The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL Made a Bold First Impression
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL entered the crowded market of turkey hunting tools with a simple promise: effective sound at an accessible price. This friction call, boasting a birch top and purple-heart dowel striker, immediately piqued my interest. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for a quality, yet budget-friendly, addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
My decade-plus experience in the outdoors has taught me the value of reliable gear, no matter the cost. A consistent, convincing turkey call is critical for success. The search for an affordable backup call that didn’t sacrifice sound quality led me to the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL.
Unboxing was straightforward; the call and striker felt solid in my hands. The slate surface had a clean, ready-to-use appearance. The birch top of the striker offered a comfortable grip, while the purple-heart dowel hinted at durability and a potentially unique sound profile.
Compared to my higher-end slate calls from Primos and Lynch, the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL felt noticeably lighter and less refined. However, its $22.99 price tag immediately justified any perceived shortcomings. I chose this call over another cheaper, generic option because of the named wood types.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could truly deliver on its promise of attracting gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL occurred during the spring turkey season in the Appalachian foothills. The morning was cool and damp, typical for early spring hunts in this region. I sought a setup behind a fallen oak, hoping to coax a tom from the nearby ridge.
The slate surface responded well to the striker, even in the damp conditions. I was able to produce a variety of calls, from soft clucks and purrs to louder yelps. The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL required a bit of practice to master, particularly achieving consistent and realistic-sounding yelps.
After an hour of intermittent calling, a gobble echoed from the ridge. Despite my excitement, I maintained a steady cadence with the call. A mature tom eventually appeared, responding directly to the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL sounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL held up surprisingly well. There were some scratches on the slate surface, as expected with normal use. I did notice some slight wear on the tip of the purple-heart dowel.
Cleaning was simple: a quick wipe with a clean, dry cloth after each hunt. I also lightly scuffed the slate surface with a scouring pad to maintain optimal sound quality. This regular upkeep kept the sound pristine.
Compared to my more expensive calls, the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL demanded more frequent conditioning. Despite this, its consistent performance and impressive durability for the price point exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL
Specifications
- Slate Surface: The calling surface is made from slate, a common material known for producing realistic turkey sounds. Slate offers a versatile range of tones.
- Birch Top Striker: The striker utilizes a birch wood top for a comfortable grip and balanced weight distribution. This ensures ease of use and consistent sound production.
- Purple-Heart Dowel: The dowel is constructed from purple-heart wood, known for its density and vibrant color. It’s designed to produce a slightly mellow tone compared to other strikers.
- Price: Retailing at $22.99, the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL offers affordability without sacrificing essential features. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious hunters or as a backup call.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The choice of materials impacts the tone and responsiveness of the call, while the design ensures a comfortable and ergonomic experience for the user.
Performance & Functionality
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL performed admirably in the field. It was capable of producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from soft purrs to aggressive cuts. However, mastering the nuances of the call required practice.
The strength of the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL lies in its ability to produce realistic clucks and purrs. These sounds are crucial for enticing wary gobblers. The yelps were somewhat less consistent and required careful technique to avoid sounding raspy or unnatural.
This call definitely meets expectations for the price. This is a good option for someone who may be just learning to hunt turkeys.
Design & Ergonomics
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL features a simple, functional design. The circular slate surface fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The birch top striker is easy to grip and manipulate.
The call is lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods. This is a very user-friendly call with a shallow learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL suggest good longevity. The slate surface is resistant to cracking, and the wooden striker is durable enough to withstand regular use. The durability of the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL is above average.
Maintenance involves simply wiping the slate surface clean after each use. Regularly scuffing the surface with a scouring pad or sandpaper will maintain optimal sound quality. This can ensure long-lasting use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL comes with only the striker. There are no customization options. However, different strikers could be paired with the slate surface to alter the sound profile. While a plethora of options may exist, the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL functions as intended with the included items.
Pros and Cons of DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The $22.99 price makes it accessible to beginners and budget-conscious hunters.
- Realistic Clucks and Purrs: Excelled at producing soft, enticing turkey vocalizations.
- Durable Construction: The slate and wooden components are durable enough for regular use.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry on long hunts.
- Easy to Maintain: Requires minimal cleaning and upkeep.
Cons
- Yelps Require Practice: Not as easy to produce consistent, realistic yelps.
- Limited Customization: Lacks customization options compared to higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL?
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. It’s also good for hunters seeking an affordable backup call. This call suits those who primarily use clucks and purrs in their calling strategy.
Experienced turkey hunters who demand highly nuanced and customizable calls may find this product lacking. Those who should skip this product are users who want to utilize unique cuts and pitches. A small conditioning stone may be a useful accessory to keep the calling surface in top shape.
Conclusion on DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL
The DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL offers an impressive blend of performance and affordability. It might not match the sophistication of higher-end calls, but it gets the job done. It produces realistic turkey sounds that will attract gobblers.
The $22.99 price is justified by its durable construction and effectiveness in the field. This call is a solid choice for beginners or anyone seeking a reliable backup call.
I would recommend the DE WORKZONE SLATE TURKEY CALL to any hunter looking for an inexpensive yet effective way to lure in a tom. Pick one up and get out there this spring!