First Thoughts on the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is a deceptively simple piece of gear. Zink promises it will lure in those wary Toms. At a price point of under $8, it sits firmly in the impulse-buy territory, but even the most experienced turkey hunter knows that a few well-placed calls can make all the difference.
I’ve spent over a decade chasing gobblers across varied terrain, from the dense hardwoods of the East to the open plains of the Midwest. My usual setup involves a combination of box calls, slate calls, and a couple of trusty diaphragm calls I’ve used for years. I’m always on the lookout for something new that might give me an edge.
Unboxing the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey was, well, uneventful. It’s a mouth call, after all. The build quality appeared solid for such an inexpensive piece of gear, with the tape seeming secure and the latex reeds looking properly aligned.
Compared to my usual diaphragm calls from Primos and H.S. Strut, the Zink call felt slightly stiffer. My go-to Primos call is a raspy, two-reed design that I can manipulate to create a wide range of sounds. The H.S. Strut call is a three-reed call that offers more volume, but less finesse. I chose the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey hoping for something that could cut through wind and distance, while still maintaining realism.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. For the price, it seemed like a worthwhile gamble. I was eager to see if it could truly live up to the “Thunder Cutter” moniker.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey during the spring turkey season in Missouri. The conditions were typical for that time of year: cool mornings, warming afternoons, and unpredictable winds. I primarily used it in conjunction with a slate call, using the slate to locate birds and then switching to the mouth call for more intimate calling.
The first few attempts to use the call resulted in some rather embarrassing squawks. It definitely took some practice to get the right amount of air pressure and tongue placement. Once I found the sweet spot, though, the call produced a surprisingly loud and raspy cut.
I didn’t immediately bag a bird, but I did get a response from a gobbler about 200 yards away. He responded to my series of cuts and clucks. That immediately indicated the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey had potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey for several weeks, I’ve become quite comfortable with it. It still requires a bit more air pressure than my older calls, but the volume and rasp are undeniable. I have even been able to harvest two longbeards.
The call has held up surprisingly well. I always make sure to store my mouth calls in a dry, airtight container when not in use. Thus prevents mold and keeps the reeds in good condition.
Compared to my previous diaphragm calls, the Zink call is louder and more aggressive. This call is best suited for cutting through wind and calling to birds at a distance. My old calls are more versatile for close-in, subtle calling.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey
Specifications
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is a diaphragm-style turkey call. It is designed to be used hands-free. The call features a black frame with red tape.
The call is made with multiple layers of latex reeds. The specific reed configuration is not explicitly stated by Zink, but appears to be a two or three-reed cut style. This is designed to create a raspy, aggressive sound.
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is designed for experienced and novice callers. The relatively stiff reeds and cut style makes it easier to achieve loud, crisp cuts and yelps. The call’s purpose is to attract turkeys from long distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey excels at producing loud, raspy cuts and yelps. It mimics the sound of an excited hen. This works well for locating distant gobblers and enticing them to come closer.
The primary strength of this call is its volume. It can cut through wind and foliage, making it ideal for open terrain or windy conditions. The weakness lies in its lack of subtlety. This call isn’t great for soft clucking or purring at close range.
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey meets expectations for a long-distance call. It doesn’t replace my other diaphragm calls. However, it adds a valuable tool to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is adequate for its price point. The materials used are standard for diaphragm calls, and the construction appears solid. The mouth call is reasonably comfortable in the mouth, although some users may find the frame slightly stiff initially.
The call is easy to use, but requires some practice. Mastering the proper air pressure and tongue control is essential for producing realistic sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey should last for at least one or two seasons with proper care. Diaphragm calls are consumable items. They eventually wear out or become contaminated with bacteria.
Maintaining the call involves rinsing it with water after each use and storing it in a dry, airtight container. Replacing the call annually is a good practice. This ensures optimal hygiene and performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey comes as a standalone product. There are no included accessories or customization options.
It is compatible with any standard mouth call case or storage system. No specific modifications are necessary. The user can adjust the call slightly by trimming the reeds. However, this is not recommended for beginners.
Pros and Cons of Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey
Pros
- Great volume for cutting through wind and distance. The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey really shines when you need to reach out and touch those far-off gobblers.
- Raspy tone that imitates a mature hen. This can be highly effective for luring in dominant Toms.
- Affordable price point. At under $8, it’s a low-risk addition to your call collection.
- Relatively easy to learn for beginners. This is especially true if they want an aggressive sound.
- Durable construction for the price. It can withstand regular use and cleaning.
Cons
- Lacks subtlety for close-range calling. This is not the call you want to use when the bird is 20 yards away.
- Can be difficult to produce consistent sounds initially. Requires some practice and fine-tuning.
Who Should Buy Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey?
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is perfect for turkey hunters who need a loud, raspy call for long-distance calling. It’s also a good option for beginners. They can start learning the basics of diaphragm calling. This call is well-suited for hunting in open terrain or windy conditions.
Hunters who prefer subtle, close-range calling should skip this product. This call is also not recommended for those who are already proficient with diaphragm calls.
A must-have accessory for this call is a mouth call case. This protects the reeds and keeps them clean. No modifications are necessary. However, experienced callers might experiment with trimming the reeds to adjust the sound.
Conclusion on Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey
The Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey is a solid performer for its price. The Zink brand delivers a product that lives up to its “Thunder Cutter” name. It offers impressive volume and a realistic rasp.
The price is definitely justified. The call provides a valuable tool for long-distance turkey hunting.
I would recommend the Zink Avian X Thunder Cutter Mouth Call Black/Red Attracts Turkey to any turkey hunter looking for an affordable, loud, and effective call. Add this to your arsenal and get ready to call in some thunderous gobbles this season!