First Impressions of Flextone Split Hen Call
The Flextone Split Hen Call enters a market saturated with turkey calls promising the most realistic hen sounds. But for a seasoned hunter like myself, who’s been chasing gobblers through briars and thickets for over a decade, authenticity is everything. Flextone, a well-known name in the hunting industry, claims this call is incredibly easy to use while delivering realistic hen sounds.
I was looking for an easy-to-use call that even a novice hunter could master, while still producing realistic sounds that would fool even the wariest tom. I had previously used box calls and diaphragm calls, but they either required too much practice or sounded too artificial in the field. The Flextone Split Hen Call promised a middle ground, a sweet spot of ease of use and realistic sound.
Upon unboxing, the compact size and simplicity of the Flextone Split Hen Call were immediately apparent. It felt lightweight and the plastic construction, while functional, didn’t scream premium. Compared to my slate call with a striker and my collection of mouth calls, its design felt almost too simple. Yet, Flextone boasts of a tried-and-true reed and cut configuration, which intrigued me.
I considered other friction calls before settling on the Flextone Split Hen Call. I was eyeing the Primos Lil’ Deuce and the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, but the Flextone stood out due to its affordability and the claim of a well-defined, raspy two-note yelp. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping its ease of use wouldn’t compromise its sound quality.
My first impression was a mix of curiosity and slight skepticism. I was eager to see if this seemingly basic call could truly deliver the realistic hen sounds it promised, especially given its incredibly low price of $3.49. Only time in the field would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Split Hen Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Flextone Split Hen Call was during the spring turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of Southern Missouri. The morning air was crisp, with a light fog hanging over the hollows.
The call performed surprisingly well, even in the damp conditions. The split reed design allowed me to produce a variety of hen sounds, from soft clucks to excited yelps, with minimal effort. I was able to create convincing sounds with just a few minutes of practice.
At first, I struggled with the raspiness of the yelp, but with some adjustments to my technique, I was able to achieve a more natural sound. There were no immediate issues; the call worked as advertised right out of the package.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of hunting, the Flextone Split Hen Call proved to be a reliable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal. Despite being tossed in my vest, exposed to rain and dirt, it held up remarkably well.
The plastic construction showed no signs of cracking or breaking, and the reeds maintained their shape and sound quality. Minimal maintenance was required; I simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after each hunt. It’s holding up to the expected wear and tear, but given the low price, I’m not expecting this to last a lifetime.
Compared to some of the more expensive calls I’ve used, the Flextone Split Hen Call held its own in terms of sound quality and ease of use. While it might not have the nuanced tones of a custom-made diaphragm call, its simplicity and reliability made it a go-to option for quick calling sequences.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Split Hen Call
Specifications
The Flextone Split Hen Call features a split, double-reed design. The two .004″ reeds are specifically cut to produce a high front-end with raspy low-end yelps. It is designed for producing realistic hen turkey sounds. It is manufactured by Flextone in the USA.
These specifications are crucial for achieving realistic turkey sounds. The **split reed design ** makes it easier to produce the two-note yelp, while the reed thickness contributes to the raspiness and realism of the call. The “Country of Origin: USA” spec also gives a sense of better quality.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Split Hen Call excels at producing a variety of hen turkey sounds, including clucks, cuts, purrs, and yelps. It allows beginners to quickly produce realistic sounds, a significant advantage over more complex calls. The easy-to-use design also ensures consistency.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. A weakness is that, compared to higher-end diaphragm calls, it lacks some subtlety in tone and range. It definitely meets expectations for a call in its price range and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Split Hen Call features a simple, ergonomic design. The call is lightweight and comfortable to hold. There is a small learning curve for beginners, but most hunters will quickly master the basic techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The call’s plastic construction is durable enough for typical hunting conditions. With proper care and storage, it should last several seasons. Maintenance is straightforward and only requires occasional cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Split Hen Call comes as a standalone unit with no additional accessories. There are no customization options available for this particular model. Compatibility with accessories from other brands is irrelevant as it is a standalone call.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Split Hen Call
Pros
- Affordable Price: At just $3.49, it’s accessible to all hunters.
- Ease of Use: Perfect for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Realistic Hen Sounds: Produces convincing clucks, cuts, purrs, and yelps.
- Durable Construction: Holds up well under normal hunting conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
Cons
- Limited Tone Range: Lacks the subtle nuances of higher-end calls.
- Plastic Construction: Might not be as durable as more premium materials.
Who Should Buy Flextone Split Hen Call?
The Flextone Split Hen Call is perfect for:
- Beginner turkey hunters who need an easy-to-learn and effective call.
- Experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or a simple option for specific calling sequences.
- Hunters on a budget who need an affordable but functional call.
Who should skip this product? Serious competition callers or hunters who demand the absolute highest level of realism and tonal control might find this call too limiting.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None are really necessary, as it’s designed to be used as-is.
Conclusion on Flextone Split Hen Call
The Flextone Split Hen Call is a surprisingly effective and affordable option for turkey hunters of all skill levels. While it may not offer the same level of nuance as higher-end calls, its ease of use, realistic sounds, and durable construction make it an excellent value.
The price is absolutely justified, given its performance and reliability. For $3.49, you’re getting a functional call that will help you put birds on the ground.
I would definitely recommend the Flextone Split Hen Call to anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable turkey call. Grab one for your vest, and get ready to fill your tag this season!