Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack Review

First Thoughts on the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack from Tone Trough promises a simple entry point into the world of diaphragm turkey calls. For the seasoned turkey hunter, like myself, or even the beginner, a reliable and versatile call is paramount to success in the spring woods. This pack, priced at a modest $6.49, includes the Double D and Raspy Old Hen calls, both crafted with Infinity Latex, piquing my curiosity about their performance.

I’ve spent years chasing gobblers across diverse terrains, relying on a medley of pot calls, box calls, and, of course, diaphragm calls. A nagging issue I faced was finding quality diaphragm calls that offer both consistent performance and durability without breaking the bank. I needed a reliable, readily available option that could withstand the rigors of demanding hunts and varied weather conditions.

Upon receiving the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack, I immediately inspected the calls. The Infinity Latex felt noticeably thin and flexible compared to some of my higher-end custom calls. The build quality, while appearing adequate for the price point, didn’t scream “premium,” but that wasn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, given the intended purpose of an affordable starter pack.

I considered other options, such as single-reed calls from other manufacturers or even building my own from scratch, but the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack‘s ready-to-use nature and low price made it an attractive starting point. It seemed like a good way to introduce someone to diaphragm calls. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – eager to see if these budget-friendly calls could deliver on their promise of producing realistic turkey sounds.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack came during a pre-season scouting trip to a hardwood bottom known for holding a healthy population of Eastern wild turkeys. The weather was typical for early spring: damp, with intermittent rain showers and cool temperatures. I primarily focused on the Raspy Old Hen call during this initial test.

The call was relatively easy to learn to use, producing decent yelps and clucks with minimal practice, though I noticed some difficulty achieving clear kee-kees. The Infinity Latex seemed to stiffen slightly in the cool, damp conditions, affecting the overall tone and requiring a bit more air pressure to produce the desired sounds. However, the realistic sound of a hen could still be emulated.

After about an hour of calling practice and experimenting with different tones, I noticed some fraying along the edges of the latex on the Raspy Old Hen. This was a mild surprise, indicating a potential lack of long-term durability, but considering the price, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The sound was still good and the turkey call worked as intended.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, alternating between the Double D and Raspy Old Hen calls on multiple scouting trips and a few early-season hunts, the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack showed signs of wear. The Raspy Old Hen, in particular, suffered further fraying and a slight tear near the frame, impacting its tonal consistency. The other call seemed fine.

Despite the wear and tear, both calls continued to produce reasonably convincing turkey sounds. Maintenance involved simply rinsing the calls with water and allowing them to air dry, a simple process. Compared to my experiences with higher-end diaphragm calls, which often require more delicate handling and specialized cleaning, the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack proved to be relatively low-maintenance.

These calls certainly do not outperform my custom-made diaphragms in terms of tonal quality or durability, but they hold their own for beginner calls. They are a good way to practice making hen sounds and turkey sounds. While they wouldn’t be my first choice for a critical hunting situation, they serve as a decent backup or a teaching tool for novice turkey hunters.

Breaking Down the Features of Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack

Specifications

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack includes two diaphragm calls: the Double D and the Raspy Old Hen. Both calls utilize Infinity Latex, a proprietary material known for its flexibility and potential for producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. The frames are constructed from a molded plastic material, designed to comfortably fit the roof of the mouth.

The exact dimensions of the calls are not readily available, but they conform to standard diaphragm call sizes, typically around 1 inch wide and 2 inches long. Their weights are negligible, barely noticeable when carried in a vest or call pouch. The specific cut of the latex in each call (Double D vs. Raspy Old Hen) is intended to produce different sound profiles, catering to various calling scenarios.

The Infinity Latex material is the key to these calls’ performance. Its flexibility allows for easy manipulation of airflow to create varied sounds. The relatively lightweight plastic frames contribute to overall comfort during extended calling sessions.

Performance & Functionality

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing beginner turkey hunters with a basic set of diaphragm calls to learn and practice with. The Double D call is designed for cleaner, higher-pitched yelps, while the Raspy Old Hen aims for more guttural and realistic hen sounds. Both can produce clucks, purrs, and other common turkey vocalizations with practice.

A key strength of the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack is its ease of use, especially for newcomers to diaphragm calls. However, a significant weakness is the lack of advanced tonal control and consistency compared to higher-end calls. The calls meet the basic expectations of producing turkey sounds, but they don’t offer the nuanced realism or long-term durability that seasoned hunters might require.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack is simple and functional. The plastic frames are molded to provide a comfortable fit in the mouth. The thin Infinity Latex allows for good vibration and sound production.

The build quality is adequate for the price point, but it is not exceptional. The materials feel slightly flimsy, and the overall construction lacks the robustness of premium diaphragm calls. The calls are relatively user-friendly, although mastering diaphragm calling requires practice regardless of the call’s design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack‘s durability is a concern. The thin Infinity Latex is prone to fraying and tearing, especially with frequent use or exposure to harsh conditions. The call’s lifespan may be limited to a single hunting season or less, depending on usage.

Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and air dry. No special care is required. Due to the limited lifespan of the latex, repairs are generally not practical or cost-effective.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options for these calls. The user is limited to using the calls as they are sold.

Due to their standard size, these calls may be compatible with some aftermarket call cases or storage pouches, but no specific compatibility is guaranteed. Experimentation may be required to find a case that fits securely.

Pros and Cons of Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack

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Who Should Buy Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack?

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack is perfect for:

• Beginner turkey hunters who are new to diaphragm calls and want an affordable starting point.
• Hunters seeking a backup set of calls for emergencies or loaning to hunting partners.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced turkey hunters who demand superior sound quality and durability from their calls.
• Hunters who frequently hunt in harsh conditions and need calls that can withstand significant wear and tear.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A diaphragm call case or pouch to protect the calls during transport and storage.

Conclusion on Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack

The Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack offers a basic, budget-friendly entry into the world of diaphragm turkey calls. While it lacks the premium features and durability of higher-end options, its affordability and ease of use make it a decent choice for beginners or those seeking a simple backup call. Is the price justified? Absolutely.

I would recommend the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack to novice turkey hunters who want to learn the basics of diaphragm calling without investing a significant amount of money. However, experienced hunters should look elsewhere for calls with better sound quality and durability. If you’re just starting out or need a cheap, reliable call, give the Tone Trough Starter 2 Pack a try and get out in the woods!

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