The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call Made a Bold First Impression
Turkey hunting isn’t just a pastime; it’s an obsession. The thrill of calling in a stubborn gobbler, matching wits with nature’s most elusive game bird, is unmatched. That’s why I was intrigued by the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call, a product promising to deliver natural early morning sounds.
Years of experience have taught me that the right call can make or break a hunt, and I was eager to see if this diaphragm lived up to the hype from the Bone Collector brand. My quest for the perfect turkey call is ongoing; this is the latest step.
I needed a call that could produce a realistic kee kee run, the sound that signifies young birds waking up and starting their day. I was also looking for versatility, a call that could transition to more aggressive yelps and cuts when the tom started moving. The Ridge Ghost’s description promised exactly that.
Upon receiving the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The diaphragm felt thin and pliable, suggesting ease of use and potentially a wide range of tones. Compared to other calls I own, like the Primos Hook Up and the WoodHaven Ninja Crystal, the Ridge Ghost seemed less intimidating.
The Primos Hook Up, while excellent, can be a bit loud and requires precise air control, while the WoodHaven Ninja Crystal requires two hands. My initial impression of the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call was cautiously optimistic; it seemed designed for user-friendliness and versatility. I picked it over other similar products based on the promised realistic early morning sounds. I was excited to put it to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call came during the opening week of turkey season in the dense forests of eastern Tennessee. The weather was cool and damp, with a persistent drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown downpour. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to intercept a gobbler as he left the tree.
The Ridge Ghost initially proved a bit challenging to master. It took some practice to get the right lip pressure and airflow to produce the desired sounds. However, after about 30 minutes of experimentation, I started to get the hang of it. I began with soft kee kee runs, attempting to mimic the sounds of young turkeys waking up.
The sound produced was indeed quite realistic. The call seemed to perform well in the damp conditions. After about an hour, a distant gobble shattered the morning silence. I switched to medium raspy yelps and cuts, trying to pique the tom’s interest. No turkeys came in, but the sound production was promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call in various hunting scenarios, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The call has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite regular use.
I clean the call after each hunt by rinsing it with water and letting it air dry. This simple maintenance routine has kept it in good working order. Compared to some of my other diaphragm calls, the Ridge Ghost requires minimal upkeep.
The sound quality remains consistent, and the diaphragm hasn’t lost its shape or flexibility. The Ridge Ghost has neither outperformed nor disappointed; it offers a unique sound at an affordable price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call
Specifications
- The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is designed to produce a variety of turkey sounds. This includes kee kee runs, yelps, and cuts.
- It’s constructed using a thin, flexible latex reed and frame. The price is $6.99.
- The call is designed for ease of use, especially for producing soft and realistic early-morning sounds.
- The specific dimensions and weight are not provided by the manufacturer, highlighting a focus on sound and usability over precise measurements.
- This emphasis on sound production makes the call suitable for hunters targeting gobblers in various hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call excels at producing soft, realistic kee kee runs, making it effective for early-morning calling. It’s reasonably reliable; the sound quality remains consistent after multiple uses.
The call requires practice to master, but the effort is worthwhile for the realistic sounds it produces. A potential weakness is its limited volume range; it’s not the best choice for windy conditions or long-distance calling.
It meets expectations for a budget-friendly diaphragm call designed for producing realistic early-morning sounds. The call is ideal for close-range calling.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is decent for its price point. The thin latex reed is comfortable in the mouth, and its light weight makes it easy to hold in place.
There is a learning curve involved in mastering the call, but the thin design makes it relatively comfortable to manipulate. It’s user-friendly once you understand the correct lip pressure and airflow.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call should last for at least one hunting season, possibly longer. The latex reed is susceptible to tearing if mishandled or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Cleaning is simple; just rinse with water and air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s a simple diaphragm call.
There are no aftermarket accessories specifically designed for this call, though you can experiment with different cuts to modify the sound. Its compatibility with other brands is not directly applicable, as it’s a standalone product.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call
Pros
- Produces realistic kee kee runs, ideal for early-morning calling.
- Affordable price point at $6.99.
- Relatively easy to clean and maintain.
- Lightweight and comfortable to use.
- Decent durability for the price.
Cons
- Requires practice to master.
- Limited volume range; not ideal for windy conditions.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call?
The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is perfect for turkey hunters who specialize in early-morning calling and prefer a realistic, soft sound. It’s also a good option for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and relatively easy-to-use diaphragm call.
Hunters who need a loud, long-range call should skip this product. Also, it is not appropriate for people who do not enjoy practicing to achieve a desired outcome.
Must-have accessories include a diaphragm call case to protect the call and a call maintenance kit to keep it clean and in good working order. There are no essential modifications.
Conclusion on Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call
The Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call is a decent option for turkey hunters seeking a budget-friendly call that excels at producing realistic early-morning sounds. While it requires practice to master and has a limited volume range, its affordability and realistic sound quality make it a worthwhile addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.
The price is definitely justified by the performance. I would recommend it to beginner and intermediate turkey hunters who prioritize realism and affordability.
Give it a try, and see if you can call in that elusive gobbler! With a little practice, the Bone Collector Ridge Ghost Turkey Mouth/Diaphragm Call could be your new secret weapon.