First Impressions of Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters, especially those who struggle with mastering the art of gobbling. Manufactured by Flextone, this call boasts an ergonomic mouthpiece and a double reed construction, designed to provide callers with unparalleled control over volume, rhythm, and tone. For a price point of just $11.33, the claim of delivering loud, realistic gobbles capable of locating and firing up gobblers is certainly intriguing.
I’ve spent years in the field, and one of the most frustrating things is watching a tom hang up just out of range, unwilling to commit. I was looking for a gobble call that offered nuance and realism, allowing me to coax those hesitant birds that wouldn’t respond to anything else. The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call seemed like a potential solution, given its promise of user control.
Upon unboxing, the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call felt surprisingly lightweight. The molded plastic construction feels durable enough for the price, but not exceptionally rugged. Compared to diaphragm calls or pot calls, which I often use, this call feels less natural in hand, but I was eager to see how the ergonomic mouthpiece would affect its ease of use in the field.
Other gobble calls I’ve tried often sound artificial or require excessive air pressure, resulting in inconsistent sounds. I chose the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call because of its hybrid design and the claim of enhanced control. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The price is certainly right, but I reserved final judgment until I could put it to the test in the turkey woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call was during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee. The weather was cool and damp, with a light rain falling intermittently. I primarily tested the call as a locator, sending out shock gobbles to try and pinpoint a tom’s location.
The call performed adequately in the damp conditions, although moisture did occasionally affect the reed’s responsiveness. It took some time to get used to the mouthpiece and find the right air pressure to produce a realistic gobble. After some practice, I was able to create a decent gobble, though it lacked the depth and resonance of a natural gobble.
After a couple of hours, I did manage to elicit a response from a distant gobbler, which was encouraging. However, after trying to close the distance and use the call more aggressively, the tom seemed to lose interest, and I suspect the sound quality wasn’t quite convincing enough. My initial impression was that the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is usable, but requires practice and may not be effective in all situations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during turkey season, the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call held up reasonably well. There were no signs of physical damage, despite being tossed in and out of my vest. The plastic construction is surprisingly durable for its weight.
The call requires minimal maintenance; I simply blew out any moisture after each use and stored it in a dry place. However, after prolonged exposure to humidity, the reeds became slightly less responsive, affecting the sound quality. Compared to my slate calls, which require occasional sanding, the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is relatively low-maintenance.
Ultimately, the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call didn’t quite outperform my diaphragm calls for realism and versatility. It is a decent locator call, but I would hesitate to rely on it as my primary call for closing the distance.
Breaking Down the Features of Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call
Specifications
- Patent-pending design: This is Flextone’s attempt to create a unique gobble sound. The effectiveness of this design is subjective and depends on the user’s skill.
- Double reed construction: The double reed is intended to give the caller more control and produce more realistic sounds. In practice, it requires more finesse to avoid sounding raspy or unnatural.
- Ergonomic mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is designed for comfort and ease of use. It does provide a comfortable fit, but it may not be ideal for all mouth shapes and sizes.
- Loud, realistic gobbles: The claim of loud, realistic gobbles is partially true. It can produce loud gobbles, but the realism depends heavily on the caller’s ability.
- Great locator call: The call’s volume makes it effective for locating distant gobblers. Its primary strength lies in its ability to project sound over long distances.
- Fires up and challenges gobblers: It can fire up gobblers, but the sound quality needs to be convincing. A poorly executed gobble can spook a tom just as easily as it can attract it.
Performance & Functionality
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call performs adequately as a locator call, effectively projecting sound to locate distant gobblers. The sound quality, however, is where it falls short of expectations; it often sounds artificial if not used properly.
The main strength is its ability to produce loud gobbles with minimal effort. A significant weakness is its learning curve; it requires practice to achieve a realistic sound. It partially meets expectations, serving well as a backup locator but not replacing more versatile calls.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is constructed from molded plastic, which keeps the cost down but sacrifices some durability. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, but it lacks the premium feel of calls made from wood or slate.
The ergonomic mouthpiece is comfortable to use, even for extended periods. The design is relatively user-friendly, although mastering the air pressure and reed control takes time and practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic construction of the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is reasonably durable and should last several seasons with proper care. It is not designed to withstand extreme abuse, so avoid stepping on it or exposing it to excessive heat.
Maintenance is simple: blow out any moisture after each use and store in a dry place. The reeds may need occasional replacement, but replacements are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call comes as a standalone unit with no included accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this particular call.
It is compatible with lanyards for easy carrying. Beyond that, the design offers limited scope for modification or personalization.
Pros and Cons of Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call
Pros
- Affordable Price: At around $11, it’s an entry-level gobble call that won’t break the bank. This makes it a low-risk option for beginners.
- Loud Volume: The call can produce loud gobbles, making it effective for locating distant birds. This is particularly useful in open areas.
- Ergonomic Design: The mouthpiece is designed for comfortable use, even for extended periods. This reduces fatigue during long hunts.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket without adding significant weight. This enhances mobility in the field.
- Relatively Durable: The plastic construction holds up well under normal hunting conditions. This ensures it can withstand typical wear and tear.
Cons
- Artificial Sound Quality: The gobble can sound unnatural if not used correctly, potentially spooking turkeys. This requires significant practice to overcome.
- Limited Versatility: Primarily a gobble call, with limited ability to produce other turkey sounds. This restricts its use in complex calling sequences.
Who Should Buy Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call?
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and simple locator call. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want a backup gobble call that’s loud and easy to use.
Hunters who prioritize realistic sound quality and versatility in their calls should skip this product. They would be better served by investing in higher-end diaphragm or pot calls. A must-have accessory would be a lanyard for convenient carry in the field.
Conclusion on Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call
The Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is a budget-friendly option for turkey hunters seeking a simple and loud locator call. While it may not replicate the nuances of a natural gobble perfectly, it serves its purpose reasonably well, especially at its low price point.
The value proposition is decent; for just over $11, you get a functional gobble call that can help locate distant toms. I would recommend it to beginners or as a backup call, but not as a primary call for serious turkey hunters.
Ultimately, the Flextone Thunder Gobble Gen 2 Call is a serviceable tool in the turkey hunter’s arsenal, provided its limitations are understood. If you’re just starting out or need a cheap and loud locator, give it a try.