Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call Review

First Impressions of Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call promises versatility for any turkey hunter. Bone Collector aims to deliver realistic turkey sounds in a compact and comfortable package. I’ve used countless diaphragm calls over the past decade, from custom-made calls to mass-produced options, so I was eager to see how this one stacked up, especially given its budget-friendly price of $10.99.

My journey to this call began with a quest for a reliable and adaptable mouth call. I needed a call that could produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from the softest clucks to the loudest cutts, for different hunting scenarios. Many calls promise versatility, but often fall short in either tone quality or ease of use.

Upon receiving the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call, I immediately noticed the hand-stretched reeds and the soft tape. The tape appeared comfortable against the palate. The overall build quality seemed decent for a call in this price range, nothing that screamed quality, but nothing that would make me question its integrity either.

Compared to other calls I’ve used, like Primos calls known for their ease of use or WoodHaven calls praised for their realistic sounds, the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call positioned itself as a value-oriented option. I picked this call primarily for its advertised versatility. I hoped it could serve as an all-in-one solution for different hunting situations, rather than needing to switch between multiple specialized calls.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call’s description suggested it could deliver on its versatility promise. I was eager to get it into the field and see if it lived up to the hype or if it’d be another call destined for the bottom of my turkey vest.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call came during an early-season turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was cool and damp, and the turkeys were relatively quiet. I was perched on a ridge overlooking a hardwood bottom, hoping to coax a gobbler into range.

I started with soft clucks and purrs to simulate a content hen. The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call responded well, producing fairly realistic sounds with minimal effort. Later, as the morning progressed and I suspected a gobbler was holding up in thick cover, I transitioned to louder cutts and yelps.

It took a little practice to master the higher-pitched calls. But, the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call proved capable, although the sound quality wasn’t quite as crisp as some of my higher-end calls. I found that the call was fairly comfortable to use, even after extended calling sessions.

There were no immediate issues during the first use. Although, I did notice that the reeds seemed to require a bit more moisture than some other calls to prevent sticking.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call across various hunting scenarios and in different weather conditions, I have a solid grasp of its performance and durability. It has accompanied me on hunts in everything from dry, windy fields to damp, foggy forests. This testing provided valuable insights into how well it holds up over time.

The call has held up reasonably well after prolonged use. While the soft tape shows some slight signs of wear, the reeds remain intact and functional.

I’ve diligently cleaned and dried the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call after each use. This is crucial to prevent the build-up of saliva and bacteria. This simple maintenance routine has helped maintain its sound quality and prevent the reeds from sticking together.

Compared to some of my more expensive custom calls, the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call doesn’t quite match the same level of sound realism or refined response. However, given its price point, it offers a respectable level of performance. It consistently produces a variety of turkey vocalizations and remains a reliable option in my turkey vest.

Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call

Specifications

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call is a 3-reed combo cut diaphragm call. Bone Collector utilizes premium soft tape for a comfortable and secure fit in the mouth.

• Length: 6 cm (approximately 2.36 inches)
• Width: 3.75 inches
• Height: 0.75 inches
• Weight: 0.06 lb (approximately 0.96 ounces)

These specifications contribute to its ease of use and portability. The soft tape ensures comfort during extended calling sessions. The size and weight make it easy to carry in a vest or pocket without adding unnecessary bulk.

Performance & Functionality

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It’s easy to create soft clucks and purrs for close-range calling. It also allows you to produce loud cutts and yelps for reaching out to distant gobblers.

The call’s versatility is its greatest strength. It allows hunters to adapt their calling strategy to different scenarios without switching calls. One weakness is the slightly less crisp sound quality compared to higher-end custom calls.

For the price, the call meets expectations. It provides a reliable and versatile tool for attracting turkeys.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call features a simple and functional design. The Bone Collector is designed to be comfortable in the mouth. The soft tape is comfortable.

The call is user-friendly. A beginner might need some time to practice.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call is reasonably durable for a diaphragm call. Regular cleaning and drying after each use will extend its lifespan.

The call requires minimal maintenance. Rinsing with water and air-drying is sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options available.

The nature of diaphragm calls limits customization. Experimenting with different tongue and air pressure techniques will slightly alter the sound. This can be considered a form of personalized customization.

Pros and Cons of Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call

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Who Should Buy Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call?

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call is perfect for beginner to intermediate turkey hunters seeking an affordable and versatile call. Hunters who appreciate the ability to produce a wide range of turkey sounds without switching calls will find this product particularly beneficial.

This call might not be the best choice for seasoned professional turkey hunters seeking the absolute highest level of sound realism. They might also want a call that needs minimal maintenance.

No specific accessories are required. However, a diaphragm call case can help to protect it when not in use.

Conclusion on Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call

The Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call offers impressive versatility and value for its modest price. It delivers a wide range of turkey vocalizations and remains comfortable even after extended use. While the sound quality isn’t quite on par with higher-end calls, it’s more than adequate for most hunting scenarios.

The price of $10.99 is extremely justified. This is a great value for a versatile and functional turkey call.

I would personally recommend the Bone Collector The Illusionist Mouth Call to any hunter looking for an affordable and adaptable diaphragm call. It’s a reliable tool that will help you put more turkeys in the freezer. Don’t hesitate to add this call to your arsenal. With a little practice, it might just become your go-to call this turkey season.