Signature Series Review

The Signature Series Made a Bold First Impression

The Signature Series from Dead End Game Calls isn’t just another turkey call 3-pack; it’s a curated collection promising a symphony of sounds crafted by seasoned hunters – Mitchell Johnston, Jon Miller, and Jeff Sipe. For $21.49, it begs the question: can three pieces of latex and tape truly elevate your turkey hunting game, or is it just clever marketing? My years in the field have taught me that the difference between a successful hunt and an empty freezer often lies in the nuances of your call.

Years ago, I missed bagging a longbeard during youth season, solely because my call sounded like a strangled goose. After that incident, I swore to never let bad equipment cost me another hunt. I needed calls that sounded authentic, were easy to use, and would last.

The Signature Series comes in simple packaging, revealing three distinct mouth calls. They are lightweight and appeared well-constructed. Initially, the feel in my mouth was comfortable and familiar, a positive start compared to some overly bulky or awkwardly shaped calls I’ve encountered.

I’ve used single, double, and even quad diaphragm calls over the years. I’ve had success with brands like Primos and Quaker Boy. The Signature Series intrigued me because of the collaboration with multiple hunters, implying a diverse range of sounds. My expectation was that this 3-pack would provide versatility, potentially eliminating the need to carry a handful of individual calls.

I was cautiously optimistic. These calls seemed promising out of the packaging, but the true test would be in the field. The price point is attractive, but the real question is whether the sound quality and durability justify the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Signature Series to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Signature Series was on a damp, early morning in the Appalachian foothills. I was hunting a familiar spot known for its vocal birds. The calls were tested at various distances, from close-range setups to attempting to reach birds across open fields.

The moisture definitely affected the reeds. At first, one of the calls stuck together and wouldn’t vibrate properly until I dried it out. The calls needed a bit of a warm-up and careful moisture control to maintain consistent sound quality. One call was consistently easier to produce realistic yelps than the others.

The learning curve wasn’t steep, but each call had its own nuances. Minor adjustments were needed to achieve the desired sounds. After some practice, I found that I could consistently produce yelps, clucks, and purrs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, spanning multiple hunts in varying weather conditions, the Signature Series showed some signs of wear. The latex in one call began to stretch slightly, impacting its tone. The Dead End Game Calls require diligent maintenance.

The calls are prone to becoming waterlogged, requiring frequent drying. The calls are not as durable as some of the higher-end custom calls I’ve used, but they perform admirably for the price. I did notice some discoloration of the reeds after extended use, but this didn’t significantly impact the sound quality.

Compared to my previous experiences with similar diaphragm calls, the Signature Series offers a good balance of affordability and performance. It is a step up from basic, generic calls, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of premium, handcrafted options.

Breaking Down the Features of Signature Series

Specifications

The Signature Series from Dead End Game Calls is a 3-pack of mouth calls designed for turkey hunting. Each call is constructed from thin latex reeds stretched across a frame and secured with tape. The specific number and layering of the reeds varies between the three calls, presumably to create different tones and pitches.

• Three Distinct Calls: Each call is designed by a different hunter (Mitchell Johnston, Jon Miller, and Jeff Sipe), offering a range of sounds and calling styles. This diversity is intended to cover various turkey vocalizations.
• Latex Reed Construction: The thin latex reeds are the heart of the call, vibrating to produce the turkey sounds. The quality and tension of the latex are crucial for realistic sound production.
• Taped Frame: The reeds are secured to a frame with tape. The tape’s quality affects the call’s longevity and the integrity of the seal, which impacts sound.
• Mouth Call Design: These calls are designed to be used hands-free, allowing hunters to keep their hands on their firearm or bow. The fit and comfort are essential for extended use.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, ease of use, and durability. The different reed configurations allow hunters to mimic a wider variety of turkey sounds, attracting birds in various situations.

Performance & Functionality

The Signature Series performs its job reasonably well, providing a decent range of turkey sounds for the price.

The calls are capable of producing realistic yelps, clucks, purrs, and even cuts, although mastering each sound requires practice. The clarity and consistency of the sounds vary between the three calls. One call was particularly effective for producing clear, high-pitched yelps, while another excelled at creating raspy clucks.

The primary weakness is the moisture sensitivity, which can lead to inconsistent sound. The durability also falls short of higher-end calls, with the latex showing wear after extended use. The product does meet expectations for calls in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Signature Series features a simple and functional design. The calls are lightweight and relatively comfortable in the mouth. The latex construction is thin enough to allow for easy manipulation of the reeds, but they can be a little bulky compared to some ultra-thin designs.

There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering mouth calls in general, but the Signature Series is relatively user-friendly. Experienced callers will likely adapt quickly, while beginners may need some practice to produce consistent sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Signature Series is a concern. The thin latex reeds are susceptible to stretching and tearing with prolonged use. These are consumables and will likely need to be replaced multiple times throughout a hunting season.

Maintaining the calls requires regular cleaning and drying. Storing them in a cool, dry place is essential to prevent the latex from deteriorating. Minor tears can be repaired with tape, but eventually, the calls will need to be replaced.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Signature Series comes as a standalone 3-pack. There are no included accessories or customization options.

The calls are designed to be used as-is. The latex can be carefully trimmed to alter the tone, but this requires experience and can easily ruin the call. The Dead End Game Calls can be used with a call lanyard for easy access and storage.

Pros and Cons of Signature Series

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Who Should Buy Signature Series?

The Signature Series is perfect for budget-conscious turkey hunters who want a variety of sounds in one affordable package. It’s also a good option for experienced callers who are looking for a backup set of calls or a diverse range of tones.

Beginners might find the moisture sensitivity frustrating, and they may be better off starting with a more durable and forgiving call. Hunters who demand the highest levels of sound quality and durability should consider investing in premium, custom-made calls.

A must-have accessory is a call lanyard for easy access and storage. Consider purchasing a small desiccant pack to help keep the calls dry.

Conclusion on Signature Series

The Signature Series from Dead End Game Calls is a solid choice for turkey hunters seeking affordability and versatility. The 3-pack offers a range of sounds. The calls are relatively easy to use, making them suitable for experienced hunters.

The price is certainly justified. You’re getting three calls for the price of what one higher-end call would cost. I would personally recommend this product to hunters looking for a budget-friendly option.

Overall, the Signature Series is a good value, but it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. If you’re willing to put in the practice and take care of the calls, you can certainly bag some birds with them. So, grab a pack, hit the woods, and let the Signature Series help you create your own turkey hunting success story.

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