The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL Made a Bold First Impression
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL from Dead End Game Calls promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters, offering a compact and reliable slate call at an accessible price point. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve grown accustomed to evaluating equipment rigorously. I was looking for a new slate call to replace my old one, which had developed a crack and inconsistent sound quality after years of hard use in the field.
Unboxing the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL, my initial impressions were positive. The call felt solid and well-constructed, its slate surface smooth to the touch, and the accompanying striker felt comfortable in my hand. This call immediately felt like a step up, a purpose-built tool that could withstand the rigors of a challenging turkey season.
Compared to similar slate calls I’ve used in the past, like the Primos Lil’ Deuce and the HS Strut Crystal Mistress, the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL stood out due to its simple, rugged design. I chose it over other options because of Dead End Game Calls’ reputation for producing reliable calls that consistently deliver authentic turkey sounds. I was excited to field test this call and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL was during a scouting trip in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. The conditions were damp and chilly, with a light drizzle falling intermittently. I wanted to see how well the call performed in less-than-ideal weather, a common occurrence during spring turkey season.
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL performed admirably, producing clear and consistent yelps, clucks, and purrs even with slightly damp surfaces. It required a bit more pressure on the striker in the wet conditions, but the sound quality remained impressive. The call was easy to use right out of the box; the slate surface and striker provided good friction and responsiveness.
Initially, I noticed a slight learning curve in achieving the perfect rasp for a mature hen’s call. After a few practice runs, I managed to produce the desired sound, and a nearby gobbler responded enthusiastically.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. Despite being subjected to mud, moisture, and the occasional accidental drop, the call shows no signs of wear and tear. The slate surface remains smooth, and the striker maintains its grip.
Maintaining the call is simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is sufficient. I’ve also lightly scuffed the slate surface with a Scotch-Brite pad a couple of times to maintain optimal friction, a standard practice for slate calls. Comparing it to my previous slate calls, the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL exceeds my expectations in terms of durability and consistent sound quality.
Breaking Down the Features of DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL
Specifications
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL from Dead End Game Calls is a friction call designed to mimic the sounds of wild turkeys. It consists of a circular slate surface mounted on a pot and a separate striker used to create the sounds. The exact dimensions of the call are not explicitly listed, but it’s designed to be compact and easily portable.
The construction uses high-quality slate, which is known for its ability to produce realistic turkey sounds. The pot itself is likely made from a durable hardwood or composite material. The striker is designed for comfortable grip and optimal contact with the slate surface. These specifications translate to a call that is easy to carry, durable, and capable of producing a wide range of authentic turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL excels at producing a wide range of turkey sounds, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. Its ability to create both high-pitched hen calls and raspy gobbler calls makes it a versatile tool for any turkey hunter.
The call’s strength lies in its consistent and realistic sound production. A potential weakness might be its performance in extremely wet conditions, where slate calls can sometimes become difficult to use. Overall, the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL meets and exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL features a simple and functional design. The weight and balance are excellent, allowing for comfortable one-handed operation. The striker is shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, and the slate surface provides ample space for creating different sounds.
The call is exceptionally user-friendly; even novice turkey hunters should be able to produce convincing calls with minimal practice. The smooth slate surface and well-matched striker reduce any learning curve typically associated with slate calls.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid construction and use of high-quality materials, the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL is built to withstand years of use. Slate is a durable material, and the pot appears to be constructed from a robust composite.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply keep the slate surface clean and lightly scuffed as needed. Replacement strikers are readily available if needed, though the included striker appears to be well-made and long-lasting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL comes with a matched striker specifically designed for optimal sound production. While there are no specific customization options offered by Dead End Game Calls, the call is compatible with most aftermarket strikers designed for slate calls.
Hunters can experiment with different striker materials and designs to fine-tune the sound of the call to their personal preferences. No additional accessories are needed, making this call ready to use right out of the box.
Pros and Cons of DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL
Pros
- Produces realistic and versatile turkey sounds.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Compact and portable design.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Slate calls can be affected by extremely wet conditions.
- No included lanyard or carrying case.
Who Should Buy DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL?
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Its ease of use and realistic sound production make it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their calling skills.
Hunters who primarily hunt in consistently wet environments might want to consider a waterproof call as a backup. A must-have accessory would be a call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible and prevent loss in the field.
Conclusion on DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL
The DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL is an excellent value for the money, delivering consistent and realistic turkey sounds in a durable and easy-to-use package. The price is certainly justified by the quality of construction and the call’s proven performance in the field.
I would personally recommend the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL to anyone looking for a reliable and effective slate call at an affordable price. If you’re serious about turkey hunting, this call is a worthwhile addition to your arsenal. Grab the DE ROADBLOCK SLATE TURKEY CALL and get ready to bring those gobblers running!