The Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call, crafted by Bone Collector, promises to bring the sounds of the wild right to your fingertips, or rather, the roof of your mouth. This little diaphragm call, ringing in at a budget-friendly $6.99, aims to be a versatile tool for luring in predators with its claimed ability to produce a range of vocalizations, from howls and barks to yips and distress calls. My initial impression hinges on whether such a low-cost item can truly deliver the authentic sounds needed to fool a wily coyote.
Years of chasing predators have taught me one thing: their ears are as sharp as their teeth. I needed a call that could cut through the wind and brush, delivering realistic and varied sounds. My current go-to call was getting a little long in the tooth, and I was specifically looking for a diaphragm call that could produce louder, more aggressive howls for reaching those distant ridge runners. The Bone Collector Heavy Howler piqued my interest because of its promise of loud volume and diverse vocalizations, all at a price that wouldn’t break the bank.
Upon receiving the call, my first impression was surprisingly positive. The Heavy.004 Latex reed felt substantial compared to some of the thinner, more fragile diaphragms I’ve used in the past. It felt promising and well-made for the price.
I’ve used calls from Primos and Flextone extensively, and both offer diaphragm calls in a similar vein. I chose the Bone Collector Heavy Howler because of its purported focus on volume and the Heavy.004 Latex reed, hoping for a more robust and resonant sound. Price played a factor too.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this call truly live up to the hype? The low price point made me wonder if the sound quality would suffer. I was eager to hit the field and see if it could truly bring in the predators.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Bone Collector Heavy Howler was on a cold, blustery morning in eastern Wyoming. I set up overlooking a vast sagebrush flat, hoping to call in a coyote that had been raiding local ranchers’ chicken coops. The wind was howling, so this was a perfect opportunity to test the call’s ability to project sound.
The learning curve was surprisingly minimal. I was able to produce fairly decent howls and barks within minutes. It took a little practice to get the yips and distress calls sounding convincing, but the Heavy.004 Latex reed responded well to subtle changes in air pressure and tongue placement.
The call did exceptionally well in the wind. Its powerful sound carried further than I anticipated. Unfortunately, no coyotes responded that day, but I did manage to attract the attention of a curious golden eagle, which circled overhead for several minutes before moving on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in varying conditions, the Bone Collector Heavy Howler has held up surprisingly well. The latex reed shows no signs of cracking or splitting, despite being subjected to both freezing temperatures and dry, dusty conditions. A little bit of saliva management prevents the call from freezing to my palate in sub-freezing temps.
Durability appears to be a strong point. The Heavy.004 Latex reed has proven more resilient than I initially expected. It has maintained its tone and responsiveness through repeated use.
Maintaining the call is simple. I simply rinse it with water after each use and allow it to air dry completely.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, the Bone Collector Heavy Howler holds its own in terms of sound quality and ease of use. However, its exceptional volume sets it apart. It’s not the most nuanced call on the market, but for sheer projection, it’s a winner.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call
Specifications
- Reed: Heavy.004 Latex reed. This provides a thicker, more durable reed for producing louder sounds.
- Vocalizations: Great for loud Howling and Barks; Also produces Yip, Challenge, and Distress vocalizations; Can also produce prey in distress sounds. The versatile design allows for a range of predator and prey sounds.
- Construction: Made in the USA. This assures a certain standard of quality and manufacturing.
These specifications translate to a call that is designed for volume, versatility, and durability. The thicker reed allows for louder, more aggressive sounds to reach distant predators, while the range of vocalizations enables the user to adapt to different hunting situations and target specific animals. Being Made in the USA inspires confidence in the quality of materials and workmanship.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler performs its primary function – producing loud and varied predator calls – admirably. The howls are resonant and carry well in open country, while the yips and distress calls are convincing enough to fool even wary coyotes. The ability to produce prey distress sounds adds another layer of versatility.
The call’s strength lies in its volume and ease of use. Its weakness might be a lack of subtle tonal variations compared to higher-end calls.
The call met my expectations for volume and versatility, exceeding them in terms of durability for the price. It performs reliably in a variety of conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler is a simple, no-frills design, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold in the mouth. The latex reed is well-positioned for easy manipulation.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce a wide range of sounds. The learning curve is gentle.
Durability & Maintenance
The call’s durability is impressive. The Heavy.004 Latex reed shows no signs of wear after weeks of regular use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply rinse the call with water after use and allow it to air dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Being a diaphragm call, customization options are limited.
You might experiment with different cuts and trimming of the reed, but doing so requires experience and a delicate touch. Trimming the reed risks ruining the call. The Bone Collector Heavy Howler is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases and lanyards for easy storage and transport.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Exceptional Volume: The Heavy.004 Latex reed projects sound incredibly well, making it ideal for calling in predators from long distances.
- Versatile Vocalizations: Produces a wide range of predator and prey sounds, allowing hunters to adapt to different hunting situations.
- Durable Construction: The reed is surprisingly resilient and holds up well under repeated use in varying conditions.
- Easy to Use: The call is simple to master, even for beginners, allowing for quick and effective calling.
- Affordable Price: At just $6.99, this call offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Subtle tonal variations can be challenging to achieve. The call prioritizes volume over fine nuances.
- No included case or lanyard. Some may prefer a case or lanyard to keep the call clean and accessible.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call?
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious hunters: Those looking for a reliable and versatile predator call without breaking the bank.
- Beginner callers: The easy-to-use design makes it a great starting point for those new to diaphragm calls.
- Hunters in windy conditions: The call’s exceptional volume allows it to cut through strong winds and reach distant predators.
- Hunters needing a backup call: It makes a great spare to throw in your pack.
Who should skip this product?
- Experienced callers seeking nuanced sounds: Those who prioritize subtle tonal variations over sheer volume.
- Hunters who prefer push-button or electronic calls: If you dislike diaphragm calls.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Diaphragm call case or lanyard: To keep the call clean and easily accessible.
- Practice: While easy to use, practice will improve your calling skills.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call
The Bone Collector Heavy Howler Predator Diaphragm Call is a surprisingly effective and durable predator call, especially considering its incredibly affordable price. The focus on volume makes it an excellent choice for hunters in windy conditions or those trying to reach distant predators. While it may not offer the subtle tonal variations of higher-end calls, its versatility, ease of use, and robust construction make it a solid performer.
The value proposition is undeniable. For $6.99, you get a call that can produce a wide range of convincing predator and prey sounds, and withstand the rigors of the field.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Heavy Howler to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, reliable, and versatile predator call. It is a great option for both beginners and experienced hunters alike. Grab one of these calls and get out there and start howling!