Thunderbird™ Gobble Call Review

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call Made a Bold First Impression

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call, from a manufacturer yet to be fully revealed, promises to be the ultimate locator call for turkey hunters. For a price point of $16.49, it stakes its claim on being extremely loud, high-pitched, and easy to use, even with one hand. It also boasts a soundproof cap, a feature designed to keep those curious gobbles contained until the perfect moment.

My journey to the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call started with a familiar frustration. I needed a reliable locator call. Too many hunts began with me wandering aimlessly through the pre-dawn woods. My aging diaphragm calls weren’t cutting it in getting those wary old toms to reveal their location.

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call arrived in a simple, unassuming package. I was immediately impressed by its compact size and solid feel. It felt well-made for its price. The included soundproof cap was a welcome addition, a sign of thoughtful design. I have used slate calls and box calls, but the simplicity of this call intrigued me. It promised ease of use without sacrificing volume.

Initially, I had considered purchasing a Primos Power Crystal or a Flextone Funky Chicken. However, the price point and the promise of an extremely loud call swayed me toward the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call. It was worth a try to potentially save time and energy during crucial hunts.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt sturdy, and the soundproof cap seemed effective. I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims in the field. Was it truly the key to unlocking the secrets of even the weariest old gobblers? I was about to find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Thunderbird™ Gobble Call to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call was on a crisp spring morning in the hardwood bottoms of the Mississippi Delta. The air was thick with humidity, and the woods were alive with the sounds of awakening wildlife. I wanted to see if I could get a gobbler to sound off.

The call performed admirably even under heavy cover. Its high-pitched gobble cut through the dense foliage better than any of my other calls. I used the call about every 100 yards as I walked a long ridge.

The one-handed operation proved incredibly convenient. It allowed me to keep my shotgun at the ready. After only a few sequences, a distant gobble shattered the morning silence. No issues arose during the initial use. It worked as intended.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call has proven itself a reliable tool. The plastic construction has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or wear despite being tossed in and out of my vest.

Maintaining the call is a breeze; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each hunt to remove any dirt or debris. The soundproof cap continues to function flawlessly. This preventing accidental sounds that could alert wary birds.

Compared to my previous experiences with diaphragm and friction calls, the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call offers a significant advantage in terms of ease of use and volume. It reliably elicits responses from distant toms. This has saved me valuable time and energy in locating birds. However, it lacks the subtle nuances of a well-tuned slate call for close-range persuasion.

Breaking Down the Features of Thunderbird™ Gobble Call

Specifications

  • Product Name: Thunderbird™ Gobble Call.
  • Type: Turkey Locator Call. This identifies the call’s primary function.
  • Loudness: Extremely Loud. This is a critical feature for a locator call.
  • Pitch: High Pitched. A high pitch helps the sound travel further and cut through ambient noise.
  • Operation: One or Two Handed. This provides versatility and convenience for the user.
  • Sound Proof Cap: Included. This prevents accidental calls and protects the call during transport.
  • Product Code: 02616 GOBBLE TURKEY LOCATOR. This is useful for ordering and identification.
  • Price: $16.49. This is the cost of the product.
  • Manufacturer: Not specified but presumed to be Thunderbird™.

These specifications collectively suggest a call designed for long-range sound projection and ease of use. The soundproof cap adds a practical element that enhances its functionality in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call excels at its intended purpose: locating distant turkeys. Its loud, high-pitched gobble carries well, even in windy conditions or through dense vegetation. It reliably elicits shock gobbles from toms that might otherwise remain silent.

The one-handed operation is a definite strength. It allows the hunter to keep their weapon ready. The call also sounds reasonably like a real gobble, even though it lacks any realistic tone variations.

One area for improvement would be the tone quality. While loud, the sound can be a bit harsh and artificial. This could potentially spook birds if used too close.

Design & Ergonomics

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call features a simple, utilitarian design. The plastic construction is lightweight and durable enough for its intended use. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a vest pocket or on a lanyard.

The call is user-friendly, requiring minimal practice to produce a convincing gobble. The soundproof cap is a thoughtful addition. This prevents accidental noise and protects the call from damage.

The ergonomics are adequate, but the plastic can become slippery when wet. This could be improved with a textured grip or a lanyard attachment point.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic construction of the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call suggests reasonable durability for its price point. It should withstand the rigors of normal hunting use. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight to prevent warping or cracking.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe down the call with a damp cloth after use to remove dirt and moisture. No special cleaning agents or lubricants are required. This makes the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call easy to care for in the field.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call comes with a soundproof cap and the call itself. There are no included accessories, and no readily apparent customization options. Aftermarket options include adding a lanyard for easy carrying. It’s a simple call that does not require any modifications.

Pros and Cons of Thunderbird™ Gobble Call

Pros

  • Extremely loud and high-pitched, effectively locating distant turkeys.
  • Easy to use, even with one hand, allowing hunters to keep their weapon ready.
  • Soundproof cap prevents accidental calls and protects the call from damage.
  • Durable plastic construction that withstands normal hunting conditions.
  • Affordable price point makes it accessible to hunters of all budgets.

Cons

  • Tone quality can be a bit harsh and artificial, potentially spooking birds at close range.
  • Plastic construction can become slippery when wet, affecting grip and control.


Who Should Buy Thunderbird™ Gobble Call?

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call is perfect for turkey hunters. Especially beginner hunters who need a reliable locator call without a steep learning curve. Hunters who hunt large tracts of land and need to cover a lot of ground will also appreciate its range.

Those who prioritize ultra-realistic sound quality over raw volume should skip this product. They should instead opt for a high-end diaphragm or friction call. Hunters who demand premium materials and customizable options might also find it lacking.

A must-have accessory for the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call is a simple lanyard. This allows for easy carrying and prevents accidental drops in the field.

Conclusion on Thunderbird™ Gobble Call

The Thunderbird™ Gobble Call is a surprisingly effective locator call. The price belies its impressive volume and ease of use. While the tone quality may not be the most realistic, its ability to elicit shock gobbles from distant toms is undeniable.

The price is more than justified. It offers significant value to any turkey hunter seeking a reliable and affordable locator call.

I would personally recommend the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call to beginner and experienced turkey hunters alike. Especially those who value simplicity and long-range sound projection. Don’t let the low price fool you; this call is a valuable tool for finding those elusive spring gobblers. Add the Thunderbird™ Gobble Call to your vest and get ready to locate more birds this season!


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