The Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve handled countless turkey calls. When I first laid eyes on the Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany, I was immediately intrigued. Primos is a well-known name, but this call promised all-weather performance, a feature I found particularly appealing.
My current slate call had failed me during a particularly wet spring gobbler season, resulting in a missed opportunity. I was specifically seeking a reliable call that wouldn’t warp or lose its tone in the rain. Upon unboxing, the Primos Waterboard felt solid and well-constructed. The mahogany box felt good in my hands, and the canary wood paddle seemed responsive.
Compared to my old slate call and a diaphragm call I sometimes use, the Primos Waterboard was simpler in its design, yet felt potentially more versatile. It lacked the delicate scratching surface of the slate, promising greater durability. The diaphragm offered more sound variety, but requires practice to master, and can be rendered useless by something as simple as a dry mouth. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if it would live up to its all-weather claims and produce the turkey sounds I needed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Primos Waterboard during a scouting trip in early March, a few weeks before the spring turkey season. The weather was typical for the region: damp and unpredictable. I used the call in a variety of wooded areas, trying to mimic different hen sounds.
The call was surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. The different tones achievable by striking different parts of the box were easy to distinguish. I didn’t experience any issues with the call’s sound quality, even with light moisture in the air.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including several days of actual turkey hunting in varying weather conditions, the Primos Waterboard has proven its worth. There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The mahogany box still looks new and the canary paddle shows no signs of splintering or warping.
Cleaning is simple: I just wipe it down with a dry cloth after each use. Compared to my experiences with other calls, the Primos Waterboard has exceeded my expectations in terms of all-weather performance and consistent sound quality. It performed reliably, no matter what weather it faced.
Breaking Down the Features of Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany
Specifications
The Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany is designed for all-weather turkey calling. It features a mahogany box and a canary wood paddle. These materials are selected for their tonal qualities and durability.
The product is specifically designed to function reliably, even when wet. The unique design of the box allows for different tones depending on where and how the paddle strikes the box. The combination of mahogany and canary wood is optimized for producing realistic turkey sounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Primos Waterboard performs admirably in replicating a variety of hen sounds. It effortlessly produces cuts, clucks, purrs, and yelps. The two different sides of the box create distinct tones.
The call’s greatest strength lies in its ability to function flawlessly in wet conditions, unlike many other calls that become useless when exposed to moisture. A potential weakness is that mastering all the different tones requires practice. Overall, the call meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations, particularly in wet weather performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Primos Waterboard boasts a simple, yet effective design. The mahogany box feels comfortable and secure in hand, while the canary paddle provides a smooth and responsive striking surface. There is a slight learning curve to maximizing the sounds produced by the call.
The call’s ergonomics are well-suited for both experienced and novice turkey hunters. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. The materials used provide a good grip, even when wet.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of mahogany and canary wood ensures that the Primos Waterboard is built to last. It is designed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. With proper care, it should provide seasons of reliable use.
Maintenance is simple: just wipe the call down with a dry cloth after each use. The durable materials and straightforward design minimize the need for repairs. The simple maintenance requirements make it easy to keep the call in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany does not come with any specific accessories. There are no real customization options available for this product, as it is designed as a self-contained calling unit. However, the call itself is compatible with any standard turkey hunting vest or carrying case.
Pros and Cons of Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany
Pros
- All-weather performance: Functions reliably in wet conditions, unlike many other turkey calls.
- Easy to use: Simple design with a minimal learning curve for basic calls.
- Versatile tones: Capable of producing a variety of hen sounds, including cuts, clucks, purrs, and yelps.
- Durable construction: Made with high-quality mahogany and canary wood for long-lasting use.
- Affordable price: Excellent value for the performance it delivers.
Cons
- Mastering all the different tones takes time and practice.
- No included accessories or customization options.
Who Should Buy Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany?
The Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, especially those who hunt in areas with frequent rain or damp conditions. It is ideal for those who value reliability and ease of use. Beginners will appreciate its simple design.
This call is not the best choice for hunters who prefer highly specialized calls with a wide range of custom sounds. Those who prefer diaphragm calls or are looking for a call with a very specific, unique tone may also want to consider other options. A must-have accessory would be a small piece of sandpaper to occasionally freshen the paddle striking surface.
Conclusion on Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany
The Primos Waterboard Wild Turkey Hand Box Call Mahogany is a reliable and effective turkey call that delivers excellent performance, especially in wet conditions. At $32.99, the price is justified. The quality and reliable performance makes this a strong value proposition.
I would personally recommend this call to anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and all-weather turkey call. If you’re tired of your calls failing you in the rain, give the Primos Waterboard a try, you won’t be disappointed! Grab yours today and get ready to bring home that gobbler!