Let’s Talk About Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call promises a blend of realistic turkey sounds and user-friendly design. Crafted by Woodhaven Calls, this call features a walnut pot with a YellowHeart soundboard. It also boasts two strikers, offering versatility in sound production. For someone like me, with over a decade immersed in the tactical and outdoor gear world, the lure of a call that could mimic two distinct hens was irresistible.
My guiding principle when selecting hunting gear is versatility combined with proven field performance. I needed a call that could reliably produce convincing yelps, cutts, and purrs in varying conditions. Over the years, I’ve used everything from box calls to diaphragm calls, but I was searching for something that could offer the nuanced sounds of a crystal pot call without a steep learning curve. When comparing the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call to calls from brands like Primos and Zink Calls, the Woodhaven’s dual-striker system and the unique YellowHeart soundboard caught my attention. The promise of both loud and soft calling sealed the deal.
Upon receiving the Ninja Crystal, the initial impression was one of quality craftsmanship. The walnut pot felt substantial in my hand, and the included strikers, one YellowHeart/walnut and one hickory, appeared well-made. I was eager to put it to the test in the field. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential of mimicking multiple hens, a tactic I’ve found to be incredibly effective in drawing in stubborn gobblers.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first foray with the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call took place during the spring turkey season in the oak-hickory forests of southern Missouri. The morning was crisp and damp, a typical Ozark spring day. I situated myself against a large oak, hoping to call in a gobbler from the adjacent ridge. Using the YellowHeart/walnut Ninja Stick, I began with soft yelps to simulate a hen just waking up.
The call was surprisingly easy to use, even for someone accustomed to different types of calls. The crystal surface produced clear, crisp tones. Within minutes, a distant gobble echoed through the woods. Over the next hour, I worked the call, alternating between the two strikers and varying my cadence and volume.
The Ninja Crystal performed admirably, even with moisture in the air. The sound remained consistent, and the different strikers allowed me to create subtle variations in tone. I successfully called in a mature tom, a testament to the call’s effectiveness. The only initial issue was a slight learning curve in mastering the exact pressure needed for the purrs; too much pressure resulted in squeaks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the turkey season, the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call proved to be a reliable addition to my gear. Despite being subjected to varying weather conditions, from rain to dry heat, the call maintained its tonal quality. The walnut pot showed no signs of cracking or warping, and the crystal surface remained unblemished. The strikers did require occasional cleaning with fine sandpaper to maintain optimal contact, but this is standard for crystal calls.
Compared to previous slate and glass calls I’ve used, the Ninja Crystal held its own, delivering comparable sound quality with the added versatility of dual strikers. The Woodhaven call outperformed a cheaper glass call from a big-box retailer I tested last year; it felt more robust and, more importantly, produced consistently better turkey sounds. The build quality suggests it will last for many seasons with proper care.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call
Specifications
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call is thoughtfully designed with specific materials to optimize its performance. It features a walnut pot, known for its durability and resonance. The inclusion of a YellowHeart soundboard is noteworthy, as YellowHeart wood is favored for its bright, clear tone, enhancing the call’s realism. Two hand-matched strikers are included: one YellowHeart/walnut Ninja Stick and one hickory. This allows hunters to produce two different hen sounds with the same call.
These specifications are crucial for replicating the authentic sounds of a wild turkey. The quality of the wood used in the pot and strikers directly impacts the tone, volume, and overall realism of the call. The dual strikers provide hunters with the flexibility to adapt their calling to different scenarios and to mimic different hens, a key factor in fooling wary gobblers. The dimensions of the pot (typically around 3-4 inches in diameter) are designed for comfortable handling and optimal sound projection.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call excels in producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It’s capable of generating realistic two-tone yelps, sharp cutts, excited cackles, and soft, seductive purrs. The ability to switch between the YellowHeart/walnut and hickory strikers allows for nuanced variations in tone and pitch, adding another layer of realism to your calling sequence. The call is equally effective at loud, attention-grabbing calls and soft, subtle coaxing.
The strength of the Ninja Crystal lies in its versatility. Its main weakness is that like all crystal calls, it requires occasional surface conditioning to maintain optimal performance. The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call largely meets and even exceeds expectations for a mid-range crystal pot call, particularly in terms of sound quality and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call boasts a classic and functional design. The walnut pot is smooth and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. Its weight is well-balanced, contributing to a solid and secure feel in the hand. The call’s ergonomics are excellent, allowing for easy manipulation and precise sound control.
The Ninja Crystal presents minimal learning curve for those familiar with pot calls. However, achieving the full range of sounds and tonal variations will take practice. The design is intuitive, making it accessible for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of the materials and construction, the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call should provide many seasons of reliable service. Walnut is a durable wood that resists cracking and warping, while the crystal surface is relatively scratch-resistant. With proper care, including occasional cleaning and surface conditioning, this call should last for years.
Maintaining the Ninja Crystal is relatively simple. Regularly cleaning the crystal surface with a scouring pad or fine sandpaper removes any build-up of oils or debris. This ensures optimal contact with the strikers. The walnut pot can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The strikers may also need occasional sanding to maintain a clean, flat surface.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call comes with two hand-matched strikers, which are essential for maximizing its versatility. While the call itself does not offer extensive customization options, hunters can experiment with different types of strikers to further fine-tune the sound. Some hunters prefer acrylic or carbon strikers for different tonal qualities. The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call is generally compatible with aftermarket strikers designed for crystal pot calls.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The YellowHeart soundboard and dual strikers produce highly realistic and varied turkey sounds.
- Versatility: Capable of producing a wide range of calls, from loud yelps to soft purrs, making it adaptable to various hunting situations.
- Ease of Use: Relatively easy to learn and use, even for those new to crystal pot calls.
- Durable Construction: The walnut pot and quality strikers are built to withstand the rigors of the field.
- Dual Striker System: Two strikers allow the hunter to mimic two different hens.
Cons
- Surface Conditioning: Requires occasional cleaning and surface conditioning to maintain optimal performance.
- Price: At $124.99, it is more expensive than basic slate or friction calls.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call?
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who appreciate the nuanced sounds and versatility of a crystal pot call. It is also an excellent choice for hunters looking to upgrade from basic friction calls and achieve a more realistic and dynamic calling sequence. The dual striker system is a significant advantage for hunters who like to create realistic scenarios to fool wary gobblers.
Hunters on a very tight budget or those completely new to turkey hunting might want to start with a less expensive slate call before investing in the Ninja Crystal. While the call is relatively easy to learn, it does require some practice to master the full range of sounds.
A must-have accessory for the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call is a small piece of sandpaper or a scouring pad for cleaning the crystal surface. A call carrier or pouch is also recommended to protect the call during transport and storage.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call
The Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call is a well-crafted and versatile turkey call that delivers exceptional sound quality and user-friendly design. The combination of the walnut pot, YellowHeart soundboard, and dual strikers allows hunters to produce a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations, making it a valuable tool for any serious turkey hunter. While the price point is higher than basic calls, the performance and durability justify the investment.
I would definitely recommend the Woodhaven Calls The Ninja Crystal Turkey Game Call to experienced turkey hunters looking to elevate their calling game. Its versatility and realistic sound production make it a top contender in the world of crystal pot calls. Pick one up and see if you can fool that wise old tom this season.