First Thoughts on the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call
The Heart Breaker™ Box Call, crafted exclusively for the Heritage Series, promises to be more than just a turkey call; it aims to be a cherished piece of hunting equipment. The description boasts both beauty and accuracy, a potent combination that immediately piqued my interest. Could this call live up to its alluring name and description, or would it fall flat in the field?
My years in the outdoors have taught me that sound quality and durability are paramount in hunting gear. I was looking for a box call that not only produces realistic turkey sounds but also can withstand the rigors of the hunt. This is especially important when moving through brush and setting up in various weather conditions.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the appearance of the solid mahogany box with its laser-engraved purple heart lid. The craftsmanship seemed impressive at first glance. The weight felt substantial and the included camo bag was a welcome addition, offering protection during transport and storage.
Compared to my old slate call and diaphragm calls, the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call offers a different calling experience altogether. While slate calls provide nuanced tones, a box call can project sound over greater distances. I chose this call hoping for a reliable and attractive tool that would excel in various hunting scenarios, giving me a broad range of calling options.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The aesthetics are certainly pleasing, and the build felt robust. I was eager to see if the sound quality matched the visual appeal and if the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call could truly live up to its bold name.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Heart Breaker™ Box Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call on a spring turkey hunt in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The morning was damp, with a light mist hanging in the air, perfect conditions for calling. I set up near a known roosting area and cautiously began to use the call.
The call performed admirably in the misty conditions. The sound projected well through the damp air, carrying across the valley. It did take a few minutes to get the right amount of pressure on the lid for the perfect yelp, but once I found the sweet spot, the calls were clear and realistic.
The ease of use was decent, although it requires a bit of practice to achieve the desired sounds consistently. I needed a bit more time to master the intricacies of creating different turkey vocalizations. The camo bag proved useful, keeping the call dry and protected while moving between setups.
After the first few calling sequences, I noticed the wood began to absorb moisture. This slightly affected the tone. I didn’t notice the wood swelling or sticking, but I wiped the box down and placed it in its camo bag after calling, which seemed to mitigate this issue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across various hunts and practice sessions, the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call has proven to be a reliable calling tool. The mahogany and purple heart wood combination has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or splitting.
The surface finish remains intact, but I did notice some minor scuff marks from sliding across my vest. The sound quality remained consistent after several hunts, provided I kept it protected from excessive moisture when possible. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth helped maintain its performance.
Maintenance is straightforward. It only requires occasional cleaning and storing it in its camo bag when not in use. Compared to my diaphragm calls, which need to be replaced periodically, the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call appears to offer superior longevity.
Overall, the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call has largely outperformed my initial expectations in terms of durability and reliability. While it may not offer the same tonal versatility as a custom-made slate call, its consistent performance and ease of use make it a solid choice for most hunting situations.
Breaking Down the Features of The Heart Breaker™ Box Call
Specifications
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call features a solid one-piece select mahogany box. The purple heart wooden lid is laser engraved for a beautiful aesthetic. It is specifically designed as a custom two-sided box call for versatile turkey calling.
The call comes with a protective camo bag. This is a welcome addition that is beneficial for protecting the call during transport. It has product code 228 HEART BREAKER BOX CALL, which is useful for reordering or finding replacement parts if needed.
The mahogany box construction enhances the call’s resonance and provides a rich, full sound. The laser-engraved purple heart lid not only adds to the call’s visual appeal but also contributes to its tonal characteristics. The camo bag protects the call from scratches and impacts, ensuring its longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call excels at producing realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs. It is capable of attracting turkeys from a considerable distance. The two-sided design allows for creating different tones and pitches, enhancing the realism of the calls.
Its strengths lie in its clear, loud sound projection and its relative ease of use. The main weakness is the potential for the tone to be affected by moisture, but this is manageable with proper care. The call meets expectations for its intended purpose as a reliable and attractive turkey call.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive, with the mahogany box feeling solid and well-constructed. The weight is balanced nicely in the hand. This facilitates comfortable use over extended calling sessions.
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call is relatively user-friendly, even for beginners. Mastering different turkey vocalizations requires practice, but the call’s design allows for relatively easy sound creation. A slight learning curve is expected.
Durability & Maintenance
The mahogany construction and protective camo bag contribute to the call’s durability. With proper care, it should last for many seasons of hunting. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and protection from moisture.
Accessories and Customization Options
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call comes with a protective camo bag, but there are limited customization options. Users can experiment with different chalk types to alter the sound. Third-party accessories are not directly compatible, as this is a self-contained calling system.
Pros and Cons of The Heart Breaker™ Box Call
Pros
- Beautiful Design: The laser-engraved purple heart lid adds a touch of elegance to your hunting gear.
- Clear Sound Projection: Capable of producing loud and realistic turkey calls that reach long distances.
- Solid Construction: The mahogany box ensures durability and longevity.
- Protective Camo Bag: Provides convenient storage and protects the call from damage.
- Easy to Use: Relatively simple to learn and operate, even for beginners.
Cons
- Potential for Tone Changes: Moisture can affect the call’s tone if not properly protected.
- Limited Customization: Lacks options for personalization or accessory attachments.
Who Should Buy The Heart Breaker™ Box Call?
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call is perfect for turkey hunters of all experience levels who appreciate a blend of aesthetics and reliable performance. It’s especially beneficial for those who hunt in open areas where sound projection is essential. This is a good choice for hunters looking for a durable and easy-to-use box call.
This product is not ideal for hunters who prioritize extreme customization or those who hunt exclusively in very wet environments without adequate protection for their gear. Hunters who prefer diaphragm calls for their hands-free operation may also find this product less appealing.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality chalk to maintain optimal sound quality and a small cleaning cloth to wipe away moisture.
Conclusion on The Heart Breaker™ Box Call
The The Heart Breaker™ Box Call is a solid choice for turkey hunters seeking a reliable and visually appealing calling tool. Its mahogany construction, clear sound projection, and protective camo bag offer a compelling package. The laser-engraved purple heart lid elevates its aesthetic appeal.
At $55.99, the price is justified considering the quality of materials and craftsmanship. While not without its minor drawbacks, such as potential moisture sensitivity and limited customization, the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call delivers on its promise of beauty and accuracy.
I would personally recommend the The Heart Breaker™ Box Call to any hunter looking for a dependable and attractive box call to add to their arsenal. Invest in this call and experience the thrill of luring in that elusive gobbler.