First Thoughts on the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate pot call, crafted by the Bone Collector game calls brand, immediately struck me as a no-frills, back-to-basics option for turkey hunters. Its molded pot and soundboard paired with a Pennsylvania slate surface, and hardwood striker promise a mellow sound, perfect for subtle calls. At a price point of $14.99, it’s accessible to both seasoned hunters and beginners alike.
I was looking for a reliable, compact slate call to add to my vest. My usual glass calls can be too loud in pressured hunting situations. This call piqued my interest with its promise of soft, realistic turkey sounds.
The call feels solid and well-constructed for its price. The slate surface is smooth to the touch, and the hardwood striker has a comfortable weight. Initial inspection reveals no visible imperfections.
Compared to my high-end custom calls, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate lacks the refined aesthetics and exotic materials. But it rivals similarly priced mass-produced slate calls in terms of apparent quality and potential sound. I chose this call over other budget options because of the Bone Collector branding and the promise of mellow, realistic tones.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The call feels like a good value for the price, and I’m eager to see how it performs in the field. I’m especially keen to test its ability to produce those soft, seductive purrs and clucks that can bring a gobbler into range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Lights Out Slate to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate on a recent spring turkey hunt in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. The weather was cool and slightly damp, providing a decent test of the call’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions. I used it in several different locations, from open fields to thick timber.
The call was remarkably easy to use right out of the package. The hardwood striker felt natural in my hand, and I quickly learned how to produce a variety of turkey sounds. The slate surface offered good grip and responsiveness even with slightly damp hands.
The only issue I encountered was a slight learning curve in producing consistent purrs. It took some experimentation to find the sweet spot on the slate surface. However, after a few minutes of practice, I was able to create realistic, enticing purrs that sounded just like a content hen.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate continues to perform admirably. The slate surface shows no signs of wear, and the pot remains structurally sound. The striker has held up well, with only minor scuffing.
The call is easy to clean and maintain. I simply wipe the slate surface with a clean cloth after each use. Occasionally, I’ll lightly scuff the slate with fine-grit sandpaper to maintain optimal sound quality.
Compared to other budget-friendly calls I’ve used in the past, the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is a clear winner. Its consistent performance, realistic sound, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. It outperforms some more expensive calls I’ve owned in producing consistent, realistic soft calls.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
Specifications
- The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate features a molded pot and soundboard for consistent sound projection. The molded pot contributes to the call’s overall durability.
- It incorporates a Pennsylvania slate surface, renowned for its ability to produce realistic turkey sounds. Pennsylvania slate is a favorite among call makers for its excellent tonal qualities.
- The call includes a hardwood striker, designed to work in harmony with the slate surface. The hardwood striker provides the necessary friction to generate clear, crisp sounds.
- It’s specifically designed to produce mellow tones, ideal for purrs, clucks, and soft yelps. These subtle calls are often more effective on pressured birds.
- Proudly made in the USA, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship and performance. This signifies a commitment to quality and supports American manufacturing.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and durability. The quality of the slate surface is paramount for producing realistic turkey sounds. The type of wood used for the striker affects the tone and responsiveness of the call.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate excels at producing realistic, mellow turkey sounds. Its ability to create subtle purrs, clucks, and soft yelps makes it particularly effective in close-range hunting situations. These are exactly the sounds necessary for enticing wary toms.
The call’s primary strength lies in its ease of use and consistent sound production. Even novice turkey hunters can quickly learn to produce a variety of realistic calls. The main weakness is its limited volume; it’s not ideal for reaching birds at long distances.
The call meets and even exceeds expectations for its price range. It provides excellent value for the money. It’s a reliable and effective tool for any turkey hunter looking to add a versatile slate call to their arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate features a simple and functional design. The molded pot is comfortable to hold, and the slate surface provides a good grip. The call’s light weight makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
The call is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. Even beginners can quickly master the basics. However, some practice is required to perfect more advanced calls like purrs and cutts.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate appears to be quite durable for its price point. The molded pot is resistant to cracking and the slate surface is relatively scratch-resistant. I expect it to last for several seasons with proper care.
The call is easy to maintain. Simply wipe the slate surface with a clean cloth after each use. Occasionally, you may need to scuff the slate surface with fine-grit sandpaper to restore optimal sound quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate comes with a single hardwood striker. There are no other included accessories.
There are no specific customization options for this call. However, you can experiment with different strikers to find one that best suits your calling style. Most standard turkey call strikers will work with this call.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
Pros
- Excellent value for the money. The call provides great performance at an affordable price.
- Realistic, mellow turkey sounds. Perfect for close-range hunting and pressured birds.
- Easy to use. Even beginners can quickly learn to produce realistic calls.
- Durable construction. The molded pot and slate surface are built to last.
- Compact and lightweight. Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
Cons
- Limited volume. Not ideal for reaching birds at long distances.
- Requires practice to master more advanced calls. Mastering purrs and cutts takes practice.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Lights Out Slate?
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It is particularly well-suited for beginners and those who hunt pressured birds. It’s also a great backup call for experienced hunters.
Hunters who prefer louder calls for locating birds at long distances should skip this product. Also, hunters seeking high-end, custom-made calls with exotic materials may find this call too basic.
A must-have accessory for this call is a striker conditioning kit. This kit will include sandpaper or a scuff pad to maintain optimal slate surface. A small piece of sandpaper is essential for maintaining the slate surface for consistent calls.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Lights Out Slate
The Bone Collector Lights Out Slate is an excellent entry-level slate call that delivers impressive performance for its price. It’s easy to use, produces realistic sounds, and is built to last. It’s a great addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
The price of $14.99 is more than justified by the call’s performance and durability. It provides exceptional value for the money. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better performing slate call at this price point.
I would definitely recommend the Bone Collector Lights Out Slate to any turkey hunter looking for an affordable and effective call. It’s a reliable tool that will help you put more gobblers on the ground. Don’t let the low price fool you; this call is a serious performer. Go get yours today and experience the difference!