Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Review

Let’s Talk About Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call, crafted by Bone Collector, promises to deliver realistic turkey sounds, particularly excelling at early morning kee kee runs and evolving into medium raspy yelps and cuts as the day progresses. This diaphragm call, with its “Ghost Cut,” aims to be a versatile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. After years of relying on box calls and slate calls, I was eager to explore the nuances and hands-free advantages of a mouth call.

My primary challenge was replicating the subtle, natural sounds of a hen, especially those soft kee kee runs that signal a receptive bird. Unboxing the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call, my first impression was its simple, black design; it felt lightweight and pliable. This was vastly different from the rigid structure of some other diaphragm calls I had tried in the past, which often felt uncomfortable and produced inconsistent sounds.

Compared to a Primos Wet Box Call (known for its waterproof design) and a Quaker Boy Hurricane Slate Call (prized for its versatility), the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call offered a unique, hands-free advantage. I chose this diaphragm call hoping to achieve a more intimate and nuanced sound, allowing for subtle variations that could fool even the wariest gobbler. I was cautiously optimistic; diaphragm calls have always been a bit of a hurdle for me, but the reputation of the Bone Collector and the promise of realistic early-morning sounds piqued my interest.


Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of central Missouri. The early morning was damp and cool, with a light fog blanketing the timber. I wanted to simulate the sounds of a hen just waking up, and this call was designed to do just that.

The damp conditions actually seemed to improve the call’s performance, preventing it from drying out too quickly. It took about 15 minutes of practice to get a decent kee kee run, but once I found the right tongue pressure and airflow, the sound was surprisingly realistic. The initial challenge was controlling the raspiness, but after some experimentation, I managed to produce clean, subtle calls.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use across multiple hunts, the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the latex reeds, despite repeated use and occasional cleaning. I store it in a small, airtight container to prevent it from drying out completely and becoming brittle.

Cleaning is simple: a quick rinse with water and a gentle pat dry is all that’s needed. Comparing it to my previous experiences with other diaphragm calls, the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is significantly more consistent and easier to use. While other calls would often produce inconsistent sounds or require constant adjustments, the Ridge Ghost seems to maintain its tone and responsiveness even after extended use. It definitely outperforms my older, cheaper diaphragm calls, providing a noticeable improvement in realism and control.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call features a black color and is specifically designed for turkey hunting. Bone Collector manufactures it, with legendary caller Chris Parrish contributing to the design. It incorporates a “Ghost Cut,” a specific reed cut designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations.

The black color is inconsequential to performance, but it blends in well with natural surroundings. The turkey-specific design ensures the call is optimized for mimicking the sounds of wild turkeys. Chris Parrish’s involvement lends credibility to the call’s effectiveness. The “Ghost Cut” is crucial, enabling the call’s versatility, from soft kee kee runs to raspy yelps.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call excels at producing a range of turkey vocalizations, with particular strength in replicating early morning kee kee runs. It also produces medium raspy yelps and cuts effectively, allowing for dynamic calling sequences. A slight weakness is the initial learning curve, but with practice, it becomes surprisingly versatile.

The call definitely meets expectations, providing a realistic and responsive calling option. The ability to transition seamlessly between different vocalizations is a significant advantage.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is constructed from latex reeds and a flexible frame. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear in the mouth for extended periods. The design is user-friendly, although mastering the nuances of the call requires practice.

The build quality is solid, and the materials seem durable. The light weight prevents fatigue during long hunts. While there’s a learning curve, the call is relatively intuitive to use.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call should last at least one to two turkey seasons, if not longer. Maintaining the call involves rinsing it with water after use and storing it in a cool, dry place. Repairing it is generally not feasible; replacement is the more practical option.

The latex reeds are the most vulnerable component, but proper care extends their lifespan. Simple maintenance ensures consistent performance. Replacement is the typical solution for damage or wear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call does not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available for the call itself. However, it can be paired with other turkey calls, such as box calls or slate calls, to create a more varied and dynamic calling sequence.

The lack of accessories is not a major drawback, as diaphragm calls are typically used independently. The lack of customization options is inherent to the design of most diaphragm calls. Combining the Ridge Ghost with other call types enhances its overall effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call

Pros

  • Realistic Sound: Mimics a variety of turkey vocalizations, especially kee kee runs.
  • Hands-Free Operation: Allows for greater freedom of movement and keeps hands ready for shooting.
  • Versatile: Can produce soft calls for close-range situations or louder calls for reaching distant birds.
  • Durable: Holds up well with regular use and proper care.
  • Affordable: Priced competitively, making it accessible to hunters of all budgets.

Cons

  • Learning Curve: Requires practice to master different calling techniques.
  • Limited Volume: May not be as loud as some friction calls in windy conditions.


Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call?

Perfect for: Turkey hunters of all skill levels who want a versatile and realistic hands-free calling option. It’s especially beneficial for hunters who prefer to remain mobile and responsive.

Who should skip this product? Hunters who are completely new to turkey calling and prefer the simplicity of a box call might want to start with a more beginner-friendly option. Hunters who primarily hunt in extremely windy conditions might find the volume insufficient.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A small, airtight container for storing the call and a lanyard for keeping it readily accessible are beneficial.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call

The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal, delivering realistic and versatile calls in a compact and affordable package. While it requires some practice to master, the hands-free operation and realistic sound quality make it a worthwhile investment. The price is certainly justified by the call’s performance and durability.

I would absolutely recommend the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call to fellow turkey hunters looking to expand their calling repertoire. If you are looking for a way to elevate your turkey hunting game, I urge you to give the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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