The The Grind Batwing Mouth Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade in the field, I’ve seen countless gadgets and gizmos promising to revolutionize the hunting experience. When I first heard about The Grind Batwing Mouth turkey call from The Grind, I was cautiously optimistic. The turkey hunting world is full of gimmicks, but the compact design and low price of this call piqued my interest.
My biggest challenge was finding a mouth call that could consistently produce realistic sounds without requiring excessive air pressure or tongue dexterity. I needed a call that was easy to use, especially during high-pressure situations with a gobbler closing in. I was looking for something compact, reliable, and capable of producing a variety of turkey vocalizations.
Unboxing The Grind Batwing Mouth was straightforward. The call itself is small and lightweight, constructed from what appears to be standard latex reeds and a frame. My initial impression was that it felt a bit flimsy, but I reserved judgment until I could test it in the field.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used – including models from Primos and Quaker Boy – The Grind Batwing Mouth seemed to have a simpler design. Many calls boast multiple reeds and elaborate cuts. I chose The Grind Batwing Mouth primarily for its streamlined construction and the promise of easy use. Other calls felt overly complicated and difficult to master.
My first impression was cautiously positive. The small size was appealing, and the price point made it a low-risk investment. I was excited to see if its simplicity would translate into effective turkey calling in the woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Grind Batwing Mouth to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of The Grind Batwing Mouth took place during the spring turkey season in the hardwood forests of Kentucky. The weather was damp and cool, with a light drizzle falling throughout the morning. I was nestled against a large oak tree, hoping to coax a gobbler into range.
The Batwing Mouth call performed surprisingly well in the wet conditions. The reeds didn’t seem to be affected by the moisture, and I was able to produce consistent yelps and clucks. The call was relatively easy to use, requiring minimal air pressure to get a sound. After a few practice calls, I quickly developed a feel for its nuances.
The only issue I encountered during my first use was a slight buzzing sound when I tried to produce higher-pitched kee-kees. However, with some adjustments to my tongue position, I was able to minimize this issue. The call proved to be effective in calling in a tom from about 150 yards.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the spring turkey season, The Grind Batwing Mouth has held up surprisingly well. While the latex reeds are starting to show some signs of wear, the call still produces consistent sounds. The frame hasn’t cracked or warped.
Durability has been better than expected, given the call’s low price point. There are some minor stains on the reeds from use, but nothing that affects performance. Regular cleaning with mouthwash helps to keep the call sanitary.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and mouthwash after each use. Store in a cool, dry place. This keeps the reeds pliable. Compared to more expensive calls I’ve used in the past, The Grind Batwing Mouth has outperformed my expectations in terms of reliability and ease of use. It’s become a consistent part of my turkey hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of The Grind Batwing Mouth
Specifications
- Product Name: The Grind Batwing Mouth Turkey Call
- Manufacturer: The Grind
- Model Number: TG8581
- Type: Diaphragm Mouth Call
- Material: Latex Reeds and Frame (Material specifics not provided)
- Price: $9.49 (approximate)
These specifications matter because they dictate the sound quality and ease of use of the call. The latex reed material is crucial for producing realistic turkey sounds. The overall design impacts how easily the call fits in the mouth and how much air pressure is needed.
Performance & Functionality
The Grind Batwing Mouth is designed to produce a variety of turkey vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and kee-kees. It does this reasonably well. It is especially adept at producing convincing yelps and clucks.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use and consistent sound production. It requires minimal air pressure. The weakness is in producing higher-pitched kee-kees, which can sometimes result in a buzzing sound. With practice, it can exceed expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price point. The materials used seem durable enough for regular use, and the weight is negligible. It is comfortable in the mouth, though some users might find the frame slightly bulky.
The call is user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. Even novice turkey hunters should be able to produce realistic sounds with a bit of practice. The design promotes ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, The Grind Batwing Mouth should last for at least one to two turkey seasons. The latex reeds will eventually wear out, but they can be easily replaced. The frame should hold up well with regular cleaning.
Maintenance is simple: rinse and store properly. Replacement reeds are not specifically mentioned as available from The Grind, but generic latex reeds are widely available. Proper storage helps keep it usable.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with The Grind Batwing Mouth. Customization options are limited, as it is a relatively simple diaphragm call. Compatibility with aftermarket reeds is possible, but not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of The Grind Batwing Mouth
Pros
- Affordable price point: At under $10, it’s a low-risk investment for beginners.
- Easy to use: Requires minimal air pressure, making it suitable for novice callers.
- Consistent sound production: Produces reliable yelps and clucks, even in wet conditions.
- Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Effective for close-range calling: Excellent for coaxing gobblers in close.
Cons
- Limited vocalizations: Struggles with higher-pitched kee-kees.
- Durability concerns: Latex reeds will eventually wear out with use.
Who Should Buy The Grind Batwing Mouth?
Pros
- Affordable price point: At under $10, it’s a low-risk investment for beginners.
- Easy to use: Requires minimal air pressure, making it suitable for novice callers.
- Consistent sound production: Produces reliable yelps and clucks, even in wet conditions.
- Compact and lightweight: Easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
- Effective for close-range calling: Excellent for coaxing gobblers in close.
Cons
- Limited vocalizations: Struggles with higher-pitched kee-kees.
- Durability concerns: Latex reeds will eventually wear out with use.
The Grind Batwing Mouth is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use call. It’s also a great option for experienced hunters who want a reliable backup call. It’s ideally suited for hunters who prioritize ease of use and affordability over advanced vocalizations.
Hunters looking for a call that can produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations or those who require exceptional durability should skip this product. Those who want to fine-tune their calls beyond basic calling, should also look elsewhere.
A mouth call case or lanyard to keep the call clean and accessible is a must-have accessory. Consider adding a separate kee-kee run if this call’s capability is not enough for that specific call type.
Conclusion on The Grind Batwing Mouth
The Grind Batwing Mouth turkey call is a surprisingly effective and affordable option for turkey hunters. While it may not be the most versatile or durable call on the market, its ease of use and consistent sound production make it a worthwhile investment. At $9.49, the price is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend The Grind Batwing Mouth to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and user-friendly turkey call. It’s a great starting point for beginners and a reliable backup for seasoned pros. Pick up The Grind Batwing Mouth and get out there and chase those gobblers this spring!