First Impressions of Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call
The Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call enters the market as a promising tool for serious turkey hunters, especially those battling windy conditions. From the renowned Bone Collector brand, known for their hunting expertise and endorsements, this call aims to provide the volume and clarity needed to cut through the noise and lure in wary gobblers. At a price point of $33.99, it positions itself as an accessible option for both seasoned pros and newcomers looking to expand their calling arsenal.
What spurred my interest in the Bone Collector Lights Out Pot Call was the ever-present challenge of wind during spring turkey season here in the Midwest. Many subtle calls get lost in the gusts, and I needed a reliable call that could project loud and clear across the open fields where turkeys love to strut. I’ve always sought a pot call that wasn’t just a fair-weather friend but a dependable companion regardless of the elements.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the molded pot construction; it felt solid and well-made for its price. The anodized aluminum striking surface looked promising for producing the loud, clear sounds advertised. My initial handling revealed a comfortable weight and a striker that felt balanced in my hand.
Compared to my slate pot call, which I often use in calmer conditions, and a glass pot call that sometimes struggles in wet weather, the Lights Out seemed purpose-built for a specific niche: loud calling in challenging environments. I ultimately chose this call because the aluminum surface and molded pot construction suggested the weather resistance and volume I needed. I was eager to see if it could live up to the claim of excelling on windy days.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the build seemed robust, and the design appeared to prioritize function over aesthetics. I was excited to take it into the field and see if it could truly cut through the wind and bring in some gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Bone Collector Lights Out Pot Call was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of southern Missouri. The morning was predictably windy, with gusts reaching 15-20 mph, a perfect testing ground. I set up near a known strutting zone, hoping to entice a tom into range.
The call performed admirably in the conditions; the aluminum surface produced loud, crisp yelps that carried well even against the wind. It was surprisingly easy to generate various turkey sounds, from clucks and purrs to cutting. There was a bit of a learning curve in finding the precise angle and pressure for optimum sound production, but within 15 minutes, I felt comfortable with its nuances.
The only minor issue was some initial squeaking until the striker was adequately chalked, which is typical for new pot calls. After resolving that, the call performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of turkey hunting across different states and varied weather conditions, the Bone Collector Lights Out Pot Call has proven to be a reliable performer. The molded pot and aluminum surface have shown no signs of wear and tear, even after being tossed in my vest and subjected to mud and rain. The call remained consistent, offering the same strong volume and clear tones throughout the entire season.
Maintaining the call is relatively simple; a quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after use and occasional sanding of the striker is all it takes. It’s definitely easier to maintain than my slate calls, which require more frequent surface conditioning. Compared to my previous experiences with other pot calls, the Lights Out has significantly outperformed them in windy conditions, consistently producing calls that turkeys could hear and respond to.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call features a molded pot, designed for enhanced sound projection and durability. The call utilizes an anodized aluminum striking surface, chosen for its ability to create loud and clear turkey vocalizations. It also includes a hardwood striker, carefully selected to match the aluminum surface and maximize sound quality.
The primary purpose of these specifications is to provide a call that excels in projecting turkey sounds over long distances, especially in windy conditions. The molded pot contributes to the call’s resilience, protecting it from damage during rough handling. The aluminum surface is crucial for generating the high-frequency sounds needed to cut through wind and foliage.
Performance & Functionality
The Lights Out Pot Call performs its job exceptionally well; it consistently produces loud, clear, and realistic turkey sounds. Its strengths lie in its volume and clarity, making it ideal for windy days or when calling to distant birds. It easily produces yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutting sounds, offering versatility in calling sequences.
The only slight weakness is the initial learning curve in mastering the optimal angle and pressure for the striker. However, with a little practice, this becomes second nature. This call has met and exceeded my expectations for a pot call designed for challenging weather conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lights Out Pot Call boasts a simple, functional design with a focus on durability and ease of use. The molded pot feels solid and comfortable in hand. The hardwood striker is well-balanced and provides good control.
The call has a moderate learning curve. Some users may need some practice to produce consistent and varied sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Lights Out Pot Call is designed to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting; the molded pot and anodized aluminum surface are highly durable. The call is easy to maintain. Simple wiping down after use is typically all that is required.
Occasional sanding of the striker can also help to maintain optimal sound quality. With proper care, this call should last for several seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call comes with the hardwood striker. There aren’t many customization options available directly for this specific call, as its design is relatively straightforward. However, experimenting with different strikers (made from different woods or with different tip shapes) could potentially alter the sound profile.
The call is compatible with standard striker conditioning tools, such as sandpaper or conditioning stones, which can be used to maintain the striker’s surface for optimal sound. While this pot call isn’t designed for extensive customization, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for turkey hunters.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call
Pros
- Excellent volume and clarity, perfect for windy conditions.
- Durable molded pot and anodized aluminum surface.
- Versatile, capable of producing a wide range of turkey sounds.
- Relatively easy to maintain.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Some users may experience an initial learning curve in mastering the striker technique.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call?
This call is perfect for turkey hunters who frequently hunt in windy conditions or open areas where volume is crucial. It’s also a great option for beginners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use pot call. Experienced hunters seeking a specialized call for cutting through wind will also appreciate the Lights Out’s performance.
Hunters who prefer more subtle calls for close-range scenarios might consider other options. Also, those seeking highly customizable calls with a wide range of available accessories might find the Lights Out lacking in that area.
A must-have accessory is a good-quality striker conditioner to keep the striker’s tip in optimal condition.
Conclusion on Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call
The Bone Collector BC110015 Lights Out Turkey Species Pot Call is a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal, especially those who face challenging weather conditions. Its excellent volume, durability, and ease of use make it a standout performer.
The price of $33.99 is definitely justified considering its performance and build quality. I would personally recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective way to cut through the wind and bring in stubborn gobblers.
Don’t let the wind ruin your hunt; pick up a Bone Collector Lights Out Pot Call and make sure those longbeards hear you loud and clear!