Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box Review

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box Made a Bold First Impression

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box isn’t just another turkey call; it’s a promise of authentic hen talk packed into a compact, durable design. Manufactured by Flextone, a name synonymous with innovative game calls, this two-sided cedar box with its walnut lid grabbed my attention immediately with its simplicity and claims of superior sound quality. After years of lugging around bulky pot calls and struggling with finicky diaphragm calls, I was searching for a reliable, easy-to-use call that could produce a convincing range of hen sounds.

My years in the field have taught me that the best calls are often the simplest. I’d been frustrated with diaphragm calls requiring constant adjustment and pot calls being too sensitive to moisture. When I saw the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box advertised at such an accessible price point of $13.49, I was intrigued.

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box arrived in minimal packaging, a refreshing change from the over-the-top presentations of some outdoor gear. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the solid feel of the cedar base and the contrasting walnut lid. The build felt robust, promising durability in the harsh conditions of the spring turkey woods.

Compared to my old slate pot call, which was always susceptible to scratches and moisture damage, the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box felt significantly more resilient. While a friend swears by his diaphragm calls, I’ve always struggled with mastering them, and the Flextone offered an appealing alternative. I was initially excited by the potential of a simple, reliable call, but also a bit skeptical given the low price.

My first impression of the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box was one of cautious optimism. It seemed well-built and simple, but the true test would be how it sounded and performed in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box came during the opening weekend of spring turkey season in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The weather was typical for early spring: damp, chilly, and unpredictable. I primarily hunted along overgrown logging roads and in hardwood bottoms.

Despite the damp conditions, the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box performed admirably. The cedar base didn’t seem to absorb moisture, and the walnut lid produced consistent tones, even when my hands were slightly wet. I found it surprisingly easy to produce a variety of hen sounds, from soft tree calls to aggressive cutting. I did notice that the call required a bit of pressure to get the higher pitched yelps, which took a small amount of practice.

Initially, the call produced a few squeaks until the wood surfaces smoothed through use. After a few practice runs, I produced the yelps and purrs required to lure the old Toms.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box has proven to be a reliable and durable call. The cedar base shows no signs of cracking or warping, and the walnut lid remains securely attached. The call’s sound quality hasn’t diminished despite being exposed to various weather conditions.

Minor surface scratches are visible on the cedar and walnut, but they don’t affect the call’s performance. The maintenance is extremely easy; I simply wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with more complex calls, the Flextone is a welcome change, easily outperforming in simplicity and reliability.

It has replaced my high-maintenance slate call as my go-to backup for most situations. After my season, I will continue to have this call in my turkey vest.

Breaking Down the Features of Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box

Specifications

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box boasts a few key specifications that contribute to its performance:

• Two-sided cedar base: This design allows for a wider range of hen sounds, from soft clucks to loud yelps. The cedar also provides excellent resonance and weather resistance.
• Walnut lid: The walnut lid produces crisp, clear tones that mimic the natural sounds of a hen turkey. Walnut is known for its density and tonal qualities.
• One-piece base design: This enhances the durability of the call, preventing the base from splitting or cracking under pressure. The one-piece design ensures consistent sound quality.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s ability to produce realistic and effective turkey sounds. The combination of cedar and walnut creates a pleasing tonal quality that turkeys respond to.

Performance & Functionality

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box excels at producing a variety of hen vocalizations. I was able to create convincing clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts with relative ease after a little practice. The two-sided design allows for subtle variations in tone and pitch, adding realism to my calling sequences.

The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The two-sided design and high-quality woods lend towards great calls. While very usable, a weakness is that the sound is slightly “hollow.” It requires practice to achieve the tonal qualities of more expensive calls.

It meets my expectations for a reliable and user-friendly box call, but it doesn’t exceed them in terms of sonic complexity.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is impressive for a call in this price range. The materials used feel solid and durable, and the call is comfortable to hold and operate. The weight is light enough to carry for extended periods without fatigue.

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box is extremely user-friendly. It takes very little time to learn the basic techniques for producing different hen sounds. Even novice turkey hunters should be able to master this call quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box should last for several seasons with proper care. The cedar and walnut are both naturally durable materials, and the simple design minimizes potential points of failure.

Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the call dry and clean is crucial. I would consider a small amount of rosin for the calling surface.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box doesn’t come with any additional accessories, nor is there much scope for customization. It is a standalone call designed for simplicity and ease of use. There are no aftermarket modifications available or required.

Pros and Cons of Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box

Who Should Buy Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box?

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box is perfect for:

• Beginner turkey hunters: The simple design and ease of use make it an excellent starting point.
• Budget-conscious hunters: It provides great value without breaking the bank.
• Hunters who prefer simplicity: It’s a reliable, no-frills call that gets the job done.
• Experienced hunters looking for a backup call: Its compact size and durability make it a great addition to any turkey vest.

Who should skip this product? Experienced hunters who demand the absolute highest fidelity in their calls may find the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box lacking in sonic complexity.

A must-have accessory is a small piece of sandpaper or a rosin block to maintain the friction surface of the call.

Conclusion on Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box

The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box is a solid, reliable, and affordable turkey call that punches above its weight class. While it may not rival the sound quality of high-end custom calls, it offers exceptional value for beginners and experienced hunters alike.

The price is more than justified by its durability, ease of use, and ability to produce a range of realistic hen sounds. The Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box sells for only $13.49.

I would definitely recommend the Flextone FLX-FLXTK118 Beard Box to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and budget-friendly turkey call. Add this call to your vest today to enhance your turkey hunting success.