The Long Beard Turkey Box Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call from Lynch immediately strikes you as a tool steeped in tradition. At a price point of $27.99, it promises to deliver quality turkey calls without breaking the bank. Made from select straight-grain mahogany, its centered pivoting lid hints at versatility, promising both raspy old hen and younger hen sounds.
My search for the perfect turkey call began after a particularly frustrating spring season last year. I’d spooked more birds than I’d called in using my old slate call, a testament to my rusty skills and perhaps the limitations of the call itself. I needed something reliable, easy to use in different weather conditions, and capable of producing a variety of realistic turkey sounds. The promise of mimicking multiple hens with the Long Beard Turkey Box Call was extremely appealing.
The call arrived in simple, functional packaging, nothing fancy. Picking it up for the first time, the mahogany felt solid and well-crafted in my hand. The pivoting lid moved smoothly, and the wood resonated nicely even with a tentative stroke. It’s a far cry from some of the plastic, mass-produced calls I’ve seen; the Long Beard Turkey Box Call has a classic, almost heirloom quality to it.
I considered other box calls, notably a Primos Heart Breaker Box Call known for its ease of use, and a Quaker Boy Easy Yelper praised for its consistent sound. However, the Lynch Long Beard’s reputation for quality mahogany and the ability to create two distinct hen sounds ultimately swayed my decision. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; could this relatively inexpensive call really deliver on its promise of versatility and quality?
Real-World Testing: Putting Long Beard Turkey Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Long Beard Turkey Box Call was on a damp, overcast morning in the Appalachian foothills. I set up near a known strutting zone, hoping to coax a tom into range. The dampness in the air presented an immediate challenge – would the mahogany absorb moisture and affect the sound?
Surprisingly, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call performed admirably. While the sound was slightly muted compared to dry conditions, it still produced clear yelps and clucks. The pivoting lid allowed me to switch between the higher-pitched “young hen” sounds on one side and the deeper, raspier “old hen” sounds on the other, adding a layer of realism to my calling sequence. After some initial practice, I felt confident enough to begin my calling. I started with soft tree yelps, transitioning to more aggressive clucks and cutts as the morning progressed.
The ease of use was remarkable. I did not need a lot of time to learn the call. It felt natural and intuitive from the get-go. I had a bird respond to my calls! While I didn’t manage to close the deal on that particular morning, the fact that I elicited a response, despite the challenging weather conditions, was a testament to the call’s effectiveness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call has become a staple in my turkey hunting arsenal. It has held up remarkably well, despite being subjected to everything from torrential downpours to scorching sunshine. The mahogany shows no signs of warping or cracking, a testament to its quality.
The only real maintenance I’ve performed is the occasional application of chalk to the striking surfaces to maintain consistent sound. This is expected with any box call and is a quick and easy process. Compared to my previous slate call, which required frequent sanding and conditioning, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call has been significantly easier to maintain.
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call outperforms my old slate call in terms of versatility and ease of use. The sound is more consistent, and the ability to mimic multiple hens has undoubtedly helped me to call in more birds. It isn’t a magic bullet, of course, but it’s a reliable and effective tool that has significantly improved my turkey hunting success.
Breaking Down the Features of Long Beard Turkey Box Call
Specifications
- The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is crafted from select straight-grain mahogany. This wood is known for its resonant qualities and durability.
- It features a centered pivoting lid. The centered pivoting lid design allows the call to create raspy old hen sounds on one side, and higher pitched younger hen sounds on the other side.
- The call is tuned and tested by Lynch. Tuning and testing the call before it is sold insures a consistent and quality sound.
- The price is $27.99. The $27.99 price point makes it an affordable option for both beginners and experienced hunters.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and overall user experience. Mahogany is a superior tonewood, producing a richer, more realistic sound than cheaper materials like plastic or composite. The pivoting lid design is ingenious, allowing for a wider range of vocalizations with minimal effort.
Performance & Functionality
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call excels at its primary function: calling in turkeys. The ability to produce both old and young hen sounds is a significant advantage, allowing you to tailor your calling sequence to the specific situation. The call is loud enough to reach out to distant birds, yet capable of producing soft, subtle sounds for close-range work.
The call’s strengths lie in its versatility, ease of use, and consistent sound quality. Its weakness, if any, is its susceptibility to moisture. However, this is a common trait of wooden calls and can be mitigated with proper care. The Long Beard Turkey Box Call easily meets my expectations, providing a reliable and effective tool for attracting turkeys.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Long Beard Turkey Box Call is excellent. The mahogany is smooth and well-finished, and the pivoting lid operates smoothly and silently. The call feels comfortable in hand, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or pack.
The design is user-friendly, even for beginners. The pivoting lid design is intuitive, and the call requires minimal practice to produce realistic turkey sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Long Beard Turkey Box Call should last for many seasons. The mahogany is durable and resistant to cracking or warping.
Maintenance is minimal. I’ve found that occasional chalking and storing the call in a dry place are sufficient to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call does not come with any additional accessories. However, there are no real customization options available for the call itself. You can experiment with different types of chalk.
The beauty of a box call lies in its simplicity; there’s not much that needs to be added or changed.
Pros and Cons of Long Beard Turkey Box Call
Pros
- Versatile sound production: The pivoting lid allows for both raspy old hen and high-pitched young hen sounds.
- High-quality materials: The select straight-grain mahogany provides excellent resonance and durability.
- Easy to use: The intuitive design makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters.
- Affordable price: At $27.99, it offers excellent value for money.
- Tuned and tested by Lynch: Ensures consistent sound quality.
Cons
- Susceptible to moisture: Like all wooden calls, its sound can be affected by dampness.
- Limited customization: There are few options for personalizing the call.
Who Should Buy Long Beard Turkey Box Call?
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is perfect for:
- Hunters of all skill levels.
- Those seeking a versatile and easy-to-use turkey call.
- Hunters who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and quality materials.
- Anyone on a budget looking for a reliable and effective turkey call.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters who primarily hunt in extremely wet or humid environments and prefer calls that are completely impervious to moisture.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A small piece of sandpaper or abrasive pad for occasional maintenance of the striking surfaces.
- Chalk for conditioning the striking surfaces.
Conclusion on Long Beard Turkey Box Call
The Long Beard Turkey Box Call is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality turkey call. Its versatile sound production, durable construction, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for hunters of all skill levels.
The price is more than justified by the call’s performance and quality. It’s a dependable tool that should be included in every turkey hunter’s vest.
I would absolutely recommend the Long Beard Turkey Box Call. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable turkey call, this is it. Head to your local sporting goods store or online retailer and pick one up today – your next tom might just be waiting to hear it.