Matthew Presley Signature Series Review

The Matthew Presley Signature Series Made a Bold First Impression

The world of turkey hunting is filled with specialized gear, and the call is arguably the most crucial. Matthew Presley Signature Series, designed by three-time National Champion Matthew Presley and manufactured by an unnamed entity, immediately caught my eye. This 3-reed call promises a clear front-end yelp and the ability to produce the entire range of turkey sounds with minimal air.

My personal hunt for the perfect turkey call has been a long one. I needed a call that was both easy to use and versatile enough to mimic the subtle nuances of a hen. The promise of a call designed by a champion was intriguing, but at a price of $7.99, I was cautiously optimistic.

Unboxing wasn’t exactly a dramatic affair, as the call comes without excessive packaging. Holding it for the first time, the build felt solid enough, considering the price point. The reeds were neatly aligned, and there were no immediately obvious flaws.

Compared to my tried-and-true diaphragm call from Primos and a box call from Quaker Boy, the Matthew Presley Signature Series felt different. The Primos call requires significant practice to master, while the Quaker Boy, although reliable, lacks the subtlety I sometimes need. The low price point also set it apart from the more premium calls in my collection. My hope was that the Matthew Presley Signature Series could bridge the gap between ease of use and advanced turkey vocalization.

Initial impressions were positive. While I wouldn’t call it love at first sound, there was definitely potential. The small amount of required air made it simple to produce a sound right out of the box.

Real-World Testing: Putting Matthew Presley Signature Series to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test was during the spring turkey season in the rolling hills of southern Missouri. I ventured into a familiar spot, hoping to strike up a conversation with an early-morning gobbler. The weather was cool and damp, a typical Missouri spring morning.

The call performed surprisingly well in these conditions. The moisture didn’t seem to affect the reeds, and I was able to produce consistent yelps and clucks even with slightly numb fingers. It took a few minutes to find the sweet spot, but the ease of use was immediately apparent compared to some of the more finicky diaphragm calls I’ve used.

There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the sound was a bit on the higher-pitched side. This meant that it may not be ideal for trying to mimic old dominant hens with deeper voices.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Matthew Presley Signature Series on various hunts, the call has proven to be reasonably durable. There’s no visible wear and tear on the reeds, and the frame shows no signs of cracking or weakening. The call held up admirably.

Cleaning is simple. After each use, I just let it air dry.

Compared to some of my higher-end calls, the Matthew Presley Signature Series might not have the same refined tone or projection. However, its consistent performance and ease of use make it a reliable option, especially for beginners or those looking for a backup call.

Breaking Down the Features of Matthew Presley Signature Series

Specifications

• Type: 3-reed diaphragm turkey call. A three-reed design offers versatility in tone and pitch, crucial for mimicking various hen sounds.
• Design: Designed by Matthew Presley, a three-time National Champion turkey caller. His expertise should translate to a user-friendly and effective call.
• Material: Material of reeds and frame is not explicitly stated. This is a drawback, as knowing the materials would help assess durability.
• Air Requirement: Low air requirement for operation. This makes it easier for beginners to produce consistent sounds.
• Vocabulary: Claims to produce the entire range of turkey vocabulary. This indicates versatility and the potential for advanced calling techniques.

These specifications are important because they dictate the sound quality, ease of use, and overall effectiveness of the call. The three-reed design suggests a wide range of tones, while the low air requirement caters to both novice and experienced callers.

Performance & Functionality

The Matthew Presley Signature Series performs its job adequately, providing a consistent and relatively easy-to-use platform for turkey calling. The clear front-end yelp is indeed achievable with minimal practice. The ability to produce the “entire range of turkey vocabulary” is a bit of a stretch; advanced techniques require considerable practice.

Strengths include its ease of use and consistent tone. Weaknesses include the slightly higher pitch and the lack of detailed instructions for advanced calls. It meets expectations for a call in its price range, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for a call in this price range. The reeds are securely attached, and the frame is comfortable enough to hold in the mouth for extended periods. It is user-friendly; even a novice can produce basic yelps and clucks with minimal effort.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, this call should last at least a full season of turkey hunting, if not longer. Regular cleaning (simply rinsing and air drying) will help maintain reed performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Matthew Presley Signature Series doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this call. However, some users might experiment with trimming the reeds to alter the tone. This may require some research and practice to master.

Pros and Cons of Matthew Presley Signature Series