First Thoughts on the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot
Turkey hunting is more than a sport; it’s an art. Success hinges on mimicking nature, drawing that wary gobbler into range with calls that are both enticing and believable. The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot, made by Bone Collector Game Calls, promises exactly that: a user-friendly slate call capable of producing realistic, mellow tones. For $14.99, it aims to be a budget-friendly option for both seasoned veterans and beginners.
My pursuit of the perfect turkey call is lifelong. I needed a dependable slate call that wouldn’t break the bank and could produce consistent, realistic sounds, particularly soft clucks and purrs for close-range persuasion.
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot arrived simply packaged. The molded pot felt surprisingly solid, and the Pennsylvania slate surface looked promising.
Compared to my higher-end custom slate calls, the Light’s Out lacks the visual appeal of exotic woods, such as cherry or walnut. It has a simpler, more utilitarian design than more expensive brands, like Primos or HS Strut, but I hoped its sound quality would surprise me.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It felt well-made for the price, and I was eager to hear what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot came on a chilly morning in the Missouri Ozarks during the spring turkey season. The woods were damp, and the air was heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth.
The call performed admirably in the damp conditions. The Pennsylvania slate surface remained responsive, producing clear, consistent tones.
It took a little experimentation to find the sweet spot on the slate surface and learn the optimal pressure and angle with the hardwood striker. After about 15 minutes, I was able to consistently produce soft clucks, purrs, and yelps. There was no issue using the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot immediately; it was very user friendly.
The only issue I encountered was a slight learning curve in achieving consistent yelps without producing unwanted high-pitched squeaks, but this was easily corrected with practice.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot continues to perform reliably. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, from dry and dusty to wet and muddy, with no significant degradation in sound quality.
The molded pot shows no signs of cracking or warping. The slate surface has developed a desirable “worn-in” texture with use, which enhances its tonal qualities.
Maintenance is simple; I simply wipe the slate surface with a clean cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. The striker requires occasional sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to maintain its optimal performance.
Compared to other budget-friendly slate calls I’ve used in the past, the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot surpasses them in both sound quality and durability. While it doesn’t quite match the nuanced tones and responsiveness of my custom calls, it’s a fantastic value for the price and has quickly become a trusted tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot
Specifications
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot boasts several key specifications:
- Molded Pot and Sound Board: The molded pot and soundboard provide a stable and consistent platform for producing calls. The solid base helps amplify the sound.
- Pennsylvania Slate Surface: The Pennsylvania slate surface is the heart of the call, responsible for generating the realistic, mellow tones. Slate is a popular choice for turkey calls due to its ability to create a wide range of sounds.
- Hardwood Striker: The hardwood striker is designed to interact with the slate surface. This creates the friction needed to produce the desired turkey vocalizations.
- Mellow Tones: The call is designed to produce mellow tones, ideal for close-range calling and luring wary gobblers. Soft calls are often more effective when a turkey is nearby.
- Ideal for Purrs, Clucks, and Soft Yelps: The call excels at producing purrs, clucks, and soft yelps, essential for mimicking the subtle vocalizations of hens. These softer sounds can be very effective at convincing a gobbler to come closer.
- Made in USA: The “Made in USA” designation ensures top-notch craftsmanship and quality. Manufacturing in the USA often indicates higher standards and better materials.
These specifications combine to create a user-friendly and effective turkey call that is ideal for hunters of all skill levels. The combination of durable materials, thoughtful design, and realistic sound production makes this call a valuable tool in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot performs admirably in producing a variety of turkey vocalizations. I was able to consistently produce realistic clucks, purrs, and soft yelps after a little practice.
The call’s strengths lie in its ease of use and its ability to generate mellow, convincing tones. The design makes it easy to create soft, subtle sounds that won’t spook wary birds.
One area that could be improved is the consistency of yelps. Achieving consistent, clear yelps without producing unwanted squeaks requires a refined technique. However, this is a minor drawback that can be overcome with practice. Overall, the call meets and even exceeds expectations for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot features a simple, functional design. The molded pot is comfortable to hold, and the slate surface is easily accessible.
The call is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a vest pocket or turkey pack. The design is not overly fancy, prioritizing function over aesthetics.
The call is user-friendly, even for beginners. The learning curve is minimal, and the call is relatively forgiving in terms of technique.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot appears to be quite durable, thanks to its molded pot and solid construction. The materials are resistant to cracking and warping, even in harsh weather conditions.
The call is easy to maintain. The slate surface can be cleaned with a simple wipe, and the striker can be sanded as needed to maintain optimal performance. With proper care, this call should last for many seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot comes with a single hardwood striker. No other accessories are included.
There are limited customization options for this call. The slate surface is fixed and cannot be easily replaced.
It’s possible that different strikers from other brands could be used to experiment with different sounds. However, the call is primarily designed to be used as-is.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot
Pros
- Realistic, mellow tones ideal for close-range calling.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Excellent value for the price.
- Produces consistent sound in various weather conditions.
Cons
- Yelps can be inconsistent without practice.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot?
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot is perfect for:
- Turkey hunters of all skill levels who are looking for an affordable and effective slate call.
- Beginners who are just starting to learn how to use turkey calls.
- Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who demand the absolute highest quality and most nuanced tones from their calls.
- Those seeking a call with extensive customization options.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A reliable striker sharpener or sandpaper to maintain the striker’s surface.
- A small cleaning cloth to keep the slate surface free of dirt and debris.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot
The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot is an excellent value for the money. It offers realistic sound quality, ease of use, and durable construction at an affordable price point.
The price is more than justified for the performance and reliability it delivers. The Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot outperforms other calls in its price range.
I would definitely recommend this call to any turkey hunter looking for a budget-friendly and effective option. It’s a fantastic tool for drawing wary gobblers into range and filling your tag. Add the Bone Collector Light’s Out Slate Molded Pot to your turkey hunting arsenal, and experience the thrill of calling in that elusive gobbler!