The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless turkey calls come and go. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts promised something special: the sweetest double note yelps and the softest, most realistic purrs and clucks. Could it live up to the hype?
For years, I’ve relied on box calls, finding their simplicity and volume advantageous in windy conditions. However, the desire to achieve a more nuanced and subtle sound, especially for close-in birds, prompted me to explore slate calls. I needed a call that could whisper sweet nothings to a weary gobbler, drawing him into the perfect range.
Upon receiving the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts, I was immediately struck by its craftsmanship. The walnut cup felt solid and comfortable in my hand, and the slate surface looked impeccably smooth. It exuded a sense of quality and purpose, whispering promises of successful hunts to come.
Compared to other slate calls I’ve handled in the past, even some pricier custom models, the WOODHAVEN stood out with its refined finish and the obvious attention to detail. Many mass-produced calls feel generic; this one felt like a well-tuned instrument. I chose the WOODHAVEN because of the WOODHAVEN reputation for producing calls that are both user-friendly and incredibly effective in the field.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism bordering on excitement. The feel of the slate, the balance of the call, and the reputation of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS all contributed to a feeling that this call might be a game-changer. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to truly test the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts came during the opening week of turkey season in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was uncooperative, with a persistent drizzle dampening everything and making calling conditions less than ideal. I set up near a known strutting zone, hoping to lure a gobbler into range.
Despite the wet conditions, the Legend Slate performed admirably. The slate maintained a consistent sound even when slightly damp, producing clear yelps and soft purrs that carried well through the woods. It did take a little extra care to keep the striker dry, but the resulting calls were worth the effort. I was able to produce convincing turkey sounds despite the challenging conditions.
The ease of use was surprisingly good. Even with limited experience using slate calls, I quickly learned to produce a variety of calls, from aggressive cutts to soft clucks. The Legend Slate seemed forgiving, allowing me to refine my technique without sacrificing the quality of the sounds. There was a slight learning curve initially, especially in mastering the purr, but within a few hours, I felt confident in its capabilities.
After about an hour of calling, a longbeard finally responded, drumming his way closer. He hung up just out of range, but a few soft purrs from the Legend Slate convinced him to close the distance. The shot was clean, and I tagged out on opening day.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the spring turkey season, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts has proven to be a reliable and effective tool. It has become an indispensable part of my turkey hunting arsenal.
The durability has been impressive. Despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and even a brief accidental dunk in a creek, the Legend Slate has shown no signs of significant wear and tear. The slate surface remains smooth, and the walnut cup retains its integrity. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth has been sufficient to keep it in top condition.
Maintenance is straightforward. Keeping the slate surface clean and lightly scuffed with sandpaper ensures consistent sound quality. The walnut cup benefits from occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Compared to diaphragm calls, which require frequent replacement, the Legend Slate is incredibly low-maintenance.
In comparison to previous experiences with other slate calls, the WOODHAVEN stands head and shoulders above the competition. It’s consistently produced higher-quality, more realistic sounds with less effort. The overall craftsmanship and attention to detail make it a superior product in every way. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Specifications
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts boasts several key specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance. The call features a high-grade slate surface, carefully selected for its sound quality and consistency. This slate is sanded to a precise thickness, ensuring optimal resonance and responsiveness.
The slate is hand-set in a walnut cup, chosen for its durability, tonal properties, and aesthetic appeal. The combination of slate and walnut creates a warm, natural sound that is highly appealing to turkeys. The walnut cup is also ergonomically designed for comfortable handling.
- Material: High-grade slate surface, walnut cup
- Design: Hand-set construction
- Function: Produces yelps, purrs, clucks, and cutts
- Intended Use: Turkey hunting
- Price: $89.99
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the call’s performance. The high-grade slate ensures clear and consistent sound production. The precise sanding and hand-set construction guarantee optimal resonance. The walnut cup provides durability and comfortable handling.
Performance & Functionality
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey vocalizations. From sweet double-note yelps to soft, seductive purrs and clucks, this call can do it all. Its versatility makes it suitable for various hunting scenarios, from early-season calling to late-season coaxing.
The call’s strengths lie in its ability to produce incredibly subtle and nuanced sounds. The soft purrs and clucks are particularly effective at close range. Its weakness is that it is quieter than a box call and can be difficult to use in high winds.
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts definitely meets, and even exceeds, my expectations for a high-end slate call. It delivers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and ease of use in a durable and well-crafted package.
Design & Ergonomics
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts boasts exceptional build quality, using premium materials like high-grade slate and a beautifully crafted walnut cup. The weight is well-balanced, and the call feels comfortable and secure in hand, even after extended use. The craftsmanship exudes quality, and it’s clear that attention to detail was paramount in its design.
The Legend Slate is relatively user-friendly, especially for those with some experience using slate calls. However, mastering the subtle nuances of the call requires practice and patience. Newcomers may experience a slight learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts appears to be built to last. The high-quality materials and solid construction suggest that it will withstand years of use with proper care. The slate surface is resistant to scratching and chipping, and the walnut cup is durable and weather-resistant.
Maintenance is simple. Keeping the slate surface clean and lightly scuffed with sandpaper is all that’s typically required. The walnut cup can be cleaned with a damp cloth and occasionally treated with a wood preservative. No specialized tools or skills are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts does not come with a vast array of accessories, but it includes a matched striker designed specifically for optimal sound production. Aftermarket strikers are widely available and can be used to fine-tune the sound to your personal preferences. The included striker works well and is made of a good material that generates a true sound.
There are no readily available customization options for the walnut cup itself, but the slate surface can be lightly modified with sandpaper or abrasive pads to alter its texture and tone. The call is compatible with most standard strikers.
Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
Pros
- Produces incredibly realistic and subtle turkey vocalizations.
- Exceptional build quality and durability.
- Relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
- Versatile, suitable for various hunting scenarios.
- The Legend Slate provides exceptional value for its price.
Cons
- Quieter than box calls, may be difficult to use in high winds.
- Requires some practice to master subtle nuances.
Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts?
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels who are looking for a high-quality, versatile, and realistic-sounding call. Experienced callers will appreciate its ability to produce subtle and nuanced vocalizations, while beginners will find it relatively easy to learn and use. It’s a fantastic tool for hunters who want to refine their calling skills and increase their success in the field.
Those who primarily hunt in open areas with high winds might want to consider a louder call, such as a box call, in addition to the Legend Slate. If you are unwilling to invest the time and effort required to learn how to properly use a slate call, this product may not be for you.
A good striker is a must-have accessory. While the included striker is perfectly adequate, experimenting with different materials and designs can help you fine-tune the sound to your liking.
Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts
The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is an exceptional turkey call that delivers on its promises. It produces incredibly realistic and subtle sounds, is built to last, and is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. Its versatility makes it suitable for various hunting scenarios, and its overall value is outstanding.
At $89.99, the price is justified by the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the performance of the call. It is an investment that will pay off in increased success in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Legend Friction Call Slate Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to any serious turkey hunter. It’s a game-changer that will help you bring those wary gobblers into range. Go ahead, give it a try, and experience the WOODHAVEN difference for yourself!