Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock Review

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock Made a Bold First Impression

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock is an aluminum turkey call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen, enticing gobblers into range. Priced at $42.99, it positions itself as an affordable option for both seasoned turkey hunters and those just starting out. My initial interest stemmed from a desire for a reliable, all-weather call that could produce a variety of realistic turkey vocalizations.

I was tired of struggling with box calls in the rain and diaphragm calls that require constant practice. The promise of consistent sound production with minimal effort, from a pot call, piqued my interest. Upon unboxing the Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock, I immediately noticed the solid feel of the aluminum pot. The call feels well-made and durable.

While I haven’t had the opportunity to compare it directly to other aluminum calls like the Primos Lil’ Deuce or a custom-made Lonnie Sneed call yet, the price point made it an attractive option for adding to my turkey hunting arsenal. The Roadblock’s simplicity and potential for creating realistic sounds, based on online demos, led me to choose it. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to get into the field and hear what this Dead End Game Calls call could do.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma. The weather was typical for the season: cool mornings with the threat of afternoon showers. I tested the call from different locations. The call performed from open fields to dense timber.

The Roadblock proved surprisingly easy to use, even for someone accustomed to diaphragm calls. With a little practice, I was able to produce convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs. There were no immediate issues. The call started producing quality turkey sounds right away.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock has proven to be a reliable performer. The aluminum surface has held up well. It hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear despite being carried in my vest pocket. The call requires minimal maintenance. A quick scuff with sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad keeps the surface conditioned for optimal sound.

Compared to my previous experiences with slate calls, the Roadblock is far less susceptible to moisture. It outperformed them significantly on damp mornings. The consistent sound production, even in less-than-ideal conditions, makes it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock

Specifications

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock is an aluminum pot turkey call. This means it utilizes an aluminum striking surface to produce sound. The call measures approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and comes with a matched striker.

The aluminum pot is mounted on a soundboard (likely wood or composite) to enhance resonance. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. The key specification is its aluminum construction, which provides consistent sound and weather resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock performs admirably in producing a range of realistic turkey sounds. With practice, a user can create yelps, clucks, purrs, and even kee-kees. The call’s strength lies in its consistency. It produces clear, crisp tones with minimal effort once the proper technique is learned.

A slight weakness is the potential for inconsistent sound if the striker is not properly chalked or if the striking surface becomes too smooth. Overall, it meets expectations. It delivers realistic turkey sounds in various hunting situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock is solid. The aluminum pot feels durable and the soundboard provides good resonance. Its weight is negligible, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

The call is user-friendly. It has a relatively short learning curve compared to more complex calls like diaphragms. It’s intuitive to grasp the basic yelp and cluck.

Durability & Maintenance

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock, based on its aluminum construction, should last for many seasons with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward. Regularly scuffing the aluminum surface with sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad ensures optimal sound production.

Cleaning any dirt or debris from the striking surface with a dry cloth is also recommended. With minimal effort, the call remains in excellent working condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock comes standard with a matched striker. There are no readily available official customization options offered by Dead End Game Calls. However, the user can experiment with different strikers made from various materials (wood, carbon, acrylic) to achieve different tones.

The aluminum surface is compatible with chalk. Using different types of chalk can slightly alter the sound characteristics. While not specifically designed for customization, the call offers some flexibility through the use of different strikers and chalk types.

Pros and Cons of Dead End Game Calls RB003 Roadblock