First Impressions of Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call
Turkey hunting is an art form, a delicate dance between patience and persuasion. The right call can make or break a hunt, transforming a silent morning into a symphony of gobbles. When I first saw the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call, I was intrigued by its promise of delivering a high raspy hen sound, something every seasoned turkey hunter craves.
For years, I’ve relied on a slate call, but the unpredictable spring weather often renders it useless. The promise of a wood call, designed to cut through damp air, was definitely alluring. My go-to slate call had served me well, but I needed something to perform when conditions weren’t ideal.
Upon unboxing the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call, I immediately noticed the craftsmanship. The American Walnut trough felt smooth and solid in my hand, and the Hickory paddle resonated with a promising timbre. Compared to my plastic box call, this felt like a serious upgrade.
I picked this over other calls due to Avian X’s reputation for quality and the specific design of this box call using complimentary woods. Many box calls are bulky and produce a generic sound, but the Zink Hick Talker felt different. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism mixed with the anticipation of spring gobbler season.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call on a scouting trip in the Missouri Ozarks. The morning was damp, with a light mist clinging to the timber, the precise condition that sidelines my slate call. Immediately, the Hick Talker’s sound cut through the fog.
The call required minimal effort to produce a clear, distinct hen sound. It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot and the right amount of pressure, but I quickly grew comfortable with the call. The responsiveness of the Hickory paddle against the Walnut box was impressive.
There were no major issues after the first use. I did notice the paddle sticking slightly when the call got too wet, a problem easily solved with a quick wipe on my pants leg. I was impressed by the Hick Talker’s ability to maintain its tone even in damp conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the spring turkey season, the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call has proven to be a reliable performer. The call shows no significant wear and tear, even after being jostled around in my vest. The finish on both the Walnut and Hickory has held up well.
Cleaning is simple; I just wipe down the paddle and trough with a dry cloth after each hunt. The call has consistently delivered a convincing hen sound in a variety of weather conditions. Compared to my old plastic box call, which produced a tinny, unnatural sound, the Zink Hick Talker is a game-changer.
Breaking Down the Features of Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call
Specifications
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call is a double-sided box call designed to produce a high raspy hen sound. The call utilizes an American Walnut trough and a Hickory hardwood paddle. The approximate dimensions are 7.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1.5 inches tall.
The American Walnut trough provides a smooth, rich tone while the Hickory paddle provides the higher pitched raspy sound. These materials matter because they are durable and resonant, crucial for a high-quality turkey call. The hand-tuned aspect ensures optimal sound quality from the factory.
Performance & Functionality
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call excels at producing realistic hen sounds, particularly clucks, purrs, and yelps. The double-sided design allows for subtle variations in tone, mimicking multiple hens. Its strength lies in its ability to cut through wind and rain.
The call’s main weakness is that it requires a bit of practice to master the different tones and volumes. It definitely meets expectations, delivering a consistently high-quality sound. This call is a fantastic tool for any serious turkey hunter.
Design & Ergonomics
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call has a well thought out design. The American Walnut trough is comfortable to hold, and the Hickory paddle is easy to grip. The materials and construction are high-quality, resulting in a durable and reliable call.
The call has a slight learning curve, but is intuitive. Finding the correct angle and pressure on the paddle for different calls takes some practice, but once mastered, it’s easy to produce a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of American Walnut and Hickory ensures the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call is built to last. With proper care, it should last for many seasons. The call requires minimal maintenance; simply keep it clean and dry, occasionally applying a small amount of rosin to the paddle if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call comes as a standalone unit, without included accessories. The main customization option lies in adjusting the tension on the paddle by slightly sanding the striking surfaces. This allows hunters to fine-tune the call to their personal preferences.
The call’s simple design makes it compatible with various lanyards for easy carrying. Aftermarket paddle silencers can also be used to dampen unwanted noise during transport.
Pros and Cons of Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call
Pros
- High-quality sound: Delivers realistic raspy hen sounds that attract gobblers. The tone is incredibly convincing.
- Durable construction: American Walnut and Hickory ensure longevity in the field. This call is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting.
- Weather resistance: Performs reliably in damp conditions where other calls fail.
- Double-sided design: Allows for subtle variations in tone, mimicking multiple hens. This gives hunters added flexibility.
- Hand-tuned: Ensures optimal sound quality straight out of the box.
Cons
- Requires practice: Takes time to master the different tones and volumes. New users should expect a learning curve.
- Paddle stickiness: The paddle can occasionally stick when the call gets too wet. This requires occasional wiping.
Who Should Buy Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call?
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand realistic sound and reliable performance in all weather conditions. It is also a great choice for hunters who want to add a versatile box call to their arsenal. Experienced turkey hunters who want a reliable and weather resistant call will love this.
Beginners may find the learning curve a bit steep. A beginner should consider starting with a simpler, single-sided box call or a push-button call. Must-have accessories include a lanyard for convenient carrying and rosin to enhance the paddle’s grip.
Conclusion on Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call
The Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call is a well-crafted and highly effective tool for attracting turkeys. The realistic sound and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. At $65.49, the price is justified given the quality and performance.
I would absolutely recommend the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call to any serious turkey hunter. If you are looking for a reliable, weather-resistant box call that delivers realistic hen sounds, this is an excellent choice. Add the Avian X Zink Hick Talker Box Turkey Call to your turkey vest and get ready to call in that trophy gobbler!