The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet Review

The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet Made a Bold First Impression

The allure of the perfect turkey call is a siren song to any serious hunter. The promise of a lifelike hen yelp, cluck, or purr, capable of coaxing a wary tom into range, is irresistible. The Grind TG8871 Old Wet Hen Wet Box Turkey Call from The Grind aims to deliver just that, at a very approachable price of $40.99. My journey to this particular call stemmed from a frustrating season where my diaphragm calls simply weren’t cutting it in windy conditions. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use alternative that could project sound effectively, and the Old Wet Hen Wet seemed to fit the bill.

Out of the box, the call feels solid and well-constructed. The wood is smooth to the touch, and the overall design is simple and functional. Initially, I was drawn to the compact size and the promise of realistic sounds. This call seemed a better option for close-range calling compared to larger, more cumbersome box calls I’ve used in the past. Compared to some high-end custom calls, the finish is less ornate, but the focus is clearly on functionality over aesthetics.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed good for the price, but the proof would be in the sound and ease of use in the field. I was excited to see if The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet could live up to its promise of realistic turkey sounds and help me finally bag that elusive gobbler.

Real-World Testing: Putting The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Old Wet Hen Wet came during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of Missouri. The weather was typical for spring: damp, with a persistent breeze that played havoc with diaphragm calls. This was the perfect environment to see if the Old Wet Hen Wet could outperform its competitors. I primarily used the call to produce soft yelps and clucks, attempting to sound like a hen searching for companionship.

The call proved surprisingly easy to use, even for someone accustomed to diaphragm calls. It took only a few minutes to master the basic strokes and produce realistic-sounding turkey vocalizations. In the field, the sound projected well, cutting through the wind and reaching out to distant birds. After an hour, a Tom announced his arrival with a loud gobble, which validated that the call was effective.

There were no glaring issues after the first hunt, although the striker seemed to stick slightly against the side of the box on particularly humid days. This required a bit more pressure to get the call started initially.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet has proven to be a reliable and effective call. The wooden construction has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or warping despite exposure to varying weather conditions. Maintaining the call is simple, primarily involving occasionally wiping it down with a dry cloth and lightly chalking the paddle to maintain consistent sound.

Compared to other box calls I’ve used, the Old Wet Hen Wet offers a good balance of portability, ease of use, and realistic sound. It might not have the exquisite craftsmanship of a custom call, but it performs admirably in the field. The sound quality remains consistent even after extended use.

Breaking Down the Features of The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet

Specifications

• The Grind TG8871 Old Wet Hen Wet Box Turkey Call is a compact box call designed for producing realistic turkey hen sounds. Its primary function is to lure gobblers within shooting range.
• The call is constructed from wood, providing a natural sound resonance. Its dimensions are approximately 7 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch high. These dimensions make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry in a vest or pocket.
• It weighs only a few ounces, ensuring it won’t add significant weight to your hunting gear. The box call design allows for a variety of hen vocalizations, including yelps, clucks, purrs, and cuts. It has a simple and intuitive design that makes it user-friendly.
• The call doesn’t require batteries or any external power source, ensuring reliability in the field. Its simplicity translates to consistent performance.
• No specific accessories are included with the call itself, but it is designed to be used as-is, right out of the packaging.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the call’s ease of use, portability, and ability to produce realistic turkey sounds, ultimately enhancing the hunter’s chances of success.

Performance & Functionality

The Old Wet Hen Wet performs its job admirably, producing a range of realistic hen vocalizations that are effective at attracting turkeys. Its ability to project sound in windy conditions is a significant advantage, and it’s relatively easy to master the different calling techniques. While the sound quality might not match that of a high-end custom call, it’s more than adequate for most hunting situations.

The call excels at producing soft, subtle calls that are perfect for close-range work. A slight initial stickiness of the striker is a minor weakness, especially in humid conditions. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet features a simple, functional design that prioritizes ease of use and portability. The wood construction is durable and provides a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or turkey bag, and the call’s light weight ensures it won’t add unnecessary bulk to your gear.

The Old Wet Hen Wet has a design that is ergonomic enough to support hours of use. There is minimal learning curve for those familiar with box calls.

Durability & Maintenance

The wooden construction of the Old Wet Hen Wet is reasonably durable. However, like any wooden call, it should be protected from excessive moisture and rough handling to prevent cracking or warping. Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving occasionally cleaning the call with a dry cloth and lightly chalking the paddle to maintain consistent sound.

With proper care, the Old Wet Hen Wet should last for several seasons of regular use. Minimal maintenance requirements are a big plus for hunters who prefer simple gear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet doesn’t come with any specific accessories, nor are there many customization options available. It is designed to be used as-is, right out of the packaging. Some hunters may choose to experiment with different types of chalk or sandpaper to fine-tune the sound.

While there are no official accessories, the call is compatible with most standard turkey call lanyards, allowing you to keep it readily accessible. The simplicity of the design limits customization options, but also contributes to its reliability and ease of use.

Pros and Cons of The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet

Who Should Buy The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet?

The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet is perfect for:

• Turkey hunters of all skill levels looking for an affordable and effective box call.
• Hunters who need a reliable call that can project sound in windy conditions.
• Beginners who are new to turkey hunting and want an easy-to-learn call.
• Experienced hunters who want a backup call that is lightweight and portable.

Who should skip this product?

• Hunters who demand the absolute highest-quality sound and are willing to pay a premium for a custom call.
• Hunters who prefer diaphragm calls or other types of turkey calls.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A turkey call lanyard to keep the call readily accessible.
• Chalk to maintain consistent sound quality.

Conclusion on The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet

The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet is a solid, reliable, and affordable box turkey call that delivers on its promise of producing realistic hen sounds. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end custom call, it performs admirably in the field, making it a great value for the money. The price is absolutely justified, considering its performance and ease of use.

I would definitely recommend The Grind Old Wet Hen Wet to any turkey hunter looking for a dependable and effective call without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for beginners and experienced hunters alike. Grab one of these calls, hit the woods, and get ready to hear that thunderous gobble!