First Impressions of Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call promises versatility for turkey hunters, offering both loud, raspy crystal calls and softer slate sounds in a single, all-weather package. Marketed by Bone Collector, known for their hunting expertise, this call aims to be a reliable tool, rain or shine. Its double-sided design, featuring crystal over slate, and the inclusion of an all-weather striker immediately piqued my interest as a seasoned outdoor gear specialist.
Having spent years in the field, I was searching for a turkey call that could adapt to changing weather conditions without sacrificing sound quality. My current collection includes separate crystal, slate, and glass calls, each requiring specific conditions to perform optimally. The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call promised to consolidate these into one, weather-resistant unit.
Unboxing it, the call felt solid, although slightly larger than expected. The cherry pot has a good weight and the contrasting textures of the crystal and recessed slate are immediately apparent. The all-weather striker felt comfortable in hand, with a textured grip for confident handling.
Compared to my go-to slate call from Primos and a crystal call from Quaker Boy, the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call offers a unique combination not found in those individual calls. While the Primos slate excels in soft, close-range calling, and the Quaker Boy crystal is unbeatable for long-distance yelps, neither offers the versatility of having both surfaces readily available. I also considered the WoodHaven Cherry Classic Crystal over Slate, but the Bone Collector’s all-weather striker was the deciding factor for me, as I frequently hunt in areas with unpredictable weather.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been let down before by “all-in-one” solutions that compromise on quality. The real test would be how it sounds and performs in the field, but the initial build quality and feature set left me hopeful that the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call could become a staple in my turkey vest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call was during the spring turkey season in the Ozark Mountains. The weather was predictably unpredictable, with morning fog giving way to a brief shower and then bright sunshine. This presented the perfect opportunity to test the call’s all-weather claims.
The crystal side performed admirably in the early morning fog, cutting through the damp air with sharp, clear yelps that reached out across the hollow. The all-weather striker maintained consistent contact and sound, even with a bit of moisture on the surface. Switching to the slate side after the rain shower, I was able to produce soft clucks and purrs that enticed a gobbler to within 30 yards. It was easy to switch back and forth between the crystal and slate sides, which allowed me to match my calling to the bird’s behavior. I appreciated having both options at my fingertips.
The call was relatively easy to use, even for someone accustomed to dedicated single-surface calls. It did require a slightly different grip and stroke compared to my individual slate and crystal calls. It only took about 15 minutes of practice to feel confident with it. The only surprise was the initial loudness of the crystal side; it definitely requires a lighter touch than my dedicated crystal call.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call has proven to be a reliable and versatile tool. The cherry pot has held up well to being bumped around in my vest and exposed to various weather conditions. There are no signs of cracks or delamination.
The calling surfaces have remained consistent with proper conditioning. I lightly scuffed both the crystal and slate surfaces before each hunt, which helped to maintain optimal sound quality. Cleaning is straightforward. I simply wipe down the surfaces with a clean cloth after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with separate calls, the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call offers a significant advantage in convenience and adaptability. While my dedicated calls might offer a slight edge in pure sound quality, the ability to switch between loud, raspy yelps and soft, subtle purrs without changing calls is invaluable in the field. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of versatility and all-weather performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call
Specifications
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Bone Collector
- Double-sided Pot: Features crystal over slate surfaces for varied tones.
- All-Weather Striker: Designed for consistent performance in wet or dry conditions.
- Pot Material: All-weather Cherry
- Length: 11 inches
- Weight: 0.57 lb
- Height: 1.5 inches
- Width: 7 inches
- Additional Features: No
These specifications are important because they dictate the call’s versatility, durability, and ease of use. The crystal over slate combination provides a wide range of sounds, from loud and raspy to soft and subtle. The all-weather striker ensures reliable performance regardless of the environmental conditions. The cherry pot provides excellent acoustics and resistance to moisture. The dimensions are manageable for carrying in a turkey vest, although it’s larger than some single-surface calls. The weight is also reasonable for extended use.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call performs its job exceptionally well, providing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. The crystal side excels at producing loud yelps and cutts, perfect for locating distant gobblers. The slate side offers softer clucks, purrs, and whines for enticing birds in close.
One of the strengths is its versatility; another is its all-weather performance. A potential weakness is the slight learning curve for those accustomed to single-surface calls. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a multi-surface friction call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call features a well-designed and ergonomic construction. The cherry pot feels comfortable in hand, and the recessed slate provides a secure grip. The all-weather striker is also ergonomically designed, with a textured surface for enhanced control.
There is a slight learning curve due to the need to master techniques for both crystal and slate surfaces. Once familiar, the call is user-friendly and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call is built to last. The cherry pot is durable and resistant to moisture, while the crystal and slate surfaces are well-protected. With proper care and maintenance, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Lightly scuffing the surfaces before each use and wiping them down with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call comes with an all-weather striker specifically designed for use with both the crystal and slate surfaces. There are no readily available customization options, such as different strikers or pot materials.
Due to the specialized design of the call, compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. Users are primarily restricted to using the included striker.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call
Pros
- Versatile double-sided design: Crystal over slate provides a wide range of turkey sounds.
- All-weather performance: The all-weather striker ensures consistent sound quality in wet or dry conditions.
- Durable construction: The cherry pot and high-quality surfaces are built to last.
- Realistic sound reproduction: Produces authentic yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts.
- Convenient all-in-one solution: Eliminates the need to carry multiple calls.
Cons
- Can be louder than expected; requires a lighter touch on the crystal.
- Slightly larger and heavier than single-surface calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call is perfect for turkey hunters who want a versatile and reliable all-weather call. It benefits hunters who need to adapt their calling to changing weather conditions or the specific behavior of the turkey. It’s also ideal for hunters who want to simplify their gear by carrying a single call that can produce a wide range of sounds.
Hunters who primarily hunt in dry conditions or prefer the specific sound of a dedicated single-surface call might find this product less appealing. Also, beginners might find the dual-surface design slightly more challenging to learn than a simple slate or crystal call.
The only real must-have accessory is a conditioning stone to keep the surfaces properly roughened.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call
The Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call is a well-designed and versatile tool for turkey hunters. Its double-sided crystal over slate construction and all-weather striker provide a wide range of realistic sounds in any hunting condition. The build quality is excellent, and the call is built to last.
At a price of $66.49, the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking a versatile and reliable call. The ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and produce a wide range of sounds makes it a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call to any turkey hunter looking for a versatile and all-weather-performing call. It’s a valuable addition to any turkey vest. If you are seeking a reliable and adaptable friction call that performs in diverse weather conditions, give the Bone Collector Double Deciver Friction Call a try. You won’t be disappointed.