First Thoughts on the Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( diaphragm turkey call. It’s an incredibly affordable option aimed at novice turkey hunters. Flextone promises ease of use with its double reed design and split cut, making it simple to produce basic turkey sounds. Is this $5.99 call a worthy addition to your vest, or just another piece of plastic destined for the forgotten corners of a gear bag?
As someone with over a decade of experience in the outdoor and tactical world, I’ve seen countless gadgets and gizmos come and go. I often find myself guiding new hunters as they begin, and so I wanted to find an affordable, simple call that would work as a great entry-level tool. Most calls are complicated, and I was hoping this product would be straightforward enough for a beginner to pick up.
Unboxing the Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (, the first thing I noticed was its minimalist design. The build quality, as expected for the price, is basic. The diaphragm material appears thin, but only real-world use will determine its durability.
Compared to higher-end diaphragm calls from Primos or WoodHaven, the Flextone feels noticeably less refined. Those premium calls feature hand-stretched reeds and custom frame designs. The price difference is significant, however, with those calls often costing three to four times as much. I chose the Flextone for its promise of simplicity and affordability, hoping it could provide a functional starting point for beginners.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. The call feels lightweight and the split-reed design seems promising for easy sound production. I’m eager to see how it performs in the field and whether it lives up to its claim of being a beginner-friendly option.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( in a controlled environment, specifically my backyard, before venturing into the woods. I wanted to get a feel for the call and experiment with different mouth positions and air pressures. This would allow me to get a feel for the equipment and better teach others to do the same.
The call performed reasonably well in dry conditions. The sounds were a bit raspy, but I managed to produce clucks and yelps with relative ease. After getting it wet from saliva, it needed a bit more time to dry before producing good sound again.
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( was relatively easy to use. It only took about 15 minutes to start producing recognizable turkey sounds. The split-reed design definitely made a difference. The biggest issue was controlling the air flow to get a consistent sound.
The surprise after the first use was how quickly the reed seemed to lose its initial crispness. I’m not sure how well it will hold up over the long haul.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of intermittent use, the Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( is showing signs of wear. The reeds are starting to fray slightly. The sound quality has also degraded a bit.
The call’s durability is questionable. It still produces sound, but I doubt it would last through a full hunting season of heavy use. The thin diaphragm material is its biggest weakness.
Maintenance is simple: just rinse it with water and let it air dry. However, proper storage is crucial to prevent the reeds from sticking together. It’s better than no call at all, but if this one fails in the field, you are out of luck unless you have a backup.
Compared to my Primos calls, the Flextone is definitely a step down in terms of durability and sound quality. It’s fine for beginners, but experienced hunters will likely find it lacking.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (
Specifications
- The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( features a double reed design with a split cut. This design is intended to make it easier for beginners to produce turkey sounds.
- It utilizes two .004 reeds. These reeds are thin, and it is to help create realistic sounds with minimal effort.
- It is designed for clucks and yelps. These are basic turkey calls essential for attracting birds.
- Proudly made in the USA. Manufacturing locally is a positive aspect of the call.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s ease of use and sound quality. The thin reeds and split cut should allow for easier sound production. The user experience and the quality of the final results are both tied to the design parameters.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( performs adequately in producing basic turkey sounds. I was able to create clucks and yelps with consistent practice.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use for beginners. The split-reed design helps to produce sound with less effort.
Its weaknesses are in the sound quality and durability. It could use improvements in the materials and design to enhance its realism.
It meets expectations for a $5.99 call, but it doesn’t exceed them. It provides a starting point, but more experienced hunters will want better sound quality and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is basic. The materials used are inexpensive, and the frame feels somewhat flimsy. It’s made of plastic, so you cannot expect anything spectacular.
It is user-friendly. The split-reed design makes it easier to learn basic turkey calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The call’s lifespan is questionable. The thin reeds are prone to wear and tear and the design is inexpensive. You can’t expect much more at this price point.
Maintenance is simple. Just rinse it with water and allow it to air dry after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s a standalone product.
There are no customization options. The call is what it is.
It is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases. This helps to protect it during storage and transport.
Pros and Cons of Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners. The split-reed design simplifies sound production.
- Affordable price point. At $5.99, it’s an accessible entry point for new hunters.
- Produces basic turkey sounds. Clucks and yelps can be created with practice.
- Lightweight and portable. It easily fits into a vest or pocket.
- Made in the USA. Manufacturing locally helps to support the economy.
Cons
- Questionable durability. The thin reeds are prone to wear and tear.
- Mediocre sound quality. The realism is lacking compared to higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (?
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. These hunters need an affordable and easy-to-use call. It’s also good for those who want a backup call.
Those who should skip this product are experienced hunters and those who demand high-quality sound. They will be disappointed by the call’s limitations.
A must-have accessory is a diaphragm call case. This will help to protect the reeds and prolong the call’s lifespan.
Conclusion on Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen (
The Flextone FLX-FLXTK130 Split Hen ( is a decent entry-level turkey call. It’s especially useful for beginners. Its simplicity and affordability make it a worthwhile option for those just starting.
The value proposition is fair. The price is justified by its ease of use, even if the durability and sound quality are lacking.
I would recommend it to beginner turkey hunters and those seeking a cheap backup. Experienced hunters should look elsewhere. For $5.99, it’s hard to go wrong if you need an entry-level call or a cheap backup, just don’t expect it to replace your high-end diaphragms.