Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call Review

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call Made a Bold First Impression

After a decade chasing longbeards across varied terrains, I’ve learned one constant: effective calling is paramount. Many hunts have ended in silence despite my best efforts, a silence that screams for a reliable, versatile call. The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call arrived promising to fill that void, boasting an innovative beed blasted aluminum surface designed for superior sound control.

My journey to acquiring the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call stemmed from a frustrating string of hunts where subtle purrs and clucks were ignored. I needed a call that could reach out and touch those stubborn gobblers, a call that offered both finesse and volume. The promises of the Thunder Ridge Blaster’s unique surface piqued my interest.

Unboxing the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call was a pleasant experience. The walnut pot felt solid and well-crafted in my hand, its weight suggesting quality and durability. The beed blasted aluminum surface had a unique tactile feel, hinting at the promised striker control.

Compared to my older slate call from Primos and a glass call from Quaker Boy, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call stood out immediately. My Primos slate call, while reliable, lacked the volume for windy days, and the Quaker Boy glass call was often too shrill for close-range work. The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster promised a wider tonal range.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the materials and craftsmanship were evident, the true test would be in the field, under the pressure of a real hunt. The promise of a unique sound and the integrated striker conditioning stone were definitely exciting.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call during a spring turkey hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. The early morning was damp and cool, with a light fog hanging in the valleys, perfect conditions to test the call’s capabilities. I set up along a ridge overlooking a known roosting area.

The call performed admirably despite the damp conditions. The beed blasted aluminum surface maintained its grip on the custom DymaLux peg striker, even with a bit of moisture present. The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call required very little pressure to create convincing purrs and clucks.

The learning curve was minimal. Within minutes, I was producing a range of calls, from soft tree yelps to more aggressive cutting sequences. The volume was impressive, easily cutting through the morning fog.

After the first hour, I managed to call in a mature tom from over 200 yards away. It was a success, thanks in no small part to the clear and compelling sounds produced by the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call has proven to be a reliable and valuable tool. It has accompanied me on multiple hunts, enduring various weather conditions and handling with care. The walnut pot remains sturdy, showing no signs of cracking or warping.

The beed blasted aluminum surface has held up remarkably well, maintaining its texture and gripping ability. Minimal wear and tear are evident. The custom DymaLux peg striker still produces consistent sounds.

Maintenance has been simple. I occasionally wipe the aluminum surface clean and use the built-in striker conditioning stone to keep the striker tip properly roughened. This process ensures optimal sound production.

Compared to my older calls, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call outperforms them in both versatility and volume. It excels in situations where a wide range of calls is required, and its ability to project sound over long distances is a significant advantage. The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call has become my go-to call for almost every hunt.

Breaking Down the Features of Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call

Specifications

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call features a hand-crafted walnut pot, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing housing for the striking surface. It utilizes a beed blasted aluminum surface designed to eliminate striker skip and enhance sound control. The call includes a custom DymaLux peg striker, chosen for its consistent performance and durability.

The call also features an integrated striker conditioning stone, ensuring the striker remains properly conditioned for optimal sound production. The choice of walnut for the pot provides a warm, resonant tone that complements the bright, clear sound produced by the aluminum surface. These specifications directly impact the call’s performance and ease of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call excels at producing a wide range of turkey vocalizations. It can effortlessly produce soft purrs and clucks for close-range calling and loud, aggressive yelps and cuts for attracting distant birds. The beed blasted aluminum surface allows for exceptional striker control, making it easy to create realistic and convincing sounds.

A minor weakness could be the need to regularly condition the striker to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call far exceeds my expectations. Its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable tool for any turkey hunter.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The walnut pot feels comfortable in hand and provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The weight is balanced, adding to the overall comfort and ease of use.

The call is user-friendly. Even novice callers should be able to produce convincing turkey sounds with minimal practice. The integrated striker conditioning stone is a convenient and thoughtful addition.

Durability & Maintenance

The high-quality materials and construction of the Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call suggest excellent longevity. The walnut pot is resistant to cracking and warping, and the beed blasted aluminum surface is durable enough to withstand regular use. With proper care and maintenance, this call should last for many seasons.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wipe the aluminum surface clean after each use and condition the striker as needed. The included striker conditioning stone makes this process easy and convenient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call comes complete with a custom DymaLux peg striker and a built-in striker conditioning stone. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by Zink, the standard size of the pot allows for the use of aftermarket strikers if desired. This allows the hunter to personalize the sound to their preference.

The call is compatible with most striker holders and carrying cases designed for pot calls. A lanyard can also be attached to the pot for easy access and secure carry. The DymaLux striker can be replaced with any striker of the same size and material if desired.

Pros and Cons of Zink Thunder Ridge Blaster Pot Call