The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey Made a Bold First Impression
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey striker is a seemingly simple tool, but crucial for any serious turkey hunter using a pot call. This particular striker, WH099, promises to deliver consistent and realistic turkey sounds, essential for drawing in wary gobblers. With a price tag of $11.99, it positions itself as an affordable, yet potentially high-performing, option.
My own journey to finding the perfect striker has been a long one, marked by frustration with inconsistent tones and poor responsiveness from cheaper options. I was seeking a striker that would consistently produce crisp, clear yelps, clucks, and purrs without requiring excessive force or constant re-chalking. The promise of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS‘ reputation for quality and the acrylic construction piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey, my first impression was positive. The weight felt balanced in my hand, and the acrylic surface was smooth and clean, suggesting good craftsmanship. It had a solid feel, indicating that it was not made cheaply and would be reliable when out in the field.
Compared to a basic wooden striker I’ve used for years and a slate striker with a fiberglass tip, the acrylic WOODHAVEN striker felt immediately more refined. My old wooden striker works alright on glass calls, but lacks the high frequency sounds the acrylic can make. While the slate striker can sound good, it doesn’t have the pop of the WOODHAVEN on a glass or crystal call.
Initially, I was excited by the potential of the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey. The construction and reputation suggested a high-quality product, but the real test would be in the field, coaxing those elusive spring gobblers into range. The smooth feel and balanced weight also gave me confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey came during a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The weather was cool and damp, a common occurrence in those parts. I paired it with a WOODHAVEN Crystal pot call, hoping to create a killer combination.
In those cool, damp conditions, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey performed remarkably well, especially compared to wood strikers, which often lose some effectiveness in wet conditions. It required minimal pressure to produce clean, crisp yelps, and the sound carried well through the woods. I got it out of the box and right to work to try and draw out a Tom.
The striker was incredibly easy to use. The learning curve was almost nonexistent, requiring only a few practice strokes to dial in the correct pressure and angle. I’m not going to say I’m an expert, but the first sound I made was pretty darn good.
There were no significant issues during the first use, although I did notice that the acrylic surface seemed to require more frequent conditioning with sandpaper than a traditional wood striker. Chalking the surface with sandpaper every so often helped bring back the crisp tones it originally had. That’s pretty typical with acrylic.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full turkey season of consistent use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey has held up remarkably well. I put it to work on numerous hunts and it’s been a great addition to my gear. I even keep it with me during deer season, just in case the need for a turkey sandwich arises.
The only noticeable wear and tear is some minor scratching on the acrylic tip, which is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the sound. It’s been dropped on rocks, banged against trees, and generally subjected to the rigors of the hunt, yet it remains fully functional. I would definitely call it a durable piece of gear.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick scuff with fine-grit sandpaper to refresh the striking surface is all that’s needed, and it only takes a few seconds. It also cleans up easily with a damp cloth after those muddy hunts.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper strikers, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey has been a revelation. The consistency of sound and the durability of the acrylic are far superior, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. It’s definitely outperforming my other strikers.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey (WH099) features an acrylic tip, known for its ability to produce high-frequency sounds. It is specifically designed for use with pot calls, primarily glass and crystal surfaces. The overall length is approximately 6 inches, with a handle thickness that is comfortable for most hand sizes.
The acrylic material contributes to its weatherproof nature, making it less susceptible to moisture-related sound distortion compared to traditional wooden strikers. This is essential for hunters who often face unpredictable weather conditions. A well balanced striker can mean the difference between filling your tag or going home empty handed.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations, from sharp, cutting yelps to soft, seductive purrs. The acrylic tip provides excellent responsiveness, allowing for subtle variations in sound with minimal pressure. It’s easy to control and very versatile.
Its strengths lie in its consistent sound quality and weatherproof performance. A minor weakness is the need for occasional surface conditioning to maintain optimal sound, but this is easily addressed with sandpaper. The ability to create convincing calls every time makes this striker a superior choice.
Overall, it exceeds expectations for a striker in this price range. The quality and performance are comparable to higher-end models, making it a great value for the money. It’s not the most expensive option out there, but it sure doesn’t perform like a cheap one.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The acrylic tip is securely attached to the wooden handle, and the overall construction feels solid and durable. The weight is well-balanced, providing a comfortable feel in the hand, even during extended calling sequences.
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey is very user-friendly. The design is intuitive, and there is no significant learning curve. It’s suitable for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. The grip is easy to maintain and the calls come easy.
Durability & Maintenance
The acrylic tip is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that the striker will last for many seasons with proper care. With occasional surface conditioning and cleaning, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey is designed to withstand the rigors of the hunt and provide reliable performance for years to come. It is definitely a long term investment.
Maintaining the striker is simple. The acrylic surface can be refreshed with fine-grit sandpaper to restore optimal sound, and the handle can be cleaned with a damp cloth. No specialized tools or products are required. Easy maintenance ensures maximum usage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of pot calls from various manufacturers. Many hunters will pair it with WOODHAVEN crystal or glass pot calls for optimal performance.
There are no readily available customization options for the striker itself. The user could theoretically replace the handle, but there’s little reason to do so, as the factory handle is already well-designed. There are other products by WOODHAVEN that provide even more options.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey
Pros
- Consistent, high-quality sound production, regardless of weather conditions.
- Durable acrylic tip ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use, suitable for both novice and experienced turkey hunters.
- Excellent value for the price, outperforming many higher-end strikers.
- Compatible with a wide range of pot calls from various manufacturers.
Cons
- Requires occasional surface conditioning to maintain optimal sound.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey?
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand consistent, high-quality sound from their calls. It’s also an excellent choice for hunters who frequently encounter wet or humid conditions. The ability to cut through weather is a major selling point.
Hunters who are primarily using slate or aluminum calls might not see as significant of an improvement. People looking for an “out-of-the-box” solution, without the need for occasional maintenance, might also prefer a different style of striker. The acrylic will need some upkeep, it’s unavoidable.
A must-have accessory is fine-grit sandpaper for conditioning the acrylic tip. A small carrying case or pouch to protect the striker from damage during transport is also recommended. Sandpaper and a pouch will go a long way.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey is a top-notch turkey hunting tool that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its consistent sound quality, durability, and ease of use make it a standout choice for any serious turkey hunter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this striker will help you put more birds in the bag.
The price of $11.99 is more than justified given the quality and performance of the product. It’s an investment that will pay off in the form of more successful hunts and more memorable experiences in the woods.
I would absolutely recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Acrylic Striker Turkey to any turkey hunter looking for a reliable, high-performing striker. Don’t settle for subpar calls that can spook wary gobblers. Get yourself a WOODHAVEN striker and experience the difference!