WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON Review

First Thoughts on the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON striker: it’s more than just a stick you rub on a call. It’s an extension of your hand, a conduit for your knowledge of the woods, and a critical piece of the puzzle when you’re trying to convince a wary gobbler that his next date is just around the corner. Woodhaven Custom Calls is a name synonymous with quality in the turkey hunting world, and the promise of an all-weather striker immediately piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve battled the elements, watching carefully crafted calls turn into mush in the rain or lose their resonance in the dry heat. I needed a reliable striker that would perform consistently, regardless of the conditions. This is what led me to the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight; it feels substantial yet balanced. The carbon fiber shaft has a smooth, almost satin finish, and the striking tip appears meticulously crafted. The build quality screams premium, a welcome sight considering the crucial role a striker plays. I compared it to my slate striker with a wooden handle and my old acrylic striker. The promise of weatherproof performance instantly separated the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON from the others.

My initial impression was one of excitement tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. Could a single striker truly deliver consistent sound across a range of conditions? I was eager to find out if the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON lived up to Woodhaven Custom Calls‘ reputation.

Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON was during an early spring turkey hunt in the Ozark Mountains. The weather was classic Missouri: damp, with a lingering morning chill and the threat of rain hanging in the air. The hunt took place across mixed terrain, including hardwood ridges and open fields, providing ample opportunities to test the striker across a variety of calls and conditions.

I tested the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON on slate, glass, and crystal calls. Its performance was remarkably consistent. The striker produced clean, crisp cuts and realistic yelps on each surface, even with the lingering moisture in the air. I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which I could create different tones and pitches, allowing me to imitate a variety of hens. There was no learning curve. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON felt immediately comfortable and intuitive.

The only initial issue was a very slight squeak when used on a particularly well-worn slate call. A quick cleaning of the call surface resolved it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of rigorous use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON has proven its worth. The striker shows no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to mud, rain, and the occasional accidental drop. The carbon fiber shaft is remarkably durable, resisting scratches and maintaining its integrity.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with wooden strikers, which required frequent sanding and conditioning, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is a breeze to maintain. It definitely outperforms my expectations, providing consistent performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON

Specifications

  • The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is an all-weather striker designed for use with a variety of turkey calls. Its primary function is to produce realistic turkey sounds by striking a call surface, such as slate, glass, or crystal.

  • The striker features a carbon fiber shaft, which is known for its strength, lightweight properties, and resistance to moisture. The striking tip is carefully crafted, though the exact material is not explicitly specified. This material is chosen for its ability to produce consistent and realistic tones.

  • The price of the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is $17.99. The price is competitive within the market for premium strikers.

  • These specifications matter because they contribute to the striker’s all-weather performance and durability. The carbon fiber shaft ensures that the striker won’t warp or swell in wet conditions, while the carefully crafted tip allows for consistent sound production.

Performance & Functionality

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON excels at its primary job: producing realistic turkey sounds. It allows for a wide range of calls, from soft clucks and purrs to loud, aggressive cuts and yelps. The striker is responsive and allows for precise control over tone and volume.

Its strength lies in its consistent performance across different call surfaces and weather conditions. A weakness is the potential for slight squeaking on certain call surfaces, which can be easily remedied with proper call maintenance. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON meets and exceeds expectations. Its reliability is impressive.

Design & Ergonomics

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON features a well-balanced design. The carbon fiber shaft is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. Its build quality is excellent. The materials used feel premium and the craftsmanship is evident.

The striker is user-friendly. It requires no special skills or techniques to use effectively. It is an intuitive tool that allows both experienced and novice turkey hunters to produce realistic sounds with ease.

Durability & Maintenance

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is built to last. The carbon fiber shaft is highly resistant to wear and tear, and the striking tip is designed to withstand repeated use. With proper care, this striker should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each hunt is all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON striker does not come with any specific accessories. Its design is focused on functionality and simplicity.

While there are no explicit customization options, the striker is compatible with a wide range of turkey calls from Woodhaven Custom Calls and other brands. This allows users to customize their setup by pairing the striker with different call surfaces to achieve their desired sound.

Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON

Pros

  • All-Weather Performance: The carbon fiber shaft ensures consistent performance in wet or dry conditions, eliminating the problems associated with wooden strikers.
  • Versatile Sound Production: The carefully crafted tip allows for a wide range of turkey sounds, from soft purrs to aggressive cuts.
  • Durable Construction: The carbon fiber shaft is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring years of reliable service.
  • Lightweight and Comfortable: The well-balanced design makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
  • Easy Maintenance: A simple wipe-down is all that’s needed to keep the striker in top condition.

Cons

  • Potential Squeaking: On certain call surfaces, the striker may produce a slight squeaking sound, though this can usually be resolved with proper call maintenance.
  • Lack of Customization: There are no specific customization options available for the striker itself.


Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON?

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is perfect for:

  • Turkey hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a reliable, all-weather striker that will perform consistently in any condition.
  • Hunters who want a versatile striker that can produce a wide range of turkey sounds.
  • Individuals who appreciate quality craftsmanship and durable construction.

Who should skip this product?

  • Hunters who are on an extremely tight budget and are willing to sacrifice all-weather performance for a cheaper wooden striker.
  • Those who exclusively use box calls.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

  • A variety of quality pot calls (slate, glass, crystal) to pair with the striker.
  • A call maintenance kit to keep call surfaces clean and conditioned.

Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON is an excellent striker that delivers on its promise of all-weather performance and versatile sound production. Its durable construction, comfortable design, and easy maintenance make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal. The price of $17.99 is more than justified. You receive a high-quality product that will provide years of reliable service.

I would personally recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON to any turkey hunter looking for a top-performing striker. Don’t let unpredictable weather ruin your hunt. Invest in the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS CARBON and experience the difference a quality striker can make!


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