The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call arrives promising a fiery edge to your turkey hunting. Manufactured by Tom Teasers, this mouth call is designed to mimic the tantalizing sounds that lure gobblers into range. At a price point of $7.99, it presents an accessible option for hunters seeking to spice up their calling game.
My journey to finding the perfect turkey call has been long and often frustrating. Many calls sound unnatural or lack the rasp and realism to fool a wary tom. This call piqued my interest with its promise of a unique sound, and I hoped it would offer something different from the usual slate, box, and diaphragm calls.
Upon unboxing, the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call appears well-constructed, considering its price. The latex reeds look properly aligned and the tape job seems clean. Its lightweight design ensures it won’t be a burden during long hunts, and it felt comfortable against the roof of my mouth.
Compared to other diaphragm calls I’ve used, such as those from Primos and Quaker Boy, the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call seems to have a slightly different reed configuration. This difference, I hoped, would translate into a unique and effective turkey sound. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if this call could live up to its “hot sauce” name and deliver a truly fiery performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call out to my usual hunting spot in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. It was early spring, the air was crisp, and the toms were just starting to heat up their gobbling. The first challenge was mastering the call itself.
Initially, I struggled to produce consistent, realistic sounds. This call required a bit more air control and tongue pressure than my other diaphragms. After about an hour of practice, however, I started to get the hang of it, managing to produce some decent yelps, clucks, and purrs.
I tested it during a light drizzle and found the latex reeds became slightly slick. This slickness required me to adjust my air pressure and mouth positioning to maintain consistent sounds. Despite the challenging weather, I was able to call in a jake to about 40 yards using a series of soft yelps.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the reeds or the tape. I have stored it in a protective case to prevent damage and maintain its cleanliness.
Cleaning is straightforward; I simply rinse it with water and allow it to air dry. The call has retained its sound quality after multiple uses. Compared to some of the more expensive diaphragm calls I own, the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call doesn’t quite match their sound quality. However, for its price point, it performs admirably.
Breaking Down the Features of Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call
Specifications
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call features a multi-reed latex design. This design produces a variety of turkey vocalizations. It has a standard frame size designed to fit comfortably in most mouths. Its construction consists of thin layers of latex stretched over a frame and secured with waterproof tape.
The call is lightweight, weighing only a fraction of an ounce. This negligible weight won’t add any burden to your hunting gear. The latex reeds are specifically cut to produce raspy, realistic turkey sounds. This design is intended to effectively mimic the vocalizations that attract gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call excels at producing a range of turkey sounds. It produces realistic yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutts with proper technique. Its strength lies in its ability to create raspy, seductive hen sounds. These sounds can entice even the most call-shy toms.
The call’s primary weakness is its sensitivity to moisture. Excess moisture can affect the reed performance. The call meets expectations for a budget-friendly mouth call. However, it doesn’t outperform higher-end options in terms of sound quality and consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call features a simple, functional design. The latex reeds are precisely cut and aligned for optimal sound production. The frame is designed for comfortable placement in the mouth. It offers a secure and comfortable fit during extended calling sessions.
The call is relatively easy to use, although it requires practice to master. A beginner might need some time to develop proper air control. The user-friendly design makes it accessible to hunters of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call should last for a hunting season or more. The latex reeds are durable enough to withstand repeated use. However, they are susceptible to damage from sharp objects.
Maintenance is simple; rinse with water after use and store in a protective case. Regular cleaning will help maintain sound quality and prolong the call’s lifespan. Avoid exposing the call to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call does not come with any additional accessories. Being a mouth call, customization options are limited. However, some hunters may experiment with trimming the reeds to alter the sound.
The call is compatible with standard mouth call holders for convenient storage and transport. No specific optics, grips, or barrels apply to this mouth call.
Pros and Cons of Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call
Pros
- Budget-friendly and easily accessible.
- Produces raspy, realistic turkey sounds.
- Relatively easy to use with practice.
- Lightweight and comfortable in the mouth.
- Capable of producing a variety of turkey vocalizations.
Cons
- Sensitive to moisture.
- Doesn’t match the sound quality of higher-end calls.
- Requires practice to master proper technique.
Who Should Buy Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call?
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable entry point into diaphragm calling. It is also suitable for experienced hunters who want to add a unique, raspy sound to their calling arsenal. This call is a great option for hunters who prefer a lightweight, easily transportable call.
Hunters who prioritize top-tier sound quality and consistent performance might want to skip this product. Those who prefer calls that are less sensitive to moisture might also consider alternative options. A must-have accessory would be a protective case to store the call and prevent damage.
Conclusion on Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call
The Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call offers solid value for its $7.99 price tag. It provides a gateway to mastering diaphragm calling and adding a unique sound to your turkey hunting strategy. While it may not outperform high-end calls, it certainly holds its own and delivers a respectable performance.
The price is definitely justified considering its functionality and ease of access. I would recommend the Tom Teasers Hot Sauce Mouth Call to hunters on a budget or those seeking a unique sound. Give it a try and see if you can add some “hot sauce” to your turkey hunting success this season!