Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey Review

The Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting is as much about strategy and patience as it is about having the right gear. I’ve spent over a decade chasing gobblers across various terrains, from dense forests to open fields, and I’ve learned that a reliable call is paramount. That’s what drew me to the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey.

For years I’d relied on slate calls, but I needed something with more volume and versatility to cut through wind and reach those distant toms. Unboxing the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey was a promising experience. The pot felt solid and well-made, and the hardwood striker had a comfortable weight to it.

Compared to my old slate call, the Primos felt more purpose-built for projecting sound over long distances. It seemed like a better option than a box call, which can be cumbersome and sometimes too loud in close quarters. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this modestly priced call truly deliver the high-frequency sounds it promised?

Real-World Testing: Putting Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey was during the early spring season in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was typical for that time of year – damp and breezy. I set up near a known roosting area and waited for the dawn.

The Power Crystal’s ability to cut through the wind was immediately apparent. It took a few minutes to get the hang of the crystal surface, but the initial yelps and clucks were crisp and clear, even with the wind gusts. I was surprised at how easily I could achieve the claimed high frequencies with the striker.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of hunting with the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey, it has become a staple in my vest. The crystal surface has proven to be quite durable, showing minimal signs of wear. A quick wipe with a clean cloth after each hunt keeps it in top condition.

The call continues to produce consistent, realistic turkey sounds. I find myself reaching for it more often than my other calls. It definitely outperforms my previous slate call in windy conditions and has allowed me to reach birds that were previously out of earshot.

Breaking Down the Features of Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey

Specifications

The Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey is designed for producing high-frequency turkey calls. The key specification is the crystal striking surface, engineered to easily reach frequencies of 15,000 Hz. This is crucial for producing sharp, clear cutts and yelps that can travel long distances.

The call also utilizes the acoustics of the pot’s internal sounding board to amplify the sound. It is also quite important that the included hardwood striker is specifically designed to interact with the crystal surface for optimum performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey excels at generating loud, clear turkey vocalizations. It has a wide range of calls from soft purrs to aggressive cutts. The crystal surface, while initially requiring a bit of practice, allows for a wide dynamic range.

The high-frequency output is its greatest strength, making it incredibly effective in windy conditions or when trying to locate distant birds. One improvement could be a slightly more textured surface on the pot itself, which would aid in gripping it, especially with wet hands. It definitely meets my expectations for a call in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey is impressive for its price point. The materials are durable and feel solid in hand. The hardwood striker is comfortable to hold and allows for precise control over the calls.

It is generally user-friendly. However, those unfamiliar with crystal calls may need to spend some time practicing different striker angles and pressures to get the desired sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The crystal surface seems quite durable. I expect the Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey to last for several seasons with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth.

The hardwood striker should also last a long time, though a replacement striker might eventually be needed depending on use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey comes with a matching hardwood striker. There are no real customization options available for this call. Because of the crystal surface, compatibility with strikers from other brands may vary. Some hunters prefer to use different strikers, but it is recommended to stick with the included striker or one specifically designed for crystal calls.

Pros and Cons of Primos 00217 Power Crystal Turkey