Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call Review

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call, crafted under the Bone Collector brand’s banner, immediately promises a versatile and accessible calling experience. This double reed diaphragm, built by Chris Parrish, aims to bridge the gap for both novice and seasoned turkey hunters. I was intrigued to see if a call priced so affordably could truly deliver the diverse range of turkey vocalizations it claimed.

My quest for a user-friendly yet effective diaphragm call led me to the Ridge Strutter. I’ve often found that single reed calls are easier to master initially, but lack the depth of sound and realism of more complex reed configurations. I was looking for a balance, something that would allow me to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and cuts without requiring excessive air pressure or advanced mouth control.

Upon receiving the Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call, my first impression was positive. The tape felt comfortable against my palate, not overly bulky like some cheaper calls. I noted the reed cut; a “Hybrid Combo Cut”, seemed designed to facilitate a range of tones, hinting at the versatility Bone Collector promised.

Compared to my old faithful Quaker Boy Easy Yelper (single reed, straightforward yelps), the Ridge Strutter felt more sophisticated, a step up in complexity. Similarly, I own a Primos Sonic Dome (triple reed, requiring significant air control), which the Ridge Strutter aims to simplify. It seemed like a reasonable middle ground, offering expanded vocal range without the steep learning curve of other multi-reed calls.

My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of versatility at an entry-level price. I’ve tested many calls over the years, from custom-made pot calls to elaborate diaphragm setups, and often the price reflects the complexity and skill required. The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter held the potential to make diaphragm calling more accessible, and I was eager to see if it lived up to that expectation.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bone Collector Ridge Strutter on a crisp morning in the Georgia woods, during the peak of turkey season. The humidity was low, a welcomed change from the usual swampy conditions. I set up along a ridge overlooking a hardwood bottom, hoping to entice a gobbler uphill.

The Ridge Strutter performed reasonably well in the relatively dry conditions. The call produced a decent yelp with minimal effort. Manipulating the call to create clucks and purrs took some practice, but the double reed design proved more forgiving than some of my more complex calls.

The initial issue I encountered was achieving a consistent sound. The call required precise tongue and air control, and any slight variation resulted in raspy or off-key tones. However, with a few minutes of practice, I was able to produce a respectable series of calls.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call showed signs of wear, as expected. The tape began to fray slightly along the edges from repeated insertion and removal. The reeds themselves seemed to hold their tune reasonably well, although the overall sound quality did degrade a bit.

Durability-wise, the Ridge Strutter held up better than I initially anticipated, given its low price point. While the tape is certainly the weak point, the reeds themselves maintained their integrity, proving resilient to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Cleaning was a simple matter of rinsing the call with water and letting it air dry.

Compared to my high-end diaphragm calls, the Ridge Strutter falls short in overall sound quality and longevity. However, considering the price difference, it’s a surprisingly capable performer. It definitely outperforms some of the other budget calls I’ve used in the past, offering a broader range of tones and better responsiveness.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call features a double reed design. It has a hybrid combo cut on the reeds. This design, according to Bone Collector, facilitates a wider range of turkey vocalizations.

The call is built by Chris Parrish, a known call maker. It is designed to be user-friendly for both beginners and advanced callers. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for hunters on a budget.

The double reed construction requires less air to manipulate the call. This is beneficial for hunters with weaker diaphragms or those new to mouth calls. It mimics yelps, clucks, cuts, purrs, and other common turkey sounds.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter performs adequately, producing a variety of turkey sounds with practice. The double reed design does offer a more realistic rasp compared to single reed calls. However, mastering the call requires consistent practice and precise mouth control.

The main strength of the Ridge Strutter is its versatility and affordability. It allows hunters to experiment with different calling techniques without investing heavily in high-end equipment. The primary weakness is the lack of consistent sound quality; it takes practice to avoid producing raspy or off-key notes.

It largely meets expectations, delivering a functional and versatile calling experience at a budget-friendly price. While it doesn’t outperform premium calls, it provides a good starting point for learning diaphragm calling.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter features a standard U-shaped frame covered in thin, flexible tape. The tape feels comfortable against the roof of the mouth. The weight is negligible, making it easy to keep in place during extended calling sessions.

The design is generally user-friendly, but there is a learning curve involved. Mastering the call requires practice to achieve consistent sounds. The compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter is moderately durable. Expect to replace it after a season or two of heavy use. The tape is the primary point of failure, prone to fraying and peeling.

Maintenance is minimal. Rinse the call with water after use. Allow it to air dry completely to prevent mold and mildew.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Customization options are limited to experimenting with different tape materials and reed adjustments.

It is compatible with standard diaphragm call cases and storage solutions. Many hunters use small, waterproof containers to protect their calls from moisture. No other real modifications are necessary or typically done for this kind of product.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call

Who Should Buy Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call?

Perfect for: Beginner turkey hunters looking to learn diaphragm calling techniques. It’s also useful for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call. Hunters on a tight budget will find it an excellent value.

Who should skip this product? Serious competition callers or those seeking the absolute best sound quality should invest in higher-end, custom-made diaphragms. Hunters unwilling to dedicate time to practice may find the learning curve frustrating.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A small, waterproof case to protect the call from moisture. Consider experimenting with different tape materials to find the most comfortable fit.

Conclusion on Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call

The Bone Collector Ridge Strutter Diaphragm Turkey Call is a solid entry-level option that provides surprisingly good performance for its price. Its versatility and user-friendly design make it an excellent tool for learning diaphragm calling. While it may not match the sound quality or durability of premium calls, it’s a fantastic value for the money.

The price is definitely justified, especially for beginners. The Ridge Strutter offers a cost-effective way to experiment with different calling techniques.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile diaphragm call, particularly those new to turkey hunting. It provides a solid foundation for developing calling skills. Get out there, practice, and put some birds on the ground with the Bone Collector Ridge Strutter!