Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call Review

First Thoughts on the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call

Turkey hunting has always been a passion of mine. The thrill of calling in a gobbler, the anticipation, and the challenge all contribute to an experience unlike any other. In my decade-plus of chasing longbeards, I’ve used a wide variety of calls, from box calls to diaphragms, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I was intrigued when I first came across the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call, manufactured by Zink.

The promise of a unique “beed blasted” aluminum surface that allows for purrs, clucks, and soft yelps unlike any other aluminum call caught my attention immediately. After all, locating those tight-lipped longbeards requires finesse. I was looking for a pot call that offered versatility and control, especially in situations where subtle sounds are key to success.

Upon receiving the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call, I was immediately impressed with the overall build quality. The walnut pot felt solid and comfortable in my hand, with a nice heft that inspires confidence. The beed blasted aluminum surface had a unique texture, quite unlike any other aluminum pot call I’d used before. Compared to my slate pot call from Primos, or my glass call from Quaker Boy, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call looked and felt premium.

I also liked the inclusion of the built-in striker conditioning stone and the custom DymaLux peg striker. The inclusion of the striker conditioning stone is thoughtful. My first impression was one of cautious excitement. Would this call live up to the hype? I was eager to get out in the field and find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call took place during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cool mornings with occasional rain showers. I primarily hunted along the edges of wooded areas bordering open fields. I wanted to test its calling ability in both close quarters and over a distance.

I quickly found that the call required a bit of a learning curve, particularly with the beed blasted surface. The “no skip” design took some getting used to. However, once I found the sweet spot, the call produced incredibly realistic clucks, purrs, and yelps. I found it easy to control the volume and tone, allowing for subtle adjustments to match the situation.

On my first morning out, I was able to call in a lone gobbler from about 150 yards using a series of soft yelps and clucks. The turkey responded immediately, and I was impressed with the call’s ability to cut through the ambient noise. There were no immediate issues, although I noticed the aluminum surface seemed to collect moisture quickly in the damp conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call throughout the spring turkey season, I have a solid understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The durability of the call has been excellent. There are no signs of wear or damage to the walnut pot or the aluminum surface.

The beed blasted surface has maintained its unique texture and continues to provide excellent striker control. Cleaning the call is relatively simple. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after each use keeps it in top condition. I occasionally use the built-in striker conditioning stone to ensure the striker remains properly roughed for optimal sound.

Compared to other pot calls I’ve used in the past, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call holds its own. It has a unique sound profile and offers exceptional versatility. It also seems less prone to producing harsh or metallic sounds, making it ideal for close-range calling. This is a significant improvement over some of my older aluminum calls.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call

Specifications

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:

• The pot is crafted from walnut wood, providing a solid and comfortable feel with excellent resonance.
• The striking surface is made of beed blasted aluminum, creating a “no skip” surface for superior striker control. The unique texturing of the aluminum surface helps to create more realistic and versatile sounds.
• It features a custom DymaLux peg striker, designed to complement the aluminum surface and produce clear, consistent tones.
• A built-in striker conditioning stone is integrated into the pot, allowing for convenient maintenance of the striker’s striking surface. The integrated stone helps to ensure consistent sound quality over time.
• The call is hand-built and hand-tuned, ensuring optimal sound quality and performance.

These specifications are crucial for achieving the call’s intended performance. The choice of walnut wood contributes to the call’s rich tone. The beed blasted aluminum is essential for its unique sound and control.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call performs admirably in its intended role. It consistently produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. The call’s “no skip” design provides exceptional striker control.

The ability to create soft purrs, clucks, and yelps with precision is a significant strength. This is particularly useful when dealing with pressured or call-shy turkeys. A slight weakness is the initial learning curve to master the sound production, compared to more traditional calls.

Overall, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations. Its unique sound profile and level of control make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call has a well-thought-out design. The walnut pot is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip. The weight feels balanced in the hand.

The call is user-friendly, although mastering the beed blasted surface requires some practice. The built-in striker conditioning stone is a convenient and practical feature. This reduces the need for carrying a separate stone.

Durability & Maintenance

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call appears to be built to last. The walnut pot is sturdy and the aluminum surface is resistant to scratches and wear. It should withstand years of use with proper care.

Maintenance is straightforward. Keeping the call clean and occasionally conditioning the striker are the only necessary steps. This helps to maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call comes with a custom DymaLux peg striker. While there are no official customization options offered by Zink, some hunters may choose to experiment with different strikers to achieve slightly different sounds.

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call is compatible with most standard strikers designed for use with pot calls.

Pros and Cons of Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call