The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call enters a market saturated with turkey calling options, promising a raspy, authentic hen sound. It boasts a custom molded pan and includes both a carbon striker and a Hunters Specialties Premium Flex diaphragm call. Can a call priced at $12.49 truly deliver the performance needed to fool a wary gobbler?
Years of chasing longbeards have taught me that the right call can be the difference between a tag filled and an empty freezer. I was seeking a versatile call that could produce a wide range of hen sounds, and the “Raspy Old Hen” moniker piqued my interest. Unboxing revealed a simple, no-frills setup: the glass call in its molded pan, a carbon striker, and the diaphragm call. The build felt solid enough for the price point.
Compared to my slate call from Primos or my aluminum call from Woodhaven Custom Calls, the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call felt immediately lighter and more compact. The Primos slate call has a heavier, more premium feel, while the Woodhaven aluminum call offers a brighter, sharper tone. However, the promise of rasp and versatility at this price was too compelling to pass up. I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see if it could live up to its name and deliver a realistic turkey sound.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call came during a scouting trip in early spring, amidst the damp woods of the Appalachian foothills. The morning air was thick with mist, the kind of conditions that can challenge any calling device. I began with soft yelps, attempting to emulate the subtle sounds of a hen waking up.
The glass call produced a surprisingly clear tone, but achieving the desired rasp required a delicate touch and specific angle with the striker. The included diaphragm call, however, provided that immediate rasp. After some initial experimentation, I found a sweet spot, managing to create a convincing series of clucks and purrs. There were no initial surprises beyond the learning curve of achieving the raspy sounds promised by the call.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both during practice and actual hunts, the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call has held up remarkably well. The molded pan has prevented any chipping or cracking of the glass surface, a common issue with some cheaper glass calls. The carbon striker shows no signs of wear. The call is easy to clean. I usually just use a dry cloth to wipe off any residue after use.
The diaphragm call, as expected, has a shorter lifespan than the glass call and striker, and will eventually need replacement based on personal usage. It still sounds and performs great and it’s easy to get used to and utilize with minimal practice. The call still performs well. Compared to my higher-end calls, the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call doesn’t possess the same depth of tone or resonance. However, for its price point, it delivers a more than adequate performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call
Specifications
- The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call features a custom molded pan designed for consistent sound production.
- It includes a carbon striker, known for its durability and ability to produce a variety of tones on glass surfaces. This striker creates great sounds, but can sometimes be prone to screeching.
- The kit also contains the Raspy Old Hen Premium Flex diaphragm call, featuring two reeds with a double split top reed. This gives extra rasp and volume, however, the quality isn’t as good as premium diaphragm calls.
These specifications are key to understanding the call’s performance. The molded pan ensures a consistent striking surface. The carbon striker affects the call’s tone. The diaphragm reed enables the production of a wider range of sounds and offers a raspy sound immediately.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call excels at producing a variety of hen sounds, including soft yelps, clucks, purrs, and excited cutting. The glass call requires a bit of practice to achieve consistent rasp, but the diaphragm call provides immediate rasp and is easy to use. Its strength lies in its versatility and ability to create realistic turkey sounds in various hunting scenarios.
The call’s weaknesses are that it does not deliver the same volume as an aluminum call or the rich tones of a slate call. However, it is more than adequate for close-range calling. Overall, it meets expectations for a call in its price range, offering a solid performance without breaking the bank.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call is good for its price. The materials used are durable enough to withstand regular use in the field. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and handle, allowing for comfortable, all-day calling.
The ergonomic design of the molded pan fits comfortably in the hand. It requires a little getting used to for generating different sounds with the carbon striker on the glass. The diaphragm call is intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call is built to last. The glass surface is protected by the molded pan, reducing the risk of damage. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth to remove dirt and debris.
With proper care, this call should provide many seasons of reliable use. The striker will last a long time. The diaphragm call will need replacement after consistent use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call comes with a carbon striker and a Premium Flex diaphragm call. There aren’t any customization options. Users can experiment with different strikers to achieve various tones.
The glass call is compatible with most standard strikers, allowing hunters to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. The diaphragm call is a standard size and can be replaced with any diaphragm call from any brand.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call
Pros
- Affordable price makes it accessible to beginners and experienced hunters alike.
- Versatile sound production allows for a variety of hen calls.
- Includes both a glass call and a diaphragm call, offering two different calling methods.
- Durable construction ensures longevity and reliable performance.
- Easy to use diaphragm call provides immediate rasp and realistic turkey sounds.
Cons
- Requires practice to achieve consistent rasp and tone with the glass call.
- Diaphragm call lifespan is shorter than the glass call and striker.
- Sound quality isn’t as premium as higher-end calls.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call?
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and versatile call to learn the basics. It’s also great for experienced hunters who want a backup call or a call specifically for close-range situations. Hunters on a tight budget will find it an excellent value.
This call might not be the best choice for hunters who demand the absolute highest sound quality or the loudest volume for long-range calling. Hunters who prefer a single, specialized call may also want to look elsewhere. A must-have accessory would be a call carrier to protect the glass surface and striker during transport.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call
The Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call is a solid performer that delivers excellent value for its price. It offers versatile sound production, durable construction, and includes both a glass call and a diaphragm call. While it may require some practice to master the glass call and the diaphragm call has a limited lifespan, its affordability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for any turkey hunter.
The price is definitely justified. I would personally recommend it to any hunter looking for a reliable and versatile call without breaking the bank. Grab a Hunters Specialties Raspy Old Hen Wild Turkey Glass Call and head to the woods! You’ll be surprised at the realistic sounds you can produce, and the wary gobblers you can fool.