The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks Made a Bold First Impression
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve handled countless turkey calls. From box calls echoing through the hardwoods to diaphragm calls demanding precise breath control, each has its place, but finding a friction call that truly stands out is a rare treat. When the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks arrived, I was intrigued, promising user-friendliness with the ability to reach out and touch distant gobblers.
My go-to pot call, a well-worn slate surface over a walnut pot, had become temperamental in varying humidity. I needed a more consistent, versatile call that wouldn’t change its tone dramatically with the weather. The Anodized Ninja offered the allure of aluminum, known for its weather resistance, combined with Woodhaven’s reputation for quality. I also considered the Primos Power Crystal and the H.S. Strut Crystal Mistress, but Woodhaven’s reputation and the included striker options swayed me.
The unboxing was impressive, the call nestled securely with both the YellowHeart Ninja Stick and the hickory striker. The black anodized aluminum surface of the YellowHeart pot felt smooth and substantial. My initial impression was one of quality and thoughtful design, exceeding my expectations and sparking excitement for its first field test.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Anodized Ninja was during a spring gobbler hunt in the rolling hills of eastern Tennessee. The morning was cool and damp, ideal conditions to test its advertised weather resistance. I set up against a large oak, the Anodized Ninja nestled comfortably in my gloved hand.
The Anodized Ninja performed flawlessly. The yellow heart pot, combined with the anodized aluminum surface, produced clear, crisp yelps with minimal effort. The call remained consistent and responsive, even as the humidity increased throughout the morning. There were no unexpected squeaks or flat notes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated use across various weather conditions, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks has proven to be a reliable companion. The anodized aluminum surface shows no signs of wear, resisting scratches and maintaining its consistent tone. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe with a soft cloth keeps it performing optimally.
Compared to my previous slate call, the Anodized Ninja offers superior weather resistance and consistent sound quality. It has become my go-to call for challenging weather conditions, outperforming all other friction calls in my arsenal. The ability to create soft and loud calls is a plus as well.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks boasts several key specifications. The YellowHeart pot provides a rich, resonant base. The treated black anodized aluminum surface ensures consistent sound and weather resistance. It comes complete with the YellowHeart Ninja Stick striker and a hickory striker, broadening the call’s tonal range.
These specifications directly translate to enhanced performance. The aluminum surface resists moisture, preventing tone changes in humid conditions. The two strikers provide versatility, allowing hunters to create a wide range of sounds. The YellowHeart pot creates a beautiful, lasting, full, round sound.
Performance & Functionality
The Anodized Ninja excels at its primary function: attracting turkeys. It is capable of producing both soft, seductive clucks for close-range calling and loud, piercing yelps to reach distant gobblers. The call is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring minimal pressure to produce a clear, consistent sound. There is a learning curve to get the sounds just right, but it isn’t steep.
Its strength lies in its versatility. The ability to switch between subtle and aggressive calls makes it adaptable to various hunting situations. The only area for potential improvement is the striker storage, though it’s a small issue. It meets and exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks is well-designed and ergonomically sound. The YellowHeart pot feels comfortable in hand, providing a secure grip. The overall weight is balanced, allowing for precise control. The sound resonates throughout your entire body when in use.
The call is exceptionally user-friendly, even for beginners. The aluminum surface is easy to condition and requires minimal maintenance. The strikers fit comfortably in the hand and provide excellent control.
Durability & Maintenance
The anodized aluminum surface is incredibly durable, resisting scratches and wear. The YellowHeart pot is also known for its strength and longevity. With proper care, this call should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a periodic cleaning with a soft cloth. The aluminum surface can be re-roughened as needed with a sandpaper or Scotch-Brite pad.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks includes both the YellowHeart Ninja Stick and a hickory striker. While there are no readily available aftermarket strikers designed specifically for this call, most standard pot call strikers will be compatible. Woodhaven also offers a range of conditioning kits to maintain the aluminum surface.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality: Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
- Superior weather resistance: Maintains consistent tone and performance in varying humidity.
- User-friendly design: Easy to learn and master, even for beginners.
- Durable construction: Built to withstand the rigors of hunting.
- Versatile striker options: Includes both YellowHeart and hickory strikers for tonal variation.
Cons
- Price: It is a premium call with a higher price point than some alternatives.
- Striker storage: No dedicated storage on the call for the strikers.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks?
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand exceptional sound quality and reliability. It’s also a great choice for hunters in areas with unpredictable weather conditions. The call’s user-friendly design makes it suitable for both experienced callers and beginners.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt in consistently dry conditions might want to consider a more affordable option. A must-have accessory is a call conditioning kit to maintain the aluminum surface, and a striker case to protect the strikers during transport.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Anodized Ninja Friction Call Turkey Yelps, Clucks is an outstanding friction call that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its superior sound quality, weather resistance, and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any serious turkey hunter. The call’s ability to produce both soft and loud calls adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of hunting situations.
While the price is higher than some alternatives, the quality and performance justify the cost. I would definitely recommend this call to anyone looking to elevate their turkey hunting game. Don’t just call turkeys; command them. Invest in the Anodized Ninja and experience the difference.