Let’s Talk About Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call
Slate calls hold a special place in my heart, evoking memories of crisp autumn mornings spent chasing gobblers in the Appalachian foothills. The raspy, seductive purrs and clucks they produce are simply irresistible to a longbeard. When I saw the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call, with its promise of old-world craftsmanship and versatile sound, I knew I had to get my hands on it.
I was specifically seeking a slate call that offered a balance of volume and finesse, capable of both reaching out to distant birds and coaxing in wary toms at close range. My go-to call had become unreliable after a few seasons, and I needed something that would consistently produce quality sound. Opening the package, the first thing that struck me was the visual appeal – the walnut burl top is beautiful. The call also feels solid and well-made.
Compared to other slate calls I’ve used, like the Primos Heart Breaker and the Quaker Boy Hurricane, the Woodhaven Legend Slate seemed to offer a more refined and nuanced sound, based on initial testing. I chose it for Woodhaven’s reputation for quality and the promise of a highly versatile call that could produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential of this call to become my new go-to for the upcoming season.
Real-World Testing: Putting Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put the Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call to the test on a late-season turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains. The weather was damp and cool, with a light drizzle falling throughout the morning. The call performed surprisingly well in the wet conditions, maintaining its responsiveness and producing consistent sounds even with moisture on the slate surface.
It took me a few minutes to find the sweet spot and get comfortable with the call, but once I did, I was able to produce a wide range of realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs. There were no issues, and I was honestly surprised. I had a bird answer in the distance, but unfortunately, he would not commit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various conditions, the Woodhaven Legend Slate has proven to be a reliable and versatile call. The walnut burl top has held up well to the rigors of being carried in my vest, showing no signs of scratching or damage. The slate surface has maintained its texture and responsiveness, requiring only occasional conditioning with the included kit.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a dry cloth is all it usually takes. Compared to other calls I’ve used, the Woodhaven Legend Slate has consistently delivered better sound quality and has required less maintenance. This call has truly exceeded my expectations and has quickly become a favorite in my arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call
Specifications
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call boasts several key specifications:
- Type: Mechanical friction call, specifically a slate call.
- Material: Walnut burl wood for the top and slate for the calling surface.
- Color: The walnut is a natural wood grain, while the slate is a dark gray.
- Other Features: The slate surface is hand-set in the walnut cup and sanded to a precise thickness for optimal sound quality. The call also comes with a surface conditioning kit, two hand-matched strikers, and a protective lid.
- Other Features 2: Features cuts in the slate varying from 2 to 3mm to produce a variety of calling sounds. This is tuned in such a way that the internal pressure creates friction to maximize volume, complexity and tone for effective calling.
- Dimensions: 1.40 x 6.85 x 10.80 inches.
- Height: 1.4000 inches.
- Width: 6.8500 inches.
- Length: 10.8000 inches.
These specifications are essential because they directly impact the call’s sound quality, durability, and ease of use. The walnut burl provides a solid and attractive base, while the slate is known for its ability to produce realistic turkey vocalizations. The sanded slate ensures consistent sound production, and the included accessories make it ready to use right out of the box.
Performance & Functionality
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. From soft, seductive purrs to loud, aggressive yelps, this call can do it all. The varying cuts in the slate really make for a wide variety of sounds. The call is easy to use, even for beginners, and the hand-matched strikers allow for precise control over the sound.
One of its strengths is its ability to produce realistic double-note yelps and soft purrs, which are particularly effective for coaxing in wary birds. A potential weakness is that the slate can be a bit finicky in extremely wet conditions, though this is easily remedied with a quick wipe. This call truly meets and exceeds expectations, delivering consistent and effective performance in the field.
Design & Ergonomics
The Woodhaven Legend Slate is designed with both aesthetics and ergonomics in mind. The walnut burl top is visually appealing and provides a comfortable grip. The call is lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to hold and operate for extended periods.
There is a slight learning curve involved in mastering the different sounds, but the call is overall very user-friendly. Even a novice caller can quickly learn to produce convincing turkey vocalizations with a little practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The Woodhaven Legend Slate is built to last, with high-quality materials and solid construction. The walnut burl top is resistant to scratches and damage, and the slate surface is durable and long-lasting. The call is also easy to maintain.
Occasional conditioning with the included kit is all that’s needed to keep the slate surface in optimal condition. With proper care, this call should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Woodhaven Legend Slate comes with several essential accessories:
- Surface Conditioning Kit: This kit includes sandpaper and a Scotch-Brite pad for maintaining the slate surface.
- Two Hand-Matched Strikers: These strikers are specifically designed to produce the best sound from the slate surface.
- Protective Lid: This lid protects the slate surface from damage and moisture during transport and storage.
While there are no specific customization options for the Legend Slate, it is compatible with various aftermarket strikers. Experimenting with different strikers can allow you to fine-tune the sound to your personal preference.
Pros and Cons of Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call
Pros
- Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Hand-set slate in walnut cup provides superior sound quality.
- Durable construction with high-quality materials.
- Includes essential accessories for maintenance and use.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
Cons
- Slate surface can be slightly affected by extremely wet conditions.
- Relatively higher price point compared to some other slate calls.
Who Should Buy Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call?
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best in sound quality and versatility. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who appreciate handcrafted, high-quality gear. This call would be a good fit for both experienced callers as well as newcomers.
Hunters who primarily hunt in extremely wet environments might want to consider a glass or crystal call as an alternative. There are no must-have accessories, but a good diaphragm call can complement the Legend Slate for a complete turkey calling arsenal.
Conclusion on Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call
The Woodhaven Calls Woodhaven Custom Calls Legend Slate Friction Slate Call is a top-tier turkey call that delivers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and durability. While it comes with a higher price tag, the performance and craftsmanship justify the investment. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any turkey hunter looking to elevate their calling game.
The value proposition is solid; you get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance. If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want a call that will consistently produce realistic sounds and help you bag more birds, the Woodhaven Legend Slate is an excellent choice. Go ahead, add it to your vest and get ready to call in that longbeard!