First Impressions of Tom Teasers Purple Heart
The world of turkey hunting calls can be overwhelming, filled with various designs and materials all promising to deliver that perfect hen sound. The Tom Teasers Purple Heart box call immediately caught my attention with its compact design and the striking contrast of the walnut box and purple heart lid. Could such a small call truly produce the realistic sounds needed to lure in a gobbler?
I’ve been chasing spring gobblers for over a decade, and I’m always searching for that next piece of gear that gives me an edge. I needed a call that was easy to carry, simple to use, and capable of producing a wide range of realistic hen sounds.
Upon unboxing the Tom Teasers Purple Heart, the first thing I noticed was its size and weight. The compact dimensions made it feel incredibly comfortable in my hand, and the quality of the wood was immediately apparent. The Purple Heart lid against the walnut trough was visually appealing and felt solid and well-crafted. Compared to my slate call and diaphragm calls, this one felt like it would be simple to master.
Compared to other box calls I’ve used, such as the larger Lynch’s Foolproof box call, the Tom Teasers Purple Heart stood out due to its size and intended portability. While the Lynch’s call can produce excellent volume, its larger size can be cumbersome. I chose the Tom Teasers Purple Heart in hopes of getting similar quality sounds in a more compact package. I also considered a Primos Heart Breaker box call, but the Purple Heart‘s premium wood construction appealed more to my preference for handcrafted calls.
My initial impression of the Tom Teasers Purple Heart was one of cautious optimism. The size and build quality were impressive, leaving me excited to test its sound and performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tom Teasers Purple Heart to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Tom Teasers Purple Heart came during the opening weekend of turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky. I positioned myself along a wooded ridge overlooking a small field known to be a strutting zone for several mature gobblers.
The morning air was crisp and damp, making it challenging to keep my diaphragm calls dry and consistent. I decided to rely solely on the Tom Teasers Purple Heart to see how it would perform in these conditions. The call was easy to grip even with slightly damp hands. After chalking the Purple Heart lid, I was able to create smooth and consistent yelps.
The sound carried well through the woods, and after about 20 minutes, I heard a distant gobble responding to my calls. The gobbler closed the distance quickly, and within an hour, I had successfully called in a mature tom using only the Tom Teasers Purple Heart.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past several months, the Tom Teasers Purple Heart has become a staple in my turkey vest, accompanying me on numerous hunts in varying conditions. The call has proven remarkably durable, withstanding the bumps and scrapes of being carried in my pack.
Despite being exposed to rain and humidity, the Tom Teasers Purple Heart has maintained its sound quality with only occasional re-chalking of the lid. Cleaning the call is simple; I just use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.
In comparison to my previous experiences with other box calls, the Tom Teasers Purple Heart has exceeded my expectations in terms of both portability and sound quality. I find myself reaching for it more often than my other calls due to its ease of use and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Tom Teasers Purple Heart
Specifications
- The Tom Teasers Purple Heart is a custom, handcrafted box call designed for turkey hunting. The call features a 1-piece trough-style box made of premium walnut.
- The striking lid is made of Purple Heart wood. This combination of materials is designed to produce realistic hen sounds.
- Additional Features: The call has no additional features beyond its primary construction.
- Length: The call measures 13 mm in length. This compact size makes it extremely portable.
- Weight: The call weighs in at a mere 0.3 oz. Its lightweight design ensures it won’t weigh you down.
- Width: It has a width of 4 inches.
- Height: Its height is 2.1 inches. These dimensions contribute to its ease of handling.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s portability, ease of use, and sound quality. The lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry, while the premium wood construction contributes to a rich, realistic sound.
Performance & Functionality
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart excels at producing a wide range of realistic hen sounds, including 2-tone raspy yelps, clucks, cutts, and cackles. This versatility allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to different situations and turkey personalities.
One of the strengths of the Tom Teasers Purple Heart is its ability to produce consistent sounds with minimal effort. The design makes it relatively easy to master even for novice callers. However, the small size can be a drawback for those with larger hands, requiring a more delicate touch to avoid muffling the sound. It meets my expectations and excels in terms of realistic sound, and portability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart features a simple, yet effective design. The walnut box and Purple Heart lid are well-crafted and fit together seamlessly, resulting in a pleasing aesthetic and comfortable feel in hand.
The compact size of the call makes it easy to handle. The lack of a specific grip design can require some adjustment to find the optimal hand position for consistent calling.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart appears to be built to last. The quality of the wood and the solid construction suggest that it can withstand years of use with proper care.
Maintaining the call is relatively simple; it requires occasional re-chalking of the lid and wiping down with a soft cloth. I expect this to last a very long time with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart comes with no additional accessories beyond the call itself. No customization options are offered by Tom Teasers.
Given the simplicity of the design, there are no real customization options. The call is designed to be used as is, relying on the user’s skill and technique to produce the desired sounds.
Pros and Cons of Tom Teasers Purple Heart
Pros
- Realistic Hen Sounds: Produces a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket without adding bulk.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality walnut and Purple Heart wood for long-lasting use.
- Easy to Use: Simple design allows for quick mastery and consistent calling.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The contrasting woods create a visually appealing call.
Cons
- Small Size: May be difficult for those with larger hands to grip comfortably.
- No Customization Options: Lacks adjustable features to suit individual preferences.
Who Should Buy Tom Teasers Purple Heart?
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who value portability and realistic sound. It is particularly well-suited for those who prefer a minimalist approach to calling and want a reliable call that can be easily carried in their vest or pocket.
Hunters with larger hands, or those who prefer a call with customizable features, might want to skip this product.
A small piece of chalk is a must-have accessory to maintain the sound quality of the call. Also, a lanyard would be a good addition to ensure against loss in the field.
Conclusion on Tom Teasers Purple Heart
The Tom Teasers Purple Heart is a well-crafted and effective turkey call that delivers on its promise of producing realistic hen sounds in a compact package. Its durable construction and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
At $77.99, the price is justified by the quality of the materials and the handcrafted construction. It’s a premium call that offers excellent performance and lasting value.
I would definitely recommend the Tom Teasers Purple Heart to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and portable box call. If you are looking to add a handcrafted, compact box call to your turkey hunting arsenal, give the Tom Teasers Purple Heart a try. You won’t be disappointed.