The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call promises to bring authentic hen sounds to your turkey hunting setup. Tom Teasers is a well-known name in the turkey hunting world, and their slate calls are generally regarded as reliable tools. With a price point of $39.49, it sits in a competitive space, promising quality without breaking the bank.
I was looking for a slate call that could reliably reproduce a variety of hen vocalizations. I needed a call that wouldn’t break the bank, as I already own a box call and a diaphragm call, but wanted to round out my calling arsenal. This purchase aimed to broaden my vocal range and increase my chances of attracting a wary tom.
Upon unboxing, the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call felt solid and well-constructed. The slate surface looked clean and ready for action, and the striker had a comfortable weight. The materials appeared to be of good quality, and I felt confident that it could withstand some abuse in the field.
I own a Quaker Boy Easy Yelper and a Primos Lil’ Deuce pot call. Compared to the Quaker Boy, the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call feels more refined and capable of a wider range of tones. The Primos call, while compact, doesn’t produce the same rich, full sound as the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call.
My first impression was positive; the call felt good in my hand and produced promising initial sounds. I was eager to get it out in the field and see how it performed under pressure, hoping it would live up to the initial impression of quality and versatility.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call during a spring turkey hunt in the oak and hickory forests of Missouri. The weather was typical for spring: damp in the mornings with some light drizzle, transitioning to sunny and dry by midday. I used it in conjunction with my box call to create different vocal combinations.
The call performed well in both wet and dry conditions. The slate maintained its ability to produce clear, crisp calls even with a bit of moisture. Initially, I needed a few minutes to adjust my hand pressure and striker angle to achieve the desired yelps, clucks, and purrs.
After the first use, I was impressed with the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call‘s ability to create realistic hen sounds. However, I did notice that the striker required some chalking to maintain consistent friction on the slate surface.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call has held up remarkably well. The slate surface shows no signs of cracking or chipping, even after being carried in my vest pocket. The striker remains in excellent condition as well.
The call has proven to be quite durable. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times on rocky ground without any significant damage. The call requires minimal maintenance; I simply wipe it clean with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally scuff the slate with sandpaper to maintain a consistent surface.
Compared to cheaper slate calls I’ve used in the past, the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call outperforms them in both sound quality and durability. This call produces a more realistic and appealing hen sound, while also maintaining its sound quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call
Specifications
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call is a pot-style turkey call featuring a slate surface. This is known for producing realistic and versatile hen vocalizations.
The call’s weight is relatively light, making it easy to carry in a vest or pocket. Its compact size also contributes to its portability.
The call’s construction includes a wooden pot and a matched striker. This combination ensures a good grip and consistent sound production.
A scuff pad is often included to maintain the slate surface. This allows for consistent sound quality and friction. These specifications are important because they directly impact the sound quality and ease of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call excels at reproducing a wide range of hen sounds. It can produce soft, subtle purrs and clucks, as well as loud, aggressive yelps and cuts. The call is reliable and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
One of the strengths is its ability to produce consistent and realistic sounds. A minor weakness is the need to occasionally scuff the slate for optimal performance. This call definitely meets my expectations for a mid-priced slate call.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call features a well-designed wooden pot that fits comfortably in the hand. The striker is properly weighted and balanced. The materials used are of high quality, and the overall build feels solid and durable.
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call is user-friendly, although beginners may need some practice to master the different vocalizations. There is a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call appears to be built to last. The solid construction and quality materials should withstand years of use. The call is easy to maintain by keeping the slate surface clean and scuffed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call typically comes with a matched striker. Some packages might include a conditioning pad for the slate surface.
There are limited customization options available for slate calls. The striker can be replaced with different materials to alter the sound.
Pros and Cons of Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call
Pros
- Produces realistic and versatile hen vocalizations.
- Durable construction that withstands field use.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Compact and lightweight for easy carry.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- Requires occasional scuffing of the slate surface.
- Some learning curve for beginners.
Who Should Buy Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call?
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call is perfect for both beginner and experienced turkey hunters looking for a reliable and versatile call. It’s also great for hunters who prefer the natural sound of a slate call. This call is ideal for anyone wanting to add authentic hen sounds to their calling arsenal.
Hunters specifically seeking a diaphragm call for hands-free calling or those preferring the high volume of a box call should skip this product. Consider a different option if these are higher priorities.
A vest with dedicated call pockets and a small piece of sandpaper for scuffing the slate are must-have accessories. Experiment with different strikers to fine-tune the sound.
Conclusion on Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call
The Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call is a solid and versatile turkey call that delivers on its promise of producing realistic hen sounds. Its durability and ease of use make it a great choice for hunters of all skill levels.
The price of $39.49 is justified by the call’s quality and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. It delivers consistent sound quality, creating numerous opportunities to successfully harvest wild turkey.
I would definitely recommend the Tom Teasers Dominant Hen Slate Call to anyone looking for a dependable and effective slate call. Add this potent call to your arsenal and experience the thrill of calling in that big tom.