WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts Review

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve spent the better part of my life chasing gobblers through the woods, and in that pursuit, I’ve blown through more turkey calls than I care to admit. Diaphragm calls are my bread and butter, offering the versatility and hands-free operation that’s crucial when a longbeard is closing the distance. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts caught my eye due to its description of delivering smooth, soft calls alongside raspy yelps and cutts. I was intrigued by the potential of this call to cover a wide range of vocalizations with ease.

My quest was simple: I needed a diaphragm call that offered both realistic, subtle tones for close-range coaxing and the power to reach out and locate distant birds. Finding a call that truly masters both can be challenging.

The WOODHAVEN call arrived in a simple blister pack, which is fine for the price point. The first thing I noticed was the vibrant color of the reeds – the thin yellow top reed paired with the two clear bottom reeds made for an aesthetically pleasing combination. Upon closer inspection, the tape job was clean and consistent, hinting at meticulous manufacturing. This contrasted to cheaper calls with visibly uneven tape.

I typically use Primos and Quaker Boy diaphragm calls, relying on their consistency and proven track record. I’ve had success with both brands, but often find myself switching between two or three calls to achieve the full spectrum of turkey sounds. The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts offered the promise of consolidating that need into a single, versatile call.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype of being a “smooth front on raspy yelp.” I’ve been burned before by calls promising the world and delivering a squawk.

Real-World Testing: Putting WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Raspy Red Reactor came during a scouting trip to my favorite hunting spot in the Appalachian foothills. The morning was crisp, with a light fog hanging in the valleys – perfect turkey weather. I started with some soft purrs and clucks, trying to emulate the sounds of a content hen. The call responded beautifully, producing incredibly realistic and subtle sounds.

The Raspy Red Reactor performed admirably in the damp conditions. I was concerned about moisture affecting the reeds, but the call maintained its tone and responsiveness throughout the morning. It took a little practice to find the sweet spot, as the call seemed a bit more sensitive to mouth pressure than some of my other diaphragms. But after about 15 minutes, I felt comfortable with it.

The biggest surprise was how easily I could transition from soft calls to aggressive cutts and cackles. With a slight adjustment in air pressure and tongue placement, the Raspy Red Reactor transformed into a loud, attention-grabbing locator call. This versatility was immediately apparent and incredibly useful.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts has become a staple in my call arsenal. It’s held up remarkably well, showing no signs of significant wear and tear. I’ve cleaned it after each use with a soft cloth and stored it in a dry case to prevent mold and mildew.

The tape remains securely attached, and the reeds have retained their shape and responsiveness. This speaks to the quality of materials and construction.

Compared to some of my older diaphragm calls, which require frequent retuning and adjustment, the Raspy Red Reactor has been remarkably consistent. It requires very little maintenance. This outperforms other calls at this price point.

Breaking Down the Features of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts

Specifications

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is a diaphragm-style turkey call featuring a three-reed construction.

  • It utilizes a thin yellow top reed.
  • The call also has two clear bottom reeds.
  • The frame is constructed from standard latex and tape materials common to most diaphragm calls.
  • There are no official specifications regarding the exact thickness of the reeds or the specific type of latex used, but the combination is designed to produce a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
  • It’s designed for mouth-operated use, placed against the roof of the mouth to produce yelps, purrs, clucks, and cutts.

The specifications are crucial for achieving the desired sound quality and versatility. The thin top reed allows for clear, crisp tones, while the bottom reeds add depth and raspiness.

Performance & Functionality

The Raspy Red Reactor excels at producing a wide array of turkey sounds, from soft and subtle purrs to aggressive cutts and cackles.

It’s capable of creating realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs with minimal effort. The call’s responsiveness allows for nuanced control over tone and volume.

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts does exactly what WOODHAVEN advertises: delivering a smooth front end to raspy yelps. It meets expectations and then some.

Design & Ergonomics

The call is designed for comfortable and secure placement in the mouth. The latex and tape are soft and flexible, minimizing irritation.

The frame is sized appropriately for most adult mouths, although individuals with particularly small mouths might experience a slight learning curve.

There’s no significant learning curve. With some practice, you’ll be calling birds in no time.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Raspy Red Reactor should last for at least a full turkey season.

Cleaning with a soft cloth and storing in a dry place will prolong its lifespan. Avoid excessive stretching or bending of the reeds, as this can damage them.

Accessories and Customization Options

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts does not come with any accessories.

The call itself is not customizable in terms of reed configuration. However, experienced callers may experiment with trimming the reeds to alter the tone and pitch to their personal preference. This takes practice, and is not recommended for beginners.

Pros and Cons of WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts

Pros

  • Produces a wide range of realistic turkey sounds.
  • Excellent for both soft calling and aggressive locator calls.
  • Relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
  • Durable construction and consistent performance.
  • Exceptional value for the price.

Cons

  • May require some practice to find the optimal mouth pressure and tongue placement.
  • Not customizable beyond trimming the reeds.


Who Should Buy WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts?

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is perfect for turkey hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and affordable diaphragm call that can handle a variety of hunting situations.

Hunters who prefer highly customized calls or those with very specific tonal preferences might want to explore other options. But for the average turkey hunter, this call is a winner.

A call case or lanyard to keep it clean and readily accessible is a must-have. Some hunters also prefer to use a call conditioner to keep the reeds moist and prevent them from drying out.

Conclusion on WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts

The WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CALLS Raspy Red Reactor Three Reed Turkey Yelps, Purrs, Clucks, Cutts is an outstanding diaphragm call that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its versatility, realistic sound quality, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any turkey hunter’s arsenal.

The price is absolutely justified for the quality and performance you get. I expected to be disappointed given the low price point, but was extremely pleasantly surprised.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Raspy Red Reactor to anyone looking for a reliable and effective turkey call. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed. It might just be the call that helps you bag that elusive longbeard this season.


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