The Grind Ol’nag Green Review

The The Grind Ol’nag Green Made a Bold First Impression

Turkey hunting isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion, a tradition, and sometimes, a frustrating battle of wits. When spring rolls around, I, like many others, am consumed by the desire to outsmart that elusive longbeard. I was on the hunt for a new call that would give me an edge, something different from the usual box or diaphragm calls. That’s when I stumbled upon The Grind Ol’nag Green, a slate pot call from The Grind.

The Ol’nag Green immediately caught my eye because it was different. It promised a durable polycarbonate pot with a slate surface, and an inner glass sounding board to generate a wide range of tones, all at an incredibly attractive price point. I was looking for something that could produce realistic turkey sounds without breaking the bank. After years of using primarily diaphragm calls, I was seeking the unique tones a pot call could provide, especially for softer, more subtle calling sequences.

Unboxing The Grind Ol’nag Green, my first impression was positive. The weight felt good, substantial without being heavy. The laser-engraved gobbler on the slate surface added a nice touch, suggesting attention to detail. I was excited to see if it sounded as good as it looked.

I considered a few other slate calls before settling on the Ol’nag Green. There was a pricier custom call from a local craftsman known for superior sound quality, but the cost was prohibitive. A mass-produced aluminum call offered similar versatility but felt less authentic. I chose the Ol’nag Green because it seemed to offer the best balance of durability, sound quality, and affordability.

My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. Could a call this affordable truly perform? Time would tell, but I was eager to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting The Grind Ol’nag Green to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with The Grind Ol’nag Green was during the opening weekend of turkey season in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to coax a gobbler into range at first light. The weather was damp, with a light mist hanging in the air – challenging conditions for any call.

Despite the dampness, The Grind Ol’nag Green performed admirably. I managed to produce soft, seductive clucks and purrs that carried well through the misty woods. I was impressed with the call’s ability to project those subtle sounds. A wary tom responded to my calling and cautiously approached, eventually offering a clean shot.

The learning curve with The Grind Ol’nag Green was minimal. I quickly adjusted to the included two-piece striker, a maple/birch barrel with a hickory dowel. It felt comfortable in my hand, and creating different sounds was intuitive after a few practice sessions. I did find, however, that consistent pressure and angle were crucial for consistent sound.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in varying conditions, The Grind Ol’nag Green continues to impress. It’s been exposed to everything from scorching sun to torrential downpours, and the polycarbonate pot has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or warping. The slate surface has developed a nice “seasoning” with use, enhancing the raspiness of the call.

Maintenance is simple. I lightly scuff the slate surface with sandpaper every few hunts to maintain optimal sound quality. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is all it takes to keep the call clean. It’s held up better than some of my more expensive diaphragm calls, especially regarding water resistance.

Compared to my previous slate calls, The Grind Ol’nag Green offers a similar range of sounds but feels more durable. My older calls had wooden pots that were susceptible to swelling and cracking in humid conditions, something I don’t have to worry about with this Grind call. It has surpassed my expectations for a call in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of The Grind Ol’nag Green

Specifications

• The Grind Ol’nag Green features a durable polycarbonate pot. This construction material provides excellent resistance to cracking and warping, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
• It has a slate calling surface with a custom laser-engraved gobbler. The slate surface is known for producing realistic and versatile turkey sounds, from soft purrs to aggressive cuts.
• The call includes an inner glass sounding board. The glass sounding board amplifies the sound and contributes to the call’s broad tonal range.
• It comes with a two-piece striker made of maple/birch barrel and a hickory dowel. The combination of these wood types provides a good balance of control and responsiveness, allowing for nuanced sound production.
• The price of The Grind Ol’nag Green is $20.49. This affordability makes it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced turkey hunters.

These specifications translate to a call that is both durable and capable of producing a wide variety of realistic turkey sounds. The polycarbonate pot ensures longevity, while the slate surface and glass sounding board provide exceptional sound quality.

Performance & Functionality

The Grind Ol’nag Green excels at producing a range of turkey vocalizations. I have been able to consistently create convincing clucks, purrs, yelps, and cuts. The call’s responsiveness allows for subtle variations in tone and volume, which is crucial for attracting wary birds.

The Ol’nag Green‘s biggest strength is its versatility. It can produce both soft, seductive sounds for close-range calling and louder, more aggressive calls for reaching out to distant gobblers. The only real weakness is that in extremely wet conditions, the slate can become slightly slick, requiring more frequent scuffing. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a call in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of The Grind Ol’nag Green is simple yet effective. The polycarbonate pot is comfortable to hold, and the two-piece striker provides a good grip. Its weight is perfect to carry all day, and the dimensions are compact to pack easily.

The call is user-friendly, with a short learning curve. With a little practice, anyone can master the basic sounds and begin experimenting with different calling techniques. Some experience with slate calls is recommended.

Durability & Maintenance

The Grind Ol’nag Green is built to last. The polycarbonate pot is virtually indestructible, and the slate surface is resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward. Keep the slate surface clean and lightly scuffed. Store the call in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grind Ol’nag Green comes standard with the two-piece striker. There are no specific customization options offered directly by The Grind.

However, the call is compatible with most commercially available pot call strikers. Hunters can experiment with different striker materials and designs to find the combination that produces the sound they prefer.

Pros and Cons of The Grind Ol’nag Green

Who Should Buy The Grind Ol’nag Green?

The Grind Ol’nag Green is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. It’s especially beneficial for those seeking an affordable, durable, and versatile call. It is a great choice for hunters who want to add a slate call to their arsenal or beginners looking for a user-friendly option.

Hunters who demand the absolute highest level of realism and are willing to pay a premium for custom-made calls might want to explore other options. Those who prefer calls that come with a protective case might also need to look elsewhere or buy a separate case.

A small piece of sandpaper for maintaining the slate surface is a must-have accessory. A lanyard to keep the call readily accessible is also a worthwhile addition.

Conclusion on The Grind Ol’nag Green

The Grind Ol’nag Green is an outstanding value. It offers impressive performance and durability at a price point that is hard to beat. The call is easy to use, produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds, and is built to withstand the rigors of the hunt.

The price of $20.49 is absolutely justified. This call offers a level of performance that rivals many more expensive options.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Grind Ol’nag Green to anyone looking for a reliable and effective turkey call without breaking the bank. It’s a solid performer that will undoubtedly help you put more longbeards on the ground. Go ahead and give The Grind Ol’nag Green a try, and get ready to experience the thrill of calling in that elusive gobbler!