The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl is marketed as a simple and affordable gobbler locator call. Designed to mimic the caw of a crow, it aims to shock a tom into revealing its location. I was looking for a lightweight, inexpensive locator call to add to my turkey hunting arsenal.
My initial experience wasn’t exactly smooth. The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl comes in a simple, blister pack, which I tore open with my knife. The all-plastic construction immediately felt cheap, leaving me a bit underwhelmed.
Compared to higher-end calls with wood or acrylic barrels, the Hammerin’ Crow Gobbl felt more like a child’s toy. I’ve used Primos calls in the past that have a more robust feel. I opted for this one because of the low price point and the Manufacturer, Hunters Specialties‘s reputation for producing affordable hunting gear. First impressions leaned toward disappointment, but I remained cautiously optimistic about its functionality in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl on a cool, damp morning during the early part of turkey season. I was hunting a heavily wooded area known to hold a decent population of turkeys. Per the instructions, I gave a series of loud, sharp caws, hoping to elicit a response.
The call worked, to a degree. The sound produced was undeniably crow-like, but lacked the richness and volume of a more expensive call. It was difficult to generate realistic sounds with consistent volume. No turkeys responded during this first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of use, the Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl‘s flaws became increasingly apparent. The plastic construction proved to be its undoing. As noted in the User Feedback, the call’s plastic body cracked after I accidentally dropped it on a rocky hillside.
The call’s tone changed drastically after the crack. The adjustable reed, initially a nice feature, became almost impossible to fine-tune due to the structural damage. Cleaning the call was simple, but the crack created a place for moisture to accumulate, further degrading the sound quality. In comparison to my experiences with durable box calls, the Hammerin’ Crow Gobbl severely underperformed in terms of longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl
Specifications
- Product Name: Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl.
- Color: Root beer.
- Material: All-plastic construction.
- Reed: Adjustable.
- Price: $6.99.
These specifications highlight the budget-friendly nature of the call. The all-plastic construction contributes to its low price but significantly impacts its durability. The adjustable reed allows for multiple tones, but this feature is negated by the call’s fragile build.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl‘s primary function is to mimic a crow’s caw to locate gobblers. When intact, it produces a relatively accurate crow sound, adequate for basic locator work. However, the volume and richness of the sound are lacking compared to higher-quality calls.
The main weakness is its lack of durability. The sound production is decent when new, but the fragility of the plastic makes it prone to damage. It barely meets expectations and needs serious improvements.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and straightforward. The call is lightweight and fits comfortably in the hand. However, the all-plastic construction makes it feel cheap and less robust.
There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone can pick it up and immediately produce a crow-like sound. The cheap design detracts from the overall experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The lifespan of the Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl is questionable, based on both my experience and user feedback. The plastic is not impact-resistant. Cleaning is easy with soap and water, but any significant damage renders the call useless.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. Due to its simple design, it is not compatible with any third-party accessories.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Adjustable reed for varying tones (when intact).
- Lightweight and compact, easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Produces a recognizable crow sound for basic locator work.
Cons
- Extremely fragile all-plastic construction.
- Poor durability; prone to cracking and breaking.
- Sound quality is inferior to more expensive calls.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl?
The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who need a basic locator call. This is ideal for those who don’t mind replacing it frequently. It’s also suitable for beginner hunters just starting out and learning different calling techniques.
Hunters who require durable and high-quality gear should skip this product. Anyone hunting in rough terrain or demanding conditions will likely find it inadequate. There are no must-have accessories, but a more robust call would be a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl
The Hunters Specialties Hammerin” Crow Gobbl offers a very low entry price point for a crow call. However, the cost savings come at a significant compromise in durability. The cheap construction ultimately undermines its functionality.
The low price is not justified given its limited lifespan. I would not personally recommend it unless you’re truly strapped for cash and understand its limitations. Invest in a more durable call for a better, longer-lasting experience.