First Impressions of Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
The world of turkey hunting is filled with a plethora of calls, each promising to be the magical key to luring in that elusive gobbler. Among the many options, the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call from Bone Collector caught my attention, boasting a handcrafted maple pot paired with a glass-over-slate striking surface. With its promise of realistic yelps, clucks, cuts, and purrs, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My 10+ years in the outdoor and tactical gear industry have exposed me to countless calls, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. I was on the hunt for a pot call that could consistently produce a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations without requiring constant adjustments or finicky striker angles. The promise of ease of use and versatility in the Maple Mistress piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call immediately felt substantial. The maple pot felt warm and smooth in my hand, while the glass-over-slate surface looked clean and inviting. The overall build quality appeared excellent, suggesting a durable and well-crafted call that could withstand the rigors of the field.
Compared to other pot calls I’ve used, like the Primos Power Crystal or the HS Strut Lil’ Deuce, the Maple Mistress felt more refined. The Power Crystal, while loud and effective, can be somewhat harsh sounding. The Lil’ Deuce is smaller and more portable, but lacks the tonal depth of a larger call. I chose the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call hoping for a balance of volume, realism, and ease of use that I hadn’t yet found.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call looked and felt great, but the true test would be how it sounded and performed in the woods. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could live up to its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call was during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania. I set up along a wooded ridge overlooking a small clearing, hoping to entice a gobbler into range. The weather was damp and cool, a typical spring morning in the Northeast.
The Maple Mistress performed admirably in the conditions. The glass-over-slate surface provided excellent friction even with a slight film of moisture. It was relatively easy to produce a variety of sounds, from soft purrs and clucks to sharp cuts and yelps.
There was a bit of a learning curve. Finding the sweet spot on the slate and the optimal angle with the striker required a few minutes of practice. However, once I got the hang of it, the call was remarkably responsive.
The only initial issue I encountered was a slight “scratchiness” to some of the higher-pitched yelps. This was easily remedied with a little conditioning of the striking surface.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. It has consistently produced realistic turkey sounds, even in varying weather conditions. The durability has also been impressive.
Despite being exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental drop, the call shows no signs of significant wear and tear. The maple pot remains solid and the striking surface continues to provide excellent friction. The call is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Compared to my previous experience with slate calls, the Maple Mistress has outperformed them in terms of both sound quality and durability. The glass-over-slate design provides a crisper, clearer tone than traditional slate, and the maple pot feels more robust than the plastic or aluminum pots I’ve used in the past. It hasn’t disappointed.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bone Collector
- Call Type: Friction Call (Pot Call)
- Pot Material: Hand-Crafted Maple
- Surface Material: Glass over Pennsylvania Slate
- Striker: Paired with the Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker (sold separately). This striker is crucial for achieving the call’s intended sounds and performance.
- Dimensions: Length: 11 inches, Width: 7 inches, Height: 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.43 lb (approximately 6.88 ounces)
- Additional Features: None listed, but the craftsmanship and material selection are key features.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sound quality, durability, and overall user experience. The maple pot provides a warm, resonant tone, while the glass-over-slate surface offers excellent friction and produces clear, crisp sounds. The weight and dimensions make the call comfortable to hold and easy to transport.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations. It can easily create soft purrs and clucks for close-range calling, as well as loud yelps and cuts for reaching out to distant gobblers. The call is relatively easy to use once you find the “sweet spot” on the slate and the optimal angle with the striker.
Its strengths lie in its versatility and sound quality. The call can produce a variety of different tones and pitches, making it suitable for different hunting scenarios. The weakness is the learning curve, as it can take some practice to master the call and consistently produce realistic sounds.
It meets expectations, providing a realistic and versatile call for turkey hunting. It’s a well-made piece of equipment that is expected to perform.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call boasts a well-thought-out design and comfortable ergonomics. The hand-crafted maple pot feels smooth and warm in the hand, while the glass-over-slate surface provides excellent grip for the striker. The weight is balanced and comfortable for extended use.
The call is user-friendly, although it may take some practice to master. The learning curve is relatively short, and once you find the sweet spot and optimal striker angle, the call is easy to control.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call appears to be built to last. The maple pot is sturdy and the glass-over-slate surface is resistant to scratches and wear. The call is easy to maintain. Simply clean the striking surface with a Scotch-Brite pad or sandpaper to remove any buildup of oil or dirt.
With proper care, it is expected to last for many seasons of turkey hunting. The call is well-constructed and should withstand the rigors of the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call does not come with many accessories. The Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker is sold separately and is highly recommended for optimal performance.
There are limited customization options available. However, you can experiment with different strikers to find one that suits your personal preferences. You can also lightly sand or condition the striking surface to fine-tune the sound.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
Pros
- Realistic Sound Reproduction: Produces a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations, crucial for effective calling.
- Versatile Call: Capable of creating soft purrs and clucks for close-range calling and loud yelps and cuts for long-distance attraction.
- Durable Construction: Hand-crafted maple pot and glass-over-slate surface ensure longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Comfortable Ergonomics: Well-balanced weight and smooth pot design provide a comfortable grip during extended use.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning and conditioning keep the call performing optimally in various conditions.
Cons
- Striker Sold Separately: The recommended Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker is not included, adding to the overall cost.
- Learning Curve: Requires some practice to master the optimal striker angle and sweet spot for consistent, realistic sounds.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call?
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call is perfect for: Hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a versatile and realistic-sounding pot call for turkey hunting. Experienced callers will appreciate the call’s ability to produce a wide range of sounds, while beginners will find it relatively easy to learn and use.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who are on a very tight budget or who prefer the simplicity of a box call may want to consider other options. Also, if you are opposed to purchasing the striker separately, this may not be the call for you.
A must-have accessory is the Bone Collector Game Calls Diamond Wood Striker. Experiment with different strikers to find one that best suits your personal preferences and calling style.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call
The Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call is a well-crafted and versatile pot call that delivers realistic turkey sounds in a durable package. While the need to purchase the striker separately adds to the cost, the overall value proposition is strong.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the performance of the call. The hand-crafted maple pot and glass-over-slate surface provide excellent sound quality and durability, while the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.
I would personally recommend the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable and effective tool. Its versatility, realistic sound reproduction, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment.
Don’t just take my word for it – experience the realism and effectiveness of the Bone Collector Maple Mistress Friction Call for yourself! It’s time to add this unforgettable call to your turkey hunting arsenal.