First Thoughts on the Freak Nasty Call
The Freak Nasty Call, recommended by Michael Waddell, promises to be a game-changer in the turkey woods. With its three latex reeds and double bat wing cut, the call is designed to fool even the wariest gobblers. I needed a call that could produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from aggressive yelps to soft clucks, to adapt to different hunting scenarios and gobblers’ moods.
My first impression upon receiving the Freak Nasty Call was positive. It felt well-constructed, though lightweight, and the reed cuts looked precise. Compared to my old slate call, which is excellent for soft calling but lacks projection, and a box call that can be too loud and unnatural at times, I hoped this diaphragm call would provide the perfect balance. I was eager to test whether it could truly deliver on its promise of versatility.
Real-World Testing: Putting Freak Nasty Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Freak Nasty Call came during a spring turkey hunt in the oak ridges of central Missouri. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle adding an extra layer of challenge. Initially, I struggled to produce consistent, clean yelps, but after about 30 minutes of practice, I started to get the hang of it.
I managed to call in a young gobbler with a series of soft clucks and purrs, but a louder, more dominant tom hung up just out of range. The Freak Nasty Call performed well in the damp conditions, maintaining its sound quality without becoming waterlogged or muffled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Freak Nasty Call has held up surprisingly well, considering its price point. The latex reeds still produce a clear, crisp sound, although I’ve noticed a slight decrease in the higher-pitched tones. Cleaning involves simply rinsing the call with water and letting it air dry, which is quick and easy.
Compared to my previous diaphragm calls, the Freak Nasty Call offers better versatility in terms of volume and tone. It’s not quite as durable as some higher-end, custom-made calls I’ve used, but for the price, its performance is exceptional.
Breaking Down the Features of Freak Nasty Call
Specifications
The Freak Nasty Call features three latex reeds with a double bat wing cut. This design is intended to create a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
It’s a diaphragm call, designed to be used hands-free, allowing hunters to maintain full control of their firearm. The call’s diaphragm design has plenty of back bone for super & aggressive calling, yet has enough versatility to sweet talk any gobbler w/soft & seductive yelps & clucks.
Performance & Functionality
The Freak Nasty Call excels at mimicking a variety of turkey vocalizations. It’s capable of producing loud, aggressive yelps for cutting through wind or reaching distant birds, as well as soft, seductive clucks and purrs for close-range calling. The call is easy to use for experienced diaphragm callers, but beginners might require some practice.
The primary strength of the Freak Nasty Call is its versatility. Its weakness is that, like any diaphragm call, it requires practice to master and consistent breath control to produce consistent sounds. It more than meets my expectations, given the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for a call in this price range. The latex reeds are thin and responsive, and the tape holding them together seems durable enough. The call is comfortable to wear for extended periods, fitting snugly against the roof of the mouth.
There is a slight learning curve for those new to diaphragm calls. Mastering the Freak Nasty Call requires experimentation with different mouth positions and air pressures.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its low price, I wouldn’t expect the Freak Nasty Call to last for multiple seasons with heavy use. Proper cleaning and storage are crucial to extending its lifespan.
The call is simple to maintain; just rinse with water and allow to air dry after each use. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Freak Nasty Call doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options, as it’s a fairly basic diaphragm call design.
However, the latex reeds could potentially be replaced with other brands or thicknesses to fine-tune the sound. Its compatibility with other brands would depend on the caller’s ability to modify the call.
Pros and Cons of Freak Nasty Call
Pros
- Exceptional Versatility: Produces a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from aggressive yelps to soft clucks.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for money compared to other diaphragm calls.
- Realistic Sound: The three-reed design and double bat wing cut create authentic turkey sounds.
- Compact & Hands-Free: Allows for easy, hands-free operation, keeping your hands free for your firearm.
- Recommended by Michael Waddell: Endorsed by a respected name in the hunting industry.
Cons
- May require practice for beginners.
- Durability is moderate and may not last multiple seasons with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Freak Nasty Call?
The Freak Nasty Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, especially those looking for an affordable and versatile diaphragm call. It’s ideal for hunters who need to adapt their calling strategy to different situations and gobblers’ moods.
Hunters who prefer the simplicity of friction calls (slate, glass, or box calls) or those who are unwilling to spend time practicing with a diaphragm call should skip this product. New hunters should start by learning some basic turkey sounds and calling techniques on easier calls before progressing to diaphragm calls.
While not strictly a “must-have,” a call case to protect the Freak Nasty Call during transport and storage would be a worthwhile investment. Other potentially useful add-ons include a mouth call conditioner to keep the reeds moist and prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion on Freak Nasty Call
The Freak Nasty Call is a fantastic value for any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and effective diaphragm call. Its ability to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, combined with its affordable price, makes it a standout product in its category.
The price of $5.99 is more than justified by the call’s performance and versatility. I would definitely recommend the Freak Nasty Call to anyone looking to improve their turkey hunting success. If you’re ready to step up your turkey calling game without breaking the bank, give the Freak Nasty Call a try!