Let’s Talk About Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps
The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is a premium turkey call designed to mimic the sounds of a hen turkey, enticing those gobblers into range. Crafted by Woodhaven Calls, a company known for its high-quality, realistic game calls, this particular model stands out with its elegant mahogany construction and purple-heart sound board. It promises a pure turkey sound with raspy yelps, a feature highly sought after by seasoned turkey hunters.
I’ve spent years chasing longbeards, and I was looking for a call that could produce realistic, subtle yelps without being overly shrill. The market is flooded with calls, but I wanted something that felt handcrafted and sounded truly authentic. I’ve used slate calls and diaphragm calls with varying levels of success, but I was intrigued by the crystal surface and mahogany design of the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps.
Upon receiving the call, I was immediately impressed by its appearance. The mahogany vision cup felt smooth and solid in my hand, and the purple-heart sound board added a touch of sophistication. It came with a hickory striker and the new Deluxe Striker, a surface saver lid, and a conditioning kit, which immediately showed me Woodhaven Calls attention to detail.
Compared to a cheaper slate call I own, the Woodhaven felt like a substantial upgrade in terms of materials and craftsmanship. I also considered a glass call from another reputable brand, but the reported sound quality of the crystal surface swayed my decision towards the WH355. My first impression was excitement—I was eager to get into the woods and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place in the pre-dawn woods of central Missouri during the spring turkey season. I nestled against an old oak, the air crisp and still, perfect conditions for sound to travel. I began with soft clucks and purrs, gradually transitioning to yelps as the sun began to peek over the horizon.
The call performed beautifully, even with my initial hesitations using a crystal call surface. The sound carried well through the dense timber, cutting through the morning stillness without sounding artificial. I was able to produce a variety of calls, from soft, seductive hen talk to more aggressive cutting and cackling. The turkey calls resonated well regardless of the wet humidity.
The one small issue I had initially was finding the sweet spot for the striker on the crystal surface. It took a few minutes to get the right angle and pressure to produce consistent yelps, but once I found it, the call became much easier to use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting in various conditions, the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. It has weathered morning dew, light rain, and dusty conditions without any degradation in sound quality. The Woodhaven Call has been used to harvest several Toms now.
The call shows no signs of wear and tear despite being carried in my vest pocket throughout several hunts. I’ve been careful to maintain the crystal surface with the included conditioning kit, ensuring optimal sound production. The maintenance needed for crystal surface calls is slightly more involved than say, a slate call.
Compared to other calls I’ve used, the Woodhaven stands out for its consistent performance and realistic sound. Cheaper calls often lose their tone or become difficult to use after repeated exposure to moisture, but the WH355 has remained consistent. This is a call I can rely on season after season.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps
Specifications
- Mahogany Vision Cup: Provides a comfortable grip and enhances the call’s resonance. The density of the mahogany contributes to a richer, more natural sound.
- Purple-Heart Sound Board: Creates a distinct, pure turkey sound. Purple-heart wood is known for its hardness and excellent tonal qualities.
- Hickory Striker & Deluxe Striker: Each call is hand-matched with both a hickory and the new Deluxe Striker. This ensures optimal sound production and provides the user with options to experiment with different tones.
- Surface Saver Lid: Protects the crystal surface from damage and debris. This is essential for maintaining the call’s performance over time.
- Conditioning Kit: Maintains the crystal surface for optimal sound quality. Regular conditioning ensures consistent friction and prevents the surface from becoming too smooth.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The quality of the materials ensures that the call produces realistic turkey sounds that are effective in attracting gobblers.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. From soft purrs and clucks to loud yelps and cuts, this call can do it all. The ability to create subtle, realistic sounds is crucial for fooling wary gobblers.
The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and authentic sound. It’s easy to create different calls by varying the pressure and angle of the striker. One area for potential improvement might be a more detailed user guide for beginners unfamiliar with crystal calls.
The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps meets and exceeds my expectations for a premium turkey call. It delivers the realistic sound and versatility I was looking for, making it a valuable addition to my turkey hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is exceptional. The mahogany vision cup feels solid and well-crafted, and the purple-heart sound board is flawlessly integrated. The weight is comfortable in hand, providing a secure grip without feeling cumbersome.
The call is user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with crystal calls. With a bit of practice, however, anyone can master the art of producing realistic turkey sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, I expect the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps to last for many seasons. The mahogany vision cup is resistant to cracking and warping, and the crystal surface is durable enough to withstand regular use. Regular use of the conditioning kit ensures the surface of the crystal lasts longer.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and conditioning. The included surface saver lid is a valuable addition, protecting the crystal surface from scratches and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps comes with everything you need to get started. The surface saver lid is an especially useful accessory, protecting the call’s delicate crystal surface from damage during transport and storage. The different strikers make varying call tones.
While there are no specific customization options for the call itself, it’s compatible with various aftermarket strikers. Experimenting with different strikers can allow you to fine-tune the call’s sound to your personal preference.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Produces realistic, versatile turkey sounds that are effective in attracting gobblers.
- High-Quality Materials: The mahogany vision cup and purple-heart sound board are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Includes Essential Accessories: The surface saver lid and conditioning kit help maintain the call’s performance over time.
- Hand-Matched Strikers: Comes with both a Hickory and Deluxe Striker to allow the user to experiment with sounds.
- Versatile: Can produce a variety of turkey vocalizations, from soft purrs to loud yelps.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Crystal calls can be challenging for beginners to master.
- Price: The WH355 is more expensive than some other turkey calls on the market.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps?
The Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is perfect for experienced turkey hunters who appreciate high-quality gear and are looking for a call that can produce realistic, versatile sounds. It’s also a great choice for hunters who want a call that will last for many seasons.
Beginners might find the learning curve a bit steep, and those on a tight budget may want to consider a less expensive option. Hunters who frequently hunt in extremely wet conditions might prefer a slate call, which is generally less sensitive to moisture.
A must-have accessory would be a striker holder that attaches to your vest, keeping your striker readily available and protected from the elements. Experimenting with different strikers is also recommended to find the perfect sound for your hunting style.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps
Overall, the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is an excellent turkey call that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the quality of materials and craftsmanship justify the price. The price, at $94.99, is a justified price.
I would highly recommend this call to any serious turkey hunter who wants to take their calling game to the next level. If you’re looking for a call that will help you fill your tag season after season, the Woodhaven Calls WH355 Mahogany Crystal Friction Call Turkey Yelps is a worthy investment. Get out there and make some turkey music!