First Thoughts on the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey, crafted by Zink, is a deceptively simple yet powerful tool designed to lure in even the most wary gobblers. Its 3-reed construction and innovative snake tongue cut promise a range of realistic turkey sounds, all at a price point that won’t break the bank.
My quest to find the perfect mouth call has been a long one. Many calls have promised the world, only to deliver inconsistent sounds or require Herculean lung power. I needed a call that was easy to use, produced authentic tones, and wouldn’t leave me gasping for air in the middle of a crucial calling sequence.
The packaging was simple and straightforward, nothing flashy. But upon holding the call, I immediately noticed how thin and flexible the reeds were. This suggested a potential for nuanced sounds and easy manipulation, a welcome change from some of the stiffer, less responsive calls I’ve encountered.
Compared to my old Primos diaphragm calls and a couple of custom-made calls from a local craftsman, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey stood out because of its unique reed cut. I’ve used calls with similar cuts before, but none felt quite as promising right out of the package. The Zink call just felt like it was begging to be blown.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The call felt comfortable, and the construction appeared solid. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and deliver the authentic turkey sounds I was searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test with the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey was during the spring turkey season in the Missouri Ozarks. The area is known for its challenging terrain and even more challenging birds. I set up near a known roosting area, hoping to coax a gobbler in with some early morning yelps.
The weather was damp, with a light drizzle falling, which can sometimes affect the performance of mouth calls. To my surprise, the Zink call performed flawlessly, even with the moisture. It produced clear, crisp yelps that carried well through the woods.
I was immediately struck by how little air it took to produce a wide range of sounds. The “snake tongue” design really seemed to live up to its promise of easy rasp manipulation. It took only a few minutes to feel comfortable producing yelps, clucks, and purrs, all with minimal effort. There were no issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey has become one of my go-to calls. It has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or tear. The reeds have maintained their flexibility and responsiveness.
I’ve hunted in various conditions, from hot and humid mornings to cool and windy afternoons. The call has consistently performed well, delivering reliable and realistic turkey sounds. I’ve noticed minimal saliva buildup, preventing the call from sticking or becoming muffled.
Compared to my previous calls, the Zink call has been a significant upgrade in terms of ease of use and sound quality. It requires less maintenance than some of my other calls, which often need to be dried and reshaped after each use. It surpasses others in the price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
Specifications
- The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey features a 3-reed construction, providing a full range of sounds. This creates a more realistic and layered sound profile for attracting turkeys.
- It’s meticulously hand-stretched, ensuring consistent tension and responsiveness. This painstaking attention to detail results in more reliable and nuanced sounds.
- The “snake tongue” cut allows for effortless rolling of rasps, creating a realistic, broken-over sound. This design is essential for producing convincing turkey vocalizations.
- The call is proudly made in the USA, guaranteeing quality craftsmanship and materials. This domestic manufacturing ensures stricter quality control and supports American jobs.
- It produces high-pitched front ends, authentic yelps, purrs, and clucks. The versatility of this call allows hunters to mimic a wide range of turkey vocalizations.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey excels at producing a wide range of realistic turkey sounds. It makes attracting turkeys easier than ever before.
Its ability to create both high-pitched and raspy tones is crucial for mimicking different hen vocalizations. The “snake tongue” cut makes it easy to produce the subtle inflections and variations that fool even the wariest birds. Its only weakness is that it may be too easy to produce sounds for a beginner, leading to over-calling.
The call meets and often exceeds my expectations. Its ease of use and authentic sounds have made it a valuable tool in my turkey hunting arsenal.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is excellent, especially considering its affordable price point. The reeds are thin yet durable, and the tape is comfortable against the roof of the mouth.
The call is lightweight and easy to manipulate, allowing for precise control over the sounds produced. There’s a minimal learning curve for experienced callers, but even novices can quickly learn to produce basic yelps and clucks.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is designed to last through multiple seasons with proper care. Regularly rinsing the call with water and storing it in a cool, dry place will extend its lifespan.
The call requires minimal maintenance. Replacing the tape as needed is the only upkeep typically required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is a standalone product and does not come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this particular mouth call model.
While the call itself can’t be customized, hunters can experiment with different calling techniques to achieve a wider range of sounds. Also, it’s worth trying different diaphragm placements within the mouth for varied tones.
Pros and Cons of Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
Pros
- Produces realistic and versatile turkey sounds.
- Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point.
- Hand-stretched reeds for consistent sound quality.
Cons
- May be too sensitive for absolute beginners.
- Lack of included case may shorten lifespan if left unprotected.
Who Should Buy Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey?
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is perfect for both experienced turkey hunters looking for a reliable and versatile call and beginners who are just starting to learn the art of turkey calling. It’s also great for hunters on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
This product might not be ideal for hunters who prefer extremely specialized or custom-made calls. Hunters who dislike mouth calls in general should obviously skip this product.
A small, protective case to keep the call clean and safe during transport would be a useful accessory. A lanyard to keep the call readily available is also recommended.
Conclusion on Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is an exceptional value for the money. It delivers on its promise of producing realistic turkey sounds with minimal effort.
The affordable price tag and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for any turkey hunter. It’s a solid, well-designed call that gets the job done.
I would absolutely recommend the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey to anyone looking for a reliable and effective turkey call. Grab one, head to the woods, and get ready to hear those gobbles!