First Impressions of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call by Bone Collector immediately presents itself as a versatile tool for any serious turkey hunter. Its dual-sided design, featuring both slate and glass surfaces, promises a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, while the included diamond wood striker suggests quality craftsmanship. This call aims to be a one-stop shop, eliminating the need to carry multiple calls into the field.
For years, I’ve struggled to perfectly replicate the nuances of different turkey vocalizations, often juggling several pot calls to achieve the desired effect. I was looking for a single call that could cover the entire spectrum, from soft clucks to aggressive yelps. The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call’s promise of dual sound profiles intrigued me.
Upon unboxing, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call felt solid and well-constructed. The wild cherry wood felt comfortable in my hand, and the contrasting textures of the slate and glass surfaces were immediately apparent. It felt lighter than some of my other pot calls, which could be beneficial for all-day hunts.
Compared to my slate-only calls from Primos, or my glass-only call from Lynch, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call offered something different. It combined two proven surfaces into one compact package, streamlining my gear and potentially simplifying my calling strategy. I chose the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call because its dual-surface design seemed like an innovative solution to the common problem of needing multiple calls for varying turkey vocalizations.
My first impression was optimistic. The build quality seemed good, and the dual-surface design held a lot of promise. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of southern Missouri. The mornings were cool and damp, typical of turkey season in that region. I used the slate side for soft clucks and purrs early in the morning, hoping to coax a tom into range.
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call performed well in the damp conditions. The slate maintained its sound quality even with a little moisture present. I did find that the glass side required a bit more maintenance to keep dry for consistent performance.
The learning curve was minimal; I was able to produce convincing turkey sounds almost immediately. The diamond wood striker felt comfortable, but took some getting used to compared to my preferred carbon striker. I had to adjust my grip slightly to get the desired tones.
After my first use, I noticed that the glass side seemed to produce a slightly higher pitch than I anticipated. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it required a different calling technique than I was used to.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call during multiple hunts, it’s holding up quite well. The wild cherry wood has proven to be durable and resistant to scratches and dents. The calling surfaces themselves haven’t shown any signs of wear.
I have been impressed with the call’s overall durability. I have not observed significant wear and tear on either the slate or glass surfaces. The wood frame has held up well despite some rough handling in the field.
Maintaining the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is relatively easy. I use a simple abrasive pad to condition the slate surface and a glass cleaner on the glass side. Both are quick and straightforward tasks.
Compared to my previous experiences with single-surface pot calls, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call offers a wider range of sounds and better adaptability to different hunting situations. While my slate call offered consistent results and easy rasp, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call provides a better, more variable result. It outperforms my previous calls in terms of versatility and sound quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call features a hand-crafted wild cherry double-sided pot. One side is slate, and the other is glass. The call weighs 0.42 lb. It has a height of 1.5 inches, a length of 11 inches, and a width of 7 inches.
These specifications translate to a lightweight and portable call that is easy to carry in the field. The dual-surface design allows for a wider range of sounds than a single-surface call. The cherry wood construction adds to the call’s durability and aesthetic appeal.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call excels at producing a wide variety of turkey vocalizations. The slate side produces soft, crisp clucks and smooth purrs, ideal for close-range calling. The glass side generates high-pitched yelps and cutts, perfect for reaching out to distant toms.
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call’s greatest strength is its versatility. Its weakness is that mastering both sides to perfection takes dedicated practice. The sound quality meets and, in many cases, exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid. The materials used feel premium, and the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call feels comfortable in hand. The wild cherry wood provides a secure grip.
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is very user-friendly. The transition between the slate and glass sides is seamless. While those new to friction calls might need a little practice, experienced callers will pick it up quickly.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call should last for many seasons with proper care. The cherry wood frame is sturdy, and the calling surfaces are resistant to wear. I expect it to last for years.
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is easy to maintain and repair. Cleaning the surfaces is simple, and replacement strikers are readily available if needed. This ensures longevity and consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call comes with a diamond wood striker. There are no other included accessories.
While there are no direct customization options for the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call, you can experiment with different strikers to alter the sound profile. It is compatible with most aftermarket strikers designed for pot calls.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
Pros
- Versatile dual-surface design: Combines slate and glass for a wide range of turkey sounds.
- High-quality materials: Hand-crafted wild cherry wood ensures durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Excellent sound quality: Produces realistic clucks, purrs, yelps, and cutts.
- Easy to use: Minimal learning curve for experienced callers.
- Portable and lightweight: Easy to carry in the field at just 0.42 lbs.
Cons
- Glass side requires more maintenance to keep dry in wet conditions.
- Mastering both surfaces takes practice to achieve optimal results.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who want a versatile and high-quality call that can produce a wide range of sounds. It is also a good choice for hunters who want to simplify their gear by carrying only one call instead of multiple.
Beginner turkey hunters might find the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call a bit challenging to master initially. Also, hunters who primarily hunt in extremely wet conditions might prefer a dedicated waterproof call.
A must-have accessory for the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is a striker case to protect the diamond wood striker. This will ensure that the striker remains in good condition and performs optimally.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call
The Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call is a well-designed and versatile turkey call that offers excellent value for its price. Its dual-surface design allows hunters to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. Its wild cherry wood construction ensures durability and aesthetic appeal.
The price of $66.49 is justified, considering the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and the versatility of the call. It is a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter.
I would definitely recommend the Bone Collector Alter Ego Friction Call to other hunters. It is a high-quality and versatile call that will help them be more successful in the field. Go out and bag that gobbler!