First Impressions of Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call
Electronic game calls have revolutionized hunting, offering hunters the ability to mimic a variety of animal sounds with ease and precision. The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call promises exactly that – a potent, portable, and affordable solution for bringing turkeys into range. Cass Creek is a well-known name in the game call industry, and their Mega Amp series is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness.
For years, I’ve relied on traditional diaphragm calls, mastering the art of the yelp, cluck, and purr. I was searching for something that offered consistency, volume, and the ability to quickly switch between calls without the movement that can spook wary birds. The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call seemed to offer exactly that.
Upon unboxing the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call, I was immediately struck by its megaphone-like design. It felt lightweight and surprisingly comfortable in my hand. The hunter brown finish is a nice touch, designed to blend into the surroundings. Comparing it to similar electronic calls, such as the Primos Power Crow and the Foxpro Wildfire, the Cass Creek stood out for its affordability and simplicity. While the Primos and Foxpro offer a wider range of features and customizability, the Mega Amp 20x prioritizes ease of use and immediate effectiveness.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I appreciated the compact design and straightforward controls, but I was eager to see how it would perform in a real hunting scenario. Time would tell if it lived up to the promise of being a reliable and effective tool for bringing in those gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I field-tested the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of central Texas. The weather was typical for that time of year – warm, humid, and with occasional light rain showers. I positioned myself along a known travel corridor for turkeys, overlooking a small clearing.
The call proved easy to use right out of the box. Selecting different calls was a breeze, and the volume control was intuitive. The sound quality was surprisingly good, though perhaps a tad tinny at the highest volume levels. After about an hour, a long beard responded to the “Hen Yelp” call. He cautiously approached to about 60 yards, but the wind shifted, and he spooked. While the hunt was unsuccessful, the call clearly attracted the attention of a mature gobbler.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call has held up remarkably well. The plastic housing shows no signs of cracking or wear, despite being exposed to various weather conditions and the occasional bump against trees. Maintaining the call is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is all that’s needed.
Compared to my experience with traditional diaphragm calls, the Mega Amp 20x offers unmatched consistency and volume. While diaphragm calls require practice and finesse, the electronic call produces the same sound every time. However, it lacks the subtle nuances and personalized touch that a skilled diaphragm caller can achieve.
Breaking Down the Features of Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call
Specifications
- The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is designed to be a handheld, directional game call for attracting turkeys. It boasts a sound output of over 120 decibels, making it one of the loudest handheld calls on the market.
- The call is finished in a hunter brown color for blending into the surroundings and is powered by 4 AA batteries. The unit also features an adjustable one-hand strap and a belt clip for convenient carrying.
These specifications translate into a call that is easily portable, exceptionally loud, and relatively discreet in the field. The battery power ensures extended use during long hunts.
Performance & Functionality
The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call performs admirably in its intended role. It effectively projects turkey calls over a considerable distance, attracting birds from far away. The call offers 20 different turkey calls, providing a variety of options for different hunting scenarios.
One strength is its simplicity; even a novice hunter can quickly master its operation. A slight weakness is the sound quality, which, while adequate, lacks the richness and depth of more expensive electronic calls.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is functional and ergonomic. The megaphone shape allows for directional sound projection, and the grip is comfortable for extended use.
The call is lightweight, minimizing fatigue during long hunts. However, the plastic construction feels somewhat cheap, which could be a concern for long-term durability.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is a mixed bag. While the plastic housing seems reasonably robust, it’s unlikely to withstand extreme abuse.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning. The electronic components are sealed, protecting them from moisture and dust.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call comes with a built-in belt clip and an adjustable one-hand strap. There are no additional customization options available for this model.
It is not designed to be compatible with external speakers or other accessories. The focus is on providing a self-contained and user-friendly calling solution.
Pros and Cons of Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call
Pros
- Exceptional Volume: The Mega Amp 20x is incredibly loud, allowing you to reach turkeys at long distances.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls and intuitive operation make it perfect for beginners.
- Affordability: It offers excellent value for the price, making it accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
- Portability: The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry in the field.
- Variety of Calls: The 20 pre-programmed calls provide a diverse range of options for different situations.
Cons
- Sound Quality: The sound quality, while adequate, lacks the realism of higher-end calls.
- Build Quality: The plastic construction feels somewhat cheap and may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
Who Should Buy Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call?
The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is perfect for novice turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and effective calling solution. It’s also a good option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a tool for reaching turkeys at long distances. This call is a solid choice for hunters on a budget.
Hunters seeking the highest level of realism and customizability might want to explore more expensive electronic call options. Those who prefer the traditional art of diaphragm calling may find the electronic call lacking in nuance and personal expression.
Conclusion on Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call
The Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is a competent and affordable electronic game call that delivers on its promise of volume and ease of use. While it may not offer the sound quality or build quality of premium models, it provides excellent value for the price.
The price is definitely justified. I would recommend it to beginner turkey hunters and experienced hunters alike who are looking for a reliable and portable calling solution.
If you’re ready to ditch the complexities of diaphragm calls and start bringing in those longbeards with ease, the Cass Creek Mega Amp 20x Turkey Call is definitely worth considering. Grab yours today and get ready for a successful turkey season!