First Impressions of Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call promises to bring wild hogs in squealing, a claim that immediately piqued my interest after years of dealing with frustratingly silent sounders. Coming from Flextone, a brand known for its innovative game calls, this particular product boasts the ability to reproduce the distress calls of both young and old pigs. The expandable flex hose, designed to offer variation in tone and inflection, also seemed like a feature that could significantly improve my calling success.
I had been searching for a hog call that could effectively reach out at a distance, yet still allow for nuanced close-range calls. Many calls I’ve used in the past were either too loud and unnatural, or too quiet to penetrate the dense brush where hogs often hide. The Makin’ Bacon aims to solve this with its impressive volume and adaptable tone.
Unboxing the call revealed a compact and lightweight design. The plastic felt durable enough for field use, and the flex hose was surprisingly flexible and responsive. Compared to my old diaphragm calls and rigid plastic calls, the Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call felt like a step up in terms of potential versatility.
I chose this call over Primos’ Lil’ Squealer and Hunter’s Specialties’ Squeal-N-Wheeze because of its advertised ability to modulate tone using the flex hose. While the other calls offer basic pig squeals, the Makin’ Bacon seemed to promise more realistic and varied sounds. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call during a weekend hog hunt in the thickets of East Texas. The weather was humid with intermittent rain, a typical scenario for that region.
The call was easy to use right out of the package; I quickly learned to manipulate the flex hose to produce different squeals and distress calls. Initially, I started with louder, more aggressive calls to locate distant hogs.
After about an hour, I noticed a group of hogs responding to my calls in the distance, approaching through the brush.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear on the plastic body or the flex hose, despite being tossed in my hunting pack and exposed to mud and rain.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with water removes most dirt and debris. I have found that periodically applying a small amount of silicone lubricant to the flex hose helps to maintain its flexibility and prevent any sticking.
Compared to some electronic calls I’ve used in the past, the Makin’ Bacon offers a more raw and direct connection to the sound I’m producing. While an electronic call might offer more variety, the Makin’ Bacon‘s simplicity and durability make it a reliable tool in the field. It outperforms the diaphragm calls in terms of volume, ease of use, and consistency in varying weather conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call
Specifications
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call is designed to realistically reproduce wild hog sounds. It effectively calls boars, sows, and piglets.
The expandable flex hose allows for varied tones. Its key feature is the expandable flex hose for tone variety.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call performs its job admirably, drawing in hogs from considerable distances. The ability to modulate the tone by manipulating the flex hose is a game-changer, allowing me to mimic the subtle variations in hog vocalizations.
One strength is its ability to reach out with loud, attention-grabbing calls. One weakness is that the learning curve for mastering subtle tonal changes can take some practice.
Overall, it exceeds my expectations for a call in this price range. The versatility offered by the flex hose is a significant advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid for a plastic call. The weight is negligible, making it easy to carry all day.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for basic calls. Achieving nuanced sounds takes practice, but the basic operation is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call appears to be quite durable, capable of withstanding regular use in harsh conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick rinse and occasional lubrication of the flex hose are all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call does not come with any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options for this call.
The simple design means there’s limited scope for modification. The focus is purely on the sound production, rather than aesthetics or add-ons.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call
Pros
- Realistic Wild Hog Sounds: Accurately mimics the distress calls of piglets and mature hogs, increasing its effectiveness in attracting hogs.
- Expandable Flex Hose: Allows for significant tonal variation, enabling users to imitate a range of hog vocalizations and tailor calls to specific situations.
- Calls Boars, Sows, and Piglets: Versatile enough to attract hogs of all ages and sexes, making it useful throughout the year.
- Ease of Use: Simple design and intuitive operation make it accessible for both beginners and experienced hunters.
- Affordable Price: The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call offers excellent value for money, providing high-quality performance at a budget-friendly price point.
Cons
- Some hunters may prefer electronic calls with preset sounds, making the Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call less appealing to those seeking instant gratification.
- The plastic construction, while durable enough, may not appeal to users who prefer more robust materials like wood or metal.
Who Should Buy Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call?
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call is perfect for hog hunters, particularly those who value versatility and realism in their calling strategy. It is also ideal for hunters on a budget.
This product may not be suitable for hunters who prefer the convenience and variety of electronic calls. Those seeking a premium call with enhanced durability might also want to explore other options.
A lanyard for easy carrying is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call
The Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call is a surprisingly effective and versatile tool for attracting wild hogs. The ability to modulate the tone with the flex hose is a significant advantage, allowing hunters to mimic a wide range of hog vocalizations and adapt to different hunting scenarios.
The price is certainly justified. For under $10, you get a call that punches well above its weight class in terms of performance.
I would absolutely recommend the Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call to any hog hunter looking for an affordable, reliable, and effective calling solution. Its simple design, realistic sounds, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any hunting pack. Pick up a Flextone Makin’ Bacon Call and get ready to bring them in squealing!