The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey Made a Bold First Impression
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey, from Zink Calls, promises to deliver authentic turkey sounds with minimal effort. As someone who’s chased gobblers through thick timber and open fields for over a decade, I’ve seen countless calls come and go. The promise of a hand-stretched, three-reed diaphragm with a snake tongue cut, especially at this price point, piqued my interest and sparked my skepticism.
My quest for a reliable, easy-to-use mouth call stems from years of dealing with finicky diaphragms that require constant adjustments and produce inconsistent sounds. I’ve longed for a call that I can rely on every time I put it in my mouth, and that will consistently produce the calls I want. This quest is why I reached out to Zink and purchased the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey.
The packaging was simple, a blister pack that showcased the call clearly. Upon opening, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the latex. It felt supple and well-made, far exceeding my expectations given the low price.
Compared to other mouth calls I’ve used, like the Primos Hook Up or the Quaker Boy Easy Yelper, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey felt thinner and more pliable. I chose this call hoping for a more responsive diaphragm and the ability to produce a wider range of sounds without excessive air pressure. My reasoning was that a softer call would be easier to control and would, therefore, deliver a wider variety of sounds.
My initial reaction was a pleasant surprise. The call felt comfortable in my mouth, and I was able to produce a decent yelp on my first try. It wasn’t perfect, but it was significantly better than my first attempts with other brands.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to field-test the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey came during a spring turkey hunt in the Missouri Ozarks. The weather was typical for early spring: cool mornings with the threat of rain always looming. The variable weather is always a factor.
I found that the call performed surprisingly well in the damp conditions. The latex didn’t slip or become overly saturated, maintaining consistent sound quality even with a bit of moisture. I did have to dry it periodically on my pants leg to keep it in top condition.
The ease of use was a major selling point. The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey required minimal air pressure to produce a variety of sounds, from soft clucks and purrs to aggressive yelps. I was able to quickly transition between calls without fumbling or struggling, which is critical in a hunting situation where timing is everything.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight buzzing sound at the very high end of its range when attempting cutting calls. This was easily remedied by adjusting my tongue pressure, however. The slight buzzing sound was only present when trying to do very high pitched cutting calls.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, both in the field and during practice sessions, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear or tear on the latex reeds, despite repeated use and cleaning. This is remarkable considering the price point of the call.
Maintaining the call is simple. After each use, I rinse it with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before storing it in its protective case. A little bit of mouthwash helps to keep it fresh and prevent the build-up of bacteria. I have been very pleased with the performance and low level of maintenance.
Compared to my experiences with other calls, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey has exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of use and consistent sound quality. The durability is far superior to more expensive calls I’ve owned. I was expecting a far shorter life out of the call.
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 is a three-reed diaphragm call designed specifically for turkey hunting. It is hand-stretched and crafted in the USA by Zink Calls. The innovative snake tongue cut allows for easy rolling of rasps, producing a high-pitched front end alongside authentic yelps, purrs, and clucks.
The specifications matter because they directly influence the call’s sound quality and ease of use. The three-reed construction provides a realistic, raspy tone that is highly effective at attracting turkeys. The snake tongue cut allows for precise control over the call’s sound, enabling hunters to produce a wide range of vocalizations with minimal effort.
Performance & Functionality
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey performs exceptionally well in its intended purpose: attracting turkeys. The call produces realistic and convincing turkey sounds that have consistently fooled wary gobblers. I have used it successfully in a variety of hunting situations, from close-range setups in thick cover to long-distance calling across open fields.
The primary strength of this call is its ease of use. Even novice turkey hunters can quickly learn to produce realistic yelps, clucks, and purrs with minimal practice. The only notable weakness is the potential for a slight buzzing sound at the high end of its range. But it is a minor issue that can be easily addressed with a little practice.
The call has met and exceeded my expectations in terms of sound quality, ease of use, and overall performance. It is a reliable and effective tool for any turkey hunter. I would say it is even exceeding the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is well-designed and feels comfortable in the mouth. The materials used are of high quality, and the call is lightweight and unobtrusive. The diaphragm fits snugly against the roof of the mouth, allowing for precise control over the call’s sound.
The call is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. Even those who have never used a mouth call before can quickly learn to produce realistic turkey sounds with a little practice. The comfort and ease of use make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced hunters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is constructed from durable materials and is built to last. The latex reeds are resistant to wear and tear, and the call can withstand repeated use in a variety of conditions. The call should easily last a full season of hunting.
Maintaining the call is simple. It is best to rinse it with clean water after each use and allow it to air dry completely before storing it. With proper care, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey does not come with any additional accessories. However, it can be paired with other turkey hunting gear, such as strikers, box calls, and decoys, to create a more complete and effective calling setup. There are no customization options for the call itself.
The call is compatible with most standard mouth call cases and storage containers. It is also easy to clean and maintain using readily available products, such as mouthwash and rubbing alcohol. The call is not really suited to any modification, but is a very solid product as it ships.
Pros and Cons of Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use, even for beginners.
- Produces realistic and convincing turkey sounds.
- Durable construction that can withstand repeated use.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
- Snake tongue cut allows for a wide range of vocalizations.
Cons
- Can produce a slight buzzing sound at the high end of its range for some users.
- No included case or lanyard.
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 novice and experienced turkey hunters looking for a reliable and easy-to-use mouth call. It is especially well-suited for those who are new to mouth calls and want to learn how to produce realistic turkey sounds without a steep learning curve. This is a great call for the money.
Hunters who prefer calls with a wider range of customization options or those who require a call that can withstand extreme conditions may want to consider other options. However, for the vast majority of turkey hunters, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is an excellent choice. You can’t go wrong with this call at its very affordable price point.
A must-have accessory for the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is a protective case or lanyard to keep it clean and readily accessible while hunting. Additionally, practicing with the call regularly can help hunters improve their calling technique and produce more convincing turkey sounds.
Conclusion on Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey
Overall, the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey is an excellent mouth call that offers exceptional value for its price. Its ease of use, realistic sound quality, and durable construction make it a top choice for both novice and experienced turkey hunters. It is hard to find any flaws with this call at its price.
The value proposition is undeniable. For under $8, you get a hand-stretched, three-reed diaphragm call that performs as well as or better than many more expensive options. The price is easily justified by its performance and durability.
I would absolutely recommend the Zink Avian X Thunder ST Mouth Call Attracts Turkey to anyone looking for a reliable and effective mouth call for turkey hunting. It’s a fantastic tool that will help you put more gobblers in the bag. Don’t let the price fool you; this call is a serious contender and a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s arsenal. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed.