The Roadkill Shipwreck Made a Bold First Impression
The Roadkill Shipwreck turkey mouth call promises versatility and ease of use, and at $6.99, it’s certainly accessible. Roadkill‘s reputation for crafting calls that are beginner-friendly intrigued me, as sometimes, simplifying the turkey language is key to success in the field. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers, and I’m always on the hunt for that one call that can do it all, from soft tree yelps to aggressive cutting.
I was looking for a call that could produce realistic, subtle sounds for those close-range encounters. My current diaphragm calls often require too much air and finesse, potentially spooking wary birds.
My initial reaction upon receiving the Roadkill Shipwreck was positive. The latex reeds looked cleanly cut and consistently spaced. It felt lightweight and flexible. Having used calls from Primos and Zink in the past, the Roadkill Shipwreck seemed noticeably thinner and more pliable. I was hopeful that this would translate to the promised ease of use.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The thin reeds gave me confidence in its potential for soft calling, but I was slightly concerned about its durability and ability to produce louder, more aggressive sounds.
Real-World Testing: Putting Roadkill Shipwreck to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Roadkill Shipwreck during spring turkey season in the oak and pine forests of central Texas. Conditions ranged from cool, damp mornings to hot, dry afternoons. I primarily used it while setting up on roosted birds during fly-down and later in the morning while attempting to cut off henned-up toms.
The call performed admirably in the quiet morning woods. It readily produced soft clucks and purrs with minimal effort. I was able to create realistic tree yelps that didn’t sound forced or raspy. I did notice, however, that moisture affected the call, causing the reeds to stick slightly and altering the tone.
There were no immediate issues, although the call required frequent drying to maintain consistent sound quality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Roadkill Shipwreck held up better than I anticipated, given its thin latex. The reeds haven’t torn or stretched excessively.
There are slight signs of wear and tear, particularly around the edges of the tape. I found that cleaning the call with a soft brush and letting it air dry after each use helped maintain its sound quality and prevent mold. It performed surprisingly well, given its price point.
It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper diaphragm calls I’ve used in the past, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of performance and durability of my higher-end calls from WoodHaven or Quaker Boy.
Breaking Down the Features of Roadkill Shipwreck
Specifications
The Roadkill Shipwreck features a three-reed design made from premium latex. It is individually hand-stretched. It’s specifically designed for ease of use.
The use of premium latex ensures consistent sound production. The hand-stretching process contributes to the call’s responsiveness and prevents reed lock. The three-reed design allows for a wide range of turkey vocalizations, making it a versatile tool in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Roadkill Shipwreck excels at producing soft, subtle sounds. Its ease of use is a major strength, especially for those new to diaphragm calls. However, its ability to produce loud, aggressive calls is somewhat limited.
The call perfectly delivers on its promise of easy, soft calling. It struggles to project over long distances or compete with loud hens. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly, beginner-friendly call, but it doesn’t exceed them in terms of overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Roadkill Shipwreck is lightweight and comfortable in the mouth. The thin latex conforms easily to the palate.
Its simple design eliminates unnecessary bulk. There is virtually no learning curve for producing basic turkey sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The Roadkill Shipwreck, with its thin latex, is not the most durable call on the market. It requires careful handling and regular cleaning.
With proper care, it can last for a season or two. Cleaning is straightforward – simply rinse with water and allow to air dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Roadkill Shipwreck does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available.
Given its simple design, it’s not intended to be modified. Its compatibility with other brands is irrelevant, as it’s a standalone product.
Pros and Cons of Roadkill Shipwreck
Pros
- Easy to use: Perfect for beginners or those who struggle with more complex diaphragm calls.
- Versatile sound range: Capable of producing soft clucks, purrs, and tree yelps.
- Affordable price: An excellent value at $6.99.
- Lightweight and comfortable: Doesn’t cause mouth fatigue during extended use.
- Realistic sound: Mimics natural turkey vocalizations.
Cons
- Limited volume: Not ideal for calling long distances or competing with loud hens.
- Durability concerns: Thin latex is prone to wear and tear.
Who Should Buy Roadkill Shipwreck?
The Roadkill Shipwreck is perfect for beginner turkey hunters. It is also good for hunters who prefer a call that produces soft, subtle sounds for close-range encounters.
Hunters who need a call that can project over long distances or withstand harsh conditions should skip this product. A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Roadkill Shipwreck
The Roadkill Shipwreck is a solid, budget-friendly turkey mouth call that delivers on its promise of ease of use and realistic sound. Its affordability and versatility make it an excellent choice for beginner turkey hunters.
The price is absolutely justified, considering its performance and ease of use. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, effective call that won’t break the bank.
For $6.99, the Roadkill Shipwreck offers a fantastic entry point into the world of turkey hunting. Give it a try and see if you can add a longbeard to your collection this season!