an attractive option. My first impression was cautiously optimistic: could this little call defy expectations and deliver results in the field?
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Spur Collector Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Flextone Spur Collector Call on a public land turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains. The morning was damp, with a light mist hanging in the air – not ideal conditions, but perfect for assessing the call’s performance in less-than-perfect circumstances. Getting the call to produce a consistent sound took some practice. However, after about 15 minutes, I was able to create somewhat reasonable yelps and clucks.
The volume was impressive for such a small and inexpensive call. After about 30 minutes, a distant gobble echoed back, and I began to work the call, mixing in some soft purrs with louder cuts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Flextone Spur Collector Call as a backup, its durability proved to be a concern. The tape holding the reeds started to peel, which affected the sound quality. Cleaning was simple – a quick rinse with water – but the flimsiness of the reeds made me hesitant to scrub too vigorously. Despite the wear and tear, it still managed to produce decent turkey sounds.
Compared to my higher-end calls, the Flextone Spur Collector Call is definitely not as versatile or easy to use. However, for its price, it’s a surprisingly capable tool for beginners or as a last-resort option. It’s important to manage expectations accordingly.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Spur Collector Call
Specifications
The Flextone Spur Collector Call features a triple reed with a V-cut design. It is designed to produce loud, raspy cuts, yelps, and cackles, as well as deep tones for soft clucks and purrs. Flextone advertises this call as versatile and forgiving.
These specifications are important because they determine the range of sounds the call can produce. A triple reed design should, in theory, allow for a wider range of tones and volumes, while the V-cut is intended to add raspiness, which is attractive to turkeys.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Spur Collector Call performs adequately for its intended purpose. It produces convincing turkey sounds, although achieving consistent quality takes practice. The call excels at loud, aggressive calls like cuts and cackles but struggles with subtle purrs and clucks, often sounding a bit “airy.”
The main strength is its volume and the raspy quality of its yelps. The main weakness is the cheap build quality and the difficulty in producing subtle, realistic sounds. For an experienced caller, it might fall short, but it can definitely bring a bird into range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Spur Collector Call is a standard diaphragm call made from thin latex reeds stretched across a frame. The build quality is basic, and the materials feel inexpensive. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
It takes some practice to learn how to properly position the call in your mouth and apply the correct pressure to produce different sounds. Beginners might find it challenging, but experienced callers can adapt quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its low price and simple construction, the Flextone Spur Collector Call is not designed for long-term durability. The reeds are fragile and prone to tearing, and the tape holding them together can peel off with moisture and use. Maintenance is limited to rinsing with water and allowing it to air dry.
With careful use, it might last a season or two, but it’s best to consider it a disposable item. This is offset by its incredibly low cost.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Spur Collector Call does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. It is a simple, standalone product.
Due to its design, it is not compatible with any external accessories or modifications. Its beauty lies in its simplicity.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Spur Collector Call
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: At under $4, it’s accessible to every hunter.
- Loud and Raspy: Great for aggressive calling scenarios.
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry as a backup.
- Beginner-Friendly (with practice): A good starting point for learning diaphragm calls.
- Produces Key Turkey Sounds: Capable of yelps, cuts, and cackles.
Cons
- Poor Durability: Cheap materials mean it won’t last long.
- Inconsistent Sound: Requires practice and is difficult to master subtle calls.
- Limited Versatility: Not ideal for producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
Who Should Buy Flextone Spur Collector Call?
The Flextone Spur Collector Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an inexpensive entry point into using diaphragm calls. It is also ideal for experienced hunters seeking a cheap backup call to keep in their vest. Those on a tight budget or hunting in areas where losing or damaging equipment is a concern will also benefit from this call.
Experienced turkey hunters who demand high-quality, realistic sounds and superior durability should skip this product. Hunters who prefer user-friendly calls that are easy to master will be disappointed.
Must-have accessories for using this call effectively include practice and patience. A call case to protect it from moisture and damage is also recommended.
Conclusion on Flextone Spur Collector Call
The Flextone Spur Collector Call is a surprisingly capable, albeit basic, turkey call. Its low price point makes it incredibly accessible, and its ability to produce loud, raspy turkey sounds can be effective in the field. However, its poor durability and difficulty in producing subtle calls are significant drawbacks.
The price is absolutely justified. You get what you pay for, and for under $4, it’s a worthwhile investment, especially for beginners or as a backup.
I would cautiously recommend it. If you’re on a tight budget or need a disposable backup, it’s a decent option. Just don’t expect it to replace your high-end custom calls. Pick one up, practice diligently, and it might just help you bring home a gobbler this season!