The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call enters a crowded market of turkey calls, promising versatility and premium sound. Marketed as part of the Bone Collector series, this call aims to deliver convincing cutts and raspy yelps, along with a sweet range of volume. It features a cherry pot and soundboard, a pre-conditioned crystal surface, and a two-piece diamondwood striker.
I’ve been guiding turkey hunts for over a decade. I was looking for a friction call that could reliably produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations in various environmental conditions.
Upon unboxing, the call felt solid and well-constructed. The cherry wood pot had a smooth, comfortable feel. Its pre-conditioned crystal surface was also promising. The diamondwood striker felt balanced in my hand.
I currently use a slate-over-glass call and a diaphragm call. I chose the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call because I wanted a compact, friction-based call that could offer a different tonal quality and volume range than my current options. I also wanted to try a crystal surface. The cherry wood construction also appealed to me, hoping it would offer a warmer, more natural sound.
My initial excitement was high. The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call looked and felt like a quality instrument. The pre-conditioned surface and the promise of a wide range of sounds definitely piqued my interest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call on a recent spring turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. The weather was variable, with periods of light rain and sunny skies.
In dry conditions, the call produced crisp, clean yelps and cutts with relative ease. When the crystal surface became damp, the call’s sound became muffled. I needed to diligently dry the surface to restore its performance. It was a bit frustrating.
The call was easy to grip and manipulate. I did need some practice to achieve consistent and realistic sounds. I did find the learning curve steeper compared to my slate call.
The call’s performance in damp conditions was a surprise and a disappointment. It wasn’t something I had anticipated with a pre-conditioned surface.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call has held up reasonably well. The cherry wood pot shows no signs of cracking or splitting. The crystal surface, however, has developed some minor scratches from the striker.
The call’s durability seems adequate for moderate use. The crystal surface requires frequent cleaning with a scouring pad. I also needed to occasionally condition it with fine sandpaper to maintain optimal sound quality.
Compared to my slate call, the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call requires more diligent maintenance. It underperforms in wet conditions without proper care.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call
Specifications
- The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call features a pot constructed from cherry wood. The cherry wood offers a visually appealing aesthetic and is known for its warm tonal properties.
- It has a pre-conditioned crystal surface, designed to produce high-frequency sounds with minimal break-in time. The crystal surface promises clear, crisp turkey vocalizations.
- The call includes a 2-piece diamondwood striker. Diamondwood offers a dense, durable striking surface and is known for producing a wide range of tones.
- It also possesses large harmonic ports. These ports are engineered to provide a sweet range of volume. They enable hunters to reach distant toms or communicate subtly when needed.
- The call is proudly made in the USA. This offers assurance in regards to manufacturing quality and materials.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and durability. Cherry wood provides a warm tone, while the crystal surface aims for crispness. The diamondwood striker contributes to versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call performs adequately when properly maintained and used in dry conditions. It can produce convincing yelps, cutts, and clucks.
The call’s strengths lie in its ability to generate high-frequency sounds. Its weaknesses include its sensitivity to moisture and the relatively steep learning curve for beginners. It also lacks the deep, resonant tones of a slate call.
The call generally meets expectations for producing turkey vocalizations, but its performance is highly dependent on environmental conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The call features a well-crafted cherry pot that feels comfortable in hand. Its size is suitable for easy carrying in a vest or pocket.
The pre-conditioned crystal surface minimizes break-in time. However, the call requires practice to master various turkey sounds. The diamondwood striker offers good control, but it can be slippery in wet hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The cherry wood pot seems durable and resistant to cracking or splitting. The crystal surface is prone to scratching and requires frequent cleaning and conditioning.
Maintenance involves cleaning the crystal surface with a scouring pad. Occasional sanding may also be required to maintain optimal sound quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call comes with the 2-piece diamondwood striker. There are no additional included accessories.
Customization options are limited. Hunters can experiment with different strikers made from various materials, such as wood or carbon. However, the call’s design does not readily accommodate modifications. It is compatible with most standard strikers designed for crystal friction calls.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call
Pros
- Offers a wide range of turkey vocalizations with practice.
- Cherry wood pot provides a comfortable grip and aesthetic appeal.
- Pre-conditioned crystal surface minimizes initial break-in time.
- Large harmonic ports allow for adjustable volume.
- Relatively affordable compared to high-end custom calls.
Cons
- Performance significantly degrades in wet conditions.
- Crystal surface requires frequent cleaning and conditioning.
- Steeper learning curve compared to slate calls.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call?
Perfect for: Experienced turkey hunters who want to add a high-frequency crystal call to their arsenal and are willing to maintain it diligently. It’s also good for those who primarily hunt in dry environments.
Who should skip this product? Beginners, hunters who frequently encounter wet conditions, and those seeking a low-maintenance call should explore other options, such as slate or diaphragm calls.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A striker with a textured grip, a waterproof pouch for storage, and a cleaning kit with scouring pads and fine sandpaper.
Conclusion on Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call
The Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call offers a mixed bag of performance and convenience. Its ability to produce a range of turkey sounds is commendable. However, its sensitivity to moisture and demanding maintenance requirements are significant drawbacks.
At a price of $29.99, the call represents a reasonable value for experienced hunters willing to invest time in mastering and maintaining it. Beginners or those seeking a more forgiving call may find it frustrating.
I would cautiously recommend the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call to experienced turkey hunters who understand the nuances of crystal calls. However, I would strongly advise beginners to explore other options. For seasoned callers willing to put in the work, the Bone Collector WoW Double Cherry Friction Turkey Call can be a useful tool.