Smackdown Call Review

The Smackdown Call Made a Bold First Impression

Michael Waddell, the name itself conjures images of thick beards, thrilling hunts, and the distinct yelps of wild turkeys. When I heard he endorsed the Smackdown Call by Flextone, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I have been guiding turkey hunts and consulting on tactical gear for over a decade, and I appreciate a call that combines ease of use with realistic sound.

For years, I’ve battled with diaphragm calls; their delicate balance and the constant need for practice became tiresome. I yearned for a call that offered immediate success in the field, something that required less finesse and more raw, turkey-talking power. I’ve had decent luck with slate calls, but their sound can be inconsistent in wet conditions. I needed a compact and weather-resistant call.

Upon receiving the Smackdown Call, I immediately noticed its simple design. It felt lightweight but sturdy, a testament to Flextone’s construction. Compared to my old box call, the Smackdown Call was significantly smaller and easier to handle. It instantly felt like a more tactical, on-the-go option than my traditional calls.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. While Michael Waddell’s endorsement gave it credibility, I’ve learned not to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to hunting gear. However, the promise of authentic turkey sounds at such an affordable price ($7.99!) made the Smackdown Call an irresistible addition to my arsenal.

Real-World Testing: Putting Smackdown Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first encounter with the Smackdown Call occurred during a scouting trip in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The early morning air was crisp, and a light mist hung in the valleys. I wanted to test how well the call cut through the dampness.

The Smackdown Call was surprisingly easy to use right out of the package. With minimal practice, I was able to produce convincing clucks and purrs. The sound resonated well in the open woods, carrying further than I expected for such a compact call. There were no issues with the sound being affected by the light mist.

One minor surprise was how loud the call could get. While I was aiming for subtle purrs, the Smackdown Call could easily transition into aggressive yelps. It forced me to be mindful of my volume, adjusting my technique to maintain a natural sound.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Smackdown Call has become a reliable companion on my turkey hunts. The call has endured several rainy days and muddy conditions without any degradation in sound quality. It sits comfortably in my vest pocket.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The construction appears to be solid, and the sound hasn’t changed over time. I simply wipe the call down with a damp cloth after each use.

Compared to my diaphragm calls, the Smackdown Call is a game-changer in terms of reliability. It’s always ready to go, regardless of weather conditions, and requires zero setup or maintenance beyond a quick wipe-down. It’s far more consistent than slate calls, which can become unreliable when wet.

Breaking Down the Features of Smackdown Call

Specifications

• Product Name: Smackdown Call
• Manufacturer: Flextone
• Endorser: Michael Waddell
• Intended Use: Turkey Hunting
• Sound Types: Soft purrs, clucks, and tree yelps
• Material: Unspecified (Likely molded plastic)

These specifications highlight the Smackdown Call’s core purpose: mimicking realistic turkey sounds for effective hunting. The call’s simple design and focus on essential sounds make it accessible for both novice and experienced hunters. The Flextone name adds a level of assurance.

Performance & Functionality

The Smackdown Call excels at producing authentic turkey sounds with minimal effort. It’s capable of both soft, subtle purrs for luring turkeys in close and aggressive yelps for long-distance calling. The Smackdown Call’s user-friendliness makes it a reliable option in the field.

The primary strength lies in its ease of use and consistent sound quality. A potential weakness could be the lack of versatility compared to more complex calls like diaphragms.

The Smackdown Call definitely exceeds expectations for a call in its price range. It reliably produces realistic turkey sounds and is easy to use in various hunting situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smackdown Call appears to be constructed from molded plastic, which contributes to its lightweight design. It is compact and fits comfortably in the hand, making it easy to carry and manipulate during a hunt. The simple design means there are no complex parts to break or malfunction.

The call is designed for ease of use, requiring minimal practice to produce convincing turkey sounds. Even a beginner can quickly learn to cluck, purr, and yelp.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its simple construction, the Smackdown Call should withstand regular use for multiple seasons. Molded plastic is generally durable and resistant to most outdoor conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe the call down after use to remove dirt and moisture. No special cleaning or maintenance procedures are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The product details do not mention any included accessories or customization options. Being a simple friction call, customization is virtually non-existent.

The Smackdown Call is primarily designed for producing authentic turkey sounds. It is compatible with any standard lanyard for easy carry.

Pros and Cons of Smackdown Call

Who Should Buy Smackdown Call?

The Smackdown Call is perfect for novice turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and effective call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call or something simple for quick setups. Hunters on a budget will appreciate its affordability.

Hunters who require a wide range of sounds or prefer more advanced calling techniques may want to explore diaphragm calls or other specialized options. The Smackdown Call is designed for simplicity and ease of use, not complex sound manipulation.

A lanyard would be a must-have accessory to keep the call readily accessible.

Conclusion on Smackdown Call

The Smackdown Call lives up to its endorsement by Michael Waddell, offering an accessible and effective way to talk turkey. Its ease of use, realistic sounds, and durable construction make it an excellent addition to any hunter’s arsenal.

At just $7.99, the Smackdown Call delivers exceptional value for the price. It’s an affordable way to improve your turkey hunting success.

I would absolutely recommend the Smackdown Call to anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly turkey call. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this call will help you bring home the birds. Grab a Smackdown Call and get ready to talk some serious smack to those toms!