First Thoughts on the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is a deceptively simple tool with a powerful purpose: to locate those elusive gobblers. Manufactured by Quaker Boy, this turkey locator call utilizes acrylic and mylar construction to produce realistic crow sounds. Its compact design and affordable price of $8.49 make it an accessible option for any turkey hunter.
Having spent countless hours in the woods chasing longbeards, I know the importance of locating them without spooking them. Many times, a well-placed crow call can elicit a shock gobble from a distant tom, revealing his location without direct pressure. The allure of the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL was its simplicity and proven effectiveness as a locator call, prompting me to give it a try.
Upon receiving the call, I was immediately struck by its lightweight feel. The acrylic barrel is smooth and the mylar reed looks durable enough for regular use. I’ve used several locator calls, including diaphragm crow calls and even electronic crow calls; this Quaker Boy offering felt like a good compromise between ease of use and portability.
Compared to a diaphragm call, the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL promises a significantly easier learning curve, eliminating the need to master breath control and mouth positioning. Electronic calls, while effective, can be bulky and require batteries. I chose this particular call for its balance of simplicity, affordability, and potential for producing realistic crow sounds.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt well-made for its price point, and I was eager to see how it performed in the field. Only real-world testing would reveal whether it could truly live up to its potential as a reliable turkey locator.
Real-World Testing: Putting QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place during the early spring turkey season in the hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. I set up along a ridge overlooking a known turkey roosting area on a calm morning. The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package.
The call produced a fairly convincing crow caw with minimal effort. Even after a few minutes of using the call, the sound remained consistent. I used a series of short calls followed by longer drawn-out ones to mimic a flock of crows.
To my surprise, within about ten minutes, a tom responded with a thunderous gobble from the bottom of the hollow! The call worked exactly as intended, revealing the location of a bird that I otherwise wouldn’t have known was there. I experienced no immediate issues, even in the cool morning air.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL throughout the turkey season, it has proven to be a reliable addition to my hunting arsenal. The call remains easy to use and consistently produces realistic crow sounds. The acrylic construction has held up well.
I have noticed no signs of cracking or wear and tear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain and mud. Cleaning the call is simple; a quick rinse with water and a wipe with a cloth is all it takes. I previously used a different brand of crow call that cracked after only a couple of uses.
Compared to that experience, the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL has significantly outperformed my expectations in terms of durability. The sound quality hasn’t diminished over time. It continues to elicit gobbles from toms at impressive distances.
Breaking Down the Features of QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL
Specifications
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is specifically designed as a turkey locator call. This means its primary function is to elicit a shock gobble from turkeys, revealing their location.
It is constructed from acrylic and mylar. These materials are chosen for their durability and ability to produce realistic sounds.
The call is hand-tuned for optimal performance. This ensures that it produces consistent and effective crow sounds.
The price of the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is $8.49. This makes it one of the most affordable turkey locator calls on the market.
Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. Hunters will appreciate the ease of accessibility.
Performance & Functionality
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL excels at its intended purpose: locating turkeys. Its realistic crow sounds consistently trigger shock gobbles from even the most call-shy toms. The call’s ease of use is a major strength.
It requires minimal practice to produce convincing crow calls. One minor weakness is that the call’s volume is somewhat limited. It may not be as effective in extremely windy conditions or over very long distances. Overall, the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL meets and even exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is impressive, especially considering its price point. The acrylic barrel is smooth and comfortable to hold. The mylar reed appears to be well-secured and durable.
The call is designed to be user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly when needed.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is a durable and long-lasting tool. The acrylic construction is resistant to cracking and wear. Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with water is usually sufficient.
The call appears to be designed for years of use. Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is a standalone product and does not come with any specific accessories. There are also no readily available customization options. The call is designed to be used as-is.
Its simple design and function leaves little need for accessories. It is compatible with any lanyard for easy carrying.
Pros and Cons of QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Easy to use with minimal learning curve.
- Realistic crow sounds consistently elicit shock gobbles.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Lightweight and compact design for easy carry.
Cons
- Volume may be limited in windy conditions or over long distances.
- No customization options.
Who Should Buy QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL?
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who want an effective and affordable locator call. It is particularly well-suited for beginners who may struggle with more complex diaphragm calls. It’s also great for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call.
Hunters who primarily hunt in open areas or in windy conditions may want to consider a louder electronic call. Those seeking highly customizable calls should explore other options. A must-have accessory is a simple lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.
Conclusion on QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL
The QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL is a surprisingly effective and affordable tool for any turkey hunter. Its realistic crow sounds and ease of use make it a valuable asset in the field. At a price of only $8.49, the value proposition is undeniable.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the QUAKER BOY “CRANKIN’CROW” CALL to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use turkey locator call. Add this Quaker Boy call to your vest and get ready to locate those longbeards! It’s a small investment that can yield big results.