WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER Review

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER Made a Bold First Impression

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless innovations, and frankly, a lot of gimmicks. When I first saw the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER, I was intrigued by its claims of versatility, promising the effect of two batwing cuts in a single mouth call. My experience tells me that claims need testing. At $13.49, the price point was low enough to warrant taking the plunge.

I was on the hunt for a mouth call that offered a broad range of turkey vocalizations. I wanted something that could produce crisp, clear yelps and cuts, but also had the ability to transition into softer clucks and purrs. Many calls I’ve used excelled at one or the other, but rarely both.

Upon receiving the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER, my initial impression was positive. The call felt well-constructed, with a comfortable tape and reed arrangement. It was noticeably lightweight, which is a definite plus when you’re carrying multiple calls into the woods.

I’ve used other Woodhaven calls in the past, specifically their “Legend” series. The Legend offered excellent clear, high-pitched yelps, but lacked the rasp needed for convincing old hen sounds. I also considered Primos’ “The Freak,” known for its raspy tones, but found it challenging to produce clean, consistent yelps. The HAMMER seemed to bridge the gap between these two, with its unique “hammer cut” design.

I was cautiously optimistic. Past experiences have taught me that a call’s performance in the field is what truly matters. Only time and a stubborn gobbler would reveal the true potential of the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER.

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

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to field-test the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER came during a spring turkey hunt in the oak ridges of central Pennsylvania. The conditions were typical for the area this time of year: cool mornings with lingering moisture from the previous night’s rain. I planned to set up near a known roosting area and attempt to call in a gobbler at first light.

The call performed surprisingly well right out of the gate. I was able to produce a variety of sounds, from sharp, cutting yelps to soft, seductive purrs, with relative ease. The “hammer cut” design genuinely seemed to offer increased versatility. There was a slight learning curve to mastering the intricacies of the call’s reed placement within the mouth to manipulate the desired sounds.

Initially, I experienced a small amount of air leakage around the edges of the call. A slight adjustment to my mouth position quickly remedied this, and I was back to producing clean, consistent tones. The responsiveness of the call, even in the damp morning air, was impressive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER has become a mainstay in my turkey hunting arsenal. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, including dry, dusty environments and in the pouring rain, without any noticeable degradation in performance. The tape has remained securely attached, and the reeds have maintained their shape and tone.

The call has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve accidentally dropped it several times in the woods, and it has withstood the abuse without any cracking or warping. Cleaning is relatively simple; I just rinse it with water and allow it to air dry. So far, this regimen has maintained both performance and cleanliness.

Compared to other mouth calls I’ve used, the HAMMER stands out for its consistency and versatility. I can confidently produce a wider range of turkey vocalizations with this call than with many of my other more specialized calls. It has definitely exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER

Specifications

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER is a diaphragm mouth call designed specifically for turkey hunting. Its key feature is the unique two Woodhaven hammer cuts. These are strategically placed in the reeds to mimic the sound of two batwing cuts within a single call. This innovative design allows hunters to create a wide range of turkey sounds.

It features a standard-size frame with comfortable latex tape. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit inside the mouth. The reeds are made from high-quality latex. These are meticulously stretched and tuned to produce realistic turkey sounds.

The call weighs virtually nothing, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods. Its small size allows it to be easily stored in a vest or pocket.

Performance & Functionality

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER excels in its ability to produce a wide range of turkey sounds. The hammer cuts create a distinctive rasp. This allows for realistic old hen yelps, cuts, and cackles. With slight variations in air pressure and tongue placement, you can achieve clear, high-pitched hen yelps, clucks, and purrs as well.

The call’s strengths lie in its versatility and ease of use. It is relatively easy to master the basics. With practice, a hunter can create convincing calling sequences that will fool even the wariest gobblers. There is a slight learning curve in transitioning between different sounds quickly.

It meets expectations and in some areas, exceeds them, particularly in versatility. The ability to achieve sounds that once needed several calls with just the HAMMER is impressive.

Design & Ergonomics

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER features a simple, yet effective design. The latex tape is comfortable and conforms well to the roof of the mouth. This creates a secure seal that minimizes air leakage.

The overall build quality is excellent. The reeds are precisely cut and tuned. The tape is securely adhered to the frame. It is very user-friendly. The learning curve is less steep compared to some more complex diaphragm calls.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER should last for at least one to two hunting seasons, or more. The lifespan will of course, depend on the frequency of use and the conditions in which it is used. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is simple. Rinsing with water and allowing it to air dry is sufficient to keep the call clean and functioning properly.

Replacing the call when the reeds become worn or damaged is cheaper than replacing more advanced calls. Replacement is also a straightforward process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER does not come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone product designed to be used as-is. While there are no specific customization options for the HAMMER itself, it can be paired with other calls to create more complex calling sequences.

Some hunters prefer to use multiple mouth calls simultaneously. This is to achieve different tones and pitches, or to create a more layered and realistic sound. It is compatible with any standard lanyard or call holder.

Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER

Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER?

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use and versatility. Experienced hunters will value its ability to create a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.

Those who should skip this product are hunters who prefer highly specialized calls that excel in only one or two specific sounds. If you only need one specific call note, there may be better options.

A must-have accessory is a call case or lanyard to protect the call from damage and keep it readily accessible. Also helpful are online tutorials or videos demonstrating how to use the call effectively.

Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER is an outstanding mouth call. It offers exceptional versatility, durability, and value for the money. Its unique “hammer cut” design allows hunters to create a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. This makes it an indispensable tool for attracting even the most call-shy gobblers.

The price of $13.49 is more than justified given its performance and durability. It offers impressive versatility that is often found in more expensive calls.

I would absolutely recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER to any turkey hunter looking to improve their calling game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, this call is sure to become a valuable asset in your hunting arsenal. Add the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS HAMMER to your vest and experience calling versatility. You won’t be disappointed.