The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call arrived unassuming, a small package promising to deliver a critical element for a successful turkey hunt: realistic hen sounds. I’ve spent years chasing gobblers, and the effectiveness of a quality mouth call can be the difference between a frustrating day in the woods and a triumphant return with a bird. A trusted call can paint the perfect illusion that coaxes a longbeard into shooting range.
What brought me to this specific call was the need for a reliable, affordable option that could produce a variety of hen sounds. My go-to diaphragm call had seen better days, and its reed had begun to crack after heavy usage. I needed a backup, or potentially even a replacement, that wouldn’t break the bank but could still deliver convincing yelps, clucks, and purrs.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call is a no-frills diaphragm call, constructed with a thin frame and what appeared to be a standard latex reed configuration. It looked almost identical to the Primos calls I used when first starting out.
I’ve used a variety of mouth calls over the years, ranging from custom-made options costing upwards of $30 to mass-produced calls like this one. This particular Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call, at a mere $7.99, seemed to be competing with the entry-level calls from Flextone or Hunter’s Specialties. I chose it hoping for a diamond in the rough, prioritizing affordability and the potential for decent sound quality over brand recognition.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed well assembled for the price, but the true test would be how it sounded and felt in my mouth. I wasn’t expecting perfection, but I hoped for a call that could produce convincing hen vocalizations without requiring excessive air or causing excessive mouth fatigue.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call was on a scouting trip a week before the start of turkey season in the rugged hills of Eastern Kentucky. I wanted to see how it would perform in a natural environment, mimicking real calling scenarios. The morning was damp and cool, with a light mist hanging in the air, conditions where clear and consistent calls were essential to cut through the silence.
Initially, I struggled to produce consistent sounds with the call. It took me about 15 minutes to get the hang of the required tongue pressure and air flow to create a decent yelp. I found that the call required more air than my usual diaphragm, which led to some initial squeaks and raspy noises. After some practice, I managed to produce some passable yelps and clucks, but the purrs were still elusive.
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call also caused some slight discomfort after about 30 minutes of use. The frame felt a little rough against the roof of my mouth, a common issue with less expensive mouth calls. I didn’t encounter any major problems, but I definitely needed to adjust my calling technique to accommodate the call’s specific characteristics.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call in practice and during actual hunts, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. It’s held up surprisingly well for a budget call. The reed hasn’t cracked or warped, and the frame has maintained its shape.
I’ve noticed some minor wear on the reed, particularly around the edges, but it hasn’t significantly affected the sound quality yet. Cleaning the call is relatively simple. I just rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. Compared to my previous high-end call, the Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call isn’t as versatile or easy to use. It requires more practice and effort to produce consistent and realistic sounds.
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call performs adequately for basic hen vocalizations, but it lacks the subtle nuances and tonal variations of higher-quality calls. It hasn’t completely replaced my primary call, but it serves as a reliable backup that I can depend on in a pinch.
Breaking Down the Features of Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call
Specifications
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call is a standard diaphragm turkey call. It features a thin, flexible frame designed to fit comfortably in the roof of the mouth. The frame holds a single or multiple layers of stretched latex reed, depending on the specific design. The latex reed vibrates when air is passed over it, producing the desired turkey vocalizations.
The specific dimensions and materials used are not explicitly stated, reflecting its budget-friendly nature. However, based on visual inspection and practical use, the frame appears to be made of a thin, flexible plastic material, while the reed is constructed from standard latex. These materials are commonly used in mass-produced mouth calls. The sound it produces is largely determined by the air pressure applied across the reeds.
The specifications are basic, but functional. The design is aimed at affordability and ease of manufacturing, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over high-end materials or advanced features.
Performance & Functionality
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call performs adequately for basic turkey calling. With practice, it can produce convincing yelps, clucks, and cuts, essential for attracting gobblers. It isn’t the easiest call to master, requiring some time and effort to find the optimal tongue pressure and air flow.
The biggest weakness is its limited range of sounds and tonal variations. The call doesn’t excel at producing soft, subtle purrs or sharp, aggressive cuts. I find it’s best suited for mid-range yelps and clucks, ideal for general calling situations. However, it may not be the best choice for finicky birds or situations requiring specialized vocalizations.
For a budget-friendly call, it meets expectations. It provides a usable and relatively reliable means of producing hen sounds. But serious hunters seeking the best possible sound quality and versatility should consider investing in a higher-end option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call has a simple, no-frills design. The frame is thin and flexible, aiming for a comfortable fit. However, the edges can feel slightly rough against the roof of the mouth, especially during extended use. The frame’s size is average. Most users should find it manageable.
There’s a slight learning curve. Mastering the call requires some experimentation to find the right tongue pressure and air flow. Overall, it’s reasonably user-friendly. Anyone familiar with diaphragm calls should be able to get the hang of it with some practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call has proven surprisingly durable for its price point. After several weeks of use, the reed hasn’t cracked or warped significantly. However, I expect the reed will eventually need to be replaced with heavy use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Rinsing it with warm water after each use is sufficient to keep it clean and prevent the build-up of saliva and bacteria. Proper storage in a dry, cool place will also extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call does not come with any accessories. As a basic diaphragm call, it isn’t designed for customization. There are no options for adjusting the reed tension or modifying the frame.
It is a self-contained unit. Hunters looking for customized or adjustable calls will need to explore higher-end options from specialized call makers.
Pros and Cons of Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call
Pros
- Affordable: At $7.99, it’s one of the cheapest mouth calls on the market.
- Functional: It produces usable hen sounds for basic turkey calling.
- Relatively Durable: It holds up surprisingly well for a budget call.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and store.
- Simple to Maintain: Rinsing with water is all that’s required.
Cons
- Limited Sound Range: Lacks the versatility and tonal nuances of higher-end calls.
- Can Be Uncomfortable: The frame can feel rough against the roof of the mouth.
- Requires Practice: Mastering the call takes time and effort.
Who Should Buy Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call?
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call is perfect for beginner turkey hunters looking for an affordable entry point into diaphragm calling. It is also good for experienced hunters needing a backup call that won’t break the bank. The call is also great for hunters who frequently lose or damage their calls.
Experienced hunters seeking top-tier sound quality and versatility should skip this product. Someone looking for a call that produces subtle purrs or aggressive cuts should also skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a call carrier to protect it from damage and a small container of mouth call conditioner to keep the reed moist and flexible.
Conclusion on Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call
The Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call is a decent budget option for basic turkey calling. It isn’t the most comfortable or versatile call, but it’s functional and affordable. It produces usable hen sounds that can attract gobblers.
The price is definitely justified. At $7.99, it offers a reasonable value for beginner or budget-conscious hunters. I would recommend it as a backup call or for those just starting out with diaphragm calls.
For seasoned turkey hunters looking for premium sound quality and versatility, I would recommend investing in a higher-end option. But for those on a tight budget or needing a reliable backup, the Tom Teasers Redneck Hen Mouth Call is a worthwhile consideration. Give it a shot! It might just help you bag that trophy gobbler without emptying your wallet.